If you are craving a comforting, flavorful meal that comes together in just about 30 minutes, you’re going to love this Beef Rotini with Garlic Parmesan Sauce Recipe. It combines tender ground beef, perfectly al dente rotini pasta, and a luscious garlic Parmesan sauce that is rich and creamy. This dish is the perfect balance of hearty meatiness and velvety sauce, all enhanced by the subtle punch of garlic and Italian herbs, making it a weeknight dinner hero that tastes like it took hours to prepare.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This recipe calls for simple yet essential ingredients that each play a vital role in building layers of flavor, texture, and appetizing color. From the savory beef to the sharp Parmesan, every component elevates the dish beautifully.
- 1 pound ground beef: Provides hearty flavor and protein, making the dish filling and satisfying.
- 12 ounces rotini pasta: The spirals hold onto the sauce, ensuring every bite is deliciously coated.
- 4 cloves garlic, minced: Adds pungent, aromatic depth that infuses the sauce with savory richness.
- 1 cup heavy cream: Creates a silky, luscious base for the sauce, giving it that irresistible creaminess.
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese: Brings a nutty, sharp bite that makes the sauce savory and indulgent.
- 2 tablespoons olive oil: Perfect for browning the beef and enhancing the garlic’s flavor.
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning: Adds a fragrant blend of herbs to round out the flavor profile.
- Salt and pepper to taste: Essential for balancing and highlighting all the flavors.
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish): Brightens the dish visually and adds a fresh, herbal note.
How to Make Beef Rotini with Garlic Parmesan Sauce Recipe
Step 1: Cook the Rotini Pasta
Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a roaring boil. Adding a generous pinch of salt not only seasons the pasta but also enhances its texture. Once boiling, add the rotini and stir gently so the spirals don’t stick together. Cook according to package instructions for an al dente finish, usually about 8 to 10 minutes. Don’t forget to reserve a cup of pasta water before draining — it’s the secret to getting your sauce just right!
Step 2: Brown the Ground Beef
While the pasta is cooking, heat up olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the ground beef, breaking it up with a wooden spoon so it cooks evenly. Sprinkle in salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning to build that warm, herbaceous base flavor. Cook the beef until nicely browned and no longer pink, about 5 to 7 minutes. This step infuses the dish with rich meaty goodness you’ll love.
Step 3: Sauté the Garlic
Lower the heat slightly and stir in the minced garlic, cooking for another minute or two. The garlic will soften and become fragrant without burning, releasing its irresistible aroma that forms the flavor heart of your sauce.
Step 4: Create the Creamy Sauce
Turn the heat to low and slowly pour in the heavy cream, stirring constantly to combine it with the beef and garlic. This gradual blending helps the cream thicken gently without curdling. Next, sprinkle in the grated Parmesan cheese and stir until it melts completely into a smooth, velvety sauce. If it feels too thick, add the reserved pasta water a little at a time to achieve that perfect creamy consistency.
Step 5: Finish and Toss Pasta
Give your sauce a quick taste and adjust with extra salt, pepper, or a pinch of red pepper flakes if you want a bit of heat. Toss the drained rotini directly into the skillet with the sauce, mixing thoroughly to coat every delicious twist. A touch more pasta water can be added now if you’d like the sauce a bit looser. Once everything is mingled together perfectly, remove from heat and get ready to serve.
How to Serve Beef Rotini with Garlic Parmesan Sauce Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of fresh parsley on top is an easy way to brighten the dish and add a burst of color. The fresh herb contrast also complements the creamy, savory sauce wonderfully. For an extra touch, a little extra Parmesan grated on top never hurts!
Side Dishes
This Beef Rotini with Garlic Parmesan Sauce Recipe pairs beautifully with a crisp green salad dressed in a tangy vinaigrette, which cuts through the richness of the pasta. Garlic bread or crusty Italian bread is also fantastic for soaking up every last bit of sauce.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve this dish in individual shallow bowls topped with a small sprig of fresh parsley or basil leaves. You can also elevate it by adding a handful of roasted cherry tomatoes or crispy pancetta crumbles for extra texture and bursts of flavor.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you happen to have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors develop even more after a day, making it great for next-day lunches or quick dinners.
Freezing
This dish freezes well if you want to prep in advance. Place cooled portions into freezer-safe containers or bags and freeze for up to 2 months. Just be aware the texture of the cream sauce might slightly change, so reheating gently is key.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers gently in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of cream or pasta water to refresh the sauce’s creamy texture. Avoid high heat to prevent the sauce from separating.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of pasta for this Beef Rotini with Garlic Parmesan Sauce Recipe?
Absolutely! While rotini’s spirals are perfect for holding onto the sauce, you can substitute penne, fusilli, or even farfalle. Just stick to similar cooking times for al dente results.
Is it possible to make this recipe without heavy cream?
You can try substituting with half-and-half or whole milk combined with a bit of flour as a thickener, but the sauce won’t be quite as rich and creamy as the original heavy cream version.
How can I add some vegetables to this dish?
Great idea! Sautéed spinach, mushrooms, or roasted red peppers stirred in during the last few minutes of cooking complement both the beef and the creamy sauce perfectly.
Can I prepare the sauce ahead of time?
You can make the sauce a few hours ahead and refrigerate it, but the fresh garlic flavor is best when added just before serving. Simply rewarm gently and toss the cooked pasta in before serving.
What wine pairs well with Beef Rotini with Garlic Parmesan Sauce Recipe?
A medium-bodied red like a Chianti or Merlot works beautifully with this dish, as the acidity and fruitiness balance the creamy, cheesy richness wonderfully.
Final Thoughts
This Beef Rotini with Garlic Parmesan Sauce Recipe is one of those dishes that feels like a warm hug on a plate—comforting, flavorful, and made with love. It’s simple enough for a busy weeknight but impressive enough to serve to friends or family. Give it a try and watch it quickly become one of your go-to favorites in the kitchen!
Print
Beef Rotini with Garlic Parmesan Sauce Recipe
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Description
This Beef Rotini with Garlic Parmesan Sauce is a creamy, flavorful pasta recipe perfect for a quick and satisfying meal. Ground beef is browned with garlic and Italian seasonings, then simmered in a rich Parmesan cream sauce. Tossed with al dente rotini pasta and garnished with fresh parsley, this dish combines comforting flavors and easy preparation for a delicious dinner in just 30 minutes.
Ingredients
Meat and Pasta
- 1 pound ground beef
- 12 ounces rotini pasta
Sauce
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
Garnish
- Fresh parsley, chopped
Instructions
- Boil Pasta: Fill a large pot with water, add a generous pinch of salt, and bring to a rolling boil over high heat.
- Cook Rotini: Add the rotini pasta to the boiling water. Stir gently to prevent sticking and cook according to package instructions (about 8-10 minutes) until al dente.
- Drain and Reserve Pasta Water: Reserve about 1 cup of pasta water, then drain the pasta in a colander and set aside.
- Heat Olive Oil: In a large skillet, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat for about a minute.
- Cook Ground Beef: Add the ground beef to the skillet, breaking it apart with a wooden spoon. Season with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. Cook for 5-7 minutes until browned and cooked through.
- Add Garlic: Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
- Add Cream: Reduce heat to low and slowly pour in the heavy cream, stirring to combine with the beef and garlic.
- Melt Parmesan: Gradually stir in the grated Parmesan cheese until melted and the sauce is creamy. Adjust thickness with reserved pasta water if needed.
- Season Sauce: Taste and adjust seasoning with more salt and pepper, and add red pepper flakes for a kick if desired.
- Toss Pasta with Sauce: Toss the drained rotini pasta into the skillet, mixing until well coated with the sauce.
- Adjust Consistency: If the sauce is too thick, add more reserved pasta water, a tablespoon at a time, until desired creaminess is achieved.
- Garnish and Serve: Remove from heat and serve in bowls, garnished with freshly chopped parsley.
Notes
- Reserve pasta water to help adjust the sauce consistency without diluting flavor.
- Use freshly grated Parmesan for the best taste and creaminess.
- Optional: Add red pepper flakes for a subtle heat boost.
- Cook pasta just until al dente to avoid mushy texture after tossing with sauce.
- Fresh parsley adds a bright, fresh finish to the dish.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian-American
