Cheesy Rotini Pasta with Garlic Butter Sauce and Ground Beef

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Creamy, cheesy, and filled with hearty ground beef, this Cheesy Rotini Pasta with Garlic Butter Sauce is your next weeknight dinner winner. It’s the type of meal that comes together in under 30 minutes, makes the kitchen smell like a five-star Italian restaurant, and keeps everyone around the table asking for seconds.

The rotini holds onto the velvety garlic butter sauce like a charm, catching every bit of flavor in its spiral grooves. Paired with melty cheese and savory beef, this dish brings together comfort and richness without any fuss. It’s a quick one-pot wonder, perfect for busy evenings when you need something cozy, satisfying, and homemade.

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

This dish is made for lovers of all things cheesy and garlicky. The flavor is bold but balanced, with a buttery garlic base that coats every bite. What makes this pasta shine is its simplicity. There’s no need for complicated ingredients or steps—just classic pantry staples that create pure deliciousness.

It’s also incredibly family-friendly. Kids devour it without hesitation, and adults appreciate how the richness is offset with subtle garlic warmth. It’s hearty enough to stand alone, but versatile enough to serve with a fresh side salad or crusty bread.

What Kind of Pasta Should I Use for This Recipe?

Rotini is the superstar here for good reason. Its spiral shape is perfect for capturing sauce, making each forkful feel fully dressed in flavor. However, if you’re in a pinch, other short pasta like penne, fusilli, or even shells can step in as solid stand-ins.

Avoid long pastas like spaghetti or linguine, which don’t hold the sauce as well. Stick to shapes with ridges or twists—they’re what make this cheesy pasta dish so satisfying.

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

This recipe calls for everyday ingredients that come together to create comforting, rich flavor. You likely already have most of them in your kitchen. What makes each element shine is how well they balance each other in taste and texture.

• Rotini pasta
• Ground beef
• Garlic
• Unsalted butter
• Heavy cream
• Parmesan cheese
• Mozzarella cheese
• Salt and pepper
• Italian seasoning
• Fresh parsley (optional)

Rotini pasta is the ideal shape for grabbing onto the creamy sauce. Ground beef brings richness and makes this dish hearty enough to be a full meal. Garlic sautéed in unsalted butter creates the flavor base for the sauce. Heavy cream adds the velvety texture, while Parmesan and Mozzarella melt in for that ultra-cheesy pull. A dash of salt and pepper rounds out the flavor, and Italian seasoning adds herbal depth. A sprinkle of fresh parsley on top gives the final touch of color and freshness.

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

Step 1: Boil the Pasta

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the rotini pasta until al dente, following the package instructions. Drain and set aside.

Step 2: Cook the Ground Beef

In a large skillet over medium heat, brown the ground beef until fully cooked, breaking it apart with a spoon. Season with salt and pepper. Once browned, remove it from the skillet and set aside.

Step 3: Make the Garlic Butter Sauce

In the same skillet, add the butter and minced garlic. Cook for 1-2 minutes until fragrant. Pour in the heavy cream and stir to combine. Let it simmer for about 3 minutes until slightly thickened.

Step 4: Add the Cheeses

Lower the heat and stir in the Parmesan and Mozzarella cheese until melted and smooth. Add Italian seasoning and adjust salt and pepper to taste.

Step 5: Combine Everything

Return the cooked beef to the skillet, then add in the drained rotini pasta. Toss everything together to coat evenly in the sauce. Let it cook together for another 2-3 minutes so the flavors meld.

Step 6: Garnish and Serve

Top with chopped fresh parsley if desired. Serve hot and enjoy that cheesy, garlicky goodness!

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

This pasta dish is satisfying on its own, but it also makes a great addition to any dinner spread. A batch of Cheesy Rotini Pasta with Garlic Butter Sauce and Ground Beef serves about 4 to 6 people, depending on portion size. It’s great for a family dinner or for meal prepping your lunches for the week.

To store leftovers, let the pasta cool completely, then transfer it into an airtight container. It keeps well in the fridge for up to 4 days. When reheating, add a splash of milk or cream to bring back that creamy texture. You can warm it in the microwave or on the stovetop over low heat, stirring occasionally.

Freezing is also an option, though the texture of the cheese sauce may slightly change. To freeze, divide portions into freezer-safe containers. Thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.

What to Serve With Cheesy Rotini Pasta?

Garlic Bread

Crusty garlic bread is a classic pairing that echoes the buttery garlic notes in the pasta.

Caesar Salad

Crisp romaine, creamy Caesar dressing, and crunchy croutons create a refreshing contrast to the rich pasta.

Roasted Vegetables

Try roasted broccoli, zucchini, or bell peppers for a colorful, healthy side.

Caprese Salad

Fresh mozzarella, tomatoes, and basil drizzled with balsamic glaze adds brightness to your plate.

Steamed Green Beans

Lightly steamed green beans with a bit of butter and lemon are a simple but tasty complement.

Antipasto Platter

A small spread of olives, marinated artichokes, and cured meats makes an appealing appetizer.

Tomato Basil Soup

A warm bowl of tomato basil soup alongside the pasta makes for a cozy, comforting combo.

Sautéed Spinach

Quick-cooked spinach with garlic and olive oil balances the richness of the dish beautifully.

Want More Pasta Ideas with a Twist?

If this Cheesy Rotini Pasta with Garlic Butter Sauce and Ground Beef hits the spot, here are a few other pasta favorites you might love too:

• Creamy Beef and Shells Recipe is comfort food at its creamiest, with tender pasta shells swimming in savory sauce.
• Stovetop Creamy Ground Beef Pasta brings a similar cheesy, beefy richness with a stovetop simplicity.
• Creamy Ground Beef Alfredo Pasta adds a white sauce twist that’s ultra-smooth and indulgent.
• One Pot Smoked Sausage Pasta if you’re in the mood for something smoky, savory, and just as creamy.
• Cheesesteak Tortellini in Rich Provolone Sauce gives off those melty sandwich vibes in pasta form.

Save This Recipe For Later

📌 Save this recipe to your Pinterest dinner board so you can whip it up anytime you’re craving something cheesy and comforting.

Let me know in the comments if you went heavy on the garlic or added a spicy twist. Did you mix in extra veggies or sneak in more cheese? I’d love to hear how it turned out!

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