Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Beef and Rotini in Garlic Parmesan Sauce is a hearty, comforting pasta dish featuring tender ground beef, perfectly cooked rotini, and a creamy, cheesy garlic parmesan sauce. It’s quick to prepare, making it ideal for busy weeknights while still delivering rich, satisfying flavor. This one-pot meal brings together the boldness of garlic and the creaminess of parmesan in every bite.
ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
ground beefrotini pastaminced garlicbutterheavy creamparmesan cheese (grated)chicken or beef brotholive oilsaltblack pepperparsley (optional, for garnish)
directions
Cook the rotini pasta according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it up with a spoon. Season with salt and pepper.
Add minced garlic to the skillet and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant.
Stir in butter and let it melt completely.
Pour in the broth and bring to a simmer. Stir in the heavy cream and let it cook for a few minutes until slightly thickened.
Add the grated parmesan cheese and stir until melted and the sauce becomes creamy.
Add the cooked rotini pasta to the skillet and toss until well coated with the sauce.
Simmer for a few more minutes to let the flavors combine.
Garnish with chopped parsley if desired and serve hot.
Servings and timing
This recipe yields approximately 4 servings.
Preparation time: 10 minutes
Cooking time: 20 minutes
Total time: 30 minutes
Variations
Use Italian sausage instead of ground beef for a spicier twist.
Add steamed broccoli or spinach for extra vegetables.
Replace heavy cream with half-and-half for a lighter version.
Top with red pepper flakes for added heat.
storage/reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
Reheat on the stovetop over low heat or in the microwave in 30-second intervals, adding a splash of broth or cream if needed to loosen the sauce.
You can also freeze this dish for up to 2 months; thaw in the fridge before reheating.
FAQs
Can I use a different pasta shape?
Yes, penne, fusilli, or bowtie pasta all work well with this sauce.
Is this dish spicy?
Not inherently, but you can add chili flakes or spicy sausage to increase the heat.
Can I make it gluten-free?
Yes, use gluten-free rotini and ensure all other ingredients are certified gluten-free.
Can I substitute parmesan with another cheese?
Parmesan is ideal for flavor, but Pecorino Romano or Asiago are good alternatives.
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes, it reheats well, making it perfect for meal prep or make-ahead dinners.
Conclusion
Beef and Rotini in Garlic Parmesan Sauce is the ultimate comfort food with minimal effort and maximum flavor. Creamy, cheesy, and deeply satisfying, this dish will quickly become a go-to favorite for both busy weeknights and cozy weekend dinners.
PrintBeef and Rotini in Garlic Parmesan Sauce
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4–6 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian‑inspired
- Diet: Low Salt
Description
A comforting and creamy pasta dish featuring spiral rotini tossed with savory ground beef in a rich garlic Parmesan sauce.
Ingredients
- 12 oz rotini pasta
- 1 lb ground beef
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 Tbsp all‑purpose flour
- 2 cups milk
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- Salt & pepper, to taste
- 2 Tbsp olive oil or butter
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook rotini until al dente (9–11 min). Reserve 1 cup pasta water, then drain.
- Meanwhile, heat oil or butter in a skillet over medium-high; add ground beef, breaking up and cooking until browned, about 5–7 min. Drain fat.
- Add minced garlic to skillet; sauté 1 min until fragrant.
- Sprinkle in flour; whisk 1–2 min until roux is pale golden.
- Slowly whisk in milk; simmer 2–3 min until sauce thickens.
- Stir in Parmesan, Italian seasoning, salt & pepper; cook 1–2 min until cheesy and smooth.
- Add beef and drained pasta; toss together, adding reserved pasta water as needed for desired consistency.
- Garnish with chopped parsley. Serve immediately.
Notes
- Use gluten‑free pasta and flour for a GF version.
- Substitute ground turkey or chicken for leaner protein.
- Toss in vegetables like spinach or mushrooms for extra flavor and nutrients.
- Reheat gently with splash of milk to restore creaminess.