Description
This Cheesy Velveeta Rotini with Italian Beef Marinara is the ultimate comfort food—perfect for a quick dinner or a cozy weekend meal. Tender rotini pasta is wrapped in a rich, creamy Velveeta cheese sauce blended with a robust Italian-style beef marinara. It’s a cheesy, savory, family-friendly favorite that reheats beautifully and is easy enough for weeknights but indulgent enough to impress. Ideal for anyone looking for quick dinner ideas, easy recipes, or cheesy pasta dishes that deliver every time.
Ingredients
2 cups rotini pasta
1 tablespoon olive oil
½ cup chopped onion
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 pound ground beef (80/20)
1 teaspoon salt
½ teaspoon black pepper
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
¼ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
2 cups marinara sauce
8 ounces Velveeta cheese, cubed
2 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese (optional, for topping)
½ cup reserved pasta water (as needed)
Instructions
1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add rotini and cook until al dente. Drain and set aside, reserving ½ cup of pasta water.
2. In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add onion and sauté for 3–4 minutes until soft. Add garlic and cook for 30 seconds.
3. Add ground beef to the pan. Season with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. Cook until browned and no pink remains. Drain excess fat.
4. Stir in marinara sauce. Reduce heat and let simmer for 10 minutes. Add crushed red pepper flakes if using.
5. Add cubed Velveeta a few pieces at a time, stirring constantly until melted and sauce is creamy.
6. Fold in cooked rotini until fully coated. Add reserved pasta water as needed to loosen the sauce.
7. Taste and adjust seasoning. Serve hot, topped with Parmesan if desired.
Notes
Add vegetables like spinach or mushrooms to increase nutritional value without sacrificing flavor.
Use whole wheat pasta or a protein-packed variety for a healthier twist.
For a baked version, transfer to a casserole dish, top with cheese, and bake at 350°F for 15–20 minutes.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 ½ cups
- Calories: 580
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 920mg
- Fat: 33g
- Saturated Fat: 14g
- Unsaturated Fat: 16g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 44g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 29g
- Cholesterol: 85mg
Keywords: cheesy pasta, Velveeta recipe, easy dinner, rotini with beef, comfort food