Garlic Butter Linguine with Cheesy Beef and Italian Sausage

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🍝 Garlic Butter Linguine with Cheesy Beef and Italian Sausage

Description

This comforting pasta dish combines tender linguine tossed in a rich garlic butter sauce with savory ground beef and spicy Italian sausage. Finished with a generous layer of melted cheese, it’s a hearty and indulgent meal perfect for weeknight dinners or family gatherings. The balance of garlic butter and cheesy goodness ensures every bite is packed with flavor.

đź“ť Ingredients for Garlic Butter Linguine with Cheesy Beef and Italian Sausage

  • 12 oz (340 g) linguine pasta

  • 2 tbsp unsalted butter

  • 3 cloves garlic, minced

  • 1 tbsp olive oil

  • 1 lb (450 g) ground beef

  • 8 oz (225 g) Italian sausage (casings removed)

  • 1 small onion, finely chopped

  • 1 tsp Italian seasoning

  • 1 tsp red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)

  • Salt and black pepper to taste

  • 1 cup marinara sauce (optional, for extra richness)

  • 1 ½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese

  • ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese

  • 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped

🍳 Instructions

  1. Cook Pasta: Boil linguine in salted water until al dente. Drain and set aside, reserving ½ cup pasta water.

  2. Cook Meat: In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high. Add ground beef and Italian sausage. Cook until browned, breaking apart with a spoon. Drain excess fat.

  3. Sauté Aromatics: Add onion and garlic to the meat. Cook until soft and fragrant. Stir in Italian seasoning, red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper.

  4. Add Butter & Sauce: Lower heat, add butter and stir until melted. Mix in marinara sauce if using.

  5. Combine Pasta: Toss in the cooked linguine, adding a splash of reserved pasta water to loosen if needed.

  6. Cheese Finish: Sprinkle mozzarella and Parmesan over the pasta. Cover the pan for 2–3 minutes until cheese melts.

  7. Serve: Garnish with fresh parsley and serve hot.

 Servings

  • Serves 4–5 people

🧀 Notes

  • You can use spicy Italian sausage for extra kick or mild sausage for a more family-friendly version.

  • Marinara sauce is optional—without it, the dish has a pure garlic butter flavor; with it, you get a saucier consistency.

  • Mozzarella gives it a gooey texture, while Parmesan adds a sharp, salty bite.

đź’ˇ Tips

  • For added flavor, cook the pasta in chicken broth instead of water.

  • Use linguine or fettuccine; spaghetti also works.

  • Add some spinach, mushrooms, or bell peppers for extra nutrition.

  • Bake in the oven for 10 minutes at 375°F after adding cheese for a bubbly casserole-style pasta.

đź“Š Nutritional Info (per serving, approx.)

  • Calories: 580 kcal

  • Protein: 32 g

  • Carbohydrates: 46 g

  • Fat: 28 g

  • Fiber: 3 g

  • Sugar: 4 g

  • Sodium: 850 mg

🌟 Benefits

  • Protein-rich from beef and sausage – supports muscle health.

  • Cheese + butter provide calcium and energy.

  • Garlic and parsley add antioxidants and immune support.

  • A balanced meal when paired with a side salad or roasted veggies.

âť“ Q&A

Q: Can I make this ahead of time?
A: Yes! Cook the pasta and meat mixture, then combine with cheese. Refrigerate, and when ready, bake covered until heated through.

Q: What cheese works best?
A: Mozzarella and Parmesan are classics, but provolone or cheddar can be added for extra flavor.

Q: Can I make it lighter?
A: Use ground turkey or chicken sausage, reduce butter, and add more veggies.

Q: What can I serve it with?
A: A fresh green salad, garlic bread, or roasted vegetables pair perfectly.

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