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Beef Rotini Garlic Sauce

Featured in Dinner Ideas Everyone Will Love.

This creamy beef and rotini pasta dish proves that comfort food doesn't need to be complicated. Ground beef is browned with onions and garlic until perfectly caramelized, then tossed with al dente rotini in a rich Parmesan cream sauce that coats every spiral. Fresh herbs add brightness, while a touch of pasta water helps create that silky restaurant-style texture. It's the kind of meal that brings everyone to the table quickly, with just enough leftovers for lunch tomorrow if you're lucky. Ready in just 30 minutes, it's become a go-to for busy families who don't want to sacrifice flavor for convenience.
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Updated on Thu, 16 Jan 2025 01:20:08 GMT
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A close-up bowl of spiral pasta topped with minced meat, cream sauce, parsley, and grated cheese. Pin it
A close-up bowl of spiral pasta topped with minced meat, cream sauce, parsley, and grated cheese. | cookingkeys.com

Let me share my go-to comfort meal that never fails to bring smiles to our dinner table! This Beef and Rotini in Garlic Parmesan Sauce came about one busy evening when I wanted something hearty but didn't have time for complicated recipes. The pasta cooks right in the sauce, absorbing all those amazing flavors, while the ground beef makes it satisfying enough for even the hungriest family members.

Why You'll Love This

What makes this dish special is its one-pot simplicity combined with restaurant-quality flavor. The pasta soaks up all the savory broth as it cooks, creating an incredibly rich sauce without extra steps. Plus, watching that creamy garlic parmesan sauce come together is pure kitchen magic. It's like a hug in a bowl!

Essential Ingredients

  • Ground Beef: Use lean but not too lean (80/20 is perfect)
  • Rotini Pasta: Those spirals catch all the creamy sauce beautifully
  • Fresh Garlic: Don't skimp here it's key to the flavor
  • Heavy Cream: Creates that silky smooth sauce
  • Parmesan Cheese: Always grate it fresh for best melting
  • Broth: Adds depth and cooks the pasta perfectly
  • Aromatics: Onion and Italian seasoning build the flavor base
  • Fresh Parsley: Adds color and fresh flavor

For best results, use high-quality ingredients, especially the Parmesan cheese and garlic it really makes a difference in the final flavor!

Step-by-Step Guide

Start with the Beef
Brown it well, developing those flavorful bits on the bottom of the pan they'll add depth to your sauce.
Build the Flavor Base
Sautéing onions and garlic in the beef drippings creates an amazing foundation.
Perfect Pasta
Let the pasta cook in the broth, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking. Don't rush this step the starch helps create a creamy sauce.
Create the Sauce
Add cream and Parmesan gradually, stirring constantly for the smoothest texture. The sauce will thicken as it cools.
Final Touches
Taste and adjust seasonings fresh herbs make everything pop!

Remember, patience is key let each step develop its full flavor potential.

A serving of spiral pasta topped with tender beef pieces, garnished with parsley and grated cheese. Pin it
A serving of spiral pasta topped with tender beef pieces, garnished with parsley and grated cheese. | cookingkeys.com

Pro Tips

Want to know my secrets for the best results? Brown your beef in batches if needed - overcrowding the pan steams instead of sears. Keep your pasta moving while it cooks to prevent sticking. And most importantly, grate your Parmesan fresh - pre-grated won't melt as smoothly into the sauce.

Make It Your Own

This recipe is so versatile! Switch up the protein with Italian sausage or ground turkey. Add mushrooms for an earthier flavor, or toss in some spinach for extra nutrients. Love it spicy? Add red pepper flakes. The basic recipe is foolproof, so feel free to experiment!

Storage Tips

This dish reheats beautifully! Store leftovers in an airtight container and they'll keep for three days. When reheating, add a splash of cream or broth to bring the sauce back to life. The pasta will continue absorbing liquid in the fridge, so this extra moisture helps restore the original creamy texture.

Perfect Pairings

Serve this rich pasta with a crisp green salad dressed in light vinaigrette - it helps balance the creamy sauce. Garlic bread is perfect for scooping up every last bit of sauce. For wine lovers, a medium-bodied red like Chianti pairs beautifully with the beef and doesn't overwhelm the cream sauce.

A close-up of creamy fusilli pasta topped with ground beef, parsley, and grated cheese. Pin it
A close-up of creamy fusilli pasta topped with ground beef, parsley, and grated cheese. | cookingkeys.com

Troubleshooting

Sauce too thick? Add a splash of pasta cooking water or broth. Too thin? Let it simmer uncovered for a few minutes. If your sauce appears grainy, you may have added the cheese too quickly - next time, remove the pan from heat and stir in the cheese gradually.

Frequently Asked Questions

→ Can I make this ahead?

You can brown the beef and store it separately. Make the sauce fresh when ready to serve and toss with hot pasta.

→ What sides go well with this?

Fresh green salad or crusty bread work great. Steamed broccoli or roasted vegetables also make perfect sides.

→ How long do leftovers keep?

Store in the fridge for up to 3 days. Heat gently on stove, adding a splash of cream if needed.

→ Can I use different pasta?

Any medium pasta shape works well. Try penne, fusilli, or bow ties for similar results.

→ Is there a lighter version?

Use half-and-half instead of cream and lean beef. The sauce will be lighter but still tasty.

Conclusion

A delicious and easy beef rotini pasta dish featuring a creamy garlic Parmesan sauce that comes together quickly for a satisfying family meal.

Beef Rotini Garlic Sauce

A quick pasta dinner mixing tender ground beef and rotini in a rich garlic Parmesan cream sauce. Perfect for busy weeknights.

Prep Time
10 Minutes
Cook Time
20 Minutes
Total Time
30 Minutes

Category: Main Dishes

Difficulty: Easy

Cuisine: Italian

Yield: 4 Servings (4 bowls)

Dietary: ~

Ingredients

01 Fresh ground beef - 1 pound.
02 Rotini (corkscrew pasta) - 12 oz.
03 Fresh garlic cloves, finely chopped - 4.
04 Fresh heavy cream - 1 cup.
05 Parmesan cheese, freshly grated - 1 cup.
06 Salted butter - 1 tbsp.
07 Good quality olive oil - 1 tbsp.
08 Dried Italian herbs - 1 tsp.
09 Chili flakes - 1/2 tsp.
10 Sea salt and black pepper.
11 Fresh parsley leaves.

Instructions

Step 01

Fill pot with water, add salt, bring to boil. Cook rotini until just tender. Save some pasta water before draining.

Step 02

Melt butter with oil in large pan. Break up beef into pan, cook until brown and crispy bits form.

Step 03

Toss in chopped garlic with the meat, cook just until you smell the garlic, about 1 minute.

Step 04

Lower heat, add cream and cheese. Stir until sauce gets thick and smooth.

Step 05

Sprinkle in herbs, chili flakes if using. Add salt and pepper to your taste.

Step 06

Tip in hot pasta, toss well. Add splash of pasta water if needed for silky sauce.

Step 07

Top with fresh parsley and extra cheese if you like. Serve right away while hot.

Notes

  1. Make it richer by adding extra cheese at the end.
  2. Skip chili flakes for kid-friendly version.
  3. Use fresh herbs if you have them.

Tools You'll Need

  • Large pasta pot.
  • Wide skillet.
  • Colander.

Allergy Information

Please check ingredients for potential allergens and consult a health professional if in doubt.
  • Milk.
  • Wheat.
  • Gluten.

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

It is important to consider this information as approximate and not to use it as definitive health advice.
  • Calories: 550
  • Total Fat: 35 g
  • Total Carbohydrate: 30 g
  • Protein: 30 g