Easy Beef and Rotini in Garlic Parmesan Sauce Recipe for Dinner

A hearty beef and rotini in garlic parmesan sauce transforms ordinary weeknight dinners into something spectacular.

Pasta lovers crave comfort meals that feel both luxurious and simple.

Rich parmesan coats tender beef and perfectly al dente noodles in a creamy embrace.

garlic adds depth and complexity to every single bite.

Home cooks appreciate recipes that come together quickly without sacrificing flavor.

Each forkful promises a delightful balance of savory meat and silky sauce.

You’ll want to savor every delicious spoonful of this irresistible dish.

How to Cook Beef and Rotini in Garlic Parmesan Sauce

Step 1: Boil the Pasta

Get a large pot of water bubbling with salt. Toss in rotini and cook until perfectly tender.

Save a cup of pasta water, then drain and set pasta aside.

Step 2: Brown the Beef

Heat a skillet with olive oil.

Crumble ground beef into the pan, breaking it apart as it sizzles. Cook until the meat turns a beautiful golden brown and is completely cooked through.

Drain any extra fat.

Step 3: Awaken the Garlic

In the same skillet, lower the heat and add minced garlic.

Stir it around for a minute until the kitchen fills with an irresistible aroma. Be careful not to let the garlic burn.

Step 4: Craft the Creamy Sauce

Sprinkle flour over the garlic and mix well. Slowly pour in milk, whisking constantly to create a silky smooth base.

Let it simmer and thicken for a few minutes.

Step 5: Cheese It Up

• Parmesan cheese
• Italian seasoning
• Salt
• Pepper

Keep stirring until the cheese melts into a dreamy, creamy sauce.

Step 6: Marry the Pasta and Sauce

Dump the rotini into the skillet and toss until every noodle is coated in the luscious sauce. If it looks too thick, splash in some reserved pasta water, one spoonful at a time.

Step 7: Final Flourish

Sprinkle some fresh parsley on top if you’re feeling fancy. Serve immediately while it’s hot and gloriously creamy.

Pro Tips for Beef and Rotini in Garlic Parmesan Sauce

• Stir rotini occasionally while boiling and use a large pot to give pasta room to move, ensuring each piece cooks evenly without clumping together.
• Gradually add reserved pasta water to adjust sauce consistency, creating a silky, perfectly coated dish that's neither too runny nor too dense.
• Mince garlic finely and sauté quickly over medium heat to release aromatic oils without burning, which can create a bitter taste.
• Grate Parmesan cheese fresh and add off direct heat to prevent separation, allowing it to melt smoothly into the creamy sauce.
• Taste and adjust salt and pepper incrementally, remembering that Parmesan cheese already contains saltiness, to achieve a perfectly seasoned final dish.

Flavor Variations for Beef and Rotini Dish

• Vegetarian Pasta Delight: Replace ground beef with plant-based crumbles or diced mushrooms for a meatless version. The recipe maintains its creamy texture and rich flavor profile.
• Low-Carb Zucchini Noodle Option: Swap rotini with spiralized zucchini noodles to reduce carbohydrate content. Use the same garlic Parmesan sauce for a lighter, vegetable-based meal.
• Gluten-Free Friendly Adaptation: Substitute all-purpose flour with cornstarch or gluten-free flour blend. Use gluten-free rotini pasta to make the entire dish celiac-friendly while preserving the original taste.

Pairings to Complement Beef and Rotini

Select a medium-bodied Italian red like Chianti or Sangiovese to complement the rich garlic Parmesan sauce and enhance the beef’s savory flavors.

Toss a light arugula salad with lemon vinaigrette to cut through the creamy sauce and provide a fresh, zesty contrast to the hearty pasta dish.

Prepare crusty garlic bread with herbed butter to soak up the delicious sauce and add an extra layer of garlic-infused comfort to the meal.

Roast seasonal vegetables like zucchini, bell peppers, and cherry tomatoes with olive oil and herbs to add color, nutrition, and a light, caramelized accompaniment.

Storage Tips for Beef and Rotini in Garlic Parmesan Sauce

• Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days in the refrigerator. Cool the dish completely before sealing to prevent bacterial growth.
• Place portion in a microwave-safe dish, sprinkle 1-2 tablespoons of pasta water or milk to restore moisture. Heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each, until thoroughly warmed.
• Warm gently in a skillet over medium-low heat, adding small splashes of pasta water or milk to prevent drying. Stir continuously to maintain sauce consistency and prevent sticking.
• Transfer to freezer-safe container, removing excess air. Freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in refrigerator before reheating to preserve texture and flavor.

FAQs

• Why use rotini pasta for this recipe?

Rotini’s spiral shape helps trap the creamy garlic Parmesan sauce, ensuring every bite is flavorful and well-coated. The twists and turns hold the sauce better than smoother pasta shapes.

• Can I use a different type of ground meat?

Yes, ground turkey or ground chicken work perfectly as substitutes for beef. They provide similar texture and protein while offering a lighter alternative to beef.

• What if I don't have Italian seasoning?

Create a quick substitute by mixing dried oregano, basil, thyme, and rosemary in equal proportions. This blend will provide similar herbal notes to the original recipe.

Beef and Rotini in Garlic Parmesan Sauce Overview

• Craft Comfort Quickly: Minimal ingredients and straightforward steps make this beef and rotini recipe a go-to meal for busy home cooks seeking delicious satisfaction.
• Crowd-Pleasing Flavor Bomb: Garlic Parmesan sauce transforms simple ground beef and pasta into a creamy, indulgent dish that appeals to both kids and adults with its rich, cheesy goodness.
• Versatile Weeknight Wonder: Perfect for family dinners, potlucks, or casual gatherings, this one-pan recipe adapts easily to different preferences and can be customized with additional vegetables or herbs.
• Budget-Friendly Meal Solution: Combines affordable ingredients like ground beef and pasta with pantry staples to create a filling, restaurant-quality meal without breaking the bank.

Ingredients for Beef and Rotini in Garlic Parmesan Sauce

• Ground Beef: A hearty protein that adds richness and substance to the dish.

• Rotini: A spiral-shaped pasta that holds sauce exceptionally well.

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

• Garlic, Italian Seasoning, Salt, Pepper: Flavorful elements that enhance the overall taste profile of the recipe.

• Olive Oil or Butter, Reserved Pasta Water: Essential for cooking the beef, creating the sauce, and adjusting sauce consistency.

• Flour: Helps to create a smooth and creamy sauce texture.

• Fresh Parsley: A bright, fresh herb that adds color and a light herbal note to the dish.

Beef And Rotini In Garlic Parmesan Sauce Recipe

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4.7 from 21 reviews

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

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Description

Succulent beef and rotini dance together in a garlic parmesan sauce that whispers comfort and flavor. Rich Italian-inspired ingredients create a hearty meal perfect for satisfying hungry families and delighting weekend dinner crowds.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Ingredients:

• 1 pound (454 grams) ground beef
• 12 ounces (340 grams) rotini pasta

Dairy and Cheese:

• 2 cups milk
• 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 2 tablespoons butter or olive oil

Seasonings and Additional Ingredients:

• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• Salt for pasta water
• Salt to taste
• Black pepper to taste
• Water for boiling
• Fresh parsley, chopped (optional)

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Instructions

1. Boil a large pot of salted water and cook rotini pasta for 9-11 minutes until perfectly al dente. Extract and preserve one cup of pasta water before draining. Set pasta aside.
2. Heat skillet over medium-high temperature with olive oil. Introduce ground beef and systematically fragment with spatula. Roast meat for 5-7 minutes until completely browned. Eliminate excess grease and temporarily remove beef from pan.
3. Reduce skillet heat to medium. Introduce minced garlic and rapidly sauté for approximately one minute, creating an aromatic foundation without scorching.
4. Delicately dust flour over fragrant garlic, ensuring thorough integration. Methodically pour milk while continuously whisking to prevent lumpy textures. Simmer sauce for 2-3 minutes, allowing natural thickening.
5. Incorporate Parmesan cheese, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Continue cooking for 1-2 minutes until cheese dissolves completely, creating a velvety smooth sauce.
6. Transfer drained rotini into sauce-filled skillet. Gently toss pasta to ensure uniform coating. Adjust sauce consistency by gradually introducing reserved pasta water, one tablespoon at a time.
7. Optional: Sprinkle freshly chopped parsley for vibrant presentation. Serve immediately while sauce remains warm and luxuriously creamy.

Notes

• Choose lean ground beef to reduce excess fat and create a lighter dish that doesn’t compromise on flavor.
• Reserve pasta water strategically for adjusting sauce consistency, preventing a dry or overly thick sauce.
• Grate fresh Parmesan cheese instead of using pre-packaged alternatives for a more vibrant, authentic taste profile.
• Toast garlic briefly to enhance its nutty, aromatic qualities without risking bitter burnt notes.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner
• Method: Boiling
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 563 kcal
• Sugar: 3 g
• Sodium: 450 mg
• Fat: 30 g
• Saturated Fat: 11 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 17 g
• Trans Fat: 0.5 g
• Carbohydrates: 44 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 33 g
• Cholesterol: 85 mg