If you’re craving comfort food with a soul-warming twist, you simply have to try Beef and Rotini in Garlic Parmesan Sauce. Each tender, spiral noodle soaks up a glorious, garlicky cream sauce rich with Parmesan, wrapping around bites of juicy ground beef. It’s a no-fuss, one-skillet masterpiece that brings out the best in every ingredient, making it the perfect weeknight dinner or a cozy weekend treat. Whether you’re feeding a hungry crew or treating yourself, the satisfying combination of flavors in Beef and Rotini in Garlic Parmesan Sauce is bound to become a favorite on your menu.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Ingredients You’ll Need
This delightful dish comes together with a handful of simple, everyday ingredients—but each plays an important role in building the deep, comforting flavors and creamy texture. The key is to use fresh, quality Parmesan and to let the savory beef and garlic do their magic.
- Rotini pasta (12 ounces): The corkscrew shape helps catch every drop of creamy sauce in each bite.
- Olive oil (1 tablespoon): Adds a rich base for browning the beef and enhancing flavor.
- Ground beef (1 pound): Gives heartiness, protein, and irresistible flavor—feel free to substitute ground turkey or chicken for a lighter touch.
- Garlic, minced (4 cloves): The secret weapon for building deep, aromatic notes in the sauce.
- Unsalted butter (2 tablespoons): Adds richness to the roux, ensuring the sauce is luscious and smooth.
- All-purpose flour (2 tablespoons): Key to thickening the sauce so it clings beautifully to every noodle.
- Beef broth (1½ cups): Infuses the sauce with cozy, meaty depth and keeps everything moist.
- Heavy cream (1 cup): Makes the sauce ultra-creamy and decadent—don’t skimp here!
- Freshly grated Parmesan cheese (1 cup): Packs each forkful with nutty, savory flavor—grating it yourself makes a big difference.
- Italian seasoning (1 teaspoon): An easy way to bring in herby warmth, tying the whole dish together.
- Salt and black pepper (to taste): Essential for highlighting all the layers of flavor.
- Chopped fresh parsley (2 tablespoons, for garnish): A pop of color and freshness for the perfect finish.
How to Make Beef and Rotini in Garlic Parmesan Sauce
Step 1: Cook the Rotini
Start by boiling a generous pot of salted water. Once it hits a rolling boil, add your rotini and cook until just al dente according to the package instructions. This way, the pasta will hold up perfectly when tossed in the sauce later—no mushy noodles! Drain well, and set aside.
Step 2: Brown the Ground Beef
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the ground beef, breaking it up as it cooks. Let it get nicely browned; this step is where all that deep beefy flavor really develops. If there’s excess fat, go ahead and drain it before moving on.
Step 3: Bring in That Garlic Aroma
Lower the heat a little and toss in the minced garlic. Stir constantly and let it cook for just about a minute, until fragrant. Garlic burns fast, so stay attentive—you want gentle browning and lots of aroma, nothing bitter.
Step 4: Build the Roux
Push the beef to one side of the skillet and add the butter to the empty side. Once it melts, sprinkle in the flour and whisk for a minute. This simple step creates a roux, which is the base for a creamy, cohesive Beef and Rotini in Garlic Parmesan Sauce.
Step 5: Whisk Up the Creamy Sauce
Now, slowly pour in the beef broth and heavy cream, whisking as you go to smooth out any lumps from the roux. This mixture will thicken as it simmers, becoming the dreamy canvas for our Parmesan and seasonings.
Step 6: Finish with Parmesan and Herbs
Stir in the freshly grated Parmesan cheese and Italian seasoning. Continue simmering for 3 to 4 minutes, letting everything meld and the sauce thicken until it coats the spoon. Taste and season with salt and plenty of black pepper.
Step 7: Toss and Serve
Add the cooked rotini back into the skillet. Use tongs or a big spoon to toss everything together, making sure those corkscrews are slicked with garlic Parmesan goodness. Just before serving, sprinkle in the chopped parsley for a fresh, vibrant finish.
How to Serve Beef and Rotini in Garlic Parmesan Sauce
Garnishes
A shower of extra Parmesan—and a flourish of chopped fresh parsley—makes every bowl look as irresistible as it tastes. For a little zest, try freshly cracked black pepper or a pinch of red pepper flakes.
Side Dishes
This rich and creamy pasta pairs beautifully with a crisp green salad tossed in a tangy vinaigrette. Garlic bread is a must for dipping into the sauce, and roasted vegetables like broccoli or asparagus add color and crunch.
Creative Ways to Present
Spoon the Beef and Rotini in Garlic Parmesan Sauce into individual bowls for a cozy, family-style meal, or serve it in a large, shallow platter for a dramatic centerpiece. For extra flair, top each serving with a swirl of extra cream or a sprig of fresh herbs like thyme or basil.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you find yourself with leftovers (lucky you!), cool the pasta completely and transfer it to an airtight container. Store in the refrigerator for up to three days—the flavors actually get deeper overnight.
Freezing
Yes, you can freeze Beef and Rotini in Garlic Parmesan Sauce! For best results, let it cool, pack portions in freezer-safe containers, and freeze for up to two months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating. The sauce may need a little extra cream or broth when reheated to restore its creamy glory.
Reheating
Gently reheat leftovers on the stovetop over low heat or in the microwave, adding a splash of cream or milk if needed to loosen the sauce. Stir well and heat just until warmed through—you don’t want to overcook the pasta.
FAQs
Can I use a different type Main Course
Absolutely! Penne, fusilli, or even classic spaghetti work well in this recipe. Just be sure to cook the pasta to al dente for the best texture, and enjoy how the sauce hugs each shape.
How can I make Beef and Rotini in Garlic Parmesan Sauce lighter?
For a lighter version, opt for ground turkey or chicken instead of beef, swap heavy cream for half-and-half or evaporated milk, and use a lighter hand with the cheese. You’ll still have plenty of flavor with less richness.
Is it possible to make this dish gluten-free?
Yes, simply use your favorite gluten-free rotini and a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend for the roux. The rest of the ingredients are naturally gluten-free, so no other changes are needed.
What vegetables can I add for extra nutrition?
Steamed broccoli, sautéed spinach, or sweet green peas all blend seamlessly into the pasta. Just fold them in when you add the rotini to the skillet for a burst of color, fiber, and vitamins.
Can I make Beef and Rotini in Garlic Parmesan Sauce ahead of time for a potluck?
You can! Prepare the dish as directed, then transfer to a large baking dish. Cover and refrigerate; before serving, reheat in a 350°F oven until warmed through. Add a little extra broth or cream to keep it creamy.
Final Thoughts
I truly believe you’ll fall in love with the easy, comforting charm of Beef and Rotini in Garlic Parmesan Sauce. It’s creamy, savory, and perfect for sharing with friends or family—so gather your ingredients and make tonight a pasta night to remember!
Print
Beef and Rotini in Garlic Parmesan Sauce Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in a comforting and flavorful meal with this Beef and Rotini in Garlic Parmesan Sauce recipe. This dish combines tender rotini pasta with savory ground beef in a creamy Parmesan sauce, making it a perfect option for a satisfying dinner.
Ingredients
Rotini Pasta:
12 ounces rotini pasta
Olive Oil:
1 tablespoon
Ground Beef:
1 pound
Garlic:
4 cloves, minced
Unsalted Butter:
2 tablespoons
All-Purpose Flour:
2 tablespoons
Beef Broth:
1½ cups
Heavy Cream:
1 cup
Parmesan Cheese:
1 cup, freshly grated
Italian Seasoning:
1 teaspoon
Salt and Black Pepper:
to taste
Parsley:
2 tablespoons, chopped for garnish
Instructions
- Cook the Rotini: Boil rotini pasta until al dente, then drain and set aside.
- Cook the Beef: Brown ground beef in a skillet, add garlic, then create a roux with butter and flour.
- Make the Sauce: Slowly add beef broth and heavy cream, then stir in Parmesan cheese and seasoning. Simmer until thickened.
- Combine and Serve: Toss cooked rotini in the sauce, season with salt and pepper, and garnish with parsley before serving.
Notes
- For extra richness, use freshly grated Parmesan and heavy cream.
- You can substitute ground turkey or chicken for a lighter version.
- Add steamed broccoli or spinach for a vegetable boost.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1¼ cups
- Calories: 560
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 520mg
- Fat: 30g
- Saturated Fat: 15g
- Unsaturated Fat: 13g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 43g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 32g
- Cholesterol: 105mg
