Description
This delicious creamy garlic butter beef penne with sausage and spinach delight combines wonderful flavors and textures. Made with penne, olive oil, and unsalted butter, it’s a satisfying dish that’s perfect for any pasta lover.
Ingredients
Scale
- 12 ounces penne
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 8 ounces Italian sausage, casings removed
- 8 ounces ground beef
- 4 to 5 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt, plus more to taste
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ¼ to ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes, optional
- 1 cup low sodium beef broth
- ¾ cup heavy cream or half-and-half
- ½ cup freshly grated Parmesan, plus more for serving
- 3 to 4 cups baby spinach
- Fresh parsley or basil for garnish, optional
Instructions
- Begin by salting a large pot of water and cooking the penne until just al dente. Reserve a cup of pasta water before draining the pasta.
- In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the sausage and ground beef, breaking them apart as they cook. Sauté until they are well browned and have crispy bits on the edges, draining any excess fat if necessary.
- Lower the heat to medium and incorporate the butter into the skillet. Once the butter is melted, add the minced garlic, Italian seasoning, kosher salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes (if using). Sauté until the garlic is fragrant, about 30 seconds.
- Pour in the beef broth and let it simmer for one minute. Then, stir in the heavy cream and allow it to gently bubble until it thickens slightly, which should take about 2 to 3 minutes.
- Mix in the Parmesan cheese until the sauce becomes smooth. If the sauce appears too thick, gradually add the reserved pasta water, a little at a time.
- Add the cooked penne to the skillet and toss thoroughly to ensure the pasta is well-coated with the sauce. Gently fold in the spinach, allowing it to wilt from the heat of the pasta.
- Taste and adjust with more salt, pepper, or Parmesan according to your preference. If you desire a looser sauce, add another splash of pasta water.
- Serve the dish topped with fresh herbs and additional cheese, if desired.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes