There’s something undeniably comforting about a cheesy pasta dish, and when you add garlic butter sauce and savory ground beef to the mix, you’ve got a dinner that feels like a hug in a bowl. This Cheesy Rotini Pasta with Garlic Butter Sauce and Ground Beef is that kind of meal – rich, filling, and satisfyingly simple. Perfect for a busy weeknight or a cozy weekend dinner, it’s the kind of recipe that quickly becomes a family favorite.

With its spiraled texture, rotini pasta grabs onto the creamy garlic butter sauce and melted cheese in every twist and turn. The ground beef provides that hearty bite, while the garlicky aroma warms the kitchen as it simmers. It’s the definition of comfort food without being complicated. Once you try it, you’ll want to keep it in regular rotation.

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

This pasta dish checks all the boxes for an ideal dinner. It’s quick and easy to make with everyday ingredients you likely already have on hand. It’s also adaptable—you can switch up the protein or add veggies like spinach or mushrooms for a personal touch. The creamy garlic butter sauce is the real hero here, infusing every bite with rich, savory flavor.

You’ll especially appreciate how well this dish feeds a crowd, making it perfect for family dinners, potlucks, or meal prepping. And let’s not forget the ultimate bonus: it reheats like a dream. Whether you’re serving it straight from the stove or warming up leftovers, it stays creamy, cheesy, and totally delicious.

What Kind of Rotini Should I Use?

Rotini pasta comes in various versions, from traditional white flour to whole wheat and even gluten-free options. For this recipe, the classic semolina rotini works beautifully, offering just the right texture and flavor to complement the richness of the garlic butter and beef.

If you’re looking to make it a bit healthier, whole wheat rotini is a solid choice and adds a slightly nutty note to the dish. Gluten-free varieties are also widely available and hold up surprisingly well in this creamy, saucy environment. Whichever you pick, just be sure to cook it to al dente so it keeps its bite in the sauce.

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

Before you start cooking, it helps to know that this dish is built around simple pantry and fridge staples. The combination of buttery garlic, well-seasoned beef, and melty cheese all come together to create something greater than the sum of its parts. Here’s what you’ll need:

Rotini pasta
Ground beef
Garlic cloves
Butter
Heavy cream
Parmesan cheese
Mozzarella cheese
Salt
Black pepper
Italian seasoning
Fresh parsley (optional)

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

Step 1: Cook the Pasta

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

Step 2: Brown the Beef

In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef until browned and fully cooked. Season with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. Drain excess fat if needed and remove the beef from the skillet.

Step 3: Make the Garlic Butter Sauce

In the same skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté until fragrant, about 1 minute. Stir in the heavy cream and bring to a gentle simmer. Mix in the grated Parmesan until the sauce is smooth and thickened.

Step 4: Combine Everything

Return the beef to the skillet and stir to coat in the sauce. Add the cooked rotini and toss well. Sprinkle in shredded mozzarella and stir until melted and everything is well mixed.

Step 5: Garnish and Serve

Top with freshly chopped parsley if using. Serve hot and enjoy your comforting bowl of cheesy, garlicky pasta goodness.

Watch Out for These Mistakes While Cooking

It’s a simple recipe, but a few easy missteps can get in the way of that perfect cheesy rotini experience. First, don’t overcook the pasta. Rotini should have a bit of bite, or it can turn mushy when mixed with the sauce. Another key tip is not skimping on seasoning. The garlic butter sauce and beef both need adequate salt and spices to shine.

Be sure not to burn the garlic—it cooks quickly and can go from golden to bitter in seconds. Also, if you’re using pre-shredded cheese, you might notice it doesn’t melt as smoothly due to added starches. Freshly grated is worth the extra effort for the creamiest sauce.

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

This pasta is best served right after it’s prepared when the cheese is at its meltiest and the sauce clings to each spiral of rotini. However, it also stores well. You can refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Reheat on the stove with a splash of cream or milk to loosen the sauce.

This recipe feeds about 4 to 6 people generously, making it a reliable option for family dinners or casual entertaining. Serve it straight from the skillet with a side of crusty bread and you’re set.

What to Serve With Cheesy Rotini Pasta?

Garlic Bread

Crunchy, buttery garlic bread is a no-brainer that mirrors the garlicky notes in the pasta.

Caesar Salad

A crisp Caesar salad provides a refreshing contrast and cuts through the richness of the sauce.

Roasted Vegetables

Oven-roasted broccoli, carrots, or Brussels sprouts bring in earthy flavors and a hint of caramelization.

Sauteed Spinach

A quick side of garlicky spinach balances the hearty pasta with something green and light.

Caprese Salad

Tomato, basil, and mozzarella salad gives a fresh, juicy bite that pairs beautifully with the creamy dish.

Parmesan Green Beans

Toss green beans with olive oil and Parmesan, then roast until crisp for a savory veggie side.

Antipasto Platter

A small board with olives, cured meats, and cheeses makes for a fun and flavorful starter.

Tomato Basil Soup

A warm bowl of tomato basil soup adds another comforting layer to the meal.

Want More Pasta Ideas?

If cheesy, creamy pasta is your love language, then you’ll want to explore these other flavor-packed creations:

These recipes are just as indulgent and satisfying, giving you even more ways to mix up your weeknight meals with creamy comfort.

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 extra cheese or maybe some chili flakes? Did you sneak in a veggie or two?

I love hearing how others make these recipes their own. Questions are welcome too—let’s help each other cook smarter.

Explore beautifully curated health-boosting drinks on Nina Dishes 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 recipe that turns a regular night into something worth remembering. It’s comforting, flavorful, and full of kitchen staples you probably already have. Whether you’re feeding a hungry family or just looking for something delicious to dig into, this pasta delivers every time.

Cheesy Rotini Pasta with Garlic Butter Sauce and Ground Beef

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

What Kind of Rotini Should I Use?

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