The Creamiest Beef and Rotini in Garlic Parmesan Sauce Recipe

My kitchen experiments with beef and rotini in garlic parmesan sauce always spark excitement among dinner companions.

Incredible pasta dishes can transform ordinary ingredients into something magical.

Fresh ingredients make all the difference when crafting this comforting meal.

Weeknight cooking demands recipes that deliver maximum flavor with minimal effort.

This particular combination of tender beef, spiral rotini, and rich garlic parmesan sauce promises a delightful dining experience.

Home cooks will appreciate how quickly these ingredients come together in one spectacular dish.

I promise you’ll want to savor every single bite of this crowd-pleasing creation.

Why Beef And Rotini In Garlic Parmesan Sauce Is So Tasty

• Savor Rich, Creamy Comfort: This recipe delivers a luxurious blend of tender beef and perfectly cooked rotini swimming in a velvety garlic Parmesan sauce that hugs every pasta curve with decadent flavor.
• Whip Up Weeknight Wondermeal: Requiring just one skillet and basic ingredients, this dish comes together in under 30 minutes, making it a lifesaver for busy families craving a satisfying home-cooked dinner.
• Master Effortless Flavor Layering: By building depth through caramelized onions, browned beef, and a carefully whisked roux, the recipe transforms simple ingredients into a restaurant-quality meal with minimal culinary expertise needed.
• Customize Your Comfort: Easily adaptable with optional red pepper flakes for heat or extra Parmesan for cheese lovers, this versatile recipe welcomes personal tweaks while maintaining its core deliciousness.

What’s In Beef And Rotini In Garlic Parmesan Sauce

• Rotini: Holds sauce well and provides hearty texture, whole wheat option available for extra nutrition.

• Ground Beef: Rich protein source, lean beef recommended for healthier option.

• Onion, Garlic: Provide deep savory base flavor, fresh garlic preferred over pre-minced.

• Butter, Flour, Milk: Classic roux base for creamy consistency, whole milk yields richer sauce.
• Parmesan Cheese: Adds sharp, salty flavor, freshly grated recommended over pre-packaged.

• Salt, Black Pepper: Essential for balanced taste, kosher salt preferred.
• Italian Seasoning: Provides herbal complexity, dried herb mix works best.
• Red Pepper Flakes: Optional heat component, adjust to personal spice preference.

• Fresh Parsley: Adds brightness and color, curly or flat-leaf varieties acceptable.

How To Make Beef And Rotini In Garlic Parmesan Sauce

Step 1: Boil the Pasta

Grab a big pot and fill it with water. Sprinkle in some salt and bring the water to a rolling boil. Toss in the rotini and cook until it’s perfectly tender. Once done, drain the pasta and set it aside, ready for its flavor adventure.

Step 2: Brown the Beef

Heat up a large skillet and invite the ground beef to sizzle. Break it into tiny crumbles as it cooks, letting it turn a beautiful golden brown. Chop up some onions and garlic, then add them to the party. Let everything dance together for a few minutes until the onions become soft and fragrant. Season with a pinch of salt and pepper to wake up those flavors. Once done, scoop out the beef mixture and keep it waiting.

Step 3: Craft the Luxurious Sauce

• Parmesan cheese
• Italian seasoning
• Red pepper flakes (optional)
• Salt
• Black pepper

Stir these in until the sauce becomes a velvety dream.

Step 4: Bring Everything Together

Return the beef mixture to the skillet. Add the waiting rotini and gently toss everything until each pasta piece is gloriously coated in the creamy sauce.

Step 5: Serve and Celebrate

Plate up this delicious creation! Sprinkle some fresh chopped parsley on top and add an extra dusting of Parmesan cheese. Grab a fork and dive into this comfort food masterpiece that’s sure to make everyone at the table smile.

Pro Tip: This dish loves to be paired with a crisp green salad or some garlic bread on the side.

Tips That Help With Beef And Rotini In Garlic Parmesan Sauce

• Pasta Perfection: Cook rotini just until al dente to maintain a slight bite and prevent mushy texture.
• Beef Browning Technique: Use high heat and avoid overcrowding the skillet to achieve a nice golden-brown sear on the ground beef.
• Sauce Smoothness Hack: Whisk flour and butter slowly to create a lump-free roux, ensuring a silky-smooth Parmesan sauce.
• Flavor Boost Tip: Toast Italian seasoning briefly in the butter before adding milk to enhance its aromatic qualities.
• Dietary Swap Option: Replace ground beef with plant-based crumbles or diced mushrooms for a vegetarian version of the dish.

How To Keep Beef And Rotini In Garlic Parmesan Sauce Good

• Refrigerate: Transfer leftovers to an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Store in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days to maintain freshness and food safety.
• Microwave Reheating: Place individual portions in a microwave-safe dish. Add a splash of milk to restore sauce moisture. Heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each, until thoroughly warmed.
• Stovetop Reheating: Warm leftovers in a skillet over medium-low heat. Stir gently and add a little milk or broth to prevent drying. Heat until the beef and pasta reach a steaming temperature.
• Freeze Option: Seal cooled pasta in freezer-safe containers or bags. Freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating for best texture and flavor.

Sides That Fit With Beef And Rotini In Garlic Parmesan Sauce

• Pair with Zesty Red Wine: Complement the rich, garlicky beef pasta with a bold red wine like Chianti or Cabernet Sauvignon, which cut through the creamy sauce and enhance the meaty flavors.
• Create a Fresh Side Salad: Balance the hearty dish with a crisp mixed green salad topped with a light vinaigrette, adding a refreshing contrast to the creamy Parmesan sauce.
• Match with Crusty Garlic Bread: Serve alongside warm, crispy garlic bread to soak up the delicious sauce and provide an extra layer of garlic-infused goodness.
• Serve with Roasted Vegetables: Add roasted seasonal vegetables like zucchini, bell peppers, or asparagus to introduce a vibrant, nutritious element that brightens the entire meal.

Easy Variations For Beef And Rotini In Garlic Parmesan Sauce

• Spicy Mediterranean Beef Pasta: Replace Italian seasoning with za'atar and add diced roasted red peppers for a Mediterranean-inspired flavor profile. Incorporate crumbled feta cheese instead of Parmesan for a tangy finish.
• Creamy Mushroom Beef Rotini: Sauté sliced cremini mushrooms with the beef and onions. Add a splash of white wine to the sauce and incorporate cream cheese for extra richness. Sprinkle fresh thyme leaves on top before serving.
• Veggie-Loaded Beef Pasta: Mix in roasted zucchini, spinach, and sun-dried tomatoes during the final combination stage. Use whole wheat rotini for added nutrition and a nutty undertone. Top with toasted pine nuts for extra crunch.
• One-Pot Southwestern Beef Rotini: Add diced green chilies and swap Italian seasoning for taco seasoning. Mix in corn kernels and black beans. Garnish with fresh cilantro and a dollop of sour cream for a zesty southwestern kick.

Your Questions About Beef And Rotini In Garlic Parmesan Sauce

• What makes the Garlic Parmesan sauce special?

The sauce combines butter, flour, milk, and Parmesan cheese, creating a rich, creamy base with layers of garlic and Italian seasoning that elevates the entire dish.

• Can I use ground turkey instead of beef?

Absolutely! Ground turkey is an excellent lean protein substitute that will work perfectly with this recipe. Just ensure you cook it thoroughly and season it well.

• How spicy are the red pepper flakes?

The red pepper flakes add a mild kick of heat. If you’re sensitive to spice, start with a tiny pinch or omit them completely. For heat lovers, you can add extra flakes to suit your taste preference.

• Is this recipe kid-friendly?

Yes! The creamy sauce and familiar pasta make this a great family meal. Kids typically enjoy the cheesy flavor and soft rotini, and you can easily adjust the seasoning to suit their palate.

Beef And Rotini In Garlic Parmesan Sauce Recipe

---

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.7 from 30 reviews

• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

Print Recipe

Pin Recipe

Description

Savory beef and rotini in garlic parmesan sauce delivers a comforting Italian-inspired meal packed with rich flavors. Creamy cheese, tender pasta, and seasoned beef create a quick weeknight dinner that satisfies hungry families in just 30 minutes.

---

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Ingredients:

• 1 lb (450g) ground beef
• 12 oz (340g) rotini pasta

Seasonings and Spices:

• 1 teaspoon salt (for boiling water)
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ¼ teaspoon black pepper
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)

Sauce and Aromatics:

• 1 medium onion, diced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 2 cups (480ml) whole milk (or half-and-half for a richer sauce)
• ½ cup (50g) grated Parmesan cheese

Garnish:

• ¼ cup chopped fresh parsley
• Extra Parmesan cheese

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

---

Instructions

1. Prepare the pasta in a generously salted water bath, cooking rotini until perfectly tender yet firm. Drain thoroughly and set aside, allowing residual moisture to evaporate.
2. Transform ground beef in a spacious skillet, breaking down the meat into delicate crumbles while sizzling over medium heat. Incorporate finely diced onions and minced garlic, sautéing until vegetables soften and release their aromatic essence. Season with salt and pepper, then transfer the fragrant mixture to a separate plate.
3. Create a velvety garlic Parmesan sauce by melting butter and introducing flour to develop a smooth, golden roux. Gradually stream milk into the skillet, whisking continuously to prevent lumps and achieve a silky consistency. Allow the sauce to thicken and develop depth, then fold in Parmesan cheese, Italian seasoning, and red pepper flakes for an extra flavor dimension.
4. Reunite the beef mixture with the sauce, gently folding in the reserved rotini. Ensure each pasta strand is luxuriously coated with the creamy, savory sauce, allowing flavors to meld and intensify.
5. Present the dish immediately, garnishing with freshly chopped parsley and a sprinkle of additional Parmesan cheese to elevate the visual and flavor profile.

Notes

• Choose rotini with ridges for better sauce absorption, helping the creamy Parmesan mixture cling perfectly to each pasta curve.
• Ground beef can be substituted with ground turkey or plant-based crumbles for a lighter or vegetarian version, maintaining the dish’s rich flavor profile.
• Enhance sauce thickness by whisking continuously during roux preparation, preventing lumps and ensuring a smooth, silky texture that coats pasta beautifully.
• Add extra red pepper flakes for a spicy kick or reduce them for a milder taste, making the recipe adaptable to different heat preferences and family palates.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Lunch
• Method: Boiling
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 564
• Sugar: 3g
• Sodium: 601mg
• Fat: 31g
• Saturated Fat: 15g
• Unsaturated Fat: 14g
• Trans Fat: 1g
• Carbohydrates: 41g
• Fiber: 2g
• Protein: 30g
• Cholesterol: 107mg