Beef And Rotini In Garlic Parmesan Sauce Recipe

There’s nothing quite like a creamy, garlicky pasta dish to bring comfort to the dinner table. This Beef and Rotini in Garlic Parmesan Sauce is the perfect blend of tender beef, al dente rotini, and a rich, velvety sauce infused with garlic and Parmesan cheese.

I first made this recipe on a cold evening when I was craving something hearty yet easy to throw together. It quickly became a family favorite, loved for its satisfying flavors and quick prep time. Whether you need a last-minute weeknight dinner or a cozy meal for the weekend, this dish has you covered!

Why You'll Love This Beef and Rotini in Garlic Parmesan Sauce

Get ready to fall in love with your new go-to pasta dish! This Beef and Rotini in Garlic Parmesan Sauce is packed with flavor and comes together in no time.

First off, it’s incredibly easy to make. With just a handful of pantry staples, you can have dinner ready in under 30 minutes—perfect for those hectic nights when time is tight.

Not only is it quick, but it’s also budget-friendly. Ground beef is an affordable protein, and rotini pasta is a kitchen staple. Plus, a little Parmesan cheese goes a long way, making this dish rich and delicious without breaking the bank.

Another great thing? It’s super versatile. You can swap out ingredients based on what you have on hand—try using ground turkey, chicken, or even mushrooms for a vegetarian twist.

Best of all, everyone loves it! The creamy garlic Parmesan sauce is mild yet flavorful, making it a hit with kids and adults alike.

Ingredients Notes

The beauty of this dish lies in its simple, flavorful ingredients. Let’s take a closer look at what you’ll need:

• Rotini Pasta – This corkscrew-shaped pasta is perfect for holding onto the creamy sauce. If you don’t have rotini, penne or fusilli will work just as well.
• Ground Beef – I recommend using 85/15 ground beef for the best balance of flavor and juiciness. If you prefer leaner meat, you can use 90/10, but you may need to add a touch of olive oil.
• Garlic – Fresh minced garlic is key to achieving that rich, aromatic flavor in the sauce. If you’re in a pinch, garlic powder can work, but fresh garlic is always best!
• Parmesan Cheese – The star of the sauce! Use freshly grated Parmesan cheese for the best texture and flavor. Pre-grated versions often contain anti-caking agents that can affect the sauce’s creaminess.
• Heavy Cream & Milk – A mix of heavy cream and whole milk creates the perfect balance of richness without making the sauce too thick. You can also use half-and-half if you want to lighten it up.
• Chicken or Beef Broth – This helps thin out the sauce while adding depth of flavor. I prefer low-sodium broth to control the saltiness.
• Butter & Olive Oil – A combination of these two fats ensures a flavorful base for sautéing the beef and garlic.

No special equipment is needed—just a large skillet and a pot for boiling the pasta.

How To Make This Beef and Rotini in Garlic Parmesan Sauce

This dish is as easy as it is delicious! Let’s break it down step by step:

1. Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the rotini until al dente, following the package instructions. Drain and set aside.
2. Brown the Beef: While the pasta is cooking, heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add a bit of olive oil, then add the ground beef. Cook until browned, breaking it up as it cooks. Drain any excess fat.
3. Sauté the Garlic: Reduce the heat to medium and add butter to the skillet. Once melted, stir in the minced garlic and cook for about 30 seconds, just until fragrant. Be careful not to burn it!
4. Make the Sauce: Pour in the broth, heavy cream, and milk, stirring to combine. Let it simmer for 2-3 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld. Then, gradually add the Parmesan cheese, stirring continuously until melted and smooth.
5. Combine Everything: Add the cooked rotini to the sauce, tossing gently to coat the pasta in the creamy garlic Parmesan goodness. Let it simmer for another minute, allowing the pasta to absorb some of the sauce.
6. Serve & Enjoy: Remove from heat and sprinkle with extra Parmesan cheese and freshly chopped parsley for a pop of color. Serve immediately!

This dish comes together in under 30 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights.

Storage Options

If you have leftovers (which isn’t likely!), here’s how to store them:

• Refrigerator: Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days. The sauce may thicken, but it can easily be revived when reheating.
• Freezer: While pasta dishes with creamy sauces don’t freeze as well, you can still freeze this for up to 2 months. Just note that the texture may change slightly upon reheating.

To reheat, add a splash of milk or broth to the pasta and warm it in a skillet over low heat. Stir occasionally until heated through. You can also microwave it in 30-second intervals, stirring in between.

Variations and Substitutions

One of the best things about this dish is how adaptable it is! Here are a few ways you can customize it to your liking:

• Swap the Protein: Don’t have ground beef? No problem! Try using ground turkey, chicken, or Italian sausage for a different flavor profile.
• Make it Spicy: If you love a little heat, add a pinch of red pepper flakes or stir in some hot sauce to the sauce.
• Go Low-Carb: For a keto-friendly version, swap the rotini for zucchini noodles or spaghetti squash while keeping the creamy garlic Parmesan sauce.
• Add Vegetables: Make this a one-pan meal by adding spinach, mushrooms, or roasted bell peppers for extra nutrients and flavor.
• Use a Different Cheese: While Parmesan is the classic choice, you can experiment with Pecorino Romano or Asiago for a unique twist.

Feel free to get creative and make this dish your own!

Final Thoughts

This Beef and Rotini in Garlic Parmesan Sauce is comfort food at its finest—rich, creamy, and bursting with garlicky goodness. Whether you make it for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion, it’s sure to become a new favorite in your meal rotation.

So grab your skillet, cook up some pasta, and get ready to enjoy a dish that’s as easy as it is delicious. Let me know in the comments how you customize yours!

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