Julia Walton
Imagine a cozy evening where the aroma of sizzling garlic butter mingles with the rich scent of Italian sausage and tender beef. This weeknight garlic butter rotini is the ultimate comfort food—hearty, satisfying, and bursting with flavor. The sauce lightly coats every spiral of pasta, carrying hints of parmesan and sautéed spinach that make each bite irresistible.
This dish is perfect for busy weeknights because it delivers bold flavor in minimal time. The blend of juicy beef and sausage gives it a rustic, homestyle richness, while the fresh spinach and diced tomatoes bring a subtle brightness to balance the savory notes. Best of all, this is a one-pan-meets-one-pot type of meal, which means less time cleaning up and more time enjoying your dinner.
What Kind of Rotini Works Best?
Rotini pasta is perfect for this recipe because its corkscrew shape traps the buttery garlic sauce and tiny bits of beef and sausage. Standard wheat rotini works beautifully, but whole wheat or gluten-free versions also hold up well to the rich sauce. If rotini isn’t available, fusilli or penne are excellent alternatives that cling to the flavors in a similar way.
Ingredients for Weeknight Garlic Butter Rotini with Beef, Italian Sausage, and Spinach
- Ground Beef – Provides the hearty, savory base of the dish.
- Italian Sausage – Infuses every bite with spice and depth of flavor.
- Rotini Pasta – Its twists hold onto the garlic butter and meat perfectly.
- Fresh Spinach – Adds a pop of color and a dose of nutrients.
- Garlic – Brings a warm, aromatic flavor that defines the sauce.
- Diced Tomatoes – Offer acidity to balance the richness of the meat and butter.
- Butter & Olive Oil – Create the luscious sauce that clings to the pasta.
- Parmesan Cheese – Finishes the dish with a creamy, salty touch.
How To Make Weeknight Garlic Butter Rotini with Beef, Italian Sausage, and Spinach
Step 1: Cook the Pasta
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add rotini pasta and cook until al dente according to package instructions. Drain and set aside, reserving about 1/2 cup of pasta water for later.
Step 2: Brown the Meats
In a large skillet or sauté pan, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the ground beef and Italian sausage, breaking them apart with a spatula. Cook until fully browned and slightly crispy on the edges, then drain any excess grease.
Step 3: Build the Garlic Butter Base
Add butter to the pan with the cooked meat. Toss in minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute, just until fragrant. Be careful not to let the garlic burn.
Step 4: Create the Sauce
Add diced tomatoes and a splash of the reserved pasta water to the pan. Stir to combine, letting the flavors meld for 2–3 minutes. The pasta water helps the sauce cling to the noodles.
Step 5: Add Spinach and Pasta
Stir in the fresh spinach and let it wilt into the sauce. Then add the cooked rotini, tossing everything together so that every twist of pasta is coated in buttery, garlicky goodness.
Step 6: Finish with Parmesan
Turn off the heat and sprinkle grated parmesan over the top. Toss again and adjust seasoning with salt, pepper, or red pepper flakes for a slight kick.
Serving and Storing Weeknight Garlic Butter Rotini with Beef, Italian Sausage, and Spinach
This hearty rotini dish is best served straight from the pan while the garlic butter is warm and the cheese is perfectly melted. A sprinkle of extra parmesan or a drizzle of olive oil on top makes it restaurant-worthy in minutes. Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave with a splash of water or broth to loosen the sauce.
What to Serve With Weeknight Garlic Butter Rotini with Beef, Italian Sausage, and Spinach
1. Garlic Bread
Perfect for soaking up that rich, buttery sauce.
2. Caesar Salad
The tangy dressing and crunchy croutons balance the savory pasta.
3. Roasted Broccoli or Asparagus
Adds a bright, healthy side to the meal.
4. Caprese Salad
Fresh tomatoes, mozzarella, and basil offer a refreshing contrast.
5. Antipasto Platter
Olives, cured meats, and marinated veggies elevate your pasta night.
6. Creamy Tomato Soup
Pairs beautifully with the pasta’s garlicky richness.
7. Red Wine or Sparkling Water
A simple drink to complete the cozy dinner vibe.
Want More Pasta Dinner Ideas?
If you enjoyed this Weeknight Garlic Butter Rotini with Beef, Italian Sausage, and Spinach, you might also love these hearty pasta dishes:
- Garlic Butter Steak Parmesan Rigatoni for a steak lover’s twist.
- Cajun Chicken and Sausage Pasta Skillet for a bold and spicy option.
- Ultimate One-Pan Creamy Honey Butter Steak Pasta for creamy, sweet-savory indulgence.
- Garlic Butter Chicken with Rigatoni and Parmesan for a comforting chicken alternative.
- One-Pot Creamy Cajun BBQ Steak & Sausage Penne for a smoky flavor bomb.
Save This Pin For Later
Keep this delicious pasta recipe handy by saving it to your favorite Pinterest board for easy weeknight dinner inspiration.
Tried this recipe with a twist? Maybe a handful of sun-dried tomatoes or a pinch of crushed chili flakes? I’d love to hear about it in the comments!
Need more inspiration? Explore my daily kitchen creations on SavorQueen Recipes on Pinterest. Your next favorite pasta dish might be waiting there!
Weeknight Garlic Butter Rotini with Beef, Italian Sausage, and Spinach
Equipment
- Large pot
- Large Skillet
- Colander
Ingredients
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef
- 0.5 lb Italian sausage
- 12 oz rotini pasta
- 3 cups fresh spinach
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup diced tomatoes
- 3 tbsp butter
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 0.5 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 0.5 cup reserved pasta water
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- Red pepper flakes (optional)
Instructions
- Cook the pasta in salted boiling water until al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup pasta water and drain.
- In a large skillet, heat olive oil and cook ground beef and Italian sausage until browned. Drain excess grease.
- Add butter and minced garlic. Cook 1 minute until fragrant.
- Stir in diced tomatoes and reserved pasta water. Simmer 2-3 minutes.
- Add spinach and cooked rotini. Toss to coat in the garlic butter sauce.
- Turn off heat, sprinkle Parmesan, and season with salt, pepper, and optional red pepper flakes.