Beef and Rotini in Garlic Parmesan Sauce – A Cozy Family Favorite

If you’re looking for a comforting, creamy pasta dish that brings the whole family running to the dinner table, Beef and Rotini in Garlic Parmesan Sauce is the ultimate weeknight winner. This recipe combines juicy ground beef, perfectly al dente rotini, and a silky garlic Parmesan cream sauce for a restaurant-quality meal that’s easy to whip up at home. With layers of flavor from fresh garlic, rich cream, and a generous sprinkle of cheese, this pasta dish is every bit as indulgent as it sounds.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick and easy: Ready in under 40 minutes.
• Family-approved: A dish even picky eaters devour.
• Rich and satisfying: Creamy, cheesy, and loaded with garlic flavor.
• Customizable: Swap in chicken, sausage, or add veggies for your own twist.

Whether it’s a cozy night in or you’re hosting friends, this beefy pasta dish hits the spot every time.

🧄 Ingredients

For the Pasta

• 12 oz rotini pasta
• 1 lb ground beef
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• 1 cup cherry tomatoes (optional, halved)

For the Garlic Parmesan Sauce

• 3 tablespoons butter
• 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 1 ½ cups heavy cream
• 1 cup milk
• 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
• ½ teaspoon garlic powder
• ¼ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
• Fresh parsley for garnish

🥣 Instructions

1. Cook the Pasta
   Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add rotini pasta and cook until al dente according to package instructions. Drain and set aside, reserving ½ cup of pasta water.
2. Brown the Beef
   Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the ground beef, breaking it apart as it cooks. Season with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. Cook until browned, about 6–8 minutes. Remove from skillet and set aside.
3. Make the Garlic Roux
   In the same skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté until fragrant (about 30 seconds). Stir in flour and cook for another minute to form a roux.
4. Build the Sauce
   Gradually whisk in heavy cream and milk until smooth. Add Parmesan cheese and garlic powder, stirring constantly until the sauce thickens. If it’s too thick, add a splash of pasta water.
5. Combine Everything
   Return the cooked beef and pasta to the skillet. Toss until everything is evenly coated in the sauce. Stir in cherry tomatoes if using.
6. Season and Serve
   Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper. Garnish with chopped parsley and an extra sprinkle of Parmesan before serving warm.

Beef and Rotini in Garlic Parmesan Sauce

Creamy beef rotini tossed in a rich garlic Parmesan sauce — an easy, hearty pasta dish for any night of the week.

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Prep Time 10 minutes mins

Cook Time 25 minutes mins

Total Time 35 minutes mins

Servings: 4 people

Course: Dinner, Main Course

Cuisine: American, Italian

Calories: 560

Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients

  

Pasta and Beef

• 12 oz rotini pasta
• 1 lb ground beef
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 4 cloves garlic minced
• 1 tsp salt
• 0.5 tsp black pepper
• 1 tsp Italian seasoning
• 1 cup cherry tomatoes optional, halved

Garlic Parmesan Sauce

• 3 tbsp butter
• 2 tbsp all-purpose flour
• 1.5 cups heavy cream
• 1 cup milk
• 1 cup Parmesan cheese freshly grated
• 0.5 tsp garlic powder
• 0.25 tsp crushed red pepper flakes optional
• fresh parsley for garnish

Equipment

• Large skillet
• Saucepan
• Mixing spoon
• Colander

Method

 

1. Cook rotini in salted boiling water until al dente. Drain and set aside, reserving 1/2 cup of pasta water.
2. Heat olive oil in a skillet, add beef, season, and cook until browned.
3. Remove beef and make the sauce by melting butter, adding garlic, and whisking in flour.
4. Slowly whisk in cream and milk until smooth, then add Parmesan and seasonings.
5. Return beef and pasta to the pan, toss to coat, and add reserved pasta water as needed.
6. Garnish with parsley and serve hot.

Notes

A comforting creamy pasta perfect for family dinners.

💡 Tips & Tricks for Perfect Garlic Parmesan Pasta

• Use freshly grated Parmesan: Pre-grated cheese won’t melt as smoothly.
• Don’t skip the roux: It ensures your sauce thickens properly without clumps.
• Save pasta water: It’s the secret to creamy, clingy sauce texture.
• Try different proteins: Ground turkey, chicken, or sausage all work beautifully.
• Add veggies: Spinach, mushrooms, or broccoli complement the creamy flavor perfectly.

🍽️ Serving Suggestions

This rich pasta pairs perfectly with:

• A crisp green salad with lemon vinaigrette
• Garlic bread or cheesy breadsticks
• A glass of Chardonnay or sparkling water with lemon

You can even turn leftovers into a baked pasta casserole by topping with mozzarella and baking at 375°F for 10–12 minutes until bubbly.

🌿 Variations

1. Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of chili flakes or stir in a dash of hot sauce.
2. Mushroom Lovers: Sauté sliced mushrooms before adding the beef for umami depth.
3. Low-Carb Version: Swap rotini for zucchini noodles or spaghetti squash.
4. Lighter Sauce: Replace half of the heavy cream with chicken broth or milk.

🧠 Fun Fact

Did you know rotini pasta’s spiral shape isn’t just for looks? It’s designed to hold onto sauce—especially creamy ones like this garlic Parmesan version. Every twist catches flavor, ensuring every bite is coated with cheesy goodness.

🕒 Storage and Reheating

• Refrigerate: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
• Reheat: Warm gently in a pan with a splash of milk or cream to restore creaminess.
• Freeze: You can freeze for up to a month. Thaw overnight and reheat on the stovetop.

⭐ Final Thoughts

Beef and Rotini in Garlic Parmesan Sauce is one of those dependable, heartwarming recipes you’ll make again and again. Simple enough for busy weeknights, yet elegant enough for guests, it’s a meal that satisfies every craving for creamy comfort food. So grab your skillet, whip up that velvety garlic Parmesan sauce, and twirl your fork through perfection.