Beef and Rotini in Garlic Parmesan Sauce

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Imagine tender rotini pasta swirled in a silky, garlicky parmesan sauce, topped with juicy, seasoned beef. Each forkful is rich and comforting, with the sauce clinging perfectly to every spiral of pasta. The aroma alone will make everyone in the kitchen hover until dinner is served.

This dish brings together the best of hearty and creamy, making it an instant favorite for weeknights or cozy weekend dinners. The beef adds a savory depth, while the garlic parmesan sauce provides that irresistible cheesy bite. Whether you’re cooking for family or just indulging yourself, this meal feels like a warm hug in a bowl.

Why You’ll Love This Beef and Rotini in Garlic Parmesan Sauce

The combination of tender pasta and flavorful beef in a creamy sauce hits every craving. It’s satisfying without being overly heavy, and the ingredients are simple yet full of flavor. Plus, it comes together quickly, making it perfect for busy days when you still want a homemade meal.

What Cut of Beef Works Best for This Recipe?

Ground beef is the most convenient and blends seamlessly with the sauce, but you can also use thinly sliced sirloin or leftover roast beef for a more robust texture. The key is to choose a cut that stays tender and flavorful after cooking, complementing the smooth garlic parmesan sauce.

Ingredients for the Beef and Rotini in Garlic Parmesan Sauce

To make this dish shine, you’ll want fresh, quality ingredients that highlight the flavors of both the pasta and sauce. The beef brings hearty richness, the pasta holds onto every bit of creamy sauce, and the garlic-parmesan blend infuses it all with irresistible aroma.

  • Rotini pasta – The spiral shape is perfect for holding the creamy sauce.
  • Ground beef – Adds savory depth and richness to each bite.
  • Garlic cloves – Fresh garlic infuses the sauce with bold, aromatic flavor.
  • Parmesan cheese – Brings a nutty, salty creaminess to the sauce.
  • Heavy cream – Creates the luscious, velvety texture.
  • Olive oil – For sautĂ©ing the beef and garlic to perfection.
  • Salt – Enhances every element of the dish.
  • Black pepper – Adds a gentle warmth and spice.
  • Parsley – Freshly chopped for a pop of color and freshness.
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How To Make the Beef and Rotini in Garlic Parmesan Sauce

Step 1: Cook the Pasta

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the rotini pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve about a cup of pasta water, then drain.

Step 2: Brown the Beef

In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef, breaking it up with a spatula. Cook until browned and no longer pink, about 5-6 minutes. Season lightly with salt and pepper.

Step 3: Build the Sauce Base

Lower the heat to medium. Add minced garlic to the beef and cook for about 1 minute until fragrant. Pour in the heavy cream, stirring gently to combine.

Step 4: Add the Parmesan

Stir in the grated parmesan cheese, allowing it to melt into the cream. The sauce will begin to thicken into a silky consistency.

Step 5: Combine Pasta and Sauce

Add the drained rotini directly to the skillet with the beef and sauce. Toss to coat, adding reserved pasta water a little at a time if needed to loosen the sauce.

Step 6: Finish and Serve

Garnish with chopped parsley, a sprinkle of extra parmesan, and a touch of black pepper. Serve hot and enjoy every creamy, savory bite.

Serving and Storing Beef and Rotini in Garlic Parmesan Sauce

This recipe serves about 4 people generously, making it perfect for a family dinner or for meal prepping lunches. Serve it fresh off the stove for the best texture, as the sauce clings perfectly when warm.

If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave, adding a splash of milk or cream to revive the sauce’s silky texture.

What to Serve With Beef and Rotini in Garlic Parmesan Sauce?

Garlic Bread

Warm, buttery garlic bread makes a perfect side for mopping up the extra sauce.

Steamed Broccoli

A fresh, green balance to the richness of the pasta.

Caesar Salad

Crisp romaine, tangy dressing, and crunchy croutons add refreshing contrast.

Roasted Asparagus

Lightly roasted with olive oil, salt, and pepper for a bright and earthy flavor.

Caprese Salad

Tomatoes, fresh mozzarella, and basil drizzled with balsamic glaze for a cool complement.

Sautéed Spinach

Quickly wilted with olive oil and garlic for a nutrient-packed side.

Bruschetta

Toasted bread with fresh tomato topping that adds a bright, zesty bite.

Grilled Zucchini

Tender and slightly smoky, it pairs well with the creamy pasta.

Want More Pasta Dinner Ideas?

If this Beef and Rotini in Garlic Parmesan Sauce has you craving more pasta comfort food, you might love exploring some other hearty options:

Save This Recipe For Later

đŸ“Œ Save this recipe to your Pinterest dinner board so you can make it any time the craving hits.

And when you do, I’d love to hear how it turned out for you. Did you stick with ground beef or experiment with another cut? Did you toss in extra veggies? Let’s swap ideas and keep dinner exciting.

Explore beautifully curated comfort-food pasta dishes on Zoe Recipes on Pinterest and find your next favorite.

Conclusion

Beef and Rotini in Garlic Parmesan Sauce is everything you want in a quick, satisfying dinner – rich, creamy, and full of flavor. Whether it’s a weeknight rush or a weekend indulgence, this dish fits the bill. With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, it’s the kind of recipe you’ll keep coming back to.

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Beef and Rotini in Garlic Parmesan Sauce

Beef and Rotini in Garlic Parmesan Sauce


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  • Author: Zoe Adelson
  • Total Time: 30 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings

Description

Creamy beef and rotini in garlic parmesan sauce brings together tender pasta, savory ground beef, and a velvety garlic parmesan cream for the ultimate 30-minute comfort dinner. This easy pasta recipe is perfect for busy weeknights and picky eaters, delivering big flavor with simple ingredients like rotini, parmesan, garlic, and cream.


Ingredients

12 ounces rotini pasta

1 pound ground beef

1 tablespoon olive oil

4 cloves garlic, minced

1 cup heavy cream

1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese

1 teaspoon fine salt, plus more to taste

1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

1/2 cup pasta cooking water, as needed

2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley, for serving


Instructions

1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook rotini until al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup pasta water, then drain.

2. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium high. Add ground beef and cook, breaking it up, until browned and no longer pink, 5 to 6 minutes. Season with a pinch of salt and pepper.

3. Reduce heat to medium. Stir in minced garlic and cook 30 to 60 seconds until fragrant.

4. Pour in heavy cream and bring to a gentle simmer, stirring to combine with the beef.

5. Add Parmesan and stir until melted and the sauce turns silky. Season with 1 teaspoon salt and 1/2 teaspoon pepper, adjusting to taste.

6. Add drained rotini to the skillet and toss to coat, loosening the sauce with splashes of reserved pasta water as needed.

7. Remove from heat. Sprinkle with chopped parsley and extra Parmesan. Serve hot.

Notes

Use freshly grated Parmesan so it melts smoothly without clumping.

Salt your pasta water generously to season the pasta from the inside out.

If reheating leftovers, add a splash of milk or cream to bring the sauce back to life.

 

Brown the beef well for deeper flavor before adding cream.

Keep the sauce at a gentle simmer after cream goes in to prevent separating.

Reserve pasta water every time – its starch helps the sauce cling to the spirals.

  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 20 minutes
  • Category: Pasta, Dinner
  • Method: Stovetop
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 plate
  • Calories: 640
  • Sugar: 3 g
  • Sodium: 820 mg
  • Fat: 32 g
  • Saturated Fat: 16 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 13 g
  • Trans Fat: 0.5 g
  • Carbohydrates: 55 g
  • Fiber: 3 g
  • Protein: 32 g
  • Cholesterol: 115 mg

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