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Cheesy Rotini with Garlic Butter Beef | Creamy & Savory

Cheesy Rotini with Garlic Butter Beef


  • Author: Imili Johnson
  • Total Time: 40 minutes
  • Yield: 4 1x

Ingredients

Scale

Ingredients You’ll Need:

For the Pasta:

  • 12 oz rotini pasta

For the Garlic Butter Beef Sauce:

  • 1 lb ground beef
  • 3 tablespoons butter
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
  • 1/2 cup grated cheddar cheese
  • 1/4 cup Parmesan cheese
  • 1/2 cup heavy cream
  • Fresh parsley, chopped

Instructions

Preparation:

Step 1: Cook the Rotini Pasta

Start by boiling a large pot of salted water. Add the rotini pasta and cook according to the package instructions, usually around 9-11 minutes, until the pasta is al dente. Drain the pasta, reserving about 1/4 cup of pasta water, and set it aside.

Step 2: Brown the Ground Beef

While the pasta is cooking, heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and cook, breaking it apart with a spoon, until browned and fully cooked through, about 5-7 minutes. Drain any excess fat, if necessary.

Step 3: Prepare the Garlic Butter Sauce

In the same skillet with the cooked beef, add the butter and let it melt over medium heat. Once melted, add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1-2 minutes until fragrant. Stir in the Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper, and cook for another 30 seconds to allow the spices to bloom.

Step 4: Add the Heavy Cream and Cheese

Pour in the heavy cream and stir to combine with the garlic butter mixture. Let it simmer for 2-3 minutes, allowing the sauce to thicken slightly. Next, stir in the shredded mozzarella cheese, grated cheddar cheese, and Parmesan cheese, stirring continuously until the cheeses are melted and the sauce is creamy.

Step 5: Combine the Pasta and Beef Sauce

Add the cooked rotini to the skillet with the cheesy garlic butter beef sauce. Toss everything together, making sure the pasta is well coated in the creamy sauce. If the sauce is too thick, add a bit of the reserved pasta water to loosen it up.

Step 6: Serve and Garnish

Once everything is combined and heated through, transfer the cheesy rotini to serving plates. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley for a burst of color and freshness. Serve hot and enjoy!

Notes

  • Cheese Choices: While mozzarella, cheddar, and Parmesan work beautifully in this dish, feel free to experiment with other cheeses like provolone or gouda for a unique twist on the classic flavors.
  • Perfect Ground Beef: When browning the ground beef, make sure to break it apart into small crumbles for an even texture. If you prefer leaner meat, you can use ground turkey or chicken instead.
  • Pasta Sauce Consistency: If the sauce thickens too much after mixing in the cheese, add a little of the reserved pasta water to achieve the perfect creamy consistency.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 25 minutes

Nutrition

  • Calories: 650
  • Sodium: 950
  • Protein: 35