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
Scale
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.
