If you are looking for a comforting, creamy pasta dish that feels like a warm hug on a plate, this Beef and Rotini in Garlic Parmesan Sauce Recipe is your new best friend. Tender ground beef mingles perfectly with al dente rotini pasta, all enveloped in a rich, garlicky Parmesan sauce that’s both indulgent and satisfying. It’s a dish that comes together quickly, yet delivers layers of flavor that will have you coming back for seconds. I promise, once you try this recipe, it will become a staple in your weeknight dinner rotation!
Ingredients You’ll Need
Getting great results starts with simple, quality ingredients. Each one plays a key role in balancing flavor, texture, and freshness in this Beef and Rotini in Garlic Parmesan Sauce Recipe.
- 1 pound ground beef: Provides the hearty, savory base packed with protein and satisfying texture.
- 8 ounces rotini pasta: Its spiral shape holds onto the sauce beautifully for every bite.
- 3 cloves garlic, minced: Infuses the dish with that warm, aromatic depth you crave.
- 1 cup heavy cream: Creates a luxuriously creamy sauce that coats each ingredient perfectly.
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese: Adds a salty, nutty richness essential to this garlic Parmesan sauce.
- 2 tablespoons butter: Enhances the sauce with silky smoothness and a subtle richness.
- 1 teaspoon olive oil: Used to brown the beef, adding a fruity bite and helping to prevent sticking.
- 1/2 teaspoon salt: Balances all the flavors and ensures the dish isn’t bland.
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper: Adds a gentle heat that wakes up the taste buds.
- 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes: Gives just the right hint of spice without overpowering.
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley: Brightens the dish with a fresh, herbal touch and vibrant color.
How to Make Beef and Rotini in Garlic Parmesan Sauce Recipe
Step 1: Sear the Beef
Start by heating olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the ground beef, breaking it apart with a spatula. Cooking the beef until it’s nicely browned builds deep flavor that will make the sauce irresistible.
Step 2: Remove Excess Grease and Sauté Garlic
After the beef is cooked through, carefully remove any excess grease from the pan but leave a little behind to carry the garlic flavor. Add the minced garlic and sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant — this fragrant garlic is going to be the heart of the sauce.
Step 3: Build the Sauce
Reduce the heat to medium and toss in the butter, letting it melt smoothly into the beef and garlic mixture. Then, stir in the heavy cream, bringing it to a gentle simmer. This step is where the sauce starts to become decadently creamy and comforting.
Step 4: Add Parmesan and Seasonings
Once the cream is simmering lightly, mix in the grated Parmesan cheese. Stir until it melts into the sauce, forming a rich, velvety coating. Season with salt, black pepper, and crushed red pepper flakes, tasting as you go to find your perfect balance of flavors.
Step 5: Cook the Rotini
While your sauce is simmering away, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add rotini pasta and cook according to the package instructions until just al dente. This pasta shape is perfect for holding onto that thick, garlicky Parmesan sauce.
Step 6: Combine Pasta and Sauce
Drain the pasta well but save a small cup of pasta water in case the sauce needs loosening. Add the rotini straight into the skillet with your sauce, tossing gently to coat every spiral. If the sauce feels too thick, stir in a splash of the reserved pasta water for a luscious finish.
Step 7: Add Fresh Parsley and Serve
Finally, sprinkle in the chopped parsley, giving the dish a fresh burst of green color and a subtle herbaceous note. Serve right away for the best flavor, and feel free to add extra Parmesan or parsley on top for a beautiful presentation.
How to Serve Beef and Rotini in Garlic Parmesan Sauce Recipe
Garnishes
Elevate your plate with a few classic garnishes. A sprinkle of freshly grated Parmesan cheese adds an irresistible cheesy note, while additional chopped parsley brings that vibrant, fresh contrast. If you love a bit of heat, a dash of red pepper flakes from the shaker can add a playful kick.
Side Dishes
To complement the richness of this garlic Parmesan sauce, consider pairing the dish with a crisp green salad dressed in lemon vinaigrette or simple roasted vegetables like asparagus or broccoli. Garlic bread is another excellent choice, perfect for sopping up any leftover sauce on your plate.
Creative Ways to Present
For a dinner party or special occasion, serve this dish in rustic individual skillet pans or deep pasta bowls to showcase its creamy goodness. You can also arrange the pasta on a large platter, topped with fresh parsley and Parmesan shavings for a family-style feast where everyone can help themselves.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cooled, store leftovers of this Beef and Rotini in Garlic Parmesan Sauce Recipe in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They will keep well for up to 3 days without losing flavor or texture, making it a convenient option for quick lunches or dinners.
Freezing
This dish freezes nicely, too! Place cooled portions into freezer-safe containers or bags and freeze for up to 2 months. Just keep in mind the texture of cooked pasta can change slightly after freezing, so thaw gently in the fridge overnight before reheating.
Reheating
To reheat, warm the pasta gently in a skillet over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally. Add a splash of milk or broth to loosen the sauce if needed. Avoid microwaving for best texture and flavor retention.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of pasta for this recipe?
Absolutely! While rotini is great for holding sauce, you can substitute with penne, fusilli, or even farfalle. Just keep similar cooking times in mind to maintain that perfect al dente bite.
Is there a way to make this recipe lighter?
Yes! To lighten it up, swap heavy cream for half-and-half or whole milk, and use reduced-fat Parmesan cheese. The sauce will be less rich but still flavorful and delicious.
Can I add vegetables to this dish?
Definitely. Chopped spinach, mushrooms, or sun-dried tomatoes added while cooking the beef can boost both the nutrition and flavor complexity, making it even more satisfying.
How spicy is this Beef and Rotini in Garlic Parmesan Sauce Recipe?
The crushed red pepper flakes add a mild warmth, but you can adjust the quantity or omit them entirely depending on your tolerance for heat. It’s easy to customize!
Can I prepare this recipe ahead of time?
You can prep the sauce and cook the pasta in advance, storing them separately. When ready to eat, just reheat gently and combine. This makes weeknight dinners effortless!
Final Thoughts
This Beef and Rotini in Garlic Parmesan Sauce Recipe is pure comfort food magic that comes together easily but tastes like you spent hours in the kitchen. Its creamy, garlicky, cheesy goodness is perfect for sharing with family and friends or savoring on a cozy night in. Give it a try and watch it become one of your favorite go-to meals — I know it did for me!
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Beef and Rotini in Garlic Parmesan Sauce Recipe
- Prep Time: 0h 10m
- Cook Time: 0h 20m
- Total Time: 0h 30m
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Description
This comforting Beef and Rotini in Garlic Parmesan Sauce is a creamy, flavorful pasta dish perfect for a hearty dinner. Ground beef is browned and combined with a luscious garlic-infused Parmesan cream sauce, then tossed with perfectly cooked rotini pasta. Fresh parsley adds a pop of color and freshness, making this meal both satisfying and delicious.
Ingredients
Meat and Pasta
- 1 pound ground beef
- 8 ounces rotini pasta
Sauce and Seasonings
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1 teaspoon olive oil
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
Instructions
- Heat the Skillet: Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat and add the olive oil to prepare for cooking the beef.
- Cook the Ground Beef: Once the oil is hot, add the ground beef to the skillet. Break it up with a spatula as it cooks to ensure even browning.
- Brown the Beef: Cook the beef entirely through until browned, about 6-8 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent clumping.
- Remove Excess Grease: Carefully drain or spoon out most of the grease, leaving a small amount to help sauté the garlic.
- Sauté Garlic: Add the minced garlic to the skillet and cook for 1-2 minutes, stirring frequently, until fragrant but not browned.
- Add Butter: Reduce heat to medium and add the butter, letting it melt and combine with the beef and garlic flavors.
- Add Heavy Cream: Pour in the heavy cream and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, allowing the cream to warm through.
- Incorporate Parmesan Cheese: Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese until melted, creating a smooth and creamy sauce.
- Season Sauce: Add salt, black pepper, and crushed red pepper flakes to taste and adjust seasoning as desired.
- Cook Pasta: In a separate large pot, bring salted water to a boil. Add the rotini pasta and cook according to package directions, about 9-11 minutes, until al dente.
- Drain Pasta: Drain the cooked pasta, reserving a small cup of the pasta water in case it is needed to adjust the sauce consistency later.
- Toss Pasta with Sauce: Add the drained rotini directly into the skillet with the sauce and gently toss to combine thoroughly.
- Adjust Sauce Consistency: If the sauce is too thick, stir in a small amount of the reserved pasta water until desired creaminess is achieved.
- Add Fresh Parsley: Stir in the chopped fresh parsley for a burst of color and fresh flavor.
- Serve: Serve immediately, garnished with extra Parmesan cheese or additional parsley if preferred for an elegant finish.
Notes
- Use freshly grated Parmesan cheese for the best flavor and smoother sauce texture.
- Reserve pasta water to adjust sauce consistency if it thickens too much when combined with pasta.
- Feel free to add vegetables like spinach or mushrooms for added nutrition and flavor.
- Adjust crushed red pepper flakes according to your desired spice level.
- For a lighter version, use half-and-half instead of heavy cream, though the sauce will be less rich.
