Description
This Indulgent Garlic Butter Spaghetti with Cheesy Italian Sausage is a rich and flavorful pasta dish combining al dente spaghetti, savory Italian sausage, fresh spinach, and juicy cherry tomatoes tossed in a fragrant garlic butter sauce. Finished with melted Parmesan or mozzarella cheese, it offers a comforting and satisfying meal perfect for a family dinner or special occasion.
Ingredients
Scale
Pasta
- 8 oz Spaghetti (Look for whole grain or gluten-free options for a healthier twist.)
Meat & Dairy
- 1 lb Italian Sausage (Swap with turkey sausage for a lighter choice.)
- 4 tbsp Butter (Consider using vegan butter for a dairy-free version.)
- 1 cup Parmesan Cheese or Shredded Mozzarella (For a vegetarian option, use a plant-based cheese.)
Vegetables & Aromatics
- 3 cloves Garlic (Freshly minced provides a robust flavor.)
- 2 tbsp Olive Oil (Used for browning the sausage.)
- 4 cups Fresh Spinach (Frozen spinach is fine but make sure to thaw and drain it well.)
- 1 cup Cherry Tomatoes (Feel free to use regular diced tomatoes if cherry tomatoes aren’t on hand.)
Seasoning
- Salt (to taste)
- Black Pepper (to taste)
Instructions
- Boil the Spaghetti: In a large pot, bring salted water to a rolling boil over high heat. Add the spaghetti and cook according to the package instructions until al dente, about 8 to 10 minutes. Before draining, reserve 1 cup of pasta water. Drain the spaghetti and set aside to cool slightly.
- Cook the Italian Sausage: While the pasta cooks, heat a large skillet over medium heat and drizzle in olive oil. Once hot, add the Italian sausage, breaking it up with a spatula. Sauté for about 5 to 7 minutes until browned and fully cooked. Remove the sausage from the skillet and set aside.
- Sauté Garlic in Butter: Lower the skillet heat to medium-low and add the butter. Once melted, add the minced garlic and sauté for 1 to 2 minutes until fragrant, stirring frequently to avoid burning.
- Cook Vegetables: Add the fresh spinach and cherry tomatoes to the skillet, stirring gently. Cook for about 3 to 4 minutes until the spinach wilts and the tomatoes soften.
- Combine Sausage and Pasta: Return the cooked Italian sausage to the skillet, then add the drained spaghetti. Gradually pour in the reserved pasta water and toss everything together for 1 to 2 minutes to combine and loosen the sauce.
- Add Cheese and Season: Stir in the grated Parmesan or shredded mozzarella until it melts, creating a creamy sauce. Season with salt and black pepper to taste.
- Serve: Plate the pasta hot, and garnish with extra cheese and fresh parsley if desired. Enjoy your indulgent, savory spaghetti dish!
Notes
- For a lighter option, swap Italian sausage with turkey sausage.
- Use vegan butter and plant-based cheese to make the dish dairy-free and vegetarian.
- Frozen spinach can be used but must be thoroughly thawed and drained before cooking.
- Reserve pasta water helps to bind the sauce and improve texture.
- Adjust seasoning according to personal taste.
