Introduction

One of the best parts of cooking is seeing the joy on my family’s faces when they take their first bite of something new or comforting. This Beef and Rotini in Garlic Parmesan Sauce recipe has quickly become a favorite in my household. The rich, savory ground beef and creamy, cheesy sauce create the perfect balance of flavors. The rotini pasta, with its spiral shape, holds the sauce beautifully, ensuring every bite is packed with delicious, velvety goodness. Whether it’s a busy weeknight or a casual family dinner, this dish has a way of bringing everyone together around the table. It’s easy to make, and the best part is that it’s a one-pan meal, making cleanup a breeze. Trust me, once you try this, you’ll see why it’s become one of our go-to recipes.

Why You’ll Love This Beef and Rotini in Garlic Parmesan Sauce

This recipe is the ultimate comfort food, combining the creamy richness of a Parmesan-based sauce with the hearty goodness of ground beef and pasta. Here are a few reasons why you’ll love it:

Quick and Easy: With minimal prep time and straightforward steps, this dish comes together in less than 30 minutes.
Creamy, Cheesy Goodness: The sauce, made with milk and Parmesan cheese, is velvety smooth and rich in flavor, complementing the pasta perfectly.
Versatile: You can swap out ground beef for ground turkey or chicken for a lighter option, making it suitable for various dietary preferences.
Kid-Friendly: The creamy, cheesy sauce is a hit with kids, and the rotini pasta is easy for them to eat.
One-Pan Meal: With just one skillet to clean, this is a fantastic weeknight dinner that won’t leave you with a mountain of dishes.

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make Beef and Rotini in Garlic Parmesan Sauce:

12 ounces rotini pasta – Rotini’s spiral shape is perfect for holding onto the creamy sauce, but you can swap it with any pasta you have.
1 pound ground beef – Adds a savory base for the sauce. For a lighter option, you can substitute ground turkey or chicken.
3 cloves garlic, minced – Garlic is the star of the flavor in this dish, adding that aromatic, rich fragrance.
2 tablespoons all-purpose flour – Helps thicken the sauce for a creamy texture.
2 cups milk – Forms the base of the creamy sauce.
1 cup grated Parmesan cheese – Provides a cheesy, nutty flavor. Freshly grated is best for melting smoothly into the sauce.
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning – A blend of basil, oregano, thyme, and other herbs to give depth and richness to the sauce.
Salt and pepper to taste – Essential for seasoning the dish to perfection.
2 tablespoons olive oil or butter – Used to cook the beef and garlic.
Fresh parsley, chopped – A fresh garnish for color and added flavor.

Instructions

Let’s get cooking! Here’s how you make Beef and Rotini in Garlic Parmesan Sauce:

Step 1: Cook the Pasta

Begin by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the rotini pasta and cook according to the package instructions (usually about 9-11 minutes) until it reaches al dente.
Remember to reserve about 1 cup of pasta water before draining the pasta. You’ll use this to adjust the sauce’s consistency later if needed.

Step 2: Brown the Beef

While the pasta is cooking, heat the olive oil or butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
Add the ground beef to the skillet and break it apart using a spatula. Cook for about 5-7 minutes, or until it is fully browned and cooked through.
Drain any excess fat and set the beef aside.

Step 3: Sauté the Garlic

In the same skillet, add the minced garlic. Sauté over medium heat for about 1 minute, stirring constantly.
Once the garlic becomes fragrant, it’s ready to move on. Be careful not to burn it, as garlic can quickly turn bitter if overcooked.

Step 4: Create the Sauce

Sprinkle the flour over the beef and garlic mixture, stirring well to combine. This will help thicken the sauce.
Gradually add the milk to the skillet while stirring continuously to prevent lumps.
Bring the mixture to a simmer and let it cook for 2-3 minutes, allowing the sauce to thicken into a creamy consistency.

Step 5: Add the Cheese and Seasoning

Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese, followed by the Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Continue cooking for another 1-2 minutes, until the cheese melts completely and the sauce is smooth.

Step 6: Combine the Pasta and Sauce

Add the drained rotini pasta to the skillet, tossing it gently to coat the pasta with the sauce. If the sauce seems too thick, gradually add some of the reserved pasta water, a tablespoon at a time, until it reaches your desired consistency. The starchy pasta water will help the sauce adhere to the pasta and create a creamy texture.

Step 7: Garnish and Serve

Sprinkle freshly chopped parsley over the top of the dish for a pop of color and freshness.
Serve immediately and enjoy the creamy, cheesy goodness of Beef and Rotini in Garlic Parmesan Sauce!

Nutrition Facts (per serving, assuming 4 servings)

Serving Size: 1/4 of the recipe (about 1 ½ cups)
Calories: 570
Sugar: 6g
Sodium: 720mg
Fat: 30g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Unsaturated Fat: 16g
- Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 48g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 33g
Cholesterol: 80mg

Preparation Time

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes

How to Serve

This dish is versatile and can be served in a variety of ways:

As a Main Dish: Serve it on its own for a satisfying meal. It pairs well with a simple green salad on the side.
With Garlic Bread: Serve alongside garlic bread for an even more indulgent meal.
As a Meal Prep: This dish stores well in the fridge for 3-4 days, making it perfect for meal prep.
Topped with Extra Parmesan: Add more freshly grated Parmesan on top for a cheesy, nutty kick.

Additional Tips

Use Fresh Parmesan: Freshly grated Parmesan melts into the sauce better than pre-shredded versions, giving you a smoother and creamier result.
Make it Spicy: If you like a little heat, add some red pepper flakes or cayenne pepper to the sauce for a spicy kick.
Swap the Meat: Ground turkey or chicken work well in this recipe if you’re looking for a leaner alternative to beef.
Customize the Pasta: While rotini is great for this dish, feel free to swap it with any pasta you have on hand. Penne, rigatoni, or shells would all work beautifully.
Leftovers Make Great Lunches: This dish tastes even better the next day, and it’s perfect for packing in lunches.

FAQ Section

1. Can I use a different type of pasta?

Yes! You can swap the rotini for any pasta you prefer. Penne, rigatoni, or shells are great alternatives.

2. Can I use ground turkey instead of beef?

Absolutely! Ground turkey or chicken would work well for a lighter version of this dish.

3. How can I make the sauce thicker?

If your sauce is too thin, add a little more flour while cooking or use some of the reserved pasta water to thicken it to your desired consistency.

4. How can I make this dish spicier?

Add red pepper flakes or a pinch of cayenne pepper to the sauce to give it some heat.

5. Can I freeze leftovers?

Yes! This dish freezes well. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the freezer for up to 3 months.

6. Can I make this recipe dairy-free?

Yes! Use a dairy-free cheese substitute and almond or soy milk for a dairy-free version.

7. How do I reheat leftovers?

Reheat the dish in the microwave or on the stovetop, adding a splash of milk to loosen up the sauce if needed.

8. Can I add vegetables to this recipe?

Definitely! You can add vegetables like spinach, mushrooms, or bell peppers to the sauce for extra flavor and nutrition.

9. What should I serve this dish with?

Serve with a side salad, garlic bread, or steamed vegetables for a complete meal.

10. Can I double this recipe?

Yes! Simply double the ingredients to make a larger batch. This recipe is perfect for feeding a crowd.

Beef and Rotini in Garlic Parmesan Sauce is a quick, easy, and comforting meal that’s perfect for any night of the week. Whether you’re cooking for a family or meal prepping for the week ahead, this dish is sure to become a staple in your dinner rotation!