Cheesy Garlic Butter Linguine with Beef, Sausage, and Spinach

 

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
Servings: 6
Calories: 780 per serving

Ingredients

For the Pasta and Meat

• 1 pound linguine pasta
• 1 pound ground beef
• 1 pound Italian sausage (casings removed)
• 1 large onion, chopped
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 10 ounces frozen spinach, thawed and squeezed dry
• 2 tablespoons olive oil

For the Cheesy Garlic Butter Sauce

• 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
• ¼ cup all-purpose flour
• 3 cups whole milk
• 1 cup chicken broth
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese

For Seasoning

• 2 tablespoons Cajun seasoning
• 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• Salt and black pepper, to taste

Directions

Step 1: Cook the Linguine

1. Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil.
2. Add the linguine pasta and cook according to the package instructions, about 10–11 minutes, until the pasta is al dente.
3. Once the pasta is done, drain it and set it aside.

Step 2: Brown the Beef and Sausage

4. While the pasta is cooking, heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
5. Add the ground beef and Italian sausage to the skillet, breaking them up as they cook with a spoon.
6. Cook the meat until it is fully browned and no longer pink, about 7–8 minutes.
7. Once the meat is browned, drain the excess grease from the skillet.
8. Add the chopped onion to the skillet and cook for about 5 minutes until the onion is softened and translucent.
9. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
10. Add the spinach to the skillet, stirring it into the meat mixture. Cook for 2–3 minutes, until the spinach is heated through.
11. Remove the skillet from heat and set it aside.

Step 3: Make the Creamy Cheesy Sauce

12. In a separate saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat.
13. Once the butter has melted, whisk in the flour and cook for 1 minute to form a roux. This will help thicken the sauce.
14. Gradually add the milk and chicken broth, whisking constantly to avoid lumps.
15. Continue to cook the sauce over medium heat until it thickens, about 5–7 minutes.
16. Once the sauce has thickened, reduce the heat to low.
17. Stir in the heavy cream, Parmesan cheese, and mozzarella cheese, stirring until the cheese is completely melted and the sauce is smooth.
18. Add the Cajun seasoning, Italian seasoning, and smoked paprika. Stir until everything is well combined.
19. Season the sauce with salt and black pepper to taste.

Step 4: Combine the Pasta and Sauce

20. Add the cooked linguine to the saucepan with the creamy cheese sauce.
21. Add the beef, sausage, and spinach mixture to the pasta as well.
22. Toss everything together gently, making sure the pasta is fully coated in the creamy, cheesy sauce.
23. Let the pasta and sauce simmer together on low heat for about 2 minutes to bring all the flavors together.

Step 5: Serve

24. Serve the Cheesy Garlic Butter Linguine hot with an optional sprinkle of extra Parmesan cheese or some fresh chopped parsley for garnish.

Serving Suggestions

• This Cheesy Garlic Butter Linguine pairs perfectly with a side of garlic bread or a light green salad.
• For added texture, you can top the dish with some toasted breadcrumbs or crushed red pepper flakes if you like a little heat.

Tips and Variations

• Vegetables: Add some extra veggies like mushrooms, zucchini, or bell peppers for more color and nutrients.
• Spice Level: If you want to kick up the spice, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or chili flakes to the sauce for more heat.
• Substitute Meats: You can replace the ground beef and Italian sausage with ground turkey or chicken for a lighter version of the dish.
• Dairy-Free Version: For a dairy-free option, use almond milk or cashew cream and replace the cheeses with non-dairy alternatives.

This recipe makes a creamy, indulgent dish that is perfect for family dinners or a special weeknight treat. The garlic butter sauce, combined with the rich flavors of the beef, sausage, and spinach, creates a satisfying, filling meal. It’s a great option when you want something hearty and comforting.