If you crave comfort food that’s both crowd-pleasing and weeknight-friendly, Beef and Rotini in Garlic Parmesan Sauce is the answer you’ve been searching for. This incredibly creamy, savory pasta combines tender ground beef, swirls of rotini, and a dreamy garlic-Parmesan sauce in every bite. Whether you’re feeding a hungry family or simply want to indulge in something deliciously satisfying, this dish promises big flavor with minimal effort. It’s the kind of meal that deserves a spot on your regular rotation and will have everyone asking for seconds!
Ingredients You’ll Need
What makes this Beef and Rotini in Garlic Parmesan Sauce so special? It’s the combination of straightforward, flavorful ingredients that each play a vital role—from the nutty Parmesan, to robust beef broth, to pasta that captures every drop of sauce. Here’s what you’ll want on hand:
- Rotini pasta (12 ounces): The spiral shape isn’t just fun—it’s perfect for trapping creamy sauce in every twist.
- Ground beef (1 pound): Provides hearty, savory depth and makes this a complete meal.
- Olive oil (1 tablespoon): Adds richness and helps brown the beef evenly.
- Garlic, minced (4 cloves): Infuses the sauce with irresistible aroma and the kind of bold flavor garlic fans can’t resist.
- All-purpose flour (2 tablespoons): Thickens the sauce, making it lush and velvety.
- Beef broth (2 cups): Deepens the flavor profile and keeps the sauce savory and well-balanced.
- Heavy cream (1 cup): The secret to that ultra-creamy, indulgent texture that coats the rotini beautifully.
- Parmesan cheese, grated (1 cup): Melts into the sauce, delivering nutty, salty goodness in every forkful.
- Italian seasoning (½ teaspoon): Adds a whisper of herbs that rounds out the dish without overwhelming the other flavors.
- Salt and black pepper: Essential for seasoning; taste and adjust as you go for perfect results.
- Chopped parsley (optional): A fresh, colorful finish that brightens each serving.
How to Make Beef and Rotini in Garlic Parmesan Sauce
Step 1: Cook the Rotini
Begin by boiling your rotini pasta in generously salted water. Cook until just al dente—this will help it hold up wonderfully once it’s tossed in sauce. Be sure to drain all the water and set the pasta aside, so it stays ready for saucy action later.
Step 2: Brown the Beef
While the pasta cooks, heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Crumble in the ground beef, seasoning lightly with salt and pepper, and cook until it’s deeply browned and no longer pink. Take a moment to drain off any extra fat if you like—I often do, just to keep the sauce from getting too heavy.
Step 3: Sauté Garlic for Maximum Flavor
Add the minced garlic straight into the skillet with your beef. Stir constantly and cook for just about one minute until fragrant—this is where your kitchen gets that irresistible aroma that signals something delicious is on its way!
Step 4: Make the Creamy Sauce Base
Sprinkle the flour right over the beef and garlic, stirring so it evenly coats everything. This is a quick step that thickens the sauce. Start slowly pouring in the beef broth, stirring as you go so the flour dissolves smoothly. Add the heavy cream and turn up the heat just a touch—keep things simmering for three to four minutes until you see the sauce become thick and luxurious.
Step 5: Finish the Garlic Parmesan Magic
With the heat on low, stir in the grated Parmesan cheese and Italian seasoning. Watch as the cheese melts into the sauce, turning everything even creamier. Always season generously with salt and black pepper, then taste and adjust. The fragrance at this stage is incredibly tempting!
Step 6: Bring It All Together
Toss the cooked rotini right into your skillet, stirring to ensure every corkscrew gets lavishly coated in sauce. Let everything simmer together for just a couple more minutes—this helps meld the flavors for that signature “all-in-one” comfort of Beef and Rotini in Garlic Parmesan Sauce.
How to Serve Beef and Rotini in Garlic Parmesan Sauce
Garnishes
A simple sprinkle of chopped parsley instantly brightens the Beef and Rotini in Garlic Parmesan Sauce and adds contrast to the creamy richness. If you’re feeling extra indulgent, a dusting of extra Parmesan or cracked black pepper is always a good idea.
Side Dishes
To round out your meal, serve this pasta with a crisp green salad tossed in a zesty vinaigrette. Warm garlic bread or soft rolls are also perfect for soaking up extra sauce—no drop left behind!
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun, family-style presentation, serve Beef and Rotini in Garlic Parmesan Sauce in a big, shallow bowl at the center of the table. Or, for a weeknight touch of elegance, portion it into individual shallow plates and top each with a swirl of sauce and fresh greens.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Beef and Rotini in Garlic Parmesan Sauce keeps well in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. Make sure to let it cool to room temperature before storing to avoid excess moisture buildup.
Freezing
You can freeze leftovers in a freezer-safe container for up to two months. Keep in mind that cream-based sauces may separate slightly when thawed, but a gentle stir during reheating will help bring it back together.
Reheating
To reheat, simply warm the pasta gently in a skillet over low heat or in the microwave, adding an extra splash of beef broth or cream if needed to loosen the sauce. Stir occasionally until heated through and smooth.
FAQs
Can I use a different type Main Course
Absolutely! While rotini is ideal for catching all the creamy sauce, you can use penne, fusilli, or even shells. Just be sure to cook them until al dente so they hold their shape.
What’s the best way to make this dish lighter?
You can swap the ground beef for ground turkey or chicken, and use half-and-half instead of heavy cream. The result is still delicious, though a bit less decadent.
Can I add vegetables to Beef and Rotini in Garlic Parmesan Sauce?
Definitely! Sautéed mushrooms, spinach, or bell peppers make fantastic additions and add nutrition. Stir vegetables in with the beef or toss with the pasta just before serving.
How can I keep the sauce from getting too thick?
If your sauce thickens too much as it sits, just add a splash of beef broth or cream and stir until it reaches your desired consistency. Pasta loves to soak up sauce!
Is Beef and Rotini in Garlic Parmesan Sauce good for meal prep?
It’s a great choice for meal prep since the flavors continue to develop as it sits. Divide leftovers into single-serve portions and store for easy weekday lunches or dinners.
Final Thoughts
If you’re looking for a truly satisfying, easy-to-make dinner, give Beef and Rotini in Garlic Parmesan Sauce a spot on your table this week. It’s comforting, flavorful, and certain to make any night feel like a special occasion—so don’t be surprised if it disappears faster than expected!
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Beef and Rotini in Garlic Parmesan Sauce Recipe
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in this hearty and flavorful Beef and Rotini in Garlic Parmesan Sauce dish that combines tender rotini pasta with savory ground beef in a creamy, garlicky Parmesan sauce. This satisfying meal is perfect for a cozy dinner with loved ones.
Ingredients
Rotini Pasta:
12 ounces rotini pasta;
Ground Beef:
1 pound ground beef;
Olive Oil:
1 tablespoon olive oil;
Garlic:
4 cloves, minced;
All-Purpose Flour:
2 tablespoons;
Beef Broth:
2 cups;
Heavy Cream:
1 cup;
Parmesan Cheese:
1 cup grated;
Italian Seasoning:
½ teaspoon;
Salt and Black Pepper:
to taste;
Parsley:
chopped parsley for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Cook the Rotini: Cook the rotini pasta according to package directions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Sear the Beef: In a skillet, heat olive oil and brown the ground beef. Add garlic and cook until fragrant.
- Thicken the Sauce: Sprinkle flour over beef, then gradually add broth and cream. Simmer until thickened.
- Finish the Dish: Stir in Parmesan and Italian seasoning. Add cooked rotini, toss in sauce, and simmer briefly. Garnish with parsley and serve.
Notes
- You can use ground turkey or chicken as a lighter alternative.
- Enhance the dish with sautéed mushrooms or spinach for added flavor and nutrition.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1¼ cups
- Calories: 630
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 510mg
- Fat: 35g
- Saturated Fat: 17g
- Unsaturated Fat: 16g
- Trans Fat: 1g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 34g
- Cholesterol: 110mg
