If you’re dreaming of a skillet dinner that’s utterly comforting yet totally achievable on a busy weeknight, look no further than Beef and Rotini in Garlic Parmesan Sauce. This vibrant, flavor-packed pasta dish swirls together tender ground beef, perfectly al dente rotini, and a silky, rich sauce brimming with Parmesan and garlic in every bite. It’s every bit a crowd-pleaser, ideal for cozy family dinners or even impressive enough for a low-key get together with friends. Trust me, Beef and Rotini in Garlic Parmesan Sauce isn’t just another quick meal—it’s destined to become a cherished staple in your dinner repertoire.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of Beef and Rotini in Garlic Parmesan Sauce lies in its simplicity. Each ingredient plays a starring role—layering rich flavor, offering creamy texture, and painting the dish with harmonious color. Grab these pantry and fridge staples and let’s turn them into your new favorite comfort food.
- Olive oil: Bring a glossy finish and a subtle fruitiness that gets the beef sizzling in style.
- Ground beef: The hearty, meaty backbone of the dish, providing incredible savoriness and richness.
- Garlic: Three cloves deliver that lovely, inviting aroma and deep, punchy flavor that makes the sauce irresistible.
- Onion powder: A quick way to add sweet, mellow depth without chopping an onion.
- Dried Italian seasoning: Gives classic, herby notes that pull the entire dish together.
- Crushed red pepper flakes (optional): For a touch of gentle heat that perk up the creamy sauce—totally up to your spice preference.
- Salt and black pepper: Let these enhance every ingredient’s flavor—don’t be shy with seasoning!
- Rotini pasta: The spirals are perfect for capturing all that incredible sauce.
- Beef broth: Doubles down on savory notes, infusing every bite with extra richness.
- Heavy cream: Creates a luscious, velvety texture that makes the Garlic Parmesan Sauce truly decadent.
- Parmesan cheese: A cup of this nutty cheese brings creamy, umami-packed flavor into the spotlight.
- Butter: Rounds out the sauce, making it ultra-creamy and giving a glossy finish.
- Fresh parsley (optional): For a pop of color and herbal freshness that brightens every serving.
How to Make Beef and Rotini in Garlic Parmesan Sauce
Step 1: Brown the Beef
Start by warming the olive oil in a large skillet or sauté pan over medium heat. As soon as the oil shimmers, add the ground beef and cook until it’s thoroughly browned, breaking it up with your spoon or spatula. This step builds the savory base for your Beef and Rotini in Garlic Parmesan Sauce, so don’t rush it! Drain off any lingering grease for a lighter, less oily dish.
Step 2: Sauté Garlic and Spices
Toss the minced garlic straight into the skillet along with onion powder, Italian seasoning, and a sprinkle of red pepper flakes if you’re feeling bold. Sauté for a minute, just until the garlic is fragrant. This is when your kitchen will start to smell absolutely amazing, with that signature garlicky warmth—in other words, the first sign that Beef and Rotini in Garlic Parmesan Sauce is on its way!
Step 3: Simmer Pasta and Make the Sauce
Now, pour in the uncooked rotini, beef broth, and heavy cream. Stir everything together and bring it all to a gentle boil. Once it’s bubbling, drop the heat to medium-low, cover, and let the pasta gently simmer for 12 to 15 minutes. Be sure to stir every so often—rotini loves to soak up that Garlic Parmesan Sauce and you want it silky, not scorched. You’ll know it’s ready when the pasta is tender and most of the sauce has thickened up nicely.
Step 4: Finish with Parmesan and Butter
When the pasta’s perfectly cooked, remove your pan from the heat. Sprinkle in the Parmesan cheese and dot the surface with butter. Stir to melt everything together—watch as the sauce turns creamy, glossy, and gorgeously luxurious. This is pure comfort in a pan! Taste and season generously with salt and black pepper to highlight all those bold flavors.
Step 5: Garnish and Serve
To serve your Beef and Rotini in Garlic Parmesan Sauce, sprinkle plenty of chopped fresh parsley over the top. Not only does it look vibrant, it delivers a hit of fresh, herby brightness that brings everything together. Scoop into warm bowls and enjoy every bite of this one-pot wonder.
How to Serve Beef and Rotini in Garlic Parmesan Sauce
Garnishes
Go classic with a shower of more grated Parmesan and a flurry of fresh parsley. For a sophisticated twist, a few cracks of black pepper or thin shavings of Parmesan give Beef and Rotini in Garlic Parmesan Sauce a restaurant-style finish. Try a drizzle of good olive oil for even more flavor and a lovely, glossy look.
Side Dishes
Beef and Rotini in Garlic Parmesan Sauce is wonderfully rich, so simple sides work best. I love a crisp green salad with lemony vinaigrette, or perhaps some garlic bread for swooping up that last bit of sauce. Steamed broccoli or roasted asparagus are beautiful choices if you’d like to sneak in some extra veggies without overwhelming the flavors.
Creative Ways to Present
Up your game by serving the pasta in shallow bowls piled high, or even baked in mini cast iron skillets for an individual touch. For a potluck or party, serve Beef and Rotini in Garlic Parmesan Sauce in a large platter with tongs and keep a bowl of extra Parmesan close for guests. If you’re feeling playful, turn it into small baked pasta cups for a fun appetizer!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have leftovers (lucky you!), let them cool to room temperature before transferring to an airtight container. Stored in the fridge, Beef and Rotini in Garlic Parmesan Sauce will keep beautifully for up to three days. The sauce might thicken slightly, but a splash of milk or broth when reheating will return that dreamy creaminess.
Freezing
Yes, you can freeze Beef and Rotini in Garlic Parmesan Sauce! Portion it out into freezer-safe containers, leaving a little space for expansion. Freeze for up to two months. For best results, thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating—this helps preserve the pasta’s texture and the sauce’s velvety consistency.
Reheating
To reheat, add a tablespoon or two of milk, cream, or broth to the pasta and warm gently on the stovetop over low heat. Stir frequently to help the sauce return to its original creamy magic. Alternatively, microwave leftovers in short bursts, stirring often, until hot throughout.
FAQs
Can I use a different kind of pasta?
Absolutely! Any short pasta will work—penne, fusilli, or farfalle latch onto that Garlic Parmesan Sauce just as happily. Just be sure to adjust cooking times, as different shapes may take a few minutes more or less to reach that perfect bite.
Is there a lighter option for the cream?
For a lighter spin on Beef and Rotini in Garlic Parmesan Sauce, swap in half-and-half or even whole milk. The final sauce will be a touch less rich but still totally delicious and creamy.
Can I add more vegetables?
Of course! Stir in baby spinach, kale, or steamed broccoli during the last few minutes of cooking. These veggies tuck seamlessly into Beef and Rotini in Garlic Parmesan Sauce, adding color and nutrition without competing with the main flavors.
Can I make this gluten-free?
Yes, gluten-free rotini is a fantastic substitute. The process remains exactly the same—just keep an eye on your pasta in the simmering sauce, as gluten-free varieties sometimes cook a bit faster.
How spicy is this dish?
The crushed red pepper flakes add only a gentle heat, and you can omit them altogether for a completely mild dish. If you love spice, feel free to add a bit extra or even swirl in a spoonful of chili crisp before serving!
Final Thoughts
If you’re looking for a no-fuss, flavor-packed, and comforting dinner, give Beef and Rotini in Garlic Parmesan Sauce a spin. It’s that rare blend of simplicity and satisfaction, ready in a single skillet and always winning rave reviews at the table. I hope it becomes a favorite in your home, just as it has in mine!
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Beef and Rotini in Garlic Parmesan Sauce Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
A comforting and flavorful one-pot meal featuring tender rotini pasta and seasoned ground beef smothered in a rich garlic Parmesan sauce. This easy stovetop recipe is perfect for a satisfying weeknight dinner.
Ingredients
Ground Beef Mixture:
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 pound ground beef
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
- Salt and black pepper to taste
Pasta and Sauce:
- 12 ounces rotini pasta, uncooked
- 2 cups beef broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley (optional)
Instructions
- Cook Ground Beef: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add ground beef and cook until browned. Drain excess grease if needed.
- Season and Saute: Add garlic, onion powder, Italian seasoning, and red pepper flakes. Saute for 1 minute until fragrant.
- Add Pasta and Sauce: Stir in uncooked rotini pasta, beef broth, and heavy cream. Bring to a boil, then simmer covered for 12–15 minutes until pasta is tender.
- Finish and Serve: Remove from heat, stir in Parmesan cheese and butter until creamy. Season with salt and pepper. Garnish with parsley and serve warm.
Notes
- For a lighter version, substitute half-and-half for heavy cream.
- Add steamed broccoli or spinach for extra veggies.
- Ground turkey or chicken can be used instead of beef.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 1/2 cups
- Calories: 620
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 520mg
- Fat: 35g
- Saturated Fat: 18g
- Unsaturated Fat: 14g
- Trans Fat: 1g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 32g
- Cholesterol: 110mg
