Print
clock clock iconcutlery cutlery iconflag flag iconfolder folder iconinstagram instagram iconpinterest pinterest iconfacebook facebook iconprint print iconsquares squares iconheart heart iconheart solid heart solid icon

Cheesy Rotini Pasta with Garlic Butter Sauce and Ground Beef


  • Author: Emily Carter
  • Total Time: 30 minutes
  • Yield: 6 servings

Description

Looking for the ultimate easy dinner that tastes like it came from a restaurant? This Cheesy Rotini Pasta with Garlic Butter Sauce and Ground Beef brings together tender spiral pasta, rich garlic butter, savory ground beef, and melty cheese into one unforgettable dish. It’s a quick comfort meal that works for busy weeknights, casual gatherings, or next-day lunches. Packed with protein and flavor, this recipe fits perfectly in your collection of easy recipes, dinner ideas, and quick comfort food favorites.


Ingredients

12 oz rotini pasta

1 lb ground beef

2 tablespoons unsalted butter

4 cloves garlic, minced

1 cup beef broth

1/2 cup heavy cream

1 1/2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese

1/2 cup grated mozzarella cheese

1 teaspoon smoked paprika

1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning

Salt and black pepper to taste

Chopped parsley (optional garnish)

Extra grated Parmesan (optional garnish)


Instructions

1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add rotini pasta and cook until al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup of pasta water, then drain and set aside.

2. In a large skillet over medium-high heat, brown the ground beef for 6–8 minutes, breaking it up as it cooks. Season lightly with salt and pepper. Drain excess fat and set aside.

3. Lower the heat to medium. In the same skillet, melt butter and add minced garlic. Sauté for about 1 minute, just until fragrant.

4. Pour in beef broth and let it simmer gently. Stir in heavy cream, smoked paprika, and Italian seasoning. Simmer for 2–3 minutes to thicken.

5. Reduce heat to low. Slowly stir in cheddar and mozzarella cheeses, mixing until smooth and fully melted.

6. Add the drained rotini and cooked beef into the sauce. Toss until everything is evenly coated. Add a splash of reserved pasta water if the sauce is too thick.

7. Taste and adjust with more salt and pepper if needed.

8. Serve hot, garnished with chopped parsley and grated Parmesan if desired.

Notes

Grate your cheese fresh to ensure a smooth, creamy melt—pre-shredded cheese can lead to clumps.

Don’t skip reserving pasta water—it’s the secret to adjusting the sauce texture to perfection.

Keep the heat low when adding cheese and cream to prevent the sauce from splitting.

  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 20 minutes
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Stovetop
  • Cuisine: American-Italian

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: ~1 1/2 cups
  • Calories: 540
  • Sugar: 2g
  • Sodium: 480mg
  • Fat: 28g
  • Saturated Fat: 14g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 11g
  • Trans Fat: 0.5g
  • Carbohydrates: 44g
  • Fiber: 2g
  • Protein: 30g
  • Cholesterol: 95mg

Keywords: cheesy pasta, ground beef, garlic butter pasta, easy dinner, rotini recipe, comfort food