Creamy Beef And Rotini In Garlic Parmesan Sauce Recipe

Hearty Beef and Rotini in Garlic Parmesan Sauce Recipe

Creamy, indulgent beef and rotini in garlic parmesan sauce dances across taste buds with remarkable richness.

This comforting pasta dish combines tender beef and perfectly cooked rotini noodles in a decadent sauce.

Robust garlic notes weave through each delectable bite, creating a symphony of flavors.

Parmesan cheese adds a luxurious depth that transforms an ordinary meal into something extraordinary.

Home cooks adore this simple yet impressive recipe that comes together in under 30 minutes.

Professional chefs and kitchen novices alike will appreciate the balanced blend of ingredients.

Dive into this delightful dinner that promises to become a weeknight favorite.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 20 minutes

Total Time: 30 minutes

Calories: 550 kcal

Servings: 3

Everything In Beef And Rotini In Garlic Parmesan Sauce

For Pasta Base:
  • Rotini: Twisty pasta perfect for catching sauce, choose high-quality durum wheat variety for best texture.
For Protein and Aromatics:
  • Ground Beef, Onion, Garlic: Hearty protein with sweet onion and bold garlic creating rich foundational flavors, select lean ground beef for healthier option and fresh aromatic vegetables for maximum taste.
For Sauce and Seasoning:
  • Butter, Flour, Milk, Parmesan Cheese, Italian Seasoning, Red Pepper Flakes, Salt, Pepper: Creamy sauce builders transforming simple ingredients into luxurious coating, use freshly grated Parmesan for superior melting, select good quality whole milk, adjust red pepper flakes for desired heat level, choose authentic Italian seasoning blend for authentic flavor profile, use kosher salt for balanced seasoning.
For Garnish:
  • Parsley: Fresh herb adding bright color and subtle herbal note, select vibrant green leaves with crisp appearance.

Tools You’ll Use For Beef And Rotini In Garlic Parmesan Sauce

  • Large pot: Essential for boiling pasta with salted water.
  • Large skillet: Perfect for browning beef and creating the creamy sauce.
  • Spatula: Helps break ground beef into even crumbles while cooking.
  • Whisk: Critical for creating smooth roux and blending sauce without lumps.
  • Colander: Needed to drain cooked rotini pasta efficiently.
  • Cutting board: Used for chopping onions, garlic, and parsley.
  • Chef's knife: Sharp tool for precise ingredient preparation.

How To Cook Beef And Rotini In Garlic Parmesan Sauce

  • Pasta Preparation

Boil water in a large pot with a pinch of salt. Cook rotini until perfectly tender. Drain and set to the side.

  • Beef Foundation

Heat a skillet and brown ground beef, breaking it into small crumbly pieces. Add diced onions and minced garlic, cooking until vegetables soften and become fragrant. Season with salt and pepper.

  • Creamy Cheese Sauce

Melt butter in the same skillet. Sprinkle flour and whisk to create a smooth base. Cook briefly until golden. Pour milk slowly, stirring continuously to prevent lumps. Let the mixture thicken and become luxurious. Blend in Parmesan cheese and seasonings for a rich, velvety texture.

  • Flavor Fusion

Combine beef mixture with cooked rotini in the sauce. Gently toss until every pasta piece is generously coated with the creamy goodness.

  • Elegant Presentation

Plate the dish immediately while hot. Sprinkle fresh parsley and extra Parmesan on top for a restaurant-quality finish.

Better Tips For Beef And Rotini In Garlic Parmesan Sauce

  • Culinary Mastery Tips: Beef and Rotini in Garlic Parmesan Sauce
  • Pasta Perfection: Cook rotini just until al dente to maintain a slight bite and prevent mushiness. Rinse pasta with cold water to stop cooking and prevent sticking.
  • Beef Browning Secrets: Pat ground beef dry before cooking to achieve a beautiful golden-brown crust. Use a cast-iron skillet for extra flavor development and even browning.
  • Sauce Smoothness Hack: Whisk milk slowly into the roux to prevent lumps. For an ultra-creamy texture, warm the milk before adding to help it incorporate more smoothly.
  • Dietary Flexibility: Swap ground beef with ground turkey or plant-based crumbles for a lighter option. Use gluten-free flour and gluten-free pasta to make the dish celiac-friendly. For a low-carb version, replace rotini with spiralized zucchini or cauliflower rice.
  • Make-Ahead Magic: Prepare the dish in advance and store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently with a splash of milk to restore sauce's creamy consistency. The flavors actually improve after sitting overnight, making it a perfect meal-prep recipe.

Serving Beef And Rotini In Garlic Parmesan Sauce Fresh

  • Rustic Plating Paradise: Serve in oversized ceramic bowls to showcase the creamy, golden-brown sauce and beef mixture, creating a homey, restaurant-style presentation.
  • Fresh Herbal Boost: Sprinkle extra chopped parsley or basil on top for a burst of color and bright, aromatic flavor that complements the rich garlic Parmesan sauce.
  • Comfort Side Companions: Pair with a crisp green salad or garlic bread to balance the hearty beef and pasta dish, adding textural contrast and lightening the meal's richness.
  • Wine Pairing Perfection: Select a medium-bodied red wine like Chianti or Zinfandel to enhance the robust flavors of the beef and complement the creamy sauce's richness.

Storing Beef And Rotini In Garlic Parmesan Sauce

Keep leftovers in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. The creamy sauce might thicken when chilled, so gently reheat with a splash of milk to restore original consistency.

  • Freezer-Friendly Strategy: Package cooled meal in freezer-safe containers, removing excess air. Freeze for maximum 3 months. Thaw overnight in refrigerator before reheating gently in microwave or stovetop.
  • Meal Prep Magic: Prepare beef and sauce components separately to maintain optimal texture. Store protein and sauce in separate containers, combining just before serving to prevent pasta from becoming soggy.
  • Portion Control Trick: Divide remaining dish into individual serving containers for quick grab-and-go lunches. Label containers with date and contents to track freshness and minimize food waste.
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Creamy Beef And Rotini In Garlic Parmesan Sauce Recipe

Creamy Beef And Rotini In Garlic Parmesan Sauce Recipe


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4.6 from 25 reviews

  • Total Time: 30 minutes
  • Yield: 3 1x

Description

Succulent beef and rotini dance in a creamy garlic parmesan sauce, creating a comforting Italian-inspired meal. Hearty ingredients blend seamlessly, promising a satisfying dinner you’ll crave again and again.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 lb (450g) ground beef
  • 12 oz (340g) rotini pasta
  • 2 tbsps unsalted butter
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 medium onion, diced
  • 2 tbsps all-purpose flour
  • 2 cups (480ml) whole milk
  • ½ cup (50g) grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1 tsp Italian seasoning
  • 1 tsp salt (for boiling water)
  • ½ tsp salt
  • ¼ tsp black pepper
  • ¼ tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
  • ¼ cup chopped fresh parsley
  • Extra Parmesan cheese

Instructions

  1. Pasta Preparation: Submerge rotini in heavily salted water, cooking until al dente. Drain completely and allow to air-dry, preventing water accumulation.
  2. Meat Transformation: Sauté ground beef in a large skillet, fragmenting into fine crumbles over medium heat. Introduce diced onions and minced garlic, cooking until vegetables become translucent and fragrant. Season with salt and pepper, then transfer the seasoned mixture to a holding plate.
  3. Sauce Crafting: Construct a luxurious garlic Parmesan sauce by creating a golden roux with butter and flour. Slowly incorporate milk, whisking vigilantly to maintain smoothness. Simmer until sauce thickens, then integrate Parmesan cheese, Italian seasoning, and red pepper flakes for complex flavor complexity.
  4. Culinary Fusion: Combine beef mixture with sauce and rotini, gently folding to ensure comprehensive sauce coverage. Allow ingredients to harmonize and develop rich, interconnected flavors.
  5. Serving Finale: Plate the dish immediately, embellishing with freshly chopped parsley and an additional Parmesan cheese dusting to enhance visual appeal and taste profile.

Notes

  • Salt Pasta Water Generously: Use a handful of salt to create a well-seasoned water base that enhances the pasta’s flavor from within, preventing bland taste.
  • Control Beef Browning: Cook ground beef over medium heat, breaking it into small, uniform crumbles to ensure even cooking and prevent tough, clumpy texture.
  • Whisk Sauce Smoothly: Continuously whisk milk into roux to prevent lumps, creating a silky sauce that coats pasta evenly without grainy inconsistencies.
  • Cheese Melting Technique: Add Parmesan off heat to prevent separation, allowing residual warmth to melt cheese smoothly and maintain creamy consistency.
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 20 minutes
  • Category: Dinner, Lunch
  • Method: Boiling
  • Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 3
  • Calories: 550
  • Sugar: 4g
  • Sodium: 600mg
  • Fat: 28g
  • Saturated Fat: 14g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 10g
  • Trans Fat: 1g
  • Carbohydrates: 45g
  • Fiber: 2g
  • Protein: 32g
  • Cholesterol: 90mg
Liam O’Sullivan

Liam O’Sullivan

Founder & Culinary Content Creator

Expertise

Recipe Development​, Traditional Irish and European Cuisines, Food Styling and Photography, Culinary Education​

Education

Dublin Institute of Technology (DIT) – School of Culinary Arts and Food Technology

  • Degree: Bachelor of Arts in Culinary Arts
  • Focus: Comprehensive training in classical and modern cooking techniques, kitchen management, and menu development.​

Ballymaloe Cookery School

  • Program: 12-Week Certificate Course
  • Focus: Intensive, hands-on experience emphasizing farm-to-table cooking and sustainable practices.​

Isabella brings a global spark to the Craft Meats table. Born in Florence and trained at the Apicius International School of Hospitality, she blends classic Italian flavor with modern writing that’s easy to follow and hard to forget. 

Her additional training at the Italian Chef Academy fueled her love for well-crafted dishes, especially ones that spotlight beautiful cuts of meat.

She’s a food writer with heart, and a deep love for storytelling through single recipes. Her goal? To help you cook with more confidence and a little more joy, no matter where you start.

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