Creamy Garlic Butter Beef Penne

Category: Dinner Ideas That Actually Work

Penne pasta mingles with a rich garlic butter cream sauce, mixed with browned beef and Italian sausage for deep flavor. Spinach adds freshness and a pop of color, while Parmesan and mozzarella offer a delightfully creamy, cheesy texture. Cajun and Italian seasonings create a robust taste with subtle spice. Everything comes together in one hearty dish that offers a comforting, savory bite in every forkful. Consider broiling at the end for a bubbling golden top—perfect for a satisfying family dinner or a crowd-pleasing gathering.

Clare Recipes
Created By Lily Chen
Updated on Sun, 17 Aug 2025 22:41:09 GMT
A plate of pasta with meat and spinach. Save
A plate of pasta with meat and spinach. | lilicooks.com

This Creamy Garlic Butter Beef Penne with Sausage and Spinach is the kind of comfort food you dream about on chilly evenings. Hearty ground beef and Italian sausage create a savory base, while a velvety sauce packed with garlic, butter, and cheese wraps every bite in rich flavor. Spinach sneaks in a little green that makes you feel good about going back for seconds.

I first made this dish on a busy weeknight when everyone was starving and it hit the spot so well that now it is my go to for a cozy dinner. Every time I make it the kitchen smells incredible and it brings everyone to the table fast.

Ingredients

  • Penne pasta: brings the perfect bite and holds onto the sauce well choose bronze cut pasta for a better texture
  • Ground beef: gives that classic savory flavor aim for eighty five percent lean so it stays juicy
  • Italian sausage: adds spice and depth look for one with plenty of fennel seed for extra flavor
  • Onion: forms the flavor base so go for a fresh firm onion
  • Garlic: makes everything pop fresh cloves work best here
  • Frozen spinach: gives a pop of color and nutrition squeeze it dry for a creamy sauce
  • Olive oil: gets everything started a fruity one is great
  • Unsalted butter: builds the creamy roux and lets you control the salt
  • All purpose flour: thickens the sauce and makes it clingy use fresh to avoid lumps
  • Whole milk: brings richness and helps the sauce stay silky
  • Chicken broth: gives depth and rounds out the dairy notes look for low sodium so you can season to taste
  • Heavy cream: is what makes the sauce extra luscious
  • Parmesan cheese: adds nutty tang use freshly grated if possible
  • Shredded mozzarella cheese: melts for that perfect cheese pull
  • Cajun seasoning: adds a bit of warmth and zing use your favorite blend
  • Italian seasoning: ties it all together with herbs
  • Smoked paprika: adds a gentle smokiness that sets this apart try Spanish style if you can
  • Salt and black pepper: for final seasoning tweak to taste

Step-by-Step Instructions

Boil the Pasta:
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the penne and cook until al dente which takes about ten to twelve minutes. Drain the pasta and set it aside. Save a small cup of pasta water if you think the sauce might need thinning later.
Brown the Meats:
Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium high heat. Add both the ground beef and Italian sausage breaking them into small pieces as they cook. Continue stirring until no pink remains and the edges start to get a crisp texture. Drain off excess grease to keep the finished dish from feeling oily.
Sauté the Aromatics:
Add the chopped onion to the pan with the browned meat. Cook for about five minutes until the onion is soft and translucent but not brown. Add the minced garlic and cook just until fragrant about one minute. Stir in the squeezed spinach and let it heat through for two to three minutes before taking the pan off the heat.
Make the Creamy Sauce:
In a separate saucepan melt the butter over medium heat. Whisk in the flour and stir for about a minute to cook out the raw taste forming a roux. Gradually pour in the milk and chicken broth whisking all the while to keep things smooth. Let this simmer gently until the mixture thickens to a sauce consistency which takes about five to seven minutes.
Finish the Sauce:
Lower the heat under your sauce. Stir in the heavy cream and then add Parmesan mozzarella Cajun seasoning Italian seasoning and smoked paprika. Stir this mixture until both cheeses melt and the sauce turns glossy and creamy.
Combine Everything:
In a large pot or the biggest skillet you have combine the cooked pasta the meat and spinach mixture and all the sauce. Toss well to make sure every piece of pasta is coated. Try a bite and add extra salt or pepper if it needs it.
Optional Broil:
If you love a golden cheesy top transfer the mixture to an oven safe baking dish. Sprinkle on more mozzarella and place under the broiler for a few minutes until bubbly and browned. Keep a close eye because it can go from golden to burnt quickly.
A plate of pasta with meat and spinach. Save
A plate of pasta with meat and spinach. | lilicooks.com

My favorite part of this recipe is the way the Parmesan soaks into the creamy sauce giving every bite a subtle nutty flavor. The kids always fight for the scoop with the most extra cheese on top and it makes me think of Sundays around the table with everyone laughing and fighting over who gets seconds.

Storage Tips

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to four days. The sauce will thicken in the fridge but a splash of milk or broth when reheating loosens it right up and tastes just made. For longer storage freeze in single portions and reheat gently on the stove.

Ingredient Substitutions

Try ground turkey or chicken if you want something lighter. Any sturdy short pasta like rigatoni or ziti will hold the sauce just as well as penne. Swap kale for spinach if that is what you have. For dairy free use coconut milk and your favorite plant based cheese.

Serving Suggestions

Serve this dish with a fresh green salad and crusty bread to soak up extra sauce. It also makes a good potluck option because it travels well and reheats beautifully. If you want to stretch it further toss in diced bell peppers or even a handful of sun dried tomatoes for a sweet tang.

A plate of pasta with meat and spinach. Save
A plate of pasta with meat and spinach. | lilicooks.com

Cultural Notes

Pasta bakes like this are pure Italian American comfort food. While not strictly classic Italian the blend of sausage beef and plenty of cheese is a nod to both traditional pasta al forno and those rich casseroles you find at family gatherings in the US. The hint of Cajun seasoning adds a fun twist that makes this dish all its own.

Recipe FAQs

→ Can I use fresh spinach instead of frozen?

Absolutely! Use about 10 ounces of fresh spinach. Sauté it until wilted before adding, and be sure to squeeze out excess moisture.

→ Does the sauce need thickening if it seems runny?

If your sauce is too thin, let it simmer a little longer or add a touch more cheese. The sauce will also thicken as it stands.

→ Is it possible to substitute ground turkey for beef?

Yes, ground turkey works well as a substitute and keeps the dish lighter, while still complementing the creamy sauce.

→ Can I prepare this ahead of time?

You can assemble the pasta and sauce ahead, then bake or broil just before serving. Add a splash of milk if reheating.

→ How spicy is this pasta?

The Cajun seasoning offers mild heat, but you can adjust the amount or use a sweet paprika for a milder flavor.

→ What other cheeses can I use?

Fontina or provolone melt beautifully and can be swapped for mozzarella, adding different nuances to the dish.

Creamy Garlic Butter Beef Penne

Tender penne combines with savory beef, creamy garlic sauce, sausage, and spinach for a cozy, satisfying meal.

Preparation Time
~
Cooking Time
45 min
Overall Time
45 min
Created By: Lily Chen

Category: Main Dishes

Skill Level: Moderate

Cuisine Type: Italian-American

Output: 6 Serves

Dietary Options: ~

Ingredients

01 1 pound penne pasta
02 1 pound ground beef
03 1 pound Italian sausage, casings removed
04 1 large onion, chopped
05 4 cloves garlic, minced
06 10 ounces frozen spinach, thawed and squeezed dry
07 2 tablespoons olive oil
08 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
09 ¼ cup all-purpose flour
10 3 cups whole milk
11 1 cup chicken broth
12 1 cup heavy cream
13 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
14 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
15 2 tablespoons Cajun seasoning
16 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning
17 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
18 Salt and black pepper to taste

Steps

Step 01

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the penne until al dente, about 10 to 12 minutes. Drain and set aside, reserving a small cup of pasta water if needed for later.

Step 02

Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and Italian sausage. Break the meat apart as it cooks until browned with crispy edges. Drain excess grease to avoid an oily dish.

Step 03

Stir in the chopped onion and cook for about 5 minutes until soft and translucent. Add the garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant. Mix in the spinach and let it heat through for 2 to 3 minutes. Remove from heat and set aside.

Step 04

In a separate saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Whisk in the flour and cook for 1 minute to form a roux. Slowly pour in the milk and chicken broth, whisking constantly to maintain smoothness. Let it simmer gently until thickened, about 5 to 7 minutes.

Step 05

Lower the heat and stir in the heavy cream. Add the Parmesan, mozzarella, Cajun seasoning, Italian seasoning, and smoked paprika. Stir until the cheeses melt and the sauce is creamy.

Step 06

Combine the cooked pasta, meat-spinach mixture, and creamy sauce in a large pot or skillet. Toss until the pasta is evenly coated and all ingredients are well mixed. Optional: Transfer to an oven-safe dish, sprinkle with mozzarella, and broil for a golden, bubbly crust.

Tips

  1. Reserve some pasta water to adjust the sauce consistency if needed.

Required Tools

  • Large pot
  • Large skillet
  • Saucepan
  • Whisk
  • Oven-safe dish (optional, for broiling)

Allergy Information

Always check each ingredient for allergens, and consult a medical professional if unsure.
  • Contains dairy from Parmesan, mozzarella cheese, milk, and heavy cream.
  • Contains gluten from all-purpose flour and penne pasta.

Nutritional Information (per serving)

These details are shared for general guidance and don’t replace professional advice.
  • Calories: 650
  • Fats: 35 g
  • Carbohydrates: 55 g
  • Proteins: 30 g