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If you’re craving a comforting, flavorful pasta meal that melts in your mouth, you’re going to love this Beef and Rotini in Garlic Parmesan Sauce Recipe. It’s a perfect weeknight dinner that combines tender ground beef with al dente rotini noodles, all enveloped in a luxuriously creamy garlic Parmesan sauce. Each bite bursts with savory goodness and cheesy richness, making it a dish you’ll want to come back to again and again.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This recipe is delightfully straightforward but packs serious flavor, thanks to every carefully chosen ingredient. From the rotini’s fun twists perfect for holding sauce, to the Parmesan that adds a tangy depth, each element matters.
- 12 ounces rotini pasta: The spiral shape catches every bit of the creamy sauce for maximum flavor in every forkful.
- 1 pound ground beef: Provides rich, savory protein; you can swap turkey or chicken for a lighter twist.
- 3 cloves garlic, minced: Garlic infuses the sauce with its unmistakable aromatic warmth.
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour: Acts as the thickening agent to give your sauce the perfect creamy texture.
- 2 cups milk: Creates a smooth base for the sauce; whole milk works best for richness.
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese: Delivers a sharp, tangy flavor and helps thicken the sauce further.
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning: A fragrant blend that adds herbaceous brightness without overpowering.
- Salt and pepper to taste: Simple seasonings that elevate all the natural flavors.
- 2 tablespoons olive oil or butter: For searing the beef and gently sautéing the garlic, adding extra flavor.
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish): A pop of color and fresh herbal note to finish the dish beautifully.
How to Make Beef and Rotini in Garlic Parmesan Sauce Recipe
Step 1: Cook the Pasta
Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Add your rotini pasta and cook it according to the package directions, usually around 9 to 11 minutes, until it’s perfectly al dente—meaning tender but with a slight bite. Don’t forget to reserve a cup of that starchy pasta water before draining, as it will come in handy later to adjust your sauce’s consistency.
Step 2: Brown the Beef
While the pasta cooks, heat olive oil or butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add your ground beef, using a wooden spoon to break it into small crumbles. Let it cook and brown nicely over 5 to 7 minutes until completely cooked through and nicely caramelized. Once done, drain off any excess fat to keep the flavors clean, and set the beef aside briefly.
Step 3: Sauté the Garlic
In the same skillet, add the minced garlic, reducing the heat to medium. Sauté for about one minute, stirring constantly so the garlic softens and releases its wonderful aroma without turning bitter. This step infuses the base of your sauce with that signature garlicky kick.
Step 4: Create the Sauce
Sprinkle the all-purpose flour evenly over the beef and garlic mixture. Stir constantly to coat everything evenly, then slowly pour in the milk while stirring continuously to prevent lumps. Bring this mixture to a gentle simmer and cook for 2 to 3 minutes, watching as it thickens into a silky, velvety sauce that will make your sauce truly special.
Step 5: Add Cheese and Seasoning
Next, stir in the grated Parmesan cheese, which will melt into the sauce adding a luscious creaminess and a bit of sharpness. Season the sauce with Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper to taste, letting it cook for another 1 to 2 minutes as the flavors meld beautifully.
Step 6: Combine Pasta and Sauce
Add your cooked rotini right into the skillet and toss gently to coat every twist and turn of pasta with the irresistible garlic Parmesan sauce. If the sauce seems thick, gradually stir in reserved pasta water one tablespoon at a time until you reach your desired smoothness—this tip keeps your dish perfectly saucy without watering down the flavor.
Step 7: Garnish and Serve
Finally, sprinkle freshly chopped parsley over the top for a vibrant touch of color and a fresh herbal lift. Serve your Beef and Rotini in Garlic Parmesan Sauce Recipe piping hot and get ready to enjoy the spectacular comfort of this deliciously creamy, cheesy pasta dish!
How to Serve Beef and Rotini in Garlic Parmesan Sauce Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh parsley is a simple yet effective garnish that adds a burst of cleanser brightness. For a bit of extra zing, try adding a light dusting of crushed red pepper flakes or a sprinkle of extra Parmesan on top. It’s these little touches that can refine the presentation and flavor to perfection.
Side Dishes
This dish pairs wonderfully with a crisp green salad tossed in a tangy vinaigrette to cut through the richness. Garlic bread or warm crusty bread also makes an excellent accompaniment, perfect for mopping up every last bit of that garlic Parmesan sauce.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve this dish in individual mini cast iron skillets or wide pasta bowls. Layer it with extra toppings like sautéed mushrooms or sun-dried tomatoes for added texture and flavor complexity. You can also sprinkle toasted pine nuts on top for a subtle crunch that surprises the palate.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Beef and Rotini in Garlic Parmesan Sauce Recipe stores well in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors meld beautifully overnight, so leftovers can taste just as good or even better!
Freezing
If you want to freeze portions, let the dish cool completely before transferring it to a freezer-safe container. It can keep well for up to 2 months. Just note that creamy sauces can sometimes separate slightly after thawing, but a good stir and gentle reheating usually brings it back to life.
Reheating
To reheat, warm the pasta gently on the stovetop over low heat or in the microwave, stirring occasionally. Add a splash of milk or reserved pasta water if the sauce feels too thick to restore that creamy consistency you love.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of pasta for this recipe?
Absolutely! While rotini is ideal for catching the sauce, other pasta shapes like penne, fusilli, or farfalle will work just as well and add their own unique texture to the dish.
Is ground turkey or chicken a good substitute for ground beef?
Yes, both ground turkey and chicken offer lighter alternatives that still pair wonderfully with the garlic Parmesan sauce. Just be sure to cook them thoroughly and season well.
Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Definitely! Use gluten-free rotini pasta and replace the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend or cornstarch to thicken the sauce, and it will still turn out delicious.
How can I make the sauce extra creamy?
For an even creamier sauce, try adding a splash of heavy cream alongside the milk or stirring in a little cream cheese during the final steps of cooking.
Can I use pre-grated Parmesan cheese?
While pre-grated Parmesan is convenient, freshly grated Parmesan melts better and offers a more vibrant flavor, making your Beef and Rotini in Garlic Parmesan Sauce Recipe that much more special.
Final Thoughts
This Beef and Rotini in Garlic Parmesan Sauce Recipe is a wonderful way to bring comfort and joy to your dinner table with minimal fuss. It’s simple enough for a busy weeknight but flavorful enough to impress friends and family. I encourage you to give it a try and share this creamy, garlicky goodness with the people you love. Once you do, this dish might just become your new favorite go-to comfort meal!
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Beef and Rotini in Garlic Parmesan Sauce Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Description
A comforting and creamy Beef and Rotini pasta dish cooked in a flavorful garlic parmesan sauce, perfect for a quick and satisfying weeknight meal.
Ingredients
Pasta
- 12 ounces rotini pasta
Beef and Sauce
- 1 pound ground beef (or ground turkey/chicken for a lighter alternative)
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 2 cups milk
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 tablespoons olive oil or butter
Garnish
- Fresh parsley, chopped
Instructions
- Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add rotini pasta and cook according to package instructions (usually 9-11 minutes) until al dente. Reserve 1 cup of pasta water before draining the pasta.
- Brown the Beef: Heat olive oil or butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add ground beef, breaking it up into small pieces as it cooks. Brown for 5-7 minutes until fully cooked. Drain excess fat and set the beef aside.
- Sauté the Garlic: In the same skillet, add minced garlic and sauté over medium heat for about 1 minute, stirring constantly to avoid burning and bitterness.
- Create the Sauce: Sprinkle flour over the beef and garlic, stirring to combine. Gradually add milk while stirring continuously to prevent lumps. Bring the mixture to a simmer and cook for 2-3 minutes until the sauce thickens.
- Add Cheese and Seasoning: Stir in grated Parmesan cheese followed by Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Continue cooking for 1-2 minutes until the cheese is fully melted and the sauce is creamy.
- Combine Pasta and Sauce: Add drained rotini to the skillet. Toss the pasta in the sauce to coat evenly. If the sauce is too thick, add reserved pasta water gradually, one tablespoon at a time, until desired consistency is reached.
- Garnish and Serve: Sprinkle freshly chopped parsley over the dish and serve immediately while warm.
Notes
- You can substitute ground beef with ground turkey or chicken for a lighter variation.
- Reserve pasta water is key to adjusting sauce consistency perfectly.
- Be cautious when sautéing garlic to prevent burning which can impart bitterness.
- Serve this dish immediately to enjoy the creamy texture at its best.
