Creamy Garlic Butter Beef Penne with Sausage & Spinach

Ingredients

• 1 lb (450 g) penne pasta
• 1 lb (450 g) ground beef
• 1 lb (450 g) Italian sausage, casings removed
• 2 tbsp butter
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup chicken broth
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• 2 tbsp Cajun seasoning (adjust to taste)
• 1 tbsp Italian seasoning
• 3 cups fresh spinach
• Salt & black pepper, to taste
• Optional garnish: chopped parsley or extra Parmesan

👩‍🍳 Instructions

1. Cook the Pasta
   Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the penne according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
2. Brown the Meat
   In a large skillet or deep pan over medium heat, add ground beef and Italian sausage. Cook until browned and fully cooked, breaking it apart with a spoon. Drain excess grease if needed.
3. Add Garlic & Butter
   Reduce heat to medium-low. Add butter and minced garlic to the meat. Sauté for 1 minute until fragrant.
4. Build the Sauce
   Pour in chicken broth and simmer for 2–3 minutes. Stir in heavy cream, Cajun seasoning, and Italian seasoning. Let the sauce simmer gently for 5 minutes until slightly thickened.
5. Add Cheese
   Stir in Parmesan cheese until melted and smooth. Add mozzarella cheese and mix until the sauce becomes creamy and stretchy.
6. Combine Everything
   Add cooked penne pasta and fresh spinach to the skillet. Toss until the pasta is fully coated and spinach is wilted.
7. Season & Serve
   Taste and adjust with salt and black pepper. Garnish with parsley or extra Parmesan if desired. Serve hot.

💡 Tips & Variations

• Use spicy Italian sausage for extra heat
• Swap penne for rigatoni or fettuccine
• Add mushrooms or sun-dried tomatoes for depth
• Thin the sauce with reserved pasta water if needed