If you’re hankering for a meal that seamlessly blends comfort and flair, let me introduce you to Beef and Rotini in Garlic Parmesan Sauce. This skillet dinner is fast, creamy, and bursting with cozy flavors. Picture tender rotini pasta soaking up a luscious garlic parmesan sauce, all wrapped around juicy bites of ground beef and a touch of heat from optional red pepper flakes. It’s a weeknight winner that tastes like something straight out of your favorite local bistro, but it’s so easy to whip up at home!

Ingredients You’ll Need

Beef and Rotini in Garlic Parmesan Sauce Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

Each ingredient in Beef and Rotini in Garlic Parmesan Sauce brings a special something to the table: the pasta adds comforting heartiness, while the garlic parmesan sauce delivers serious flavor. There aren’t any fussy extras here—just honest pantry staples and a few fresh touches that transform into something unforgettable.

Rotini Pasta: Its corkscrew shape expertly grabs onto every drop of sauce for maximum flavor in every bite.
Ground Beef: Opt for 80/20 or 85/15 to keep things juicy without excess grease.
Olive Oil: Helps brown the beef evenly and imparts a subtle richness.
Fresh Garlic (minced): The more, the merrier! Garlic is the backbone of this sauce, adding that signature aroma.
All-Purpose Flour: Just a touch thickens the sauce without making it heavy.
Beef Broth: Deepens the savory notes and brings everything together.
Heavy Cream: For the ultimate creamy texture and a luxurious finish.
Grated Parmesan Cheese: Adds depth, nuttiness, and a salty bite that defines the dish.
Salt: Just enough to enhance every other flavor—taste as you go!
Black Pepper: A dash gives gentle heat and brightness.
Red Pepper Flakes (optional): A sprinkle brings a playful zing if you love a little extra warmth.
Fresh Parsley (for garnish): Adds color and a final burst of freshness.

How to Make Beef and Rotini in Garlic Parmesan Sauce

Step 1: Boil the Rotini

Start by cooking the rotini pasta in a big pot of well-salted boiling water. Salt actually seasons your noodles from the inside out, and you’ll want to cook them just to al dente—firm but not crunchy—since they’ll soak up more sauce later. Drain and set aside, but don’t worry if a little pasta water clings to them. It will help everything come together beautifully.

Step 2: Brown the Beef

In a large skillet over medium-high heat, pour in the olive oil and swirl it to coat the pan. Add the ground beef, breaking it up as it cooks. You’re looking for deeply browned, crumbly beef here—those little caramelized bits at the bottom bring the flavor! If your beef renders a lot of fat, go ahead and drain some off so the sauce doesn’t end up greasy.

Step 3: Sauté the Garlic

Once your beef is browned, toss in your minced garlic. Let it sizzle for about a minute, just until it smells absolutely irresistible. This stage infuses every bite of Beef and Rotini in Garlic Parmesan Sauce with the garlic-rich aroma that makes this dish so memorable.

Step 4: Build the Sauce

Sprinkle flour evenly over the beef and quickly stir to coat—this is your ticket to a silky, thickened sauce. Slowly pour in your beef broth while continuing to stir, scraping up any tasty bits from the pan. Add the heavy cream and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. Let it bubble for about 4 to 5 minutes to thicken up and become deliciously glossy.

Step 5: Add Parm and Seasonings

Now for the best part—sprinkling in the freshly grated Parmesan! Stir until you’re left with a smooth, creamy sauce, then season with salt, black pepper, and a pinch of red pepper flakes if you want some heat. Tasting as you go is crucial here—the Parmesan can be salty, so adjust gently to preference.

Step 6: Toss in the Rotini

Take your drained rotini and toss it right into the skillet, swirling it around so every curly piece is drenched in that savory, garlicky parmesan sauce. If the sauce is a little thick, stir in a splash of reserved pasta water to loosen things up. Let it heat through, and you’re ready to eat!

How to Serve Beef and Rotini in Garlic Parmesan Sauce

Garnishes

Nothing finishes Beef and Rotini in Garlic Parmesan Sauce quite like a generous handful of fresh chopped parsley. It pops visually and adds a gentle herby lift. Sprinkle more grated Parmesan for an irresistible cheesy top layer, or add a dusting of extra black pepper for a final kick.

Side Dishes

This dish is hearty enough to star on its own, but simple sides make the meal feel like a feast. A crisp green salad with tangy vinaigrette or some roasted broccoli brings a lovely balance. You can’t go wrong with warm, crusty bread for mopping up every bit of creamy sauce either!

Creative Ways to Present

For a more dramatic dinner, spoon Beef and Rotini in Garlic Parmesan Sauce into individual pasta bowls, twirling the rotini neatly with tongs. Top with microgreens or edible flowers for a restaurant-worthy look, or serve family style in a big dish so everyone can help themselves—it’s comfort food, after all!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you find yourself with extra Beef and Rotini in Garlic Parmesan Sauce, let it cool to room temperature first. Transfer to an airtight container, and it’ll keep well in the refrigerator for up to three days without losing its signature creaminess.

Freezing

While the sauce is rich and creamy, Beef and Rotini in Garlic Parmesan Sauce actually freezes fairly well! Portion it into freezer-safe containers for up to two months. Just know the texture of the sauce may change slightly after thawing, but a quick stir brings it back to life.

Reheating

For best results, reheat gently in a skillet over medium-low heat, adding a splash of beef broth or cream to loosen the sauce as needed. You can also microwave leftovers in short bursts, stirring in between, until steaming hot and silky again.

FAQs

Can I use another type Main Course

Absolutely! While rotini is fantastic at holding onto the garlic parmesan sauce, other short pastas like penne or fusilli work beautifully. Just aim for noodles with some texture to cradle the creamy blend.

Can I substitute ground turkey or chicken for beef?

You sure can! Both ground turkey and chicken make tasty, lighter alternatives. You might want to add a pinch more seasoning or a splash of extra beef broth to boost the savory notes, but the sauce works equally well.

Is it possible to make this dish gluten-free?

Yes! Just swap in your favorite gluten-free rotini and use a gluten-free flour blend to thicken the sauce. Everything else in Beef and Rotini in Garlic Parmesan Sauce is naturally gluten-free, so you won’t miss out on any flavor.

What vegetables go well with this recipe?

Steamed broccoli, sautéed spinach, or mushrooms make excellent mix-ins for color and nutrition. Stir them in with the pasta for a complete meal in one pan, or serve on the side for a bit of crunch and freshness.

Can I prep this in advance for meal prep?

Definitely! Make a big batch of Beef and Rotini in Garlic Parmesan Sauce and portion into containers for quick lunches. Consider keeping the pasta and sauce separate if you want to avoid extra-soft noodles, then combine just before reheating.

Final Thoughts

Beef and Rotini in Garlic Parmesan Sauce is one of those rare recipes that brings everyone to the table, eager and excited. It’s creamy, savory, and oh-so-satisfying—exactly the sort of meal you’ll look forward to again and again. Try it for dinner this week, and watch it become a new favorite in your kitchen!

Beef and Rotini in Garlic Parmesan Sauce Recipe

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4.8 from 8 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 30 minutes
Yield: 6 servings 1x
Diet: Non-Vegetarian

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Description

Indulge in this creamy and flavorful Beef and Rotini in Garlic Parmesan Sauce recipe. Perfect for a cozy night in, this dish combines tender rotini pasta with seasoned ground beef in a rich Parmesan sauce. Easy to make and delicious to eat!

Ingredients

Scale

Pasta:

12 oz rotini pasta

Beef Mixture:

1 lb ground beef
1 tablespoon olive oil
4 cloves garlic (minced)
2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
2 cups beef broth
1 cup heavy cream
1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)

Garnish:

2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley

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Instructions

Cook the Rotini: Boil rotini pasta in salted water, then drain and set aside.
Sear the Beef: In a skillet, cook ground beef with olive oil until browned. Add minced garlic.
Make the Sauce: Sprinkle flour over beef, then add broth and heavy cream. Simmer until thickened.
Finish the Dish: Stir in Parmesan cheese, season with salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes. Toss cooked rotini in the sauce.
Serve: Garnish with parsley and extra Parmesan before serving.