If you’re craving a delicious, comforting, and easy-to-make meal, look no further than Beef and Rotini in Garlic Parmesan Sauce. This hearty dish combines savory ground beef with tender rotini pasta, all coated in a rich and creamy garlic parmesan sauce that’s simply irresistible. Whether you’re cooking for your family or hosting friends, this dish is sure to please.
Ingredients for Beef and Rotini in Garlic Parmesan Sauce:
To make this dish, you’ll need the following ingredients:
- 1 lb ground beef – Choose lean ground beef for a healthier option or regular ground beef for a richer flavor.
- 12 oz rotini pasta – The corkscrew shape of rotini holds the sauce perfectly.
- 4 cloves garlic, minced – Fresh garlic brings an aromatic punch to the sauce.
- 2 tbsp butter – Adds richness and helps sauté the garlic.
- 1 cup heavy cream – Creates a creamy, luscious sauce.
- 1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese – For that unmistakable savory flavor.
- 1/2 cup chicken broth – To thin the sauce and add depth.
- Salt and pepper – For seasoning.
- Fresh parsley (optional) – For garnish.
How to Make Beef and Rotini in Garlic Parmesan Sauce:
Step 1: Cook the Rotini Pasta
Start by boiling a large pot of salted water. Add the rotini pasta and cook according to the package instructions, usually around 8-10 minutes, until al dente. Once done, drain the pasta, reserving about 1/2 cup of pasta water for the sauce, and set the pasta aside.
Step 2: Brown the Ground Beef
In a large skillet, heat a tablespoon of butter over medium heat. Add the ground beef and cook, breaking it apart with a spoon until browned and fully cooked through. Drain any excess fat, if needed, and season the beef with salt and pepper to taste.
Step 3: Make the Garlic Parmesan Sauce
In the same skillet, add another tablespoon of butter. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1-2 minutes, or until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic. Next, pour in the chicken broth, followed by the heavy cream. Stir to combine, then bring the mixture to a simmer. Let it cook for about 3-4 minutes until the sauce slightly thickens.
Step 4: Combine Beef, Rotini, and Sauce
Add the cooked beef back to the skillet with the garlic parmesan sauce. Stir in the grated parmesan cheese and let it melt into the sauce, creating a creamy texture. Toss the cooked rotini pasta into the skillet, making sure it’s evenly coated in the sauce. If the sauce is too thick, you can add some of the reserved pasta water to loosen it up to your desired consistency.
Step 5: Serve and Garnish
Serve the Beef and Rotini in Garlic Parmesan Sauce immediately, garnished with fresh parsley if desired. The combination of tender beef, al dente pasta, and rich garlic parmesan sauce will make every bite a mouthwatering experience.
Tips for the Perfect Beef and Rotini in Garlic Parmesan Sauce:
- Customize your protein: If you’re not a fan of ground beef, you can substitute it with ground turkey, chicken, or even sausage for a different flavor profile.
- Add vegetables: For a more balanced meal, consider adding sautéed spinach, mushrooms, or broccoli to the dish.
- Make it spicier: If you like a bit of heat, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the garlic parmesan sauce.
- Leftovers: This dish stores well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Just reheat it gently on the stove with a splash of milk or broth to restore its creamy texture.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe:
- Quick and easy: This dish comes together in under 30 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights.
- Creamy and savory: The garlic parmesan sauce is rich, creamy, and full of flavor, making it the perfect coating for pasta and beef.
- Versatile: Feel free to experiment with different meats and vegetables to suit your taste preferences.
Final Thoughts:
Beef and Rotini in Garlic Parmesan Sauce is the ultimate comfort food. With a simple ingredient list, minimal prep time, and mouthwatering results, it’s sure to become a family favorite. Whether you’re craving a cozy dinner at home or feeding a crowd, this dish delivers on both taste and satisfaction.
Serving Tips for Beef and Rotini in Garlic Parmesan Sauce:
- Perfect Pairings:
This dish pairs wonderfully with a side of garlic bread or a simple green salad with a light vinaigrette to balance the richness of the garlic parmesan sauce. - Garnish:
Add a sprinkle of extra parmesan cheese and fresh chopped parsley on top before serving for a burst of flavor and a pop of color. - Make It a One-Pot Meal:
To keep things easy, serve the dish directly from the skillet, creating a more rustic and casual presentation that adds to its comfort-food appeal. - Add Protein or Veggies:
While the dish is already hearty with the beef, feel free to add some grilled chicken, shrimp, or sautéed vegetables like spinach or mushrooms for extra flavor and nutrition.
Storage Tips for Beef and Rotini in Garlic Parmesan Sauce:
- Refrigeration:
Store leftover Beef and Rotini in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. The creamy garlic parmesan sauce will keep the dish moist and flavorful. - Freezing:
If you want to freeze the dish, it’s best to do so without adding the pasta. Freeze the beef and garlic parmesan sauce separately in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, thaw the sauce overnight in the fridge, then cook fresh pasta and combine with the reheated sauce. - Reheating:
When reheating leftovers, do so slowly over low heat on the stove. You may need to add a splash of milk or chicken broth to bring the sauce back to a creamy consistency. Avoid reheating in the microwave, as it can cause the sauce to separate. - Leftover Pasta:
If you have leftover pasta, store it separately from the sauce to avoid the pasta becoming overly soft and absorbing too much of the sauce. You can then mix the pasta with the reheated sauce when serving.
By following these serving and storage tips, you can enjoy Beef and Rotini in Garlic Parmesan Sauce even after the meal is over, with the same great taste and texture!
1. Can I use a different type of pasta for this recipe?
Yes, you can easily substitute rotini with other types of pasta like penne, fusilli, or farfalle. The key is to use a pasta shape that can hold the creamy garlic parmesan sauce.
2. Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the beef and garlic parmesan sauce ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. When ready to serve, cook the pasta fresh, then combine it with the reheated sauce.
3. How can I make this dish gluten-free?
To make this recipe gluten-free, simply use gluten-free rotini pasta. Be sure to check the label on the chicken broth and other ingredients to ensure they are also gluten-free.
4. Can I add vegetables to this recipe?
Absolutely! Adding vegetables like spinach, mushrooms, or broccoli will enhance the flavor and nutrition of the dish. You can sauté the vegetables with the garlic or steam them separately and stir them into the finished dish.
Beef and Rotini in Garlic Parmesan Sauce
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Beef and Rotini in Garlic Parmesan Sauce is a creamy, savory pasta dish loaded with tender ground beef, al dente rotini, and a rich garlic-Parmesan sauce. Perfect for a quick and satisfying dinner the whole family will love!
Ingredients
For the Pasta:
- 12 oz (340g) rotini pasta
- 1 tsp salt (for boiling water)
For the Beef:
- 1 lb (450g) ground beef
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
For the Garlic Parmesan Sauce:
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter
- 2 tbsp all-purpose flour
- 2 cups (480ml) whole milk (or half-and-half for a richer sauce)
- 1/2 cup (50g) grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
For Garnish:
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
- Extra Parmesan cheese
Instructions
- Cook the Pasta:
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the rotini according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Cook the Beef:
- In a large skillet, cook the ground beef over medium heat until browned, breaking it into crumbles with a spatula.
- Add the diced onion and garlic to the skillet and cook for 3-4 minutes, or until the onion is softened. Season with salt and pepper. Remove the beef mixture from the skillet and set aside.
- Make the Garlic Parmesan Sauce:
- In the same skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Sprinkle in the flour and whisk to form a roux. Cook for 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly, until the mixture is lightly golden.
- Gradually whisk in the milk, ensuring no lumps remain. Cook, stirring frequently, until the sauce thickens, about 3-4 minutes.
- Stir in the Parmesan cheese, Italian seasoning, red pepper flakes (if using), and additional salt and pepper to taste.
- Combine:
- Return the cooked beef mixture to the skillet, followed by the drained rotini. Toss everything together to coat the pasta in the sauce.
- Serve:
- Serve hot, garnished with chopped parsley and extra Parmesan cheese.
Notes
- For a lighter option, use ground turkey or chicken instead of beef.
- Add vegetables like spinach, peas, or broccoli for extra nutrients.
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.