Beef and Rotini in Garlic Parmesan Sauce

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick and easy: Ready in just 30 minutes from start to finish.

• Comforting flavors: Creamy Parmesan sauce and savory beef deliver satisfying, cozy flavor.

• One-pan ease: Minimal cleanup makes it perfect for weeknights.

• Versatile: Great base recipe with plenty of ways to customize.

• Kid-friendly: The creamy pasta and mild garlic flavor are loved by even picky eaters.

Ingredients

(Tip: You'll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

• ground beef

• rotini pasta

• olive oil

• garlic

• heavy cream

• grated Parmesan cheese

• beef broth (low sodium)

• flour (optional, for thickening)

• salt and freshly ground black pepper

• Italian seasoning (optional)

• fresh chopped parsley (for garnish)

Directions

1. Bring a pot of salted water to a boil and cook rotini pasta until al dente. Drain and reserve ½ cup of the pasta water.

2. In a large skillet, cook ground beef over medium-high heat until browned. Season with salt and pepper, then remove from the skillet and set aside.

3. In the same skillet, heat olive oil and sauté minced garlic for about 1 minute until fragrant.

4. Add beef broth to the skillet and bring it to a simmer.

5. Stir in heavy cream and Parmesan cheese, whisking until the mixture is smooth and melted.

6. If a thicker sauce is desired, stir in the optional flour.

7. Return the cooked ground beef to the skillet, then add the rotini and stir until well coated in the sauce. Add reserved pasta water if needed to loosen the mixture.

8. Stir in Italian seasoning, if using, and adjust salt and pepper to taste.

9. Serve hot, garnished with chopped parsley and freshly cracked black pepper.

Servings and timing

This recipe serves 4 to 6 people and takes approximately 30 minutes to prepare and cook. It’s ideal for a quick family dinner or meal prep.

Variations

• Make it spicy: Add crushed red pepper flakes or diced jalapeños for a kick.

• Use a different pasta: Penne, fusilli, or rigatoni can substitute rotini.

• Lighten it up: Substitute half-and-half or evaporated milk for the heavy cream.

• Add vegetables: Spinach, mushrooms, or roasted red peppers make great additions.

• Try a different protein: Swap ground beef for ground turkey, chicken, or Italian sausage.

Storage/Reheating

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat in a skillet over medium heat with a splash of milk or broth to loosen the sauce. You can also microwave individual portions in 30-second intervals, stirring in between until warmed through.

FAQs

What type of ground beef should I use?

Use 80/20 ground beef for the best balance of flavor and fat. You can also use leaner beef if preferred.

Can I make this dish ahead of time?

Yes, this dish can be made a day in advance and reheated. The flavors deepen overnight, making it even tastier the next day.

Can I freeze leftovers?

Yes, but the cream-based sauce may slightly change in texture upon thawing. Freeze in a sealed container for up to 2 months and reheat slowly on the stovetop.

Is this recipe gluten-free?

Not as written, but you can make it gluten-free by using gluten-free pasta and a cornstarch slurry instead of flour.

Can I substitute the heavy cream?

Yes, you can use half-and-half or whole milk, but the sauce will be less rich and creamy.

What can I use instead of rotini?

Penne, fusilli, or elbow macaroni are good substitutes that hold the sauce well.

How do I thicken the sauce?

Stir in a tablespoon of flour or cornstarch mixed with cold water, then simmer until thickened.

Can I add cheese on top?

Absolutely. Try topping with extra Parmesan or mozzarella and broiling for a few minutes for a cheesy crust.

What sides go well with this?

Garlic bread, a simple green salad, or roasted vegetables pair perfectly with this creamy pasta dish.

Can I double the recipe?

Yes, this recipe scales easily. Just use a larger skillet and adjust cooking times slightly if needed.

Conclusion

Beef and Rotini in Garlic Parmesan Sauce is a hearty, satisfying meal that’s simple enough for weeknights yet flavorful enough to impress. With its creamy texture, savory beef, and garlicky notes, this dish is sure to become a family favorite. Whether you stick with the classic or try one of the many variations, this pasta recipe is one you’ll return to again and again.