Beef and Rotini in Garlic Parmesan Recipe

Get ready to meet your new favorite weeknight dinner: Beef and Rotini in Garlic Parmesan. With tender, twirly pasta smothered in a silky garlic-Parmesan cream sauce and studded with savory ground beef, this dish is the very definition of comfort food. Each bite bursts with bold flavors and the kind of rich, cheesy goodness that’ll have everyone coming back for seconds. Whether you’re feeding the family or looking for a tasty way to impress friends, Beef and Rotini in Garlic Parmesan is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.

Ingredients You’ll Need

What I love about this recipe for Beef and Rotini in Garlic Parmesan is that it packs maximum flavor into a short list of easily found ingredients. Each one plays a starring role, building layers of taste and comfort that come together in every dreamy forkful.

• Rotini pasta: This spiral pasta is perfect for holding onto the creamy Parmesan sauce, making each bite extra flavorful.
• Ground beef: A hearty, rich protein that soaks up all the garlicky sauce, adding satisfying texture and depth.
• Olive oil: Used for sautéing the beef, it adds a subtle, delicious base flavor to the whole dish.
• Fresh garlic: Four cloves minced up infuse the sauce with a mouthwatering aroma and a punch of savory goodness.
• Heavy cream: The luscious base for the garlic Parmesan sauce; it gives everything that extra velvety finish.
• Grated Parmesan cheese: It melts right into the sauce, giving it a salty, nutty richness that’s unforgettable.
• Italian seasoning: A classic blend of herbs that brightens the sauce and brings all the flavors into harmony.
• Salt and pepper: Don’t skip these! They’re crucial for balancing and bringing out the best in every ingredient.
• Fresh parsley: Chopped parsley sprinkled on top not only looks beautiful, it adds fresh color and a hint of herbaceous zip.

How to Make Beef and Rotini in Garlic Parmesan

Step 1: Cook the Rotini Pasta

Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Add the rotini and cook according to the package instructions until just al dente, usually about 8 to 10 minutes. The spirals are perfect for holding onto the creamy sauce! Once cooked, drain the pasta and set it aside. If you want to prevent sticking, give it a quick drizzle of olive oil and toss.

Step 2: Brown the Ground Beef

In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium. Add your ground beef and sauté, breaking it up as you go. You’re aiming for beautifully browned beef with no pink bits left—this should take around 5 to 7 minutes. Browning the beef well builds deep savory flavor, so don’t rush this part!

Step 3: Add Garlic and Seasoning

Sprinkle the minced garlic over the browned beef and let it sizzle for one to two minutes, just until fragrant—you’ll know it when your kitchen smells irresistible. Go ahead and add the Italian seasoning along with a pinch each of salt and pepper. Stir everything together so those flavors can mingle.

Step 4: Make the Garlic Parmesan Sauce

Pour in the heavy cream and gently bring everything to a simmer. Now comes the magic: gradually add the grated Parmesan, stirring constantly as it melts into the cream and beef. By now, your sauce should be beautifully creamy and flecked with bits of garlic and herbs. If it seems a little thick, just splash in some reserved pasta water to loosen it up.

Step 5: Combine Pasta and Sauce

Add the cooked rotini into the skillet and toss everything together until each noodle is absolutely coated in that gorgeous, garlicky Parmesan sauce. Take a second to taste and adjust the seasoning if needed—sometimes a bit more salt, pepper, or even extra cheese does the trick.

Step 6: Serve and Garnish

Spoon your Beef and Rotini in Garlic Parmesan into bowls while hot and finish with a shower of chopped fresh parsley and a sprinkle of extra Parmesan if desired. This finishing touch is simple but so vibrant, making the whole dish pop with flavor and color.

How to Serve Beef and Rotini in Garlic Parmesan

Garnishes

A handful of chopped fresh parsley and a dusting of extra grated Parmesan cheese elevate the dish perfectly. If you’re feeling fancy, a crack of black pepper right before serving brings a little extra zing and looks gorgeous atop the creamy sauce.

Side Dishes

To round out your Beef and Rotini in Garlic Parmesan meal, I love a big green salad with a zippy vinaigrette to cut through the creaminess. Crisp garlic bread or warm, crusty rolls on the side are perfect for mopping up every last drop of the sauce. Roasted broccoli or asparagus also pair beautifully and add some color to your plate!

Creative Ways to Present

For a dinner party or special family night, try serving Beef and Rotini in Garlic Parmesan in individual ramekins with a little extra Parmesan broiled on top for a golden crust. Or, plate it in a big serving bowl family-style with a mountain of fresh herbs, letting everyone grab a helping at the table. A drizzle of good olive oil just before serving takes it from everyday to extraordinary.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover Beef and Rotini in Garlic Parmesan stores really well in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. The flavors deepen as they sit, making leftovers absolutely crave-worthy!

Freezing

If you want to freeze this dish, let it cool completely, then transfer to freezer-safe containers. It will keep nicely for up to two months. When freezing, you might notice the sauce may separate a bit upon thawing, but a good stir during reheating will usually bring it back together.

Reheating

To warm up your Beef and Rotini in Garlic Parmesan, place it in a skillet with a splash of milk or cream and gently heat over low until creamy and heated through. Microwaving works too—just be sure to stir halfway through and add a little extra liquid to keep things saucy.

FAQs

Can I use a different kind of pasta?

Absolutely! While rotini is ideal for catching all the delicious sauce, penne, fusilli, or even farfalle work well and make great substitutions.

Is it possible to make Beef and Rotini in Garlic Parmesan gluten-free?

Yes! Swap in your favorite gluten-free rotini or short-cut pasta. Just keep an eye on the cooking time, as gluten-free pasta can get mushy if overcooked.

Can I substitute ground turkey or chicken for the beef?

Definitely. Ground turkey or chicken will make the dish lighter, though the flavor profile will change slightly. Both options still pair beautifully with the garlic Parmesan sauce!

What cheese besides Parmesan could I use?

If you’re feeling adventurous, try a blend of Parmesan and Pecorino Romano for extra complexity. For a milder take, a little shredded mozzarella stirred in will make the sauce even creamier.

How can I make this dish spicier?

Add a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes along with the Italian seasoning for a gentle kick, or stir in some freshly ground black pepper for even more warmth.

Final Thoughts

It’s pretty much impossible not to fall in love with Beef and Rotini in Garlic Parmesan once you experience all its cozy, cheesy magic. I hope you’ll give it a try—whether for a quick weeknight meal or a special gathering, I promise it’ll put smiles on everyone’s faces. Happy cooking!

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