Description
This Garlic Butter Linguine with Cheesy Beef and Italian Sausage is the ultimate comfort food. A rich, flavorful meat sauce blankets perfectly cooked linguine, finished with loads of gooey, melted mozzarella and Parmesan cheese. It’s quick enough for a weeknight dinner but impressive enough to serve to guests. Get ready for a taste sensation that will have everyone asking for seconds!
Ingredients:
- 12 oz linguine pasta
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 5 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 lb ground beef
- 1/2 lb Italian sausage (mild or spicy, casings removed)
- 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
- 1 can (14 oz) crushed tomatoes
- 1/2 cup beef broth (or pasta water)
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- Salt to taste
- 2 cups baby spinach
- 1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley (for garnish)
Preparation:
Step 1: Cook the Pasta
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook linguine according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside, reserving 1/2 cup pasta water.
Step 2: Make the Garlic Butter Base
In a large skillet, heat butter and olive oil over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté until fragrant (about 1 minute). Watch carefully to avoid burning the garlic.
Step 3: Cook the Meat
Add ground beef and Italian sausage to the skillet. Break apart with a spoon and cook until browned and fully cooked. Drain excess fat if needed. Nobody wants greasy pasta!
Step 4: Build the Sauce
Stir in red pepper flakes (if using), Italian seasoning, black pepper, and salt. Add crushed tomatoes and beef broth (or pasta water). Simmer for 8–10 minutes until slightly thickened, stirring occasionally. This allows the flavors to meld together beautifully.
Step 5: Add Greens & Pasta
Stir in spinach and cook until just wilted. This adds a touch of freshness and nutrients to the dish. Toss in the cooked linguine until well coated in sauce. Make sure every strand is covered!
Step 6: Make it Cheesy
Sprinkle mozzarella and Parmesan cheese over the pasta. Cover with a lid (or broil briefly in oven-safe skillet) until cheese is melted and gooey. Keep a close eye on it if broiling to prevent burning.
Step 7: Serve
Garnish with fresh parsley. Serve hot with extra Parmesan on the side. Because who doesn’t love extra cheese?
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This recipe is a winner for so many reasons! It’s quick and easy to make, perfect for busy weeknights. The combination of garlic butter, savory meat, and gooey cheese is simply irresistible. Plus, it’s a crowd-pleaser that’s sure to become a family favorite. You can easily customize it with your favorite vegetables or spices to make it your own signature dish.
Serving Suggestions:
- Serve with a side of garlic bread for soaking up all that delicious sauce.
- Pair with a crisp green salad for a complete and balanced meal.
- A glass of red wine, like Chianti or Merlot, complements the flavors perfectly.
- For a lighter option, serve with steamed broccoli or asparagus.
Tips:
- Don’t overcook the pasta! Al dente is key for the best texture.
- Use high-quality Italian sausage for the best flavor.
- Adjust the amount of red pepper flakes to your desired level of spiciness.
- If you don’t have beef broth, pasta water works just as well to thin out the sauce.
- For an extra layer of flavor, add a splash of dry red wine to the sauce while it’s simmering.
- Feel free to add other vegetables like mushrooms, bell peppers, or onions to the sauce.
Preparation Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 40 minutes
Nutrition Information:
(Note: Nutritional information is an estimate and may vary based on specific ingredients and portion sizes.)
- Calories: 650-750
- Protein: 35-45g
- Sodium: 800-1000mg
Conclusion
This Garlic Butter Linguine with Cheesy Beef and Italian Sausage is a dish that’s guaranteed to bring smiles to your dinner table. It’s hearty, flavorful, and satisfying – everything you could want in a comfort food meal. Give it a try, and you’ll be hooked!
Questions and Answers about this recipe:
Q1: Can I use ground turkey instead of ground beef?
A: Yes, absolutely! Ground turkey is a great substitute for ground beef in this recipe. It will slightly change the flavor profile, but it will still be delicious. Just make sure to drain any excess fat after cooking.
Q2: I don’t have Italian seasoning. What can I use instead?
A: If you don’t have Italian seasoning, you can create your own blend using a combination of dried oregano, basil, thyme, rosemary, and marjoram. Use equal parts of each herb.
Q3: Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
A: Yes, you can make the sauce ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When you’re ready to serve, simply cook the pasta, reheat the sauce, and combine everything together with the cheese.
Q4: Can I freeze this dish?
A: While you can freeze this dish, the texture of the pasta and cheese may change slightly upon thawing. If you do freeze it, make sure to cool it completely before transferring it to an airtight container.
Q5: I’m not a fan of spinach. What else can I add?
A: If you’re not a fan of spinach, you can substitute it with other leafy greens like kale or Swiss chard. You could also add other vegetables like mushrooms, bell peppers, or zucchini.
