If you’re craving a comforting, flavorful meal that feels like a warm hug on a plate, this Cheesy Rotini Pasta with Garlic Butter Sauce and Ground Beef Recipe will quickly become one of your all-time favorites. Perfectly spiraled rotini noodles entwined with a luscious garlic butter sauce, rich ground beef, and heaps of melted cheddar and mozzarella make every bite irresistible. It’s an easy-to-make dish that brings a delightful balance of creamy, savory, and slightly spiced notes that can brighten up any weeknight dinner or cozy get-together. Let me walk you through why this recipe is such a winner and how you can make it shine in your kitchen.
Ingredients You’ll Need
To whip up this hearty Cheesy Rotini Pasta with Garlic Butter Sauce and Ground Beef Recipe, you’ll find that the ingredients are refreshingly straightforward but absolutely essential. Each one contributes a unique layer—from creamy texture and cheesy richness to that pop of fresh herb brightness—ensuring every forkful is packed with flavor and soul.
- Rotini pasta: Its spiral shape is perfect for holding onto the buttery, cheesy sauce in every bite.
- Ground beef: Adds protein and the savory backbone of this dish, lending a satisfying meaty flavor.
- Unsalted butter: Creates the rich base for the garlic butter sauce without overpowering the other flavors.
- Minced garlic: Infuses the sauce with aromatic warmth and depth that’s simply irresistible.
- Heavy cream: Provides a silky, luscious texture that makes the sauce decadently creamy.
- Shredded cheddar cheese: Offers a sharp, tangy kick to balance the richness.
- Shredded mozzarella cheese: Ensures gooey, melty gooeyness that stretches with every bite.
- Salt: Enhances every ingredient’s natural flavors for a well-rounded taste.
- Black pepper: Adds a gentle heat and enhances the savory profile.
- Paprika: Brings subtle smokiness and color that makes the dish pop visually and flavor-wise.
- Italian seasoning: Combines fragrant herbs to elevate the sauce with classic Mediterranean notes.
- Fresh parsley: Provides a fresh, green finish that brightens the rich, hearty pasta.
How to Make Cheesy Rotini Pasta with Garlic Butter Sauce and Ground Beef Recipe
Step 1: Cook the Pasta
Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the rotini pasta until it’s perfectly al dente—firm yet tender—according to the package directions. Be sure to save a cup of the pasta water before draining; that starchy liquid will be your secret weapon to loosen the sauce and help it cling beautifully to every twist of pasta.
Step 2: Brown the Ground Beef
Next, heat a large skillet over medium heat and cook the ground beef until beautifully browned and cooked through. Make sure to break it up into nice crumbles to ensure even cooking. Once browned, drain any excess fat to keep the dish balanced between rich and light, then set the beef aside for the next step.
Step 3: Sauté the Garlic in Butter
In the same skillet, melt the unsalted butter over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté just for about a minute until it’s fragrant and golden but not burnt. This step creates the fragrant foundation for your garlic butter sauce, filling your kitchen with an incredible aroma you’ll love.
Step 4: Make the Creamy Cheese Sauce
Pour the heavy cream into the skillet, stirring well to combine with the garlic butter base. Let it warm through gently, then add both the shredded cheddar and mozzarella cheeses. Stir continuously until the cheese melts completely and the sauce turns smooth and velvety—this creamy mixture is what makes the whole dish wonderfully indulgent.
Step 5: Combine Beef and Pasta
Return the browned ground beef to the skillet, then add the drained rotini pasta. Toss everything together thoroughly to coat the pasta with the garlicky cheese sauce. If the sauce feels too thick or sticky, gradually add the reserved pasta water until you reach that perfect, glossy consistency that clings lovingly to the rotini spirals.
Step 6: Season to Perfection
Now it’s time to add the seasoning—sprinkle in salt, black pepper, paprika, and Italian seasoning. Toss gently but well, allowing every ingredient to mingle and sing in harmony. This seasoning step is what elevates the sauce from good to soulful, layering the dish with a subtle complexity that keeps you coming back for more.
Step 7: Garnish and Serve
Finally, serve the pasta hot, garnished generously with freshly chopped parsley. The freshness of parsley cuts through the creamy richness and adds a beautiful pop of color, making this comforting dish look as good as it tastes.
How to Serve Cheesy Rotini Pasta with Garlic Butter Sauce and Ground Beef Recipe
Garnishes
Freshly chopped parsley is a classic and essential garnish that adds a bright, herbal note. You might also sprinkle a little extra grated parmesan or a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes if you like a gentle heat. These small touches make the dish pop and show a bit of your personality at the table.
Side Dishes
This meal pairs beautifully with simple green salads dressed with a light vinaigrette to cut through the richness. Roasted vegetables such as asparagus or broccoli also bring an earthy contrast and a satisfying crunch to the plate.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, try serving this pasta in hollowed-out bell peppers or even mini casserole dishes right from the oven to the table. Layer it with a crunchy breadcrumb topping that crisps up in the broiler to add surprise texture.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Place leftover pasta in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. The sauce may thicken upon chilling, but stirring in a splash of cream or milk when reheating restores its silky texture.
Freezing
This pasta freezes well. Let it cool completely, then freeze in meal-sized portions. When ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating gently.
Reheating
Warm leftovers over low heat on the stove, stirring frequently. Add a splash of cream, milk, or reserved pasta water to rejuvenate the sauce’s creamy consistency and keep the ground beef tender and juicy.
FAQs
Can I use other pasta shapes instead of rotini?
Absolutely! While rotini is perfect for holding the sauce in its spirals, penne, fusilli, or rigatoni would work wonderfully as well. Just keep the cooking time similar to ensure the pasta stays al dente.
Is it possible to make this recipe vegetarian?
Yes! You can substitute the ground beef with a plant-based ground “meat” or hearty vegetables like mushrooms or lentils to keep the protein and texture without the meat.
Can I use different cheeses in the sauce?
Definitely. Feel free to experiment with Monterey Jack, gouda, or Parmesan to tailor the flavor to your preference. Just aim for a good melty combination for that creamy sauce texture.
How spicy is this recipe?
This recipe leans more towards savory and mildly spiced thanks to the paprika and black pepper. If you like it with a little heat, consider adding red pepper flakes or hot sauce when seasoning.
Can I prepare parts of this recipe ahead of time?
Yes, you can cook the pasta and brown the beef ahead of time and keep them refrigerated separately. When ready to eat, quickly whip up the sauce and combine everything for a speedy meal.
Final Thoughts
This Cheesy Rotini Pasta with Garlic Butter Sauce and Ground Beef Recipe is everything you want in a warm, satisfying meal that feels both special and effortless. It’s a fantastic dish to make for yourself or to impress family and friends without spending hours in the kitchen. Give it a try—you’ll find yourself reaching for this recipe again and again!
Print
Cheesy Rotini Pasta with Garlic Butter Sauce and Ground Beef Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Cheesy Rotini Pasta with Garlic Butter Sauce and Ground Beef is a hearty, flavorful dish featuring perfectly cooked rotini pasta tossed in a rich garlic butter cream sauce, loaded with melted cheddar and mozzarella cheeses, and savory ground beef. Finished with Italian seasoning and fresh parsley, it’s an easy, comforting meal perfect for weeknight dinners.
Ingredients
Pasta
- 1 pound rotini pasta
Beef
- 1 pound ground beef
Sauce
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
Seasonings
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
Garnish
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
Instructions
- Cook Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook rotini pasta until al dente according to package directions. Drain the pasta, reserving 1 cup of the pasta water for later use.
- Brown Ground Beef: In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef until browned and no longer pink inside. Drain any excess fat and set the beef aside.
- Sauté Garlic: In the same skillet, melt the unsalted butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for 1 minute until fragrant, being careful not to burn the garlic.
- Make Cheese Sauce: Pour in the heavy cream, stirring to combine it with the garlic butter. Warm the mixture through, then add shredded cheddar and mozzarella cheeses. Stir continuously until cheeses melt completely and the sauce is smooth and creamy.
- Combine Ingredients: Return the cooked ground beef to the skillet, add the drained rotini pasta, and toss together to combine. Add reserved pasta water a little at a time as needed to loosen the sauce and coat the pasta evenly.
- Season: Season the mixture with salt, black pepper, paprika, and Italian seasoning. Toss everything well to evenly distribute the flavors.
- Garnish and Serve: Serve the cheesy rotini pasta hot, garnished with freshly chopped parsley for a fresh finish.
Notes
- Reserve some pasta water to adjust sauce consistency and help the sauce cling to the pasta.
- You can substitute ground beef with ground turkey or chicken for a leaner option.
- Use freshly minced garlic for best flavor; garlic powder can be a shortcut but is less aromatic.
- If you prefer a spicier dish, add red pepper flakes along with the seasonings.
- The dish can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheated gently on the stovetop.
