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Garlic Butter Spaghetti with Italian Sausage and Spinach – Cheesy Pasta Dinner

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Savor this creamy, one-pan delight! Al dente spaghetti tossed in decadent garlic butter and starchy water, studded with savory Italian sausage and fresh spinach. Quick weeknight meal.

  • Total Time: 35 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings

Ingredients

  • Spaghetti (1 pound)
  • Italian Sausage, mild or hot (1 pound)
  • Unsalted Butter (4 tablespoons)
  • Garlic, minced (6 cloves)
  • Fresh Spinach (5 ounces)
  • Freshly Grated Parmesan Cheese (1/2 cup)
  • Olive Oil (2 tablespoons)
  • Salt and Black Pepper (to taste)

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Cook spaghetti according to package directions until al dente. Before draining, reserve 1 cup of the hot, starchy pasta water.
  2. Step 2: While the pasta cooks, heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the Italian sausage and brown it, breaking it up with a spoon, until fully cooked (about 6-8 minutes). Drain any excess grease and set the cooked sausage aside.
  3. Step 3: Reduce the heat to medium. Add the butter to the same skillet. Once melted, add the minced garlic and sauté for 60 seconds until fragrant; ensure the garlic does not brown or burn.
  4. Step 4: Return the cooked sausage to the skillet. Add the fresh spinach and stir constantly until the spinach completely wilts (about 1-2 minutes). Season the mixture generously with salt and black pepper.
  5. Step 5: Add the drained spaghetti directly into the skillet. Pour in 1/2 cup of the reserved pasta water and sprinkle in the grated Parmesan cheese. Toss rapidly for 1-2 minutes until the sauce emulsifies and coats the spaghetti, adding more pasta water as needed to achieve a creamy, glossy consistency. Serve immediately.

Notes

  • The key to a glossy, creamy sauce is vigorous tossing; ensure you emulsify the grated Parmesan and starchy pasta water by continuously mixing until the liquid transforms into a luxurious coating.
  • For storage, refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days, but be aware that the pasta will continue to absorb the sauce, resulting in a drier texture upon chilling.
  • When reheating individual portions, add a tablespoon of milk, broth, or fresh water to the skillet or container to restore moisture and help the sauce re-coat the spaghetti.
  • To cut through the richness of the sausage and butter, consider finishing each serving with a bright squeeze of fresh lemon juice or a sprinkle of toasted pine nuts for added crunch.
  • Author: alanya
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 20 minutes
  • Method: Stovetop
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1.5 cups
  • Calories: 785
  • Sodium: 1200mg
  • Fat: 40g
  • Saturated Fat: 20g
  • Trans Fat: 0.5g
  • Protein: 4g

Find it online: https://yummyplatess.com/garlic-butter-spaghetti-with-italian-sausage-and-spinach-cheesy-pasta-dinner/