Description
A cozy, creamy pasta dish made with ground beef, sausage, and baby spinach that comes together quickly for a satisfying weeknight dinner.
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
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 to 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes, optional
- 1 cup low sodium beef broth
- 3/4 cup heavy cream or half-and-half
- 1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan, plus more for serving
- 3 to 4 cups baby spinach
- Fresh parsley or basil for garnish, optional
Instructions
- Salt a big pot of water and cook penne until just al dente. Scoop out a cup of pasta water, then drain.
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high. Add sausage and beef, breaking them up. Cook until browned with crispy bits on the edges. Drain excess fat if needed.
- Drop the heat to medium. Stir in butter. When it melts, add garlic, Italian seasoning, salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes. Cook until the garlic smells amazing, about 30 seconds.
- Pour in beef broth and simmer a minute. Stir in cream and let it gently bubble until slightly thickened, about 2 to 3 minutes.
- Stir in Parmesan until smooth. If the sauce seems too thick, splash in reserved pasta water a little at a time.
- Add the penne and toss well so the sauce coats everything. Fold in spinach and let it wilt into the heat of the pasta.
- Add more salt, pepper, or Parmesan to your liking. If you want a looser sauce, add another splash of pasta water.
- Top with fresh herbs and extra cheese before serving.
Notes
For a lighter option, substitute half-and-half or use unsweetened cashew or oat creamer for dairy-free. Add a squeeze of lemon for brightness.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 400mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 15g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
Keywords: Creamy Pasta, Dinner, Weeknight Meal, Beef, Sausage, Spinach