Creamy Beef And Rotini In Garlic Parmesan Sauce Recipe

Hearty Beef and Rotini in Garlic Parmesan Sauce Recipe

Whipping up a hearty beef and rotini in garlic parmesan sauce promises pure comfort on a chilly evening.

Pasta lovers rejoice as this simple yet decadent dish comes together with minimal effort.

Rich, creamy sauce coats tender meat and perfectly al dente noodles in a symphony of flavors.

parmesan cheese adds a sharp, nutty dimension that elevates every single bite.

Home cooks appreciate how quickly this meal satisfies hungry crowds without complicated techniques.

Robust ingredients blend seamlessly, creating a restaurant-quality experience right in your kitchen.

You’ll want to savor each delicious forkful of this irresistible pasta masterpiece.

Tips for Beef and Rotini in Garlic Parmesan Sauce

  • Use freshly grated Parmesan cheese for a richer, more intense flavor that melts smoothly into the sauce.
  • Opt for lean ground beef to reduce excess fat and create a lighter dish without compromising taste.
  • Let the sauce simmer gently to allow flavors to meld and develop a creamy, luxurious consistency.
  • Consider adding sautéed mushrooms or spinach for extra nutrition and depth of flavor.
  • If watching calories, substitute half-and-half for heavy cream and use less butter for a lighter version.

Flavor Variations for Beef and Rotini in Garlic Parmesan Sauce

  • Vegetarian Pasta Delight: Replace ground beef with plant-based crumbles or diced mushrooms for a meatless version that maintains rich flavors.
  • Gluten-Free Option: Swap rotini with gluten-free pasta made from rice, corn, or quinoa to accommodate dietary restrictions without compromising taste.
  • Spicy Southwestern Remix: Add diced green chilies, cumin, and red pepper flakes to transform the sauce with a zesty, southwestern-inspired profile.
  • Light Cream Alternative: Use Greek yogurt or half-and-half instead of heavy cream to create a lighter, lower-calorie version of the creamy sauce.

Serving Suggestions for Beef and Rotini in Garlic Parmesan Sauce

  • Family Comfort Meal Night: Create a cozy dinner experience by serving this hearty pasta dish with soft dinner rolls and a crisp green salad to balance the rich, creamy sauce.
  • Italian Feast Style: Plate the beef rotini on a large rustic platter, sprinkle extra Parmesan cheese on top, and add fresh basil leaves for an authentic restaurant-style presentation that invites family and guests to serve themselves.
  • Meal Prep Champion: Pack individual portions in sealed containers for quick lunches or dinners during busy weekdays, ensuring a delicious, protein-packed meal that reheats perfectly and maintains its creamy texture.
  • Weeknight Entertaining Trick: Set up a self-serve pasta station with the beef rotini as the main dish, offering additional garnishes like red pepper flakes, extra grated Parmesan, and chopped herbs so guests can customize their plates.

Storing Beef and Rotini in Garlic Parmesan Sauce

  • Store leftover beef and rotini in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
  • Cool the dish completely before transferring to storage containers to prevent bacterial growth.
  • Separate sauce and pasta if possible to maintain better texture when reheating.
  • Place in sealed glass or plastic containers with tight-fitting lids.
  • Label containers with the date of cooking to track freshness.
  • Microwave: Place in microwave-safe dish, add splash of beef broth, cover, and heat for 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway through.
  • Stovetop: Warm in skillet over medium-low heat, adding small amount of broth to prevent drying, stir frequently until heated evenly.

FAQs

  • Is this dish kid-friendly?

Yes, the mild flavors of garlic, Parmesan, and beef make this pasta appealing to children, and the creamy sauce adds extra comfort.

  • Can I use a different type of pasta?

Absolutely! While rotini works great, you can substitute with penne, fusilli, or any short pasta shape that holds sauce well.

  • What if I want to make this dish lighter?

Replace heavy cream with half-and-half or whole milk, and use lean ground beef to reduce overall calories and fat content.

  • Is this recipe suitable for meal prep?

Definitely. This dish reheats well and can be stored in the refrigerator for 3-4 days, making it perfect for preparing ahead of time.

Beef and Rotini in Garlic Parmesan Sauce Recipe Breakdown

  • Savor Speedy Comfort: Craft a delicious meal in less than 30 minutes, perfect for busy weeknights when hunger strikes and time is short.
  • Master One-Pot Wonder: Prepare the entire dish in a single skillet, minimizing cleanup and making cooking a breeze for home chefs of all skill levels.
  • Crowd-Pleasing Flavor Explosion: Combine creamy Parmesan sauce, hearty ground beef, and tender rotini for a universally loved meal that satisfies both kids and adults with its rich, comforting taste.
  • Customize Your Culinary Creation: Easily adapt the recipe by swapping ground beef for ground turkey, adding extra vegetables, or adjusting seasonings to match your family's preferences.

Ingredients Checklist for Beef and Rotini in Garlic Parmesan Sauce

Main Protein:
  • Ground Beef: Lean meat that adds rich flavor and protein to the dish.
Pasta:
  • Rotini: Spiral-shaped pasta that holds sauce well and provides a fun texture.
Sauce Ingredients:
  • Olive Oil, Beef Broth, Heavy Cream: Creates a creamy and flavorful base for the sauce.
  • Parmesan Cheese: Adds a sharp, salty depth to the sauce.
Aromatics and Seasonings:
  • Garlic, Italian Seasoning, Salt, Black Pepper: Provides layers of aromatic and savory flavor.
Finishing Touches:
  • Butter, Fresh Parsley: Adds richness and a fresh herb garnish to complete the dish.

Step-By-Step Beef and Rotini in Garlic Parmesan Sauce

Step 1: Boil Rotini Pasta

Cook the rotini pasta following the package directions. Once tender, drain the water and set the pasta aside, ready for the next stage of the recipe.

Step 2: Brown Ground Beef

Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add ground beef and cook thoroughly until it turns a rich brown color.

Drain away any excess fat to keep the dish light and flavorful.

Step 3: Awaken The Garlic

Introduce minced garlic to the skillet and sauté for about a minute, allowing its aromatic essence to fill the kitchen with a tantalizing fragrance.

Step 4: Create Creamy Sauce Base

Pour in:
  • Beef broth
  • Heavy cream

Stir the liquids together, creating a luxurious foundation for the sauce.

Step 5: Season And Simmer

Add seasonings to enhance the sauce:
  • Parmesan cheese
  • Italian seasoning
  • Salt
  • Black pepper

Let the mixture simmer for approximately 5 minutes until the sauce develops a rich, thick consistency.

Step 6: Incorporate Pasta And Butter

Stir in butter and fold the cooked rotini into the sauce, ensuring every pasta piece is generously coated with the creamy, savory mixture.

Step 7: Finish And Serve

Sprinkle chopped parsley over the top for a fresh, vibrant touch.

Serve the dish warm, inviting everyone to enjoy this comforting meal.

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Creamy Beef And Rotini In Garlic Parmesan Sauce Recipe

Creamy Beef And Rotini In Garlic Parmesan Sauce Recipe


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4.6 from 30 reviews

  • Total Time: 25 minutes
  • Yield: 4 1x

Description

Classic beef and rotini in garlic parmesan sauce brings hearty Italian-American comfort to dinner tables. Creamy parmesan coats tender pasta and seasoned ground beef, creating a satisfying meal home cooks will savor.


Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients:

  • 1 pound ground beef
  • 12 ounces (340 grams) rotini pasta
  • 1 cup (240 ml) heavy cream

Sauce and Cheese:

  • 1 cup (100 grams) grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1 cup (240 ml) beef broth
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tablespoon butter
  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning

Seasonings and Optional Garnish:

  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1/4 cup (15 grams) chopped parsley (optional)

Instructions

  1. Cook rotini in salted boiling water for 8-10 minutes until al dente, then drain thoroughly and set aside.
  2. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat, then brown ground beef completely, carefully draining any excess fat.
  3. Reduce heat to medium and add minced garlic, sautéing for 45-60 seconds until aromatic without burning.
  4. Pour beef broth and heavy cream into the skillet, whisking gently to create a smooth liquid base.
  5. Incorporate Parmesan cheese, Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper, stirring continuously to prevent clumping.
  6. Allow sauce to simmer for 4-5 minutes, stirring occasionally until it thickens and develops a rich, creamy consistency.
  7. Fold in unsalted butter until completely melted and integrated into the sauce.
  8. Add cooked rotini to the skillet, tossing gently to ensure each pasta strand is evenly coated with the garlic Parmesan sauce.
  9. Remove from heat and sprinkle freshly chopped parsley over the top for a vibrant garnish.
  10. Serve immediately while hot, presenting the dish with an extra dusting of Parmesan cheese if desired.

Notes

  • Choose whole wheat or gluten-free rotini for healthier or dietary-specific alternatives without compromising texture.
  • Swap ground beef with ground turkey, chicken, or plant-based crumbles for lighter protein options.
  • If sauce seems too thick, gradually add extra beef broth to reach desired creaminess without losing flavor intensity.
  • Fresh herbs like basil or thyme can elevate the dish’s aromatic profile and add unexpected depth to the garlic Parmesan sauce.
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 15 minutes
  • Category: Lunch, Dinner
  • Method: Sautéing
  • Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 4
  • Calories: 655 kcal
  • Sugar: 1 g
  • Sodium: 3870 mg
  • Fat: 45 g
  • Saturated Fat: 20 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 22 g
  • Trans Fat: 1 g
  • Carbohydrates: 31 g
  • Fiber: 2 g
  • Protein: 38 g
  • Cholesterol: 120 mg
John Conley

John Conley

Founder & Culinary Storyteller

Expertise

Recipe Development, Culinary Writing, Home Cooking Techniques, Seasonal Ingredient Utilization​

Education

Lane Community College, Eugene, OR
​Certificate in Culinary Arts
Focused on foundational cooking techniques, kitchen safety, and menu planning.

​Gotham Writers Workshop, New York, NY
Course in Food Writing
Explored the art of crafting engaging culinary narratives and recipe development.


John grew up where food meant connection: big bowls, warm kitchens, and meals that told a story. After earning his Certificate in Culinary Arts from Lane Community College and diving deep into food writing at Gotham Writers Workshop, he found his calling: turning everyday recipes into something worth savoring.
At The Liffey, John’s focus is all about crafting dishes that feel easy, honest, and full of heart.

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