Beef and Rotini in Garlic Parmesan Sauce is the ultimate comfort food for pasta lovers. Tender ground beef, perfectly cooked rotini, and a creamy garlic Parmesan sauce come together to create a dish that’s hearty, flavorful, and irresistibly creamy. This one-pot meal is perfect for busy weeknights or a cozy dinner at home.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe?
This dish hits all the right notes with its creamy, cheesy sauce and savory beef. The rotini’s ridges hold the sauce beautifully, making each bite a flavor-packed delight. Plus, it’s easy to make in just one pot, saving you time on cleanup while still delivering a restaurant-quality meal.
Ingredients
- Ground beef
- Rotini pasta
- Garlic, minced
- Heavy cream
- Chicken or beef broth
- Grated Parmesan cheese
- Olive oil
- Onion, diced
- Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper
- Fresh parsley for garnish
You’ll find the full list of ingredients with measurements below.
Directions
Cooking the Beef
Heat olive oil in a large skillet or pot over medium heat. Add the ground beef, breaking it up as it cooks. Season with salt and pepper. Once browned, remove the beef from the skillet and set aside.
Sautéing the Aromatics
In the same skillet, add the diced onion and sauté until softened. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
Cooking the Rotini
Add the uncooked rotini pasta to the skillet, followed by the broth. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low. Cover and let the pasta cook for about 12 minutes, stirring occasionally, until tender and the liquid is mostly absorbed.
Making the Garlic Parmesan Sauce
Stir in the heavy cream and grated Parmesan cheese, mixing until the sauce is smooth and creamy. Add the cooked beef back into the skillet and stir to combine everything.
Finishing Touches
Taste and adjust the seasoning with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley and serve hot.
Expert Tips and Tricks
- Use freshly grated Parmesan cheese for the best flavor and a smooth sauce.
- Be sure to stir the pasta occasionally to prevent it from sticking to the bottom of the skillet.
- If the sauce is too thick, add a splash of broth or cream to reach your desired consistency.
Recipe Variations and Possible Substitutions
- Protein Options: Swap the ground beef for ground turkey, chicken, or sausage.
- Cheese Twist: Add shredded mozzarella or sharp cheddar for extra cheesiness.
- Vegetable Add-Ins: Toss in spinach, mushrooms, or roasted bell peppers for added nutrition.
Serving and Pairing Suggestions
This dish is hearty on its own but pairs wonderfully with:
- Side Salad: A crisp Caesar salad or mixed greens with balsamic dressing.
- Garlic Bread: Serve with warm garlic bread or breadsticks to scoop up the sauce.
- Roasted Veggies: Pair with roasted zucchini or asparagus for a complete meal.
Storage and Reheating Tips
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of broth or cream to revive the sauce. Avoid overheating to keep the sauce creamy.
FAQs
Q: Can I use a different type of pasta?
A: Yes, penne or farfalle work well, but adjust the cooking time as needed.
Q: Can I make this dish ahead of time?
A: It’s best enjoyed fresh, but you can prepare it ahead and reheat gently, adding extra cream or broth to the sauce.
Q: What can I use instead of heavy cream?
A: Half-and-half or a mixture of milk and cream cheese can be used as substitutes.
Q: How can I make this dish gluten-free?
A: Use gluten-free rotini pasta and ensure all other ingredients are gluten-free.
Conclusion
Beef and Rotini in Garlic Parmesan Sauce is a dish that combines simplicity and decadence. It’s a crowd-pleaser for kids and adults alike, perfect for any occasion. With its creamy sauce, tender pasta, and savory beef, this recipe will quickly become a favorite in your home. Treat yourself to a cozy, satisfying meal tonight!
Print
Beef and Rotini in Garlic Parmesan Sauce
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
Description
Beef and Rotini in Garlic Parmesan Sauce is a rich and creamy pasta dish that combines tender beef with perfectly cooked rotini in a luscious garlic Parmesan sauce. It’s a comforting, flavorful dish that’s perfect for a weeknight dinner or any special occasion.
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground beef
- 12 ounces rotini pasta
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped for garnish
Instructions
- Cook the rotini pasta according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
- In a large skillet, heat the olive oil and butter over medium heat. Add the ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it up into small pieces as it cooks (about 6-8 minutes).
- Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
- Stir in the heavy cream and Parmesan cheese, cooking and stirring until the cheese melts and the sauce thickens (about 3-5 minutes).
- Season the sauce with Italian seasoning, red pepper flakes, salt, and black pepper to taste.
- Add the cooked rotini pasta to the skillet and toss to coat in the sauce.
- Serve hot, garnished with chopped fresh parsley.
Notes
For a richer sauce, you can add more Parmesan cheese. If you prefer a spicier dish, increase the amount of red pepper flakes.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 plate
- Calories: 550 kcal
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 600 mg
- Fat: 35g
- Saturated Fat: 15g
- Unsaturated Fat: 18g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 95 mg