If you’re on the hunt for the ultimate weeknight comfort food, look no further than Beef and Rotini in Garlic Parmesan Sauce. This dish brings together hearty ground beef, perfectly tender rotini pasta, and a silky, garlicky Parmesan cream sauce that coats every bite. It’s rich, flavorful, and—best of all—ready in about half an hour, making it a lifesaver for busy families and anyone who craves a satisfying, cheesy pasta dinner without the fuss. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or just need something cozy for yourself, this creamy pasta hits the spot every single time.

Beef and Rotini in Garlic Parmesan Sauce Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

One of the best things about Beef and Rotini in Garlic Parmesan Sauce is how it transforms simple, everyday ingredients into something truly special. Every item here adds a layer of flavor, a burst of color, or that extra bit of heartiness to make this dish irresistible.

Rotini Pasta: Its spiral shape clings onto the creamy sauce, ensuring every bite is loaded with flavor.
Olive Oil: Used to sauté the beef, it adds a subtle richness.
Ground Beef: The star protein, bringing a savory, meaty foundation to the dish.
Garlic: Freshly minced garlic brings aromatic depth and unmistakable warmth.
Butter: For creating a luxurious sauce and adding a touch of silkiness.
All-Purpose Flour: Key to thickening the sauce, ensuring it clings to the pasta.
Whole Milk: Creates a creamy base without being overly heavy.
Beef Broth: Enhances the beefy flavor while keeping the sauce perfectly balanced.
Salt: Essential for bringing all the flavors together.
Black Pepper: A bit of sharpness and heat to round out the richness.
Crushed Red Pepper Flakes (optional): For those who love a little kick, this adds gentle heat.
Grated Parmesan Cheese: Salty, nutty, and the absolute heart of that creamy garlic Parmesan sauce.
Heavy Cream: The secret to the velvety, dreamy finish of the sauce.
Chopped Fresh Parsley (optional): Adds fresh color and a pop of lift right before serving.

How to Make Beef and Rotini in Garlic Parmesan Sauce

Step 1: Boil the Pasta

Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add your rotini and cook until just al dente, according to the package instructions. Don’t rush this—perfectly cooked pasta is the backbone of Beef and Rotini in Garlic Parmesan Sauce. Drain and set aside, reserving just a touch of the pasta water in case you need to loosen the sauce later.

Step 2: Brown the Beef

In a large skillet over medium heat, drizzle in the olive oil. Add the ground beef, breaking it up with a spoon, and cook until it’s deeply browned and cooked through. Browning here matters—it gives the dish those irresistible savory notes. Drain any excess fat and leave the beef in the pan.

Step 3: Build Layers of Flavor with Garlic

Add the minced garlic directly to the pan with the beef. Sauté for about one minute, just until the garlic becomes fragrant and golden, but not browned—this step infuses the oil and beef with luscious garlicky undertones.

Step 4: Make the Roux

Push the beef to one side of the skillet and melt the butter in the open space. Sprinkle in the flour and whisk constantly for about a minute; you’re making a quick roux that will work wonders in thickening your Garlic Parmesan sauce later. This step ensures every bite is creamy and luxurious.

Step 5: Create the Creamy Garlic Parmesan Sauce

Slowly whisk in the whole milk and beef broth, stirring the entire time to avoid lumps. Continue stirring until the mixture begins to thicken and coat the back of a spoon. Stir in the salt, black pepper, and crushed red pepper flakes (if you like a gentle heat). Add the grated Parmesan cheese and heavy cream, mixing until the sauce melts into a velvety, golden blanket. This is the moment Beef and Rotini in Garlic Parmesan Sauce truly shines.

Step 6: Bring it All Together

Return the cooked rotini to the skillet, tossing with tongs to coat every spiral in that dreamy sauce and beef. Gently warm everything through for 2–3 minutes. If the sauce gets a bit too thick, splash in a tablespoon or two of reserved pasta water to reach your desired creaminess.

Step 7: Garnish and Serve

Turn off the heat and sprinkle with freshly chopped parsley for a pop of freshness and color. Your Beef and Rotini in Garlic Parmesan Sauce is now ready to serve—creamy, cozy, and just begging for a generous forkful!

How to Serve Beef and Rotini in Garlic Parmesan Sauce

Garnishes

For that beautiful finishing touch, shower your pasta with more grated Parmesan and a sprinkle of fresh parsley. If you’re feeling fancy, a drizzle of fruity olive oil or a twist of cracked black pepper kicks the presentation up a notch. These final details not only look inviting but also amplify flavors and aromas.

Side Dishes

This hearty pasta is stunning on its own, but it pairs wonderfully with a light, crisp green salad dressed with lemony vinaigrette. Add a side of toasted garlic bread or a warm baguette to soak up every last drop of that savory Garlic Parmesan sauce. A side of roasted vegetables, like broccoli or asparagus, adds color and nutrition.

Creative Ways to Present

If you’re entertaining or just want a special treat, serve Beef and Rotini in Garlic Parmesan Sauce in shallow pasta bowls for that restaurant feel, or scoop it into individual ramekins, topping each with a little extra Parmesan and parsley. For casual gatherings, pile it high on a large platter and let everyone help themselves family-style.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you find yourself with extra Beef and Rotini in Garlic Parmesan Sauce, simply transfer it to an airtight container as soon as it cools. Store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days; the flavors will deepen and become even more luscious over time.

Freezing

This creamy pasta dish freezes nicely, despite the dairy in the sauce. Portion out servings into airtight containers or heavy-duty freezer bags. Freeze for up to 2 months, though the texture may change slightly upon reheating. Let it thaw in the fridge overnight for best results.

Reheating

When you’re ready to enjoy leftovers, gently reheat on the stovetop over low heat or in the microwave. Add a splash of milk or broth to loosen up the sauce and stir frequently to restore the glossy, creamy consistency. Just like new!

FAQs

Can I use a different type Main Course

Absolutely! Penne, fusilli, or any sturdy, short pasta will work beautifully. The key is choosing a pasta shape with enough curves or ridges to hold onto the Beef and Rotini in Garlic Parmesan Sauce.

Is there a way to make this dish lighter?

You can use half-and-half instead of heavy cream and low-fat milk to reduce richness. Ground turkey or lean ground beef lightens it up without sacrificing flavor, and you can also cut back a bit on the Parmesan or use part-skim cheese.

What can I add for extra vegetables or color?

Try stirring in baby spinach, sautéed mushrooms, or roasted red peppers. Not only do these add vibrant color, but they also boost flavor and nutrition, making Beef and Rotini in Garlic Parmesan Sauce even more wholesome and satisfying.

Can I make the Garlic Parmesan sauce ahead of time?

Yes! The sauce can be made a day ahead. Store it in the fridge and reheat gently, adding a splash of milk to bring it back to silky perfection before tossing with freshly cooked pasta and beef.

How do I make this dish gluten-free?

Use your favorite gluten-free rotini pasta and substitute the all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend. Beef and Rotini in Garlic Parmesan Sauce can easily be adapted for gluten-free eaters while still tasting amazing.

Final Thoughts

Give yourself a treat and whip up Beef and Rotini in Garlic Parmesan Sauce the next time you’re craving something comforting, creamy, and incredibly satisfying. With its flavorful beef, luscious sauce, and hearty pasta, it’s the kind of crowd-pleaser you’ll turn to again and again. Don’t be surprised when this becomes one of your go-to favorites—happy cooking!

Beef and Rotini in Garlic Parmesan Sauce Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.5 from 16 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 30 minutes
Yield: 6 servings 1x
Diet: Non-Vegetarian

Print Recipe

Description

Indulge in a comforting and flavorful dish with this Beef and Rotini in Garlic Parmesan Sauce recipe. Tender rotini pasta is tossed in a creamy garlic Parmesan sauce with seasoned ground beef, creating a hearty and satisfying meal.

Ingredients

Scale

Rotini Pasta:

12 ounces rotini pasta

Garlic Parmesan Sauce:

1 tablespoon olive oil
1 pound ground beef
4 cloves garlic, minced
2 tablespoons butter
2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
2 cups whole milk
1/2 cup beef broth
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1/2 cup heavy cream
2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley (optional)

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

Instructions

Cook Rotini: Boil salted water and cook rotini until al dente. Drain and set aside.
Cook Beef: Brown ground beef in olive oil, add garlic, then create a roux with butter and flour.
Make Sauce: Gradually add milk and beef broth, season, then mix in Parmesan and cream.
Combine: Toss pasta in sauce with beef, warm through.
Garnish: Top with parsley before serving.

Notes

For added flavor, use Italian-seasoned ground beef or stir in sautéed mushrooms or spinach.
This dish can be made ahead and reheated gently with a splash of milk.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Category: Main Course
Method: Stovetop
Cuisine: American