If you love hearty pasta dishes that come together quickly but feel rich and satisfying, this Beef and Rotini in Garlic Parmesan Sauce is about to become your new favorite. It has everything you want: savory browned beef, perfectly al dente rotini, and a lusciously creamy garlic Parmesan sauce that clings to every twist of pasta. The result is pure comfort food bliss, all in a single pan, capturing the best flavors and a super-cozy, home-cooked vibe in less than 30 minutes.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of Beef and Rotini in Garlic Parmesan Sauce is how accessible the ingredients are. Each one adds its own special touch, from a punch of garlic to the creamy melt-in-your-mouth sauce and that fresh pop of parsley at the end.
- Ground beef (1 pound): Brings rich, hearty flavor and satisfying protein to the dish—swap in ground turkey or chicken for a lighter twist if you like.
- Rotini pasta (12 ounces): These spirals hold onto the sauce beautifully, making every bite flavorful and fun.
- Unsalted butter (3 tablespoons): Adds a luxurious, velvety base to the sauce—using unsalted lets you control the seasoning perfectly.
- Garlic, minced (4 cloves): Fresh garlic is the key to a big punch of flavor in the creamy sauce.
- All-purpose flour (2 tablespoons): Helps thicken the sauce so it’s silky and beautifully coats the pasta.
- Whole milk (2 cups): Sets the foundation for a creamy, luscious sauce; feel free to use half-and-half or cream for even more decadence.
- Parmesan cheese, freshly grated (1 cup): Freshly grated is best—melts smoother and gives that salty, nutty backbone to the sauce.
- Italian seasoning (1 teaspoon): Adds herbal depth and rounds out the flavors for an unmistakable Italian flair.
- Onion powder (1/2 teaspoon): For subtle sweetness and extra savoriness in the sauce, without the texture of chopped onions.
- Black pepper (1/2 teaspoon): A gentle spice that brightens all the other flavors.
- Salt, or to taste (1/2 teaspoon): Essential to make all the ingredients truly shine—taste and adjust at the end.
- Chopped parsley (1 tablespoon, optional): A fresh, vibrant finish that looks gorgeous sprinkled across the top.
How to Make Beef and Rotini in Garlic Parmesan Sauce
Step 1: Boil the Rotini
Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil and tossing in the rotini. Cook the pasta until it’s just al dente—usually a minute or two less than the package says. Drain and set aside. This step is crucial: perfectly cooked pasta is the foundation of Beef and Rotini in Garlic Parmesan Sauce, and those spirals will grab on to all that luscious sauce.
Step 2: Brown the Beef
While the pasta cooks, get your large skillet heating over medium. Add the ground beef and break it apart with a spoon. You want deep, flavorful browning, so let it sizzle in the pan a bit before stirring. Once it’s fully cooked through, drain off any extra grease. This meaty, crumbly base is what turns a simple pasta into something truly special.
Step 3: Build the Butter-Garlic Base
Push the browned beef to one side of the skillet and drop in your unsalted butter. As it melts, it’ll pick up all the meaty flavor in the pan. Stir in your minced garlic and let it cook for about a minute—just until the kitchen smells amazingly savory. This is the aromatic heart of your Garlic Parmesan Sauce.
Step 4: Make a Creamy Roux
Sprinkle the flour over the buttery, garlicky mix, stirring constantly to form a roux. This step should take another minute or two—don’t let it brown! The roux is what will make your sauce clingy and creamy, not runny.
Step 5: Whisk in the Milk and Melt the Cheese
Slowly pour in the whole milk while whisking. The sauce will start out loose, then thicken up over 3–5 minutes. Once it coats your spoon, stir in the freshly grated Parmesan, Italian seasoning, onion powder, black pepper, and salt. Keep mixing until you have a silky-smooth, cheesy sauce—this is where Beef and Rotini in Garlic Parmesan Sauce gets its signature richness.
Step 6: Bring It All Together
Add the cooked rotini straight into the skillet and toss gently, making sure every piece is drenched in the creamy sauce. Let it simmer for 2–3 minutes so the flavors can really mingle and the pasta soaks up every bit of goodness. This harmonious blend is what makes Beef and Rotini in Garlic Parmesan Sauce so irresistible.
Step 7: Finish and Serve
If you love a little color and freshness, sprinkle chopped parsley on top before serving. Plate while hot, and get ready for empty bowls and happy faces.
How to Serve Beef and Rotini in Garlic Parmesan Sauce
Garnishes
A big handful of extra Parmesan and a sprinkle of parsley or even basil transform this comforting dish into something gorgeous and inviting. Try adding a crack of black pepper or a dash of red pepper flakes if you want a pop of heat and color.
Side Dishes
This creamy main course just begs for a sidekick! A simple green salad with zippy vinaigrette or roasted asparagus helps balance all that richness. You can’t go wrong with garlic bread or a toasted baguette either—it’s perfect for soaking up any leftover Garlic Parmesan Sauce.
Creative Ways to Present
For a family-style dinner, serve the Beef and Rotini in Garlic Parmesan Sauce in a big, rustic bowl right at the table. For date night, portion into individual bowls and top with a generous ribbon of freshly shaved Parmesan. You could even stuff leftovers into bell peppers or bake into a cheesy pasta casserole for lunch the next day!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Beef and Rotini in Garlic Parmesan Sauce stores beautifully. Let it cool a bit, then transfer to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3–4 days. The sauce may thicken in the fridge, but it’ll still be totally comforting and delicious when reheated.
Freezing
If you want to stash some away for a quick weeknight dinner, this dish freezes well, too. Place cooled pasta in a freezer-safe container and freeze for up to 2 months. When you’re ready to eat, thaw overnight in the refrigerator to help preserve the sauce’s creamy texture.
Reheating
To bring your Beef and Rotini in Garlic Parmesan Sauce back to its cheesy, creamy best, warm in a saucepan on low, stirring frequently. If the sauce seems too thick, add a splash of milk until it loosens up. For single servings, the microwave works well—just go in 30-second bursts and stir each time so it stays lusciously smooth.
FAQs
Can I use a different type Main Course
Absolutely! While rotini is ideal for soaking up all that wonderful sauce, penne, fusilli, or even shells will work great in Beef and Rotini in Garlic Parmesan Sauce. The key is choosing a shape that’s good at catching the creamy bits.
Is there a substitute for Parmesan cheese?
You can swap in Pecorino Romano or Grana Padano if you’re out of Parmesan, but the signature flavor of Beef and Rotini in Garlic Parmesan Sauce really shines with fresh Parm! Pre-grated cheese doesn’t melt as smoothly, though, so go for freshly grated if you can.
How can I make this dish spicier?
Add a pinch or two of crushed red pepper flakes to the sauce or as a topping. They offer gentle heat and a pop of color. A dash of cayenne is another fun way to bring some kick to your Beef and Rotini in Garlic Parmesan Sauce.
Can I make it gluten-free?
Definitely! Just use your favorite gluten-free rotini and swap all-purpose flour for a gluten-free flour blend when making the sauce. Everything else in Beef and Rotini in Garlic Parmesan Sauce is naturally gluten-free.
What proteins can I use instead of beef?
Ground turkey or ground chicken make excellent substitutes for a lighter meal, and you can even try ground pork or a plant-based ground “meat” for a different twist. The creamy Garlic Parmesan Sauce complements almost any protein you choose.
Final Thoughts
There’s something so inviting about a hearty, creamy pasta dinner like Beef and Rotini in Garlic Parmesan Sauce. It’s fast, family-friendly, and packed with crowd-pleasing flavor. If you’re craving cozy comfort food that feels like a hug in a bowl, give this one a try—you just might find yourself reaching for it again and again!
Print
Beef and Rotini in Garlic Parmesan Sauce Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
A delectable and creamy pasta dish featuring seasoned ground beef and rotini noodles bathed in a velvety garlic Parmesan sauce. This hearty meal is quick to prepare and perfect for a cozy family dinner.
Ingredients
For the Beef and Pasta:
- 1 pound ground beef
- 12 ounces rotini pasta
For the Sauce:
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 2 cups whole milk
- 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon salt (or to taste)
Optional Garnish:
- 1 tablespoon chopped parsley
Instructions
- Cook the Rotini: Prepare the rotini pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Prepare the Beef: In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef until browned and fully cooked. Drain excess grease if needed.
- Make the Sauce: Push the beef to the side and add butter. Once melted, sauté garlic, then add flour to create a roux. Slowly whisk in milk until thickened. Stir in Parmesan, seasonings, and salt.
- Combine and Serve: Add cooked rotini to the skillet, tossing to coat. Simmer briefly, garnish with parsley, and serve hot.
Notes
- You can swap rotini with penne or fusilli.
- For spiciness, include red pepper flakes.
- Try using half-and-half or heavy cream for a richer sauce.
- Ground turkey or chicken can be alternatives to beef.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 640
- Sugar: 5 g
- Sodium: 560 mg
- Fat: 32 g
- Saturated Fat: 15 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 13 g
- Trans Fat: 1 g
- Carbohydrates: 54 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 35 g
- Cholesterol: 100 mg
