Beef And Rotini In Garlic Parmesan Sauce Recipe

Zesty Beef and Rotini in Garlic Parmesan Sauce Recipe

Comfort meets culinary magic in this delectable beef and rotini garlic parmesan sauce that promises to become your new dinner obsession.

Creamy, rich textures blend seamlessly with tender meat and perfectly cooked pasta.

Weeknight dinners suddenly feel special with this simple yet impressive dish.

Home cooks can whip up this restaurant-quality meal in under 30 minutes.

Pasta lovers rejoice as each forkful delivers robust flavors and satisfying ingredients.

Crisp parmesan cheese and aromatic garlic create a symphony of taste that will have everyone asking for seconds.

You’ll want to savor every single bite of this irresistible recipe.

Beef And Rotini In Garlic Parmesan Sauce Overview

Beef And Rotini In Garlic Parmesan Sauce Overview
  • Simplify Dinner Prep: Toss ingredients into the crockpot and let it work its magic, transforming basic components into a delicious meal with minimal hands-on cooking.
  • Crowd-Pleasing Comfort: Creamy, cheesy pasta with tender chicken creates a universally loved dish that satisfies both kids and adults at the dinner table.
  • Minimal Kitchen Cleanup: One-pot cooking means fewer dishes to wash, giving you more time to enjoy your meal and less time scrubbing pots and pans.
  • Family Meal Solution: Perfect for busy households seeking a hearty, nutritious dinner that comes together with minimal effort and maximum flavor.

Ingredients For Beef And Rotini In Parmesan Sauce

For the Protein:
  • Ground Beef: A rich and hearty meat that provides a robust flavor and satisfying texture to the dish.
For the Pasta:
  • Rotini: A spiral-shaped pasta that holds sauce exceptionally well and adds a fun, twisty element to the meal.
For the Sauce Base:
  • Heavy Cream: Creates a luxurious and creamy foundation for the sauce.
  • Olive Oil: Helps to sauté ingredients and adds a smooth, subtle flavor.
For the Seasonings and Flavor Enhancers:
  • Parmesan Cheese: Adds a sharp, salty, and nutty taste that complements the beef and pasta.
  • Garlic: Provides a pungent and aromatic flavor that elevates the entire dish.
  • Italian Seasoning: A blend of herbs that brings a classic Mediterranean flavor profile.
  • Red Pepper Flakes: Introduces a subtle heat and spicy kick to the sauce.
  • Salt, Pepper: Essential seasonings that balance and enhance the overall taste.
For the Garnish:
  • Fresh Parsley: Adds a bright, fresh note and a pop of green color to the finished dish.

Preparing Beef And Rotini In Garlic Parmesan Sauce

Preparing Beef And Rotini In Garlic Parmesan Sauce

Step 1: Boil Pasta to Perfection

Grab your rotini and cook it according to the package directions. Once done, drain the water completely and set the pasta aside, ready for its flavor adventure.

Step 2: Brown the Beef

Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add ground beef and cook it until it transforms into a delicious golden-brown color.

Drain away any extra fat to keep your dish light and tasty.

Step 3: Awaken the Garlic

Toss minced garlic into the skillet and let it sizzle.

Stir it around for about a minute until its aromatic magic fills your kitchen with an irresistible fragrance.

Step 4: Create the Creamy Sauce

Pour in heavy cream and let it gently simmer.

Sprinkle in your flavor boosters:
  • Parmesan cheese
  • Italian seasoning
  • Red pepper flakes
  • Salt
  • Black pepper

Stir everything until the sauce becomes smooth and combines perfectly.

Step 5: Marry the Pasta and Sauce

Add the cooked rotini to the skillet and toss until every single pasta piece is beautifully coated with the creamy, flavorful sauce.

Step 6: Garnish and Serve

Sprinkle fresh parsley on top for a pop of color and extra freshness. Serve the dish warm and watch everyone’s eyes light up with excitement.

Helpful Hints For Garlic Parmesan Beef And Rotini

  • Select high-quality Parmesan cheese for richer, more authentic flavor that enhances the entire dish.
  • Use fresh garlic instead of pre-minced for maximum aromatic intensity and robust taste profile.
  • Drain pasta precisely to prevent watery sauce and ensure perfect coating consistency.
  • Control red pepper flakes quantity based on personal spice tolerance for balanced heat levels.
  • Pat ground beef dry before cooking to achieve better browning and develop deeper meat flavor.

Variants For Beef And Rotini In Garlic Parmesan Sauce

  • Mediterranean Beef Rotini: Replace Italian seasoning with dried oregano and add diced sun-dried tomatoes and crumbled feta cheese for a Greek-inspired version.
  • Spicy Southwest Beef Rotini: Swap Italian seasoning for chili powder, add black beans, corn kernels, and top with shredded pepper jack cheese for a zesty kick.
  • Creamy Mushroom Beef Rotini: Sauté sliced mushrooms with the beef, incorporate cream of mushroom soup alongside heavy cream for extra richness.
  • Herb Garden Beef Rotini: Mix in fresh chopped basil, thyme, and rosemary instead of dried seasoning, garnish with extra fresh herbs for bright flavor.

Foods That Pair Well With Garlic Parmesan Beef And Rotini

  • Hearty Family Dinner Delight: Pair this creamy beef rotini with a crisp green salad for a balanced meal that satisfies everyone's hunger.
  • Quick Weeknight Comfort Plate: Serve alongside roasted broccoli or steamed vegetables to add extra nutrition and color to your plate.
  • Potluck Party Favorite: Transfer to a large serving dish, sprinkle extra Parmesan on top, and watch guests enjoy this crowd-pleasing pasta creation.
  • Lunch Meal Prep Option: Pack individual portions in meal prep containers for a delicious work or school lunch that reheats perfectly and keeps you full.

Proper Storage For Beef And Rotini In Parmesan Sauce

  • Transfer leftover beef and rotini to an airtight container and store in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Keep the dish sealed tightly to maintain freshness and prevent absorption of other food odors.
  • Pack the cooled pasta dish in freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags. Label with the date and contents. Freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
  • Warm the refrigerated pasta in a skillet over medium-low heat, adding a splash of cream or water to restore moisture. Stir gently to prevent breaking the pasta and ensure even heating. Alternatively, microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring between each interval.

FAQs

  • How do I prevent the pasta from becoming mushy?

Cook the rotini al dente, following package instructions exactly. Drain immediately and rinse with cold water to stop the cooking process.

  • Can I use a different type of meat?

Absolutely! Ground turkey or chicken work great as substitutes for ground beef in this recipe. They provide similar texture and protein content.

  • Is this dish spicy?

The red pepper flakes add a mild heat, but you can adjust the quantity to your preference. For no heat, simply omit the red pepper flakes completely.

  • What if I don't have heavy cream?

You can substitute with half-and-half or whole milk, though the sauce will be slightly less rich and creamy. For a lighter version, try using milk and adding a bit of cornstarch to thicken.

Print
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Beef And Rotini In Garlic Parmesan Sauce Recipe

Beef And Rotini In Garlic Parmesan Sauce Recipe


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4.8 from 22 reviews

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

Description

Hearty beef and rotini in garlic parmesan sauce delivers comfort on a plate. Rich Italian-inspired flavors combine perfectly, promising a satisfying meal you’ll savor with each delicious bite.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 lb ground beef
  • 12 oz (340 g) rotini pasta
  • 2 cups (480 ml) heavy cream
  • 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 2 tbsps olive oil
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tsp Italian seasoning
  • 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
  • Salt, to taste
  • Pepper, to taste
  • Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions

  1. Boil rotini in salted water for 8-10 minutes until al dente, then thoroughly drain and reserve.
  2. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high temperature, then brown ground beef completely, eliminating any excess grease.
  3. Reduce heat to medium and introduce minced garlic, sautéing until its aromatic essence permeates the skillet, approximately 45-60 seconds.
  4. Pour heavy cream into the skillet, allowing it to reach a gentle simmer while gradually whisking in Parmesan cheese until smooth and integrated.
  5. Incorporate Italian seasoning, red pepper flakes, salt, and black pepper into the creamy sauce, stirring consistently to ensure uniform flavor distribution.
  6. Fold reserved rotini into the garlic Parmesan sauce, gently tumbling pasta until each strand is luxuriously coated with the rich, creamy mixture.
  7. Transfer the pasta to serving dishes, garnishing with finely chopped fresh parsley for a vibrant, herbal finish and visual appeal.
  8. Serve immediately while the sauce remains warm and the pasta retains its perfect texture.

Notes

  • Choose rotini or similar short, twisty pasta that captures the creamy sauce effectively in its ridges.
  • Thoroughly drain beef fat to prevent greasy sauce and maintain a cleaner, lighter dish.
  • Use freshly grated Parmesan for richer, more authentic flavor compared to pre-packaged alternatives.
  • Adjust red pepper flakes based on heat preference, starting with minimal amounts and incrementally increasing.
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 15 minutes
  • Category: Lunch, Dinner
  • Method: Sautéing
  • Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 4
  • Calories: 683 kcal
  • Sugar: 2 g
  • Sodium: 367 mg
  • Fat: 46 g
  • Saturated Fat: 21 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 22 g
  • Trans Fat: 1 g
  • Carbohydrates: 44 g
  • Fiber: 2 g
  • Protein: 37 g
  • Cholesterol: 123 mg
Maya Thompson

Maya Thompson

Culinary Content Creator & Nutrition Enthusiast

Expertise

Healthy single-serving recipes, Meal prepping for individuals, Integrating nutrition into everyday cooking, Vegetarian and plant-based cuisine​

Education

The Chef’s Academy at Harrison College
Associate of Applied Science in Culinary Arts
Focus: Nutrition, meal planning, and culinary techniques for healthy living.


Maya found her passion in the kitchen by mixing good food with good energy. After earning her culinary degree at The Chef’s Academy at Harrison College, she made it her mission to keep cooking simple, wholesome, and packed with flavor.
At Steelhead Diner, Maya shares easy, healthy recipes built for real life. For Maya, great food seems like a celebration of everyday moments, made better one fresh bite at a time.

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