Twisted rotini pasta smothered in a silky garlic butter sauce, loaded with tender ground beef, and topped with a blanket of melted cheese—this dish is the comfort food hug your weeknight dinner needs. Cheesy Rotini Pasta with Garlic Butter Sauce and Ground Beef is everything you want in a one-pan meal: hearty, savory, and completely satisfying.

The spiraled pasta holds onto every drop of buttery, cheesy goodness while the ground beef brings depth and richness. It’s a quick-fix recipe that’s perfect for busy evenings or lazy Sundays when you’re craving something cozy without fuss. Each bite delivers gooey, garlicky, beefy bliss.

What Kind of Pasta Should I Use?

Rotini is the star here, and for good reason. Its spirals are made to trap sauces, ensuring you get a perfect bite every time. But if you’re in a pinch, penne or fusilli can step in just fine. The key is using a short pasta with ridges that can handle thick, cheesy sauces without losing texture.

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

Rotini Pasta – Its shape holds the sauce well, making every bite full of flavor.

Ground Beef – Brings the savory heartiness and protein this pasta dish thrives on. Choose lean or medium ground beef depending on how rich you want the sauce.

Garlic – Freshly minced garlic infuses the butter with robust, aromatic flavor.

Butter – The base of the sauce, butter creates a silky texture and rich taste that wraps around every noodle.

Heavy Cream or Whole Milk – Adds creaminess to the sauce, balancing the beef and cheese.

Shredded Mozzarella & Parmesan Cheese – The perfect melt combo; mozzarella gives stretch while Parmesan offers a sharp, nutty finish.

Salt & Black Pepper – Essential for seasoning and enhancing the dish.

Fresh Parsley (optional) – A sprinkle for freshness and color at the end.

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. Cook rotini pasta until al dente, according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.

Step 2: Brown the Beef

In a large skillet over medium heat, cook ground beef until no longer pink. Break it up as it cooks. Once browned, drain excess fat if needed.

Step 3: Create the Garlic Butter Base

Add butter to the beef in the skillet, followed by the minced garlic. Stir continuously for 1-2 minutes until the garlic is fragrant and just golden.

Step 4: Make It Creamy

Pour in heavy cream (or milk) and stir to combine. Let it simmer for a few minutes so the sauce thickens slightly.

Step 5: Add the Cheese

Stir in mozzarella and Parmesan until melted and the sauce is creamy and smooth. Taste and season with salt and black pepper.

Step 6: Combine Pasta and Sauce

Add cooked rotini to the skillet, tossing gently to coat every spiral in the cheesy garlic butter sauce.

Step 7: Finish and Serve

Sprinkle additional cheese on top if desired, and garnish with chopped fresh parsley. Serve hot.

Serving and Storing This Pasta Dish

Serve this cheesy rotini straight from the skillet while it’s hot and melty. It pairs beautifully with a side salad or garlic bread if you’re feeding a crowd. For leftovers, store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave with a splash of milk to loosen the sauce.

Frequently Asked Questions

How can I make this dish spicier?

Add crushed red pepper flakes while cooking the garlic or stir in some spicy sausage with the ground beef.

Can I use a different protein?

Yes! Ground turkey or Italian sausage work great as alternatives.

What cheese melts best for this recipe?

Mozzarella is ideal for gooey texture, while Parmesan brings a savory kick. You can also try cheddar or a mix.

Can this recipe be made ahead?

Absolutely. Prepare the pasta and sauce separately, then mix and reheat before serving.

Is it freezer-friendly?

You can freeze leftovers, though the texture may change slightly. Reheat with extra cream or milk to restore creaminess.

Want More Pasta Dinner Ideas?

If you loved this Cheesy Rotini Pasta with Garlic Butter Sauce and Ground Beef, you’ll want to check out these equally hearty dishes from the blog:

Creamy Garlic Parmesan Tortellini with Sausage and Broccoli for a cheesy veggie twist.
One Pot Creamy Beef and Garlic Butter Pasta if you need a quicker clean-up.
Cheesesteak Tortellini in Rich Provolone Sauce for bold, meaty flavor.
Skillet Ricotta Pasta with Roasted Broccoli to sneak in more greens.
Creamy Cheesy Garlic Butter Rigatoni with Savory Beef if you’re craving another cheesy meat-packed classic.

📌 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 go for extra cheese on top? Maybe added some heat? I love hearing how others customize this cozy dish to their own tastes.

Let’s make dinnertime more delicious together. Questions? Comments? Drop them below!

For more comforting favorites and daily ideas, don’t forget to follow me on Pinterest @hallarecipes.

Cheesy Rotini Pasta with Garlic Butter Sauce and Ground Beef

Author: Jam Scott

Print Recipe

Description

This cheesy rotini pasta is the ultimate weeknight comfort dish—spiraled pasta tossed in rich garlic butter sauce, hearty ground beef, and melty cheese. It’s fast, cozy, and incredibly satisfying for the whole family.

Instructions

1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook rotini until al dente. Drain and set aside.

2. In a large skillet, brown the ground beef over medium heat, breaking it up as it cooks. Drain excess fat.

3. Add butter and minced garlic to the skillet with beef. Stir for 1–2 minutes until fragrant.

4. Pour in heavy cream or milk and stir. Let simmer to slightly thicken the sauce.

5. Add mozzarella and Parmesan. Stir until cheese is melted and sauce is creamy. Season with salt and pepper.

6. Add cooked rotini to the skillet. Toss to coat the pasta evenly in the sauce.

7. Serve hot, garnished with parsley if desired.

Notes

Don’t skip the garlic butter base—it’s what makes the sauce rich and flavorful.

Add a splash of milk when reheating leftovers to keep it creamy.

For extra texture, broil the finished dish with a layer of cheese on top for 2–3 minutes.