Description
This Indulgent Garlic Butter Spaghetti with Cheesy Italian Sausage is a flavorful and satisfying pasta dish combining perfectly al dente spaghetti with savory browned Italian sausage, fresh spinach, juicy cherry tomatoes, and a rich garlic butter sauce finished with melted Parmesan or mozzarella cheese. Easy to prepare in about 30 minutes, it’s ideal for a comforting weeknight dinner or casual gathering.
Ingredients
Scale
Pasta
- 12 oz Spaghetti (Opt for whole wheat or gluten-free if needed.)
Meat
- 1 lb Italian Sausage (Substitute with chicken or turkey sausage for a lighter option.)
Vegetables
- 5 oz Fresh Spinach (Frozen spinach can be used, thaw and drain first.)
- 1 cup Cherry Tomatoes (Sun-dried tomatoes can be used for a richer taste.)
- 4 cloves Garlic (minced) (Fresh garlic gives the most punch.)
Fats & Oils
- 4 tbsp Butter (Can substitute with olive oil or vegan butter.)
- 1 tbsp Olive Oil (Extra virgin offers the best flavor.)
Dairy
- 1 cup Parmesan Cheese or Shredded Mozzarella (Sprinkle nutritional yeast for a vegan option.)
Seasonings
- Salt to taste (Essential for enhancing overall flavor.)
- Black Pepper to taste (Adjust according to your taste.)
Instructions
- Boil Pasta: Fill a large pot with water, add a pinch of salt, and bring it to a boil. Cook the spaghetti according to package instructions until al dente. Before draining, reserve 1 cup of pasta water for later use.
- Cook Sausage: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the Italian sausage and cook it until browned and crispy, about 5-7 minutes. Once cooked, remove the sausage from the skillet and set it aside.
- Sauté Garlic: Reduce heat to low and add butter to the same skillet. Once melted, add the minced garlic and stir frequently for 1-2 minutes until fragrant and lightly golden, taking care not to burn it.
- Cook Vegetables: Add fresh spinach and halved cherry tomatoes to the skillet with the garlic butter. Cook for 3-4 minutes until the spinach has wilted and the tomatoes have softened.
- Combine Ingredients: Return the browned sausage to the skillet. Add the cooked spaghetti to the skillet and toss everything together thoroughly. Gradually pour in the reserved pasta water little by little to loosen and integrate the mixture into a cohesive sauce.
- Add Cheese and Season: Stir in grated Parmesan or shredded mozzarella cheese until it melts smoothly into the sauce. Season the dish with salt and black pepper to taste.
- Serve: Serve the pasta hot straight from the skillet. Optionally, garnish with extra cheese and fresh parsley for added flavor and presentation.
Notes
- Whole wheat or gluten-free spaghetti can be used to suit dietary preferences.
- For a lighter version, substitute Italian sausage with chicken or turkey sausage.
- Frozen spinach is an acceptable alternative if fresh spinach is not available; be sure to thaw and drain it well.
- Sun-dried tomatoes can replace cherry tomatoes for a more intense flavor.
- Butter can be substituted with olive oil or vegan butter for a dairy-free version.
- Use nutritional yeast instead of cheese for a vegan-friendly dish.
- Reserve pasta water to help create a silky sauce and adjust consistency.
- Be careful not to burn the garlic when sautéing; cook until just fragrant and light golden.
