Cheesy Rotini Pasta with Garlic Butter Sauce and Ground Beef

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This Cheesy Rotini Pasta with Garlic Butter Sauce and Ground Beef is the kind of dinner that makes weeknights feel like a cozy Friday night in. With just the right amount of comforting cheese, the richness of buttery garlic, and hearty ground beef folded into tender rotini, every bite is a little celebration of home-cooked joy. Whether you need a quick family dinner or something satisfying after a long day, this dish delivers big flavor without the fuss.

What makes it extra special is how the sauce clings to the rotini’s twisty curves, giving you flavor-packed bites every time. The buttery garlic sauce is silky and simple, acting as the perfect backdrop to the seasoned ground beef and melty cheese. It’s the kind of meal that disappears fast and always earns requests for seconds.

Why You’ll Love This Cheesy Rotini Pasta with Garlic Butter Sauce and Ground Beef

It’s comforting, easy, and versatile. Whether you’re feeding picky eaters or cooking for two, this pasta knows how to please. It comes together in one pan, uses pantry-friendly ingredients, and tastes like a labor of love without actually being one. Plus, you can customize it with different veggies or spice levels to suit your mood.

What Kind of Pasta Should I Use?

Rotini is ideal for this recipe because its spiral shape grabs onto the garlic butter sauce and holds onto every bit of that cheesy goodness. If you’re in a pinch, penne, fusilli, or even elbow macaroni can step in, but rotini really brings out the best in this combination of flavors and textures.

Ingredients for the Cheesy Rotini Pasta with Garlic Butter Sauce and Ground Beef

This dish comes together with a handful of everyday ingredients that bring big flavor to your plate. Each element plays a role in creating a rich, cheesy, and satisfying pasta dinner.

• Rotini Pasta
• Ground Beef
• Garlic
• Butter
• Salt
• Black Pepper
• Crushed Red Pepper Flakes (optional)
• Parmesan Cheese
• Mozzarella Cheese
• Heavy Cream
• Parsley

How To Make the Cheesy Rotini Pasta with Garlic Butter Sauce and Ground Beef

Step 1: Cook the Pasta

Boil a large pot of salted water and cook the rotini according to the package directions until al dente. Drain and set aside.

Step 2: Brown the Ground Beef

In a large skillet over medium-high heat, cook the ground beef until browned and fully cooked. Season with salt and pepper, then remove from the pan and set aside.

Step 3: Make the Garlic Butter Sauce

In the same skillet, reduce the heat to medium and melt the butter. Add minced garlic and stir for 1-2 minutes until fragrant. Add a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes if you like a touch of heat.

Step 4: Combine and Simmer

Return the ground beef to the skillet. Pour in the heavy cream and stir to combine. Let it simmer for 3-5 minutes, then stir in the Parmesan cheese until melted and smooth.

Step 5: Toss the Pasta

Add the cooked rotini to the skillet and gently toss to coat every piece with the garlic butter sauce. Stir in the mozzarella cheese until it melts through the pasta.

Step 6: Garnish and Serve

Sprinkle with chopped parsley and serve hot. If you’d like, you can top with extra Parmesan or a crack of fresh black pepper.

How to Serve and Store Cheesy Rotini Pasta with Garlic Butter Sauce and Ground Beef

This cheesy rotini pasta is best enjoyed straight from the skillet while it’s warm and melty. It serves about 4 generous portions, making it ideal for a cozy family dinner or lunch leftovers. To make it extra indulgent, serve it in shallow bowls with a side of garlic bread to soak up any leftover sauce.

If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat on the stovetop over low heat with a splash of cream or water to loosen the sauce. The pasta reheats beautifully without drying out when warmed gently.

What to Serve With Cheesy Rotini Pasta with Garlic Butter Sauce and Ground Beef

Garlic Bread

The ultimate pasta companion. Crisp edges, soft inside, and perfect for soaking up all that garlic butter sauce.

Caesar Salad

The tangy dressing and crunch of romaine bring a nice balance to the richness of the pasta.

Steamed Broccoli

Bright green and slightly crisp, this side adds a fresh and healthy contrast.

Roasted Brussels Sprouts

Roasting brings out their sweetness and nuttiness, making them a great partner to cheesy pasta.

Italian Green Beans

Lightly sautéed with olive oil and lemon, they’re a simple yet flavorful addition.

Antipasto Platter

If you’re serving this pasta at a casual dinner party, set out some marinated veggies, olives, and cured meats for a little extra.

Caprese Salad

Tomatoes, mozzarella, and basil bring a refreshing touch that cuts through the creamy richness.

A Glass of Red Wine

Not a dish, but worth mentioning. A medium-bodied red like Chianti or Merlot complements the depth of the beef and cheese beautifully.

Want More Pasta Dinner Ideas?

If cheesy pasta is your kind of comfort food, you’re going to love these flavorful dishes too:

• Cheesy Baked Ziti when you’re craving a gooey baked classic.
• Loaded Cheddar Ranch Beef and Sweet Corn Rotini Bake for a hearty twist on family pasta night.
• Creamy Cajun Linguine if you love a little spice and Southern flair.
• Creamy Garlic Parmesan Tortellini with Sausage and Broccoli packed with veggies and indulgent flavor.
• Baked Cream Cheese Spaghetti for another cheesy, comforting classic.

Save This Recipe For Later

📌 Save this recipe to your Pinterest dinner board so you can come back to it any time.

And let me know in the comments how yours turned out. Did you add more garlic or go for extra cheese? Did your family ask for seconds like mine always does?

I love seeing your creations and hearing what personal spins you bring to the table. Questions are welcome too – let’s swap tips and make dinner even better next time.

Explore beautifully curated health-boosting drinks on Zoe Recipes on Pinterest and discover your new go-to for feeling great!

Conclusion

Cheesy Rotini Pasta with Garlic Butter Sauce and Ground Beef is the kind of meal that turns any night into a warm, satisfying experience. It’s unfussy but full of flavor, and endlessly customizable to suit your cravings. With a few pantry staples, you can serve a dish that’s cozy, cheesy, and completely craveable. Perfect for pasta lovers who need dinner fast, but don’t want to sacrifice taste.

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