Picture this: a steaming plate of tender rotini pasta coated in a creamy garlic parmesan sauce, topped with savory beef that melts in your mouth. It’s the kind of meal that wraps you in warmth and satisfaction after a long day. Beef and Rotini in Garlic Parmesan Sauce is not just a recipe—it’s a hug on a plate. Whether you’re feeding your family or indulging in a solo treat, this dish brings together the perfect blend of comfort and flavor.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
When life gets busy, there’s nothing better than a meal that’s easy to make, tastes amazing, and feels like a special treat. This dish checks all the boxes:
- Quick and Simple: Perfect for weeknights with minimal prep and cook time.
- Rich and Creamy Flavor: The garlic parmesan sauce is indulgently smooth.
- Balanced and Hearty: Packed with protein, carbs, and just the right amount of richness.
What Makes This Dish Special?
- One-Pot Wonder: You can minimize cleanup by cooking most of this dish in a single skillet.
- Versatility: Switch up the pasta, adjust the sauce thickness, or add extra veggies for a twist.
- Crowd-Pleasing: It’s a dish everyone will ask for again and again.
Ingredients for Beef and Rotini in Garlic Parmesan Sauce
Here’s everything you need to make this mouthwatering dish:
For the Beef and Pasta
- 1 pound ground beef
- 2 cups rotini pasta (uncooked)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
For the Garlic Parmesan Sauce
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 2 cups whole milk
- ½ cup heavy cream
- ¾ cup grated parmesan cheese
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon dried parsley
- ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Cook the Pasta
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the rotini and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
2. Cook the Beef
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it apart with a wooden spoon. Remove the beef from the skillet and set aside.
3. Sauté Aromatics
- In the same skillet, add the chopped onion and minced garlic. Sauté for 2-3 minutes until softened and fragrant.
4. Make the Garlic Parmesan Sauce
- Add the butter to the skillet and let it melt. Sprinkle in the flour and whisk continuously for 1-2 minutes to form a roux.
- Slowly pour in the milk and heavy cream, whisking constantly to avoid lumps.
- Stir in the parmesan cheese, garlic powder, dried parsley, and red pepper flakes (if using). Simmer for 3-4 minutes until the sauce thickens.
5. Combine Everything
- Return the cooked beef to the skillet and stir to coat it in the sauce. Add the drained rotini and mix until evenly combined.
6. Garnish and Serve
- Remove from heat and garnish with additional parmesan cheese or fresh parsley. Serve warm and enjoy!
Nutritional Information
| Nutrient | Per Serving (1 of 4 servings) |
|---|---|
| Calories | 520 |
| Protein | 30 g |
| Fat | 25 g |
| Carbohydrates | 40 g |
| Fiber | 2 g |
| Sodium | 640 mg |
Tips for the Perfect Dish
1. Use Fresh Parmesan
Pre-grated parmesan can be convenient, but freshly grated cheese melts more smoothly and gives a better flavor.
2. Don’t Overcook the Pasta
Cook the rotini just until al dente, as it will continue to soften when mixed with the sauce.
3. Customize the Sauce
Adjust the thickness of the sauce by adding more milk for a thinner consistency or more cheese for extra richness.
4. Add Veggies
For added nutrition, toss in steamed broccoli, peas, or sautéed mushrooms.
Why This Dish is Perfect for Any Occasion
From cozy weeknights to weekend indulgences, Beef and Rotini in Garlic Parmesan Sauce fits the bill. It’s hearty enough for a main meal and versatile enough to adapt to your preferences. Plus, the combination of beef, pasta, and creamy sauce makes it a timeless favorite.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I use a different type of pasta?
Yes, any short pasta like penne, fusilli, or farfalle works well in this dish.
2. What can I use instead of heavy cream?
You can substitute half-and-half or even evaporated milk for a lighter option.
3. Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Absolutely! Store the cooked dish in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove with a splash of milk to loosen the sauce.
4. Can I freeze leftovers?
Yes, this dish freezes well. Allow it to cool completely, then freeze in individual portions for up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
5. How can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Use gluten-free pasta and replace the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend or cornstarch to thicken the sauce.
6. What’s the best way to reheat this dish?
Reheat on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of milk or cream to bring back the sauce’s creaminess.
Bring Comfort to Your Table Tonight
Now that you’ve got everything you need, it’s time to try your hand at making Beef and Rotini in Garlic Parmesan Sauce. This dish is guaranteed to delight your taste buds and bring a smile to everyone at the table. Don’t wait—grab your ingredients and get cooking!
Print
Cozy Beef & Rotini in Garlic Parmesan Sauce Recipe
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Description
Treat yourself to a plate of creamy, savory goodness with Beef and Rotini in Garlic Parmesan Sauce. This hearty dish combines tender ground beef, perfectly cooked rotini, and a rich garlic parmesan sauce. It’s quick, easy, and perfect for busy weeknights or special family dinners. Every bite is a celebration of comfort and flavor!
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground beef
- 2 cups rotini pasta (uncooked)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 2 cups whole milk
- ½ cup heavy cream
- ¾ cup grated parmesan cheese
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon dried parsley
- ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
Instructions
- Cook the Pasta:
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the rotini and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside. - Brown the Beef:
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it apart with a wooden spoon. Season with salt and black pepper, then remove the beef from the skillet and set aside. - Sauté the Aromatics:
In the same skillet, add the chopped onion and minced garlic. Sauté for 2-3 minutes until softened and fragrant. - Make the Garlic Parmesan Sauce:
- Add butter to the skillet and let it melt. Sprinkle in the flour and whisk continuously for 1-2 minutes to form a roux.
- Gradually pour in the milk and heavy cream, whisking to create a smooth sauce.
- Stir in the parmesan cheese, garlic powder, dried parsley, and red pepper flakes (if using). Simmer for 3-4 minutes until the sauce thickens.
- Combine Everything:
Return the cooked beef to the skillet and stir it into the sauce. Add the drained rotini and mix until evenly coated. - Serve and Enjoy:
Remove from heat and garnish with extra parmesan cheese or fresh parsley. Serve warm and enjoy!
Notes
- Pasta Substitutes: Penne, fusilli, or bowtie pasta work well if you don’t have rotini.
- Adjust the Sauce: For a thinner sauce, add more milk. For a thicker consistency, let it simmer longer.
- Storage: Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Add a splash of milk when reheating to keep the sauce creamy.
- Customization: Add steamed broccoli, peas, or mushrooms for extra flavor and nutrition.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Stove-Top
- Cuisine: Italian-American
