If you’re craving something creamy, savory, and downright comforting, you’re in for a treat with this Beef and Rotini in Garlic Parmesan Sauce! This dish is the perfect combination of tender ground beef, spiral pasta, and a luxuriously creamy garlic parmesan sauce that’ll have you going back for seconds (or thirds). It’s simple, quick, and just the right amount of indulgent, making it the perfect weeknight dinner or a meal to impress friends and family. So, get ready to dig in because once you try this recipe, it’s going to become a regular in your rotation!
Why You’ll Love Beef and Rotini in Garlic Parmesan Sauce
Oh my goodness, get ready for a flavor explosion in every bite! Beef and Rotini in Garlic Parmesan Sauce is comfort food at its finest, the kind of dish that makes you want to grab your fork and dig in immediately. Whether you’re feeding your family after a long day, hosting a cozy get-together, or simply craving something indulgent for yourself, this recipe is your new go-to.
Trust me, you’re going to love this. The tender, savory beef paired with perfectly cooked rotini noodles, all smothered in a rich, garlicky parmesan sauce? It’s the kind of meal that will have everyone asking for seconds (or thirds). Plus, it’s super easy to make, so you can spend more time enjoying the meal than slaving over the stove. So go ahead, whip it up—your taste buds are in for a treat.
Ingredients
Here’s the magic of this dish: simple ingredients that come together in the most delicious way. You likely already have most of them in your kitchen, making it even more irresistible!
- Beef: Ground beef is your savory base. It cooks up juicy and full of flavor.
- Rotini Pasta: The fun, spiraled pasta that’s perfect for holding onto that creamy garlic parmesan sauce.
- Garlic: Fresh garlic cloves give this dish that irresistible aroma and depth of flavor.
- Parmesan Cheese: The star of the sauce, creating that creamy, nutty richness we all crave.
- Heavy Cream: This is the creamy component that makes the sauce luxuriously smooth and rich.
- Butter: Adds a silky texture and brings everything together in perfect harmony.
- Italian Seasoning: A flavorful mix of herbs that infuses the dish with a deliciously aromatic touch.
- Salt and Pepper: The essentials to enhance the flavors and bring the dish to life.
(Note: The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.)
Instructions
Let’s get cooking, and trust me, it’s easier than you think!
Brown the Beef
Start by browning the ground beef in a large pan over medium heat. Use a spatula to break it up into small crumbles. Season it with a pinch of salt and pepper as it cooks, letting those flavors meld together. Once browned, drain any excess fat and set the beef aside.
Cook the Rotini
While the beef is cooking, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the rotini and cook according to the package directions. You want it al dente, so don’t overcook it! Drain the pasta, but be sure to save a cup of pasta water for later.
Make the Garlic Parmesan Sauce
In the same pan you used for the beef, melt butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about a minute, just until fragrant—be careful not to burn it! Then, pour in the heavy cream and bring it to a gentle simmer. Once it’s simmering, stir in the parmesan cheese, letting it melt into the sauce. Add the Italian seasoning and a bit of the reserved pasta water to thin the sauce to your desired consistency.
Combine Everything
Now, it’s time to bring it all together! Add the cooked beef and pasta to the pan, stirring to coat everything evenly in that creamy, garlicky sauce. Let everything cook together for a couple of minutes so the flavors can really come together.
Serve and Enjoy
Once everything’s well coated and heated through, it’s time to serve! You can sprinkle a little extra parmesan on top for an extra cheesy finish, or garnish with fresh herbs like parsley if you like. Dig in and savor every bite!
Nutrition Facts
Servings: 4
Calories per serving: 600
Total Fat: 35g
Saturated Fat: 18g
Cholesterol: 80mg
Sodium: 500mg
Total Carbohydrates: 40g
Dietary Fiber: 2g
Sugars: 3g
Protein: 30g
Preparation Time
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
How to Serve Beef and Rotini in Garlic Parmesan Sauce
This dish is hearty enough to stand on its own, but pairing it with some simple sides can make it even more special.
- Crisp Salad: Pair it with a fresh, crunchy salad to cut through the richness of the dish.
- Garlic Bread: You can never go wrong with warm, crusty garlic bread to soak up all that delicious sauce.
- Steamed Veggies: Roasted vegetables like broccoli or asparagus would add a nice, light contrast to the creamy pasta.
- A Glass of Wine: If you’re in the mood for a little indulgence, a glass of white wine, like Chardonnay, would pair beautifully.
Additional Tips
Here are a few extra tips to make this recipe even better:
- Prep Ahead: You can prep the garlic and beef in advance to save time on busy nights.
- Make It Spicy: If you like a little heat, toss in some red pepper flakes or a dash of cayenne pepper.
- Customize: Feel free to add in veggies like spinach, mushrooms, or bell peppers for extra flavor and nutrition.
- Leftovers: This dish tastes even better the next day, so don’t hesitate to make a double batch for lunch or dinner the following day.
FAQ Section
Q1: Can I substitute ground beef with another protein?
A1: Absolutely! Ground turkey, chicken, or even sausage would work wonderfully here. You could also use plant-based ground meat for a vegetarian version.
Q2: Can I make this dish ahead of time?
A2: Yes, this recipe stores really well. Just prepare it up to the point where everything is combined, then store it in an airtight container. Reheat it in a pan or the oven.
Q3: How do I store leftovers?
A3: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a pan to keep that creamy sauce smooth.
Q4: Can I freeze this dish?
A4: Yes! You can freeze it for up to 3 months. Just let it cool completely, then transfer it to a freezer-safe container. Thaw it in the fridge overnight before reheating.
Q5: What’s the best way to reheat this dish?
A5: Reheat it in a pan over low heat, adding a splash of milk or cream to loosen up the sauce if it thickens too much.
Q6: Can I double the recipe?
A6: Definitely! Just be sure to use a larger pan to accommodate the extra ingredients. You might need to adjust the cooking time slightly.
Q7: Can I make this dairy-free?
A7: Yes! Use dairy-free cream and cheese alternatives, and swap the butter for olive oil or vegan butter.
Q8: How spicy is this dish?
A8: It’s not spicy at all, but you can easily adjust the heat by adding chili flakes or cayenne pepper to suit your taste.
Q9: What sides pair best with this dish?
A9: A green salad, roasted vegetables, or a side of garlic bread are perfect accompaniments.
Q10: Can I use a different type of pasta?
A10: Absolutely! Penne, fusilli, or any pasta you like will work just as well.
Conclusion
There you have it—Beef and Rotini in Garlic Parmesan Sauce, your new go-to comfort meal that’s simple, hearty, and packed with flavor. Whether you’re cooking for the family or impressing guests, this dish will be a hit every time. Grab your ingredients, get cooking, and enjoy a meal that’s sure to bring a smile to your face! Happy eating!
PrintBeef and Rotini in Garlic Parmesan Sauce
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Description
This Beef and Rotini in Garlic Parmesan Sauce is the perfect weeknight comfort food, offering a rich, creamy sauce that coats the spiral-shaped rotini pasta beautifully. The hearty ground beef adds depth and savoriness, while the garlic and Parmesan create a flavorful base that will have everyone coming back for seconds. The dish is quick, easy, and perfect for busy nights when you need something both satisfying and delicious. #GarlicParmesan #BeefPasta #RotiniRecipe #CreamyPasta #EasyDinner
Ingredients
- 12 ounces rotini pasta
- 1 pound ground beef (or ground turkey/chicken for a lighter alternative)
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 2 cups milk
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 tablespoons olive oil or butter
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add rotini pasta and cook according to the package instructions (usually 9-11 minutes) until al dente. Reserve 1 cup of pasta water before draining.
- Brown the Beef: Heat olive oil or butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add ground beef, breaking it up into small pieces as it cooks. Brown for 5-7 minutes, until fully cooked through. Drain excess fat and set the beef aside.
- Sauté the Garlic: In the same skillet, add the minced garlic and sauté over medium heat for about 1 minute, stirring constantly. Be careful not to burn the garlic, as it can become bitter.
- Create the Sauce: Sprinkle the flour over the beef and garlic, stirring to combine. Gradually add milk, stirring continuously to avoid lumps. Bring the mixture to a simmer and cook for 2-3 minutes, until the sauce thickens.
- Add Cheese and Seasoning: Stir in grated Parmesan cheese, followed by Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Continue cooking for 1-2 minutes until the cheese is fully melted and the sauce is creamy.
- Combine Pasta and Sauce: Add the drained rotini to the skillet, tossing it in the sauce until well-coated. If the sauce is too thick, gradually add reserved pasta water, 1 tablespoon at a time, until you reach the desired consistency.
- Garnish and Serve: Sprinkle freshly chopped parsley over the dish and serve immediately.
Notes
- Use fresh Parmesan cheese for the best melt and flavor.
- You can substitute ground turkey or chicken for a lighter, leaner version of this dish.
- Adjust the seasoning with more salt or pepper to your taste.
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container for up to 3 days in the refrigerator.
- This dish is also great for meal prep! Just reheat with a bit of milk to restore the creaminess.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/4 of the recipe
- Calories: 550 kcal
- Sugar: 6 g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 30g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 42g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 70mg