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Cheesy Garlic Rotini

Cheesy Garlic Rotini

Indulge in a creamy Cheesy Garlic Rotini with tender pasta and rich ground beef in a thick cream sauce perfect for any cozy night in.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings: 4 people
Calories: 640
Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 12 oz rotini pasta
  • 1 lb ground beef (80/20)
  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • 5 tbsp unsalted butter divided
  • 0.5 tsp garlic powder
  • 0.5 tsp onion powder
  • 0.5 tsp smoked paprika
  • 1 tsp Italian seasoning
  • 5 cloves garlic finely minced
  • 2 tbsp all-purpose flour
  • 1 cup beef broth
  • 1.5 cups heavy cream
  • 0.5 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
  • 0.5 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
  • 0.5 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
  • 2 tbsp cream cheese

Equipment

  • Large pot
  • Large skillet
  • Measuring cups and spoons
  • Wooden spoon or spatula
  • Colander

Method
 

  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook rotini until al dente, about 8-10 minutes. Reserve 1/2 cup pasta water, then drain and set aside.
  2. Heat olive oil and 1 tbsp of butter in a skillet over medium-high heat. Brown the ground beef, seasoning with salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, and Italian seasoning for 6-8 minutes.
  3. Add 2 tbsp of butter and minced garlic to the skillet. Stir for 30 seconds, then sprinkle in the flour and stir for 1 minute to form a paste.
  4. Slowly pour in the beef broth while stirring. Let the sauce thicken slightly. Then, lower heat and stir in heavy cream and cream cheese until melted and smooth.
  5. Reduce heat to low and gradually stir in cheddar, mozzarella, and Parmesan until fully melted.
  6. Toss cooked rotini in the sauce until well-coated. If needed, add reserved pasta water to loosen the sauce. Stir in remaining butter, then let rest for 1-2 minutes before serving.

Nutrition

Calories: 640kcalCarbohydrates: 45gProtein: 30gFat: 40gSaturated Fat: 20gCholesterol: 120mgSodium: 800mgPotassium: 800mgFiber: 2gSugar: 3gVitamin A: 15IUVitamin C: 2mgCalcium: 20mgIron: 15mg

Notes

For a lighter version, consider using ground turkey or chicken, and substitute half-and-half for heavy cream. Adding spinach can boost nutrient content.
Make sure to store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days; reheat gently with a splash of milk to retain creaminess. For freezing, store pasta and sauce separately to avoid sogginess.
Freshly grated Parmesan cheese greatly improves flavor. Always aim for al dente pasta to maintain texture in the creamy sauce.
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