There's nothing quite like the comforting combination of tender beef, al dente rotini, and a creamy garlic Parmesan sauce. The rich, savory aroma of this dish fills your kitchen, promising a meal that's as indulgent as it is satisfying.
This recipe became a family favorite after a long day of experimenting with pantry staples. It's a quick, crowd-pleasing dinner that brings everyone to the table with excitement. Let’s dive into what makes this dish a must-try.
Why You'll Love This Beef and Rotini in Garlic Parmesan Sauce
Get ready to fall in love with your new go-to weeknight dinner. This Beef and Rotini in Garlic Parmesan Sauce recipe is packed with flavor, simplicity, and versatility.
First, it's incredibly easy to prepare, making it ideal for busy evenings. With a straightforward process and minimal prep, you can have a hearty meal on the table in just 30 minutes.
The creamy garlic Parmesan sauce is the star of the show, perfectly coating every twist and turn of the rotini. Its luxurious texture and savory notes will make you feel like you're dining at a fancy Italian restaurant.
This dish is also highly adaptable. Whether you're working with ground beef, leftover steak, or even meatless options, it welcomes substitutions with open arms. It’s a recipe that fits your kitchen and your schedule.
Finally, it's a hit with the whole family. From kids who love the creamy pasta to adults who appreciate the rich flavors, everyone will be asking for seconds. Let’s talk about the key ingredients that make this dish shine.
Ingredients Notes

The magic of this recipe lies in its carefully selected ingredients, each contributing to the irresistible combination of flavors and textures.
Ground Beef is the foundation of this dish. It brings a hearty richness that pairs perfectly with the creamy sauce. Opt for an 80/20 blend for the best balance of flavor and moisture, but you can also use leaner options if preferred.
Rotini Pasta is the ideal choice here. Its spiraled shape holds onto the sauce beautifully, ensuring every bite is loaded with flavor. Cook it to al dente for the perfect texture.
Garlic is the backbone of the sauce, delivering bold, aromatic flavors. Freshly minced garlic works best, but pre-minced garlic can save you time in a pinch.
Parmesan Cheese creates the creamy, indulgent sauce. Use freshly grated Parmesan for a melt-in-your-mouth texture and a nutty, salty flavor that elevates the entire dish.
Heavy Cream is essential for achieving that silky consistency. While you could substitute half-and-half for a lighter option, the richness of heavy cream truly makes the sauce special.
A large skillet and a pasta pot are all you need to bring this dish together. Let’s move on to the cooking process.
How To Make This Beef and Rotini in Garlic Parmesan Sauce

Creating this mouthwatering dish is simpler than you might think. Follow these steps, and you'll have a restaurant-quality meal in no time.
Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the rotini pasta according to the package instructions until al dente, then drain and set aside. While the pasta cooks, prepare the beef and sauce.
In a large skillet, heat a drizzle of olive oil over medium heat. Add the ground beef, breaking it into small crumbles as it cooks. Season with salt and pepper, and sauté until browned and cooked through, about 6-8 minutes. Remove the beef from the skillet and set it aside.
In the same skillet, melt a tablespoon of butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and cook for about 1 minute, stirring frequently to prevent burning. The garlic should be fragrant but not browned.
Pour in the heavy cream and bring it to a gentle simmer. Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese, allowing it to melt and create a creamy sauce. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as needed.
Return the cooked beef to the skillet, followed by the drained rotini. Toss everything together until the pasta is well coated in the sauce. Let it cook for 1-2 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
Serve immediately, garnished with extra Parmesan and freshly chopped parsley if desired. This quick, creamy dish is perfect for busy evenings when you want something both delicious and satisfying.
Storage Options
Leftovers? No problem! This dish stores beautifully for easy meals later in the week.
Transfer any leftovers to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. When reheating, add a splash of milk or cream to restore the sauce's creamy consistency. Heat gently in a skillet or microwave, stirring occasionally.
If you'd like to freeze this dish, place it in a freezer-safe container and store it for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating as directed above.
Variations and Substitutions
This recipe is wonderfully versatile, allowing you to adapt it to suit your tastes or dietary preferences.
For a leaner option, swap the ground beef for ground turkey or chicken. It’s just as flavorful and pairs perfectly with the creamy sauce.
Prefer a vegetarian dish? Skip the meat and load up on vegetables like mushrooms, spinach, or bell peppers. They add a delightful texture and depth of flavor.
Add a spicy kick by sprinkling in red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce. The heat complements the creamy garlic Parmesan sauce beautifully.
If you’re gluten-free, use your favorite gluten-free pasta. There are plenty of options that work well and hold up to the sauce.
No Parmesan cheese on hand? Pecorino Romano is a fantastic alternative, offering a slightly sharper flavor.
This Beef and Rotini in Garlic Parmesan Sauce is more than just a recipe—it’s a canvas for your creativity. Try it out today and see why it’s destined to become a regular on your dinner table!
PrintBeef And Rotini In Garlic Parmesan Sauce Recipe
This Beef and Rotini in Garlic Parmesan Sauce recipe features tender beef, al dente rotini, and a rich, creamy garlic Parmesan sauce. It's an easy one-pan meal packed with flavor, perfect for a quick and comforting dinner.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef
- 12 oz rotini pasta
- 3 tbsp butter
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 cups heavy cream
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 cup beef broth
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
- Cook the rotini pasta according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
- In a large skillet, cook ground beef over medium heat until browned. Drain excess grease.
- Remove the beef from the skillet and set aside.
- In the same skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté until fragrant.
- Stir in heavy cream, Parmesan cheese, and beef broth. Cook for 2-3 minutes until the sauce thickens.
- Add Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper to taste.
- Return the cooked beef to the skillet, then add the cooked rotini. Toss everything to coat evenly in the sauce.
- Garnish with fresh parsley before serving, if desired.
Notes
- For extra flavor, you can add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauce.
- Substitute ground beef with ground turkey or chicken for a leaner option.
- Use whole-grain or gluten-free rotini if preferred.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 520
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 580mg
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