Description
This indulgent cheesy rotini pasta with garlic butter sauce is a comforting and hearty dish perfect for a family dinner. Featuring tender rotini pasta coated in a rich garlic butter sauce, combined with savory ground beef, and topped with melted mozzarella and Parmesan cheese, this recipe offers a deliciously creamy and flavorful experience. It’s easy to prepare and can be customized with alternative proteins or cheese varieties for a healthier or different twist.
Ingredients
Scale
Pasta
- 12 oz Rotini Pasta (Can substitute with penne, fusilli, or rigatoni.)
Protein
- 1 lb Ground Beef (Lean ground turkey can be used as a healthy alternative.)
Sauce & Seasoning
- 4 tbsp Butter (Olive oil works for a lighter version.)
- 4 cloves Garlic (minced) (Fresh garlic is best, but powdered garlic can be used.)
- 1 tsp Salt
- 1/2 tsp Black Pepper
Cheese & Garnish
- 2 cups Shredded Mozzarella Cheese (Swap with cheddar or a blend of Italian cheeses.)
- 1/2 cup Grated Parmesan Cheese (Nutritional yeast can be used as a non-dairy option.)
- 1/4 cup Fresh Parsley (chopped) (Can also use basil or omit.)
Instructions
- Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the rotini pasta and cook according to the package instructions until al dente, usually about 9-11 minutes. Drain and set aside.
- Brown the Ground Beef: In a large skillet over medium heat, melt 1 tablespoon of butter. Add the ground beef and cook, breaking it apart with a spatula, until fully browned and no longer pink, about 7-8 minutes. Drain excess fat if necessary.
- Prepare the Garlic Butter Sauce: In the same skillet, add the remaining 3 tablespoons of butter and minced garlic. Sauté the garlic in the butter until fragrant and translucent, about 1-2 minutes, being careful not to burn it.
- Combine Pasta and Sauce: Return the cooked pasta to the skillet, tossing to coat the pasta evenly in the garlic butter. Season with salt and black pepper. Stir in the browned ground beef until combined.
- Add Cheese and Garnish: Remove the skillet from heat and sprinkle shredded mozzarella and grated Parmesan over the pasta. Allow the cheese to melt slightly from the residual heat. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley and serve warm.
Notes
- Substitute lean ground turkey for a healthier protein option.
- Olive oil can replace butter for a lighter sauce variant.
- Fresh garlic gives the best flavor but garlic powder can be used in a pinch.
- Cheese swaps: use cheddar or Italian cheese blends instead of mozzarella.
- For a non-dairy option, try nutritional yeast instead of Parmesan cheese.
- Fresh herbs like basil can be used instead of parsley for garnish.
- Ensure not to overcook the pasta to keep a firm texture.
