Description
This indulgent creamy garlic butter beef bowtie pasta is a delightful and satisfying meal perfect for a quick weeknight dinner. Featuring tender Italian beef sausage, luscious garlic butter cream sauce, and fresh spinach tossed with al dente farfalle pasta, this dish is rich, flavorful, and easy to prepare in just 30 minutes.
Ingredients
Scale
Pasta
- 8 oz Bowtie Pasta (Farfalle)
- 1 tbsp Salt (for cooking water)
Meat and Sauce
- 1 lb Italian Beef Sausage (sliced)
- 4 cloves Garlic (finely minced)
- 4 tbsp Unsalted Butter
- 1 cup Heavy Cream (or half-and-half)
- 0.5 cup Parmesan Cheese (grated)
- 1 tsp Salt
- 0.5 tsp Pepper
- 0.5 tsp Red Pepper Flakes (optional)
Vegetables and Toppings
- 4 cups Fresh Spinach
- 0.5 cup Crumbled Feta Cheese (optional)
Instructions
- Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a vigorous boil and add the bowtie pasta. Cook according to package instructions for 8-10 minutes until al dente. Reserve ½ cup of pasta water, then drain the pasta.
- Brown the Sausage: In a large skillet over medium heat, add the sliced Italian beef sausage. Cook for 5–6 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sausage is nicely browned and cooked through.
- Sauté Garlic in Butter: Reduce the skillet heat to medium-low and add the unsalted butter. Once melted, add the finely minced garlic and sauté for 1–2 minutes until fragrant, being careful not to burn the garlic.
- Make the Cream Sauce: Pour the heavy cream into the skillet, stirring to combine it with the melted butter and garlic. Add the fresh spinach and cook for 2-3 minutes until the spinach is wilted and incorporated into the sauce.
- Incorporate Cheese and Pasta Water: Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese and the reserved pasta water. Mix thoroughly and simmer for 3-4 minutes to allow the sauce to thicken and the flavors to marry.
- Combine Sausage and Pasta: Return the browned sausage to the skillet and add the drained pasta. Toss everything gently over low heat for 2-3 minutes so the pasta is fully coated with the sauce and heated through.
- Season and Serve: Season with salt, pepper, and optional red pepper flakes to taste. If desired, sprinkle crumbled feta cheese on top just before serving for an extra layer of flavor.
Notes
- Reserve some pasta water to help adjust the sauce consistency and enhance flavor.
- Use half-and-half as a lighter alternative to heavy cream while maintaining creaminess.
- For less spice, omit red pepper flakes or adjust to taste.
- Substitute beef sausage with Italian turkey sausage for a leaner option.
- Fresh spinach can be swapped with kale or arugula depending on preference.
