Creamy Beef and Rotini in Garlic Parmesan Sauce Recipe

Creamy garlic parmesan sauce drapes perfectly over tender beef and rotini, creating a mouthwatering pasta dish that speaks pure comfort.

Rich flavors meld together in this simple yet spectacular recipe.

Weeknight dinners demand something quick and delicious like this hearty meal.

Each bite promises a delightful blend of savory beef and al dente pasta.

Parmesan cheese adds a luxurious depth that makes the sauce sing with flavor.

The combination of ingredients transforms an ordinary dinner into something extraordinary.

How to Make Garlic Parmesan Beef Rotini

Step 1: Boil the Pasta

Fill a large pot with water and add a generous pinch of salt.

Toss in rotini pasta and cook until perfectly tender.

Before draining, scoop out a cup of pasta water for later magic.

Set cooked pasta aside.

Step 2: Transform the Beef

Heat a skillet with olive oil over medium-high flame.

Crumble ground beef into the pan, breaking it into small pieces.

Cook the beef until it turns a rich golden brown and loses all pink color.

Drain any excess fat to keep things light.

Step 3: Awaken the Garlic

Lower the skillet temperature and sprinkle minced garlic into the pan.

Stir quickly for about 60 seconds until the kitchen fills with an irresistible aroma.

Watch carefully to prevent burning.

Step 4: Craft the Creamy Base

Dust flour evenly across the beef and garlic mixture.

Slowly pour milk while whisking continuously to create a silky smooth sauce.

Let the mixture simmer gently, allowing it to thicken and develop deep flavors.

Step 5: Cheese It Up

• Parmesan cheese
• Italian seasoning
• Salt
• Black pepper

Stir until the cheese melts completely, creating a luxurious sauce that coats everything beautifully.

Step 6: Unite Pasta and Sauce

Fold the cooked rotini into the creamy mixture.

Toss until every pasta spiral is generously covered.

If the sauce seems too thick, splash in reserved pasta water, one tablespoon at a time, until it reaches perfect consistency.

Step 7: Final Flourish

Sprinkle fresh chopped parsley across the top for a burst of color and freshness.

Serve piping hot and watch everyone dive in with excitement.

Pro Tips for Rich and Creamy Rotini Pasta

• Watch the rotini closely while boiling and test for al dente texture by tasting a piece – it should have a slight firmness at the center.
• Reserve pasta water as a secret weapon to adjust sauce consistency, adding small amounts to thin or smooth out the sauce without losing flavor.
• Drain excess fat after browning ground beef to keep the dish lighter and prevent an overly greasy final result.
• Sauté minced garlic briefly to release its aromatic oils without burning, which can create a bitter taste in the sauce.
• Remove skillet from direct heat when adding Parmesan to help it melt smoothly and prevent potential separation or graininess.

How to Store and Reheat Beef Parmesan Pasta

• Transfer leftover beef and rotini to an airtight container, sealing tightly to preserve freshness. Store in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
• Pour cooled pasta into freezer-safe containers, leaving slight space for expansion. Freeze for maximum 2 months, preventing potential sauce separation.
• Warm pasta in a skillet over medium-low heat, adding splash of milk or reserved pasta water to restore creamy texture. Stir gently to prevent sticking and ensure even heating.
• Place portion in microwave-safe dish, cover with damp paper towel to maintain moisture. Heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each to distribute heat evenly and prevent dryness.

What to Serve With Garlic Parmesan Rotini

• Pair with Bold Red Wine: Choose a robust Cabernet Sauvignon or Chianti that complements the rich, meaty flavors of the garlic Parmesan beef dish. The wine's tannins will cut through the creamy sauce and enhance the overall taste experience.
• Serve with Crisp Green Salad: Prepare a light arugula salad with lemon vinaigrette to balance the heaviness of the pasta. The peppery greens and tangy dressing will provide a refreshing contrast to the creamy, savory main course.
• Complement with Garlic Bread: Toast crusty Italian bread rubbed with garlic and olive oil as a perfect side. The bread will soak up the delicious sauce and provide an additional layer of garlicky goodness to the meal.
• Add Roasted Vegetables: Toss some roasted Brussels sprouts or asparagus on the side to introduce a healthy, caramelized element. The vegetables' slight char and earthiness will round out the dish's rich, creamy profile.

Pasta Style Twists to Try With Garlic Parmesan Sauce

• Gluten-Free Friendly: Swap regular rotini with gluten-free pasta and use cornstarch instead of flour to thicken the sauce. Ensure all ingredients are certified gluten-free for safe consumption.
• Low-Carb Alternative: Replace rotini with spiralized zucchini noodles or cauliflower rice. Use heavy cream instead of milk and increase Parmesan cheese for a richer sauce that maintains ketogenic diet requirements.
• Vegetarian Version: Substitute ground beef with plant-based meat crumbles or crumbled firm tofu. Add extra mushrooms or lentils for protein and texture while keeping the garlic Parmesan sauce intact.
• Dairy-Free Option: Use nutritional yeast instead of Parmesan cheese and replace milk with unsweetened almond milk or coconut milk. Select a dairy-free butter alternative for cooking to maintain creamy consistency.

FAQs

• What makes the garlic Parmesan sauce creamy?

The sauce gets its creaminess from milk and Parmesan cheese. The flour helps thicken the sauce, creating a smooth, velvety texture that coats the pasta and beef perfectly.

• Can I use a different type of pasta?

Absolutely! While rotini works great because its twists hold the sauce well, you can substitute with other short pasta like penne, fusilli, or shells. Just ensure you cook the pasta al dente.

• Is this recipe good for meal prep?

Yes, this dish reheats well. Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3-4 days. When reheating, add a splash of milk to restore the sauce’s creamy consistency.

• How can I make this dish healthier?

Use lean ground beef, opt for low-fat milk, and add extra vegetables like spinach or bell peppers to increase nutritional value. You can also use whole wheat pasta for added fiber.

What Makes Garlic Parmesan Rotini So Comforting

• Whip Up Family Comfort: This beef and rotini dish delivers pure home-style deliciousness that everyone will love.
• Quick and Easy Cooking: Prepare a satisfying meal in just a few simple steps, perfect for busy weeknights when you need something delectable without complicated techniques.
• Versatile Flavor Profile: Blend rich Parmesan cheese, tender ground beef, and aromatic garlic into a creamy sauce that transforms ordinary pasta into an extraordinary dining experience.
• Budget-Friendly Crowd-Pleaser: Use affordable ingredients to create a hearty meal that stretches your grocery budget while providing maximum satisfaction for the whole family.

Ingredients for Beef and Rotini in Creamy Sauce

• Ground Beef: A hearty and flavorful base for the dish.

• Rotini: A fun, spiral-shaped pasta that holds sauce beautifully.

• Milk, Parmesan Cheese: Creamy ingredients that create a rich, smooth sauce.

• Garlic, Italian Seasoning, Salt, Pepper: Flavor-packed ingredients that add depth and character.

• Parsley: A fresh, green garnish that brightens the final dish.

• Olive Oil, Butter: Versatile cooking mediums that add richness.

• Flour: A key ingredient for creating a smooth, creamy sauce.

Beef And Rotini In Garlic Parmesan Sauce Recipe

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4.8 from 29 reviews

• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Succulent beef and rotini dance in a luxurious garlic parmesan sauce, creating a comforting Italian-inspired meal. Rich flavors meld perfectly, inviting you to savor each delectable forkful of this hearty dinner classic.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Protein:

• 1 pound ground beef
• 3 cloves garlic, minced

Pasta and Base Ingredients:

• 1/2 ounces (14 grams) rotini pasta
• 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 2 cups milk
• 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 2 tablespoons olive oil or butter
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• Salt to taste
• Pepper to taste

Optional Garnish:

• Fresh parsley, chopped
• Water for boiling
• Salt for pasta water

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Instructions

1. Fill a generously sized pot with salted water and bring to a rolling boil. Submerge rotini and cook until tender, typically 9-11 minutes. Extract and preserve one cup of pasta liquid prior to draining. Set cooked pasta aside.
2. Heat olive oil in a expansive skillet over medium-high temperature. Introduce ground beef, fragmenting with a culinary tool. Sear meat for 5-7 minutes, intermittently stirring until completely browned. Eliminate surplus fat if needed.
3. Reduce skillet heat to medium. Introduce finely chopped garlic, stirring continuously for approximately one minute until aromatic. Exercise caution to prevent garlic from scorching.
4. Distribute flour uniformly across the beef-garlic mixture, ensuring thorough integration. Methodically stream milk while whisking to prevent clumping. Allow mixture to softly simmer, thickening over 2-3 minutes.
5. Incorporate Parmesan cheese, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Continue cooking until cheese dissolves completely, creating a silky, uniform sauce.
6. Transfer rotini into skillet, thoroughly coating pasta with creamy garlic Parmesan sauce. Modulate sauce consistency by gradually introducing reserved pasta liquid, one tablespoon at a time.
7. Embellish with freshly minced parsley for visual appeal and herbaceous notes. Serve piping hot and savor immediately.

Notes

• Customize the pasta shape based on personal preference, using alternatives like penne or fusilli for varied texture.
• Control sauce thickness by gradually adding reserved pasta water, ensuring a silky smooth coating on the noodles.
• Choose lean ground beef to reduce overall fat content without compromising flavor profile.
• Experiment with different cheese varieties like pecorino or asiago for unique taste variations.

• Prep Time: 5 minutes
• Cook Time: 20-25 minutes
• Category: Dinner
• Method: Sautéing
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 550
• Sugar: 4 g
• Sodium: 800 mg
• Fat: 30 g
• Saturated Fat: 12 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 16 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 45 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 30 g
• Cholesterol: 100 mg