Beef and Rotini in Garlic Parmesan Sauce

If you’re craving a rich, savory pasta dish with hearty flavor and creamy, cheesy goodness, this Beef and Rotini in Garlic Parmesan Sauce is a must-try! Tender ground beef is cooked with rotini pasta and coated in a garlicky Parmesan cream sauce that’s sure to satisfy. It’s simple, indulgent, and perfect for busy weeknights or comforting weekend meals.

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Hearty & Comforting – A filling dish loaded with savory beef and creamy sauce.
One-Pot Option – Make it all in one pan for easier cleanup.
Family Favorite – Simple ingredients with bold, crowd-pleasing flavor.
Creamy & Cheesy – Garlic and Parmesan bring restaurant-quality taste.
Versatile – Customize with veggies or different pasta types.

Ingredients You’ll Need

For the Pasta:

• 12 oz rotini pasta
• Salt for boiling water

For the Beef Mixture:

• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1 lb ground beef
• 1 small onion, diced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• ½ tsp Italian seasoning
• Salt and black pepper, to taste

For the Garlic Parmesan Sauce:

• 2 tbsp unsalted butter
• 2 tbsp all-purpose flour
• 1½ cups whole milk or half-and-half
• 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• ¼ tsp garlic powder (optional for extra flavor)
• ½ tsp salt
• ¼ tsp black pepper

For Garnish (Optional):

• Fresh parsley, chopped
• Extra Parmesan cheese
• Crushed red pepper flakes

Tools You’ll Need

• Large pot for boiling pasta
• Deep skillet or Dutch oven
• Wooden spoon or spatula
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Whisk

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Cook the Rotini
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
Add rotini and cook until al dente according to package directions.
Drain and set aside.

Step 2: Brown the Ground Beef
In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high heat.
Add ground beef and cook, breaking it up, until browned and no longer pink.
Stir in the diced onion and cook until softened, about 3–4 minutes.
Add minced garlic and Italian seasoning; cook for another minute.
Season with salt and pepper. Remove beef mixture from skillet and set aside.

Step 3: Make the Garlic Parmesan Sauce
In the same skillet, melt butter over medium heat.
Whisk in flour and cook for 1 minute to form a roux.
Gradually whisk in milk, stirring continuously until smooth.
Bring to a gentle simmer and cook for 3–5 minutes, or until the sauce thickens.
Stir in Parmesan cheese, garlic powder (if using), salt, and pepper.
Continue to stir until cheese is melted and sauce is creamy.

Step 4: Combine and Heat Through
Return the beef mixture to the skillet.
Add the cooked rotini and stir to coat evenly with the sauce.
Simmer on low for 2–3 minutes to let everything meld together.

Step 5: Garnish and Serve
Top with chopped parsley, more Parmesan, or red pepper flakes if desired.
Serve hot with garlic bread or a side salad.

Tips for Creamy Garlic Parmesan Pasta
Use Freshly Grated Parmesan – It melts better and gives the best flavor.
Don’t Overcook Pasta – Al dente holds up better in creamy sauces.
Whisk Sauce Constantly – Prevents lumps and keeps it smooth.
Make it Spicy – Add a dash of cayenne or crushed red pepper.
Try Other Proteins – Ground turkey or shredded chicken are great substitutes.

Serving Suggestions
Garlic Bread – The ultimate side for creamy pasta.
Steamed Vegetables – Broccoli or green beans add freshness.
Crisp Green Salad – Balances out the richness.
Roasted Asparagus – Elegant and easy.
Lemon Iced Tea – A refreshing beverage to pair with the meal.

How to Store & Reheat

Storing:
Refrigerate: Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
Freeze: Freeze in portions for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight.

Reheating:
Stovetop: Reheat over low heat with a splash of milk or broth to loosen the sauce.
Microwave: Warm in 1-minute intervals, stirring between each.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I use another type of pasta?
Absolutely! Penne, fusilli, or bowtie pasta all work well.

2. Is this dish gluten-free?
Use gluten-free pasta and a gluten-free flour blend to make the sauce.

3. Can I make it dairy-free?
Yes, with plant-based milk, vegan butter, and a dairy-free Parmesan alternative.

4. What veggies can I add?
Spinach, mushrooms, or roasted bell peppers are great additions.

5. Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes! Assemble the dish and store it in the fridge. Reheat before serving.

Final Thoughts
Beef and Rotini in Garlic Parmesan Sauce is the ultimate comfort food—creamy, savory, and loaded with cheesy goodness. It’s simple to prepare, satisfying to eat, and sure to be a hit whether you’re feeding a family or enjoying a cozy night in. Add it to your meal rotation and watch it become a new favorite.

Try it out and let me know what you think! Don’t forget to leave a review below and share your photos on Pinterest! I can’t wait to see your creamy pasta creations.
Preparation Time: 10 minutes
Cooking Time: 25 minutes
Cuisine: American

Nutritional Information (Per Serving):
Calories: 540 | Protein: 30g | Carbohydrates: 42g | Fat: 28g | Fiber: 3g | Sodium: 460mg

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