I can’t wait to share one of my all-time favorite weeknight dinners with you: Beef and Rotini in Garlic Parmesan Sauce! This dish brings together tender ground beef and perfectly twisted rotini, all coated in a luxuriously creamy garlic Parmesan sauce that just begs to be savored. From the very first bite, you’ll notice how the rich, savory flavors of garlic and cheese meld seamlessly with the hearty beef, creating a comforting meal that feels like a warm hug on a plate. Whether you’re cooking for family, friends, or just indulging in some well-deserved self-care, this recipe is a guaranteed winner every time.
What I love most about this dish is how approachable it is, even if you’re new to the world of homemade sauces. With just a 10-minute prep and about 25 minutes of cooking time, you can whip up a restaurant-quality dinner without breaking a sweat. And if you need a little breather, let it rest for 5 minutes off the heat to thicken up that glorious sauce. Clocking in at around 600 calories per serving and rated as a Beginner-friendly recipe, it’s perfect for busy weeknights, cozy weekends, or any time you’re craving a hearty pasta dish. Plus, it’s a blank canvas for customization—throw in some spinach or mushrooms if you like, or swap beef for ground turkey to lighten things up. Trust me, once you make this, it’ll become a staple in your dinner rotation!
KEY INGREDIENTS IN BEEF AND ROTINI IN GARLIC PARMESAN SAUCE
Before diving into the cooking process, let’s get to know the stars of our show. Each ingredient plays a crucial role in building layers of flavor and texture—from the savory meaty base to the silky-smooth sauce that clings to every twist of rotini. Here’s a closer look at what you’ll need:
- Ground Beef
The hearty base of our dish, ground beef brings rich, savory depth and protein, making this meal satisfyingly filling.
- Rotini Pasta
These corkscrew-shaped noodles capture and hold onto the creamy sauce, ensuring each bite is perfectly coated.
- Garlic
Freshly minced garlic adds an irresistible aromatic punch, infusing the sauce with warm, pungent flavor.
- Olive Oil
A splash of olive oil helps brown the beef evenly and carries the garlic flavor throughout the skillet.
- Heavy Cream
This is the backbone of our sauce’s velvety texture, turning it luxuriously creamy and indulgent.
- Parmesan Cheese
Grated Parmesan delivers a nutty, tangy kick and helps thicken the sauce as it melts.
- Mozzarella Cheese
Shredded mozzarella adds a gooey, melty stretch and mild creaminess to balance the sharper Parmesan notes.
- Chicken Broth
A bit of chicken broth loosens the sauce to the perfect consistency and adds a subtle savory base.
- Italian Seasoning
A blend of dried herbs like oregano, basil, and thyme brings classic Mediterranean flair.
- Red Pepper Flakes
Just a pinch (optional) for a gentle heat that livens up the creamy richness.
- Salt and Black Pepper
Essential seasonings that enhance all the flavors and bring everything into balance.
- Fresh Parsley
Bright green parsley sprinkled on top adds freshness, color, and a hint of herbal brightness.
HOW TO MAKE BEEF AND ROTINI IN GARLIC PARMESAN SAUCE
Let’s walk through each step to transform these simple ingredients into a comforting, flavor-packed dinner. Follow along closely and you’ll have a delicious, restaurant-quality dish on the table in under 40 minutes!
1. Cook the Pasta
Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Add the rotini and stir occasionally to prevent sticking. Cook until al dente, about one minute less than package instructions recommend. Drain well and set aside.
2. Brown the Beef
In a large skillet over medium heat, warm the olive oil. Add the ground beef, breaking it up with a spatula. Cook until the meat is fully browned and no longer pink, about 6–8 minutes. Drain off any excess fat to keep the sauce from becoming too greasy.
3. Sauté the Garlic
Push the beef to one side of the skillet. Add the minced garlic and cook for 1–2 minutes, stirring constantly, until it becomes fragrant and just starts to turn golden.
4. Deglaze with Broth
Pour in the chicken broth and bring to a gentle simmer, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan. These little bits are flavor gold and will enrich your sauce. Let it simmer for 2–3 minutes.
5. Build the Sauce
Turn the heat down to low, then stir in the heavy cream, Parmesan cheese, mozzarella, Italian seasoning, and red pepper flakes. Keep stirring until the cheeses melt completely and the sauce turns smooth and silky.
6. Season to Taste
Add salt and black pepper as needed, tasting and adjusting along the way. If the sauce feels too thick, incorporate a splash more chicken broth or reserved pasta water until you reach your ideal consistency.
7. Combine Pasta and Sauce
Add the cooked rotini directly into the skillet. Toss gently but thoroughly, making sure each spiral is coated in that glorious garlic Parmesan sauce.
8. Simmer for Fusion
Let the pasta and sauce simmer together for an additional 2–3 minutes. This gives the flavors a chance to meld perfectly.
9. Garnish and Serve
Sprinkle chopped fresh parsley over the top for a pop of color and a hint of herbal brightness. Serve hot and watch smiles bloom around the table!
SERVING SUGGESTIONS FOR BEEF AND ROTINI IN GARLIC PARMESAN SAUCE
After all that delicious effort, you deserve the perfect presentation to elevate this comforting dinner. Whether you’re enjoying a casual meal or entertaining guests, here are some fun and flavorful ways to serve your Beef and Rotini in Garlic Parmesan Sauce:
- Crispy Garlic Bread
Pair your pasta with slices of toasted garlic bread. Brush crusty baguette or ciabatta with butter mixed with minced garlic and Italian seasoning, then toast until golden and crunchy.
- Fresh Green Salad
Balance the creamy richness with a simple salad of mixed greens, cucumber, and cherry tomatoes. Drizzle with a light vinaigrette to cleanse the palate.
- Extra Cheese Sprinkle
Offer a small bowl of grated Parmesan and shredded mozzarella at the table so everyone can add an extra cheesy flourish.
- Wine Pairing
For an elegant touch, serve a medium-bodied Pinot Noir or a crisp Chardonnay. The wine’s acidity will complement the hearty flavors and creamy sauce beautifully.
HOW TO STORE BEEF AND ROTINI IN GARLIC PARMESAN SAUCE
Life’s busy, and leftovers are like gold. Proper storage helps maintain that creamy texture and robust flavor so you can enjoy this dish again—without any compromise on taste or quality:
- Refrigeration
Transfer cooled pasta into an airtight container. Store in the fridge for up to 3–4 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave, adding a splash of broth to revive the sauce’s creaminess.
- Freezing
Portion into freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags. Freeze for up to 2–3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating to retain smooth texture.
- Stovetop Rewarm
Place leftover pasta in a skillet over low heat. Add a small amount of chicken broth or heavy cream and stir until the sauce loosens and the pasta heats through evenly.
- Microwave Method
Cover your serving in a microwave-safe dish, leaving a small vent. Heat in 30-second bursts, stirring in between, until everything is heated through and the sauce is silky again.
CONCLUSION
And there you have it—an irresistible Beef and Rotini in Garlic Parmesan Sauce that’s creamy, comforting, and downright delicious. We’ve covered everything from the key ingredients that build depth of flavor to step-by-step instructions that make this dish achievable even for kitchen novices. With just 10 minutes of prep, 25 minutes of cooking, and a quick 5-minute rest, you can plate up a 600-calorie wonder that’s perfect for dinner, whether you’re cooking for yourself, your family, or hosting friends.
Feel free to print this article and tuck it into your recipe binder or save it on your device for those nights when you need a reliable, crowd-pleasing meal. Below, you’ll find a handy FAQ section to address any questions you might have while preparing this recipe. If you try it out, I’d love to hear how it turned out—please drop your comments, questions, or feedback! Whether you’ve discovered a new favorite twist or need a bit of troubleshooting, I’m here to help. Happy cooking!
Beef and Rotini in Garlic Parmesan Sauce
Description
This delicious dish features tender beef and rotini pasta in a rich garlic Parmesan sauce that’s both creamy and bursting with flavor. Perfect for a comforting dinner!
Ingredients
Instructions
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Begin by cooking the rotini pasta. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
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While the pasta cooks, heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the ground beef to the skillet and cook, breaking it apart with a spatula, until browned and fully cooked, about 6-8 minutes. Drain any excess fat.
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Add the minced garlic to the skillet with the beef and cook for about 1-2 minutes, until fragrant.
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Pour in the chicken broth and bring to a simmer, scraping any brown bits from the bottom of the skillet. Let it simmer for about 2-3 minutes.
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Reduce the heat to low and stir in the heavy cream, Parmesan cheese, mozzarella cheese, Italian seasoning, and red pepper flakes. Stir until the cheese is melted and the sauce is smooth.
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Season the sauce with salt and pepper to taste. If the sauce is too thick, add a little more chicken broth or pasta water to reach your desired consistency.
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Add the cooked rotini pasta to the skillet and toss it with the sauce until the pasta is well coated.
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Let everything simmer together for 2-3 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
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Garnish with freshly chopped parsley before serving.
Note
- This dish can be easily customized by adding vegetables like spinach, mushrooms, or bell peppers for added flavor and nutrition. You can also swap the ground beef for ground turkey or chicken for a lighter version. If you prefer a richer flavor, add an extra sprinkle of Parmesan cheese on top before serving.
