Description
Looking for a quick dinner that’s cheesy, comforting, and loaded with flavor? This Cheesy Rotini Pasta with Garlic Butter Sauce and Ground Beef is the ultimate weeknight indulgence. Tender rotini spirals are tossed in a velvety garlic butter and cream sauce, mixed with seasoned ground beef, and smothered in melted cheeses. It’s one of those easy recipes that feel like a hug in a bowl—perfect for fast dinners, family meals, or cozy food ideas when you want something hearty without the hassle. Whether you’re browsing dinner ideas or need a kid-approved, satisfying meal in 30 minutes, this recipe delivers every time.
Ingredients
1 pound rotini pasta
1 pound ground beef (85/15)
3 tablespoons butter
4 cloves garlic, minced
1 cup heavy cream
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley (optional)
Instructions
1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the rotini and cook according to package directions until al dente. Drain and set aside, reserving ½ cup of the pasta water.
2. In a large skillet over medium-high heat, brown the ground beef until no longer pink. Break it apart as it cooks. Drain excess grease.
3. Reduce the heat to medium. In the same skillet, add butter and garlic. Sauté for 1–2 minutes until fragrant.
4. Pour in heavy cream and stir. Let it simmer for 2–3 minutes to thicken slightly.
5. Lower the heat and add cheddar, mozzarella, and Parmesan cheese. Stir until melted. Add reserved pasta water if the sauce is too thick.
6. Toss the cooked rotini into the skillet with the cheese sauce and beef. Stir gently to combine.
7. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
8. Garnish with fresh parsley if desired, and serve warm.
Notes
For best flavor, grate your own cheese instead of using pre-shredded.
Reserve pasta water to adjust sauce consistency—don’t skip it!
This dish is also great baked: transfer to a casserole dish, top with extra cheese, and bake until bubbly.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 610
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 520mg
- Fat: 36g
- Saturated Fat: 18g
- Unsaturated Fat: 14g
- Trans Fat: 0.5g
- Carbohydrates: 48g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 27g
- Cholesterol: 115mg
Keywords: cheesy pasta, easy dinner, garlic butter sauce, ground beef pasta, comfort food