Introduction:
A rich and comforting pasta dish, this Creamy Garlic Parmesan Beef and Rotini Delight is perfect for busy weeknights. The combination of hearty ground beef, tender rotini, and a luscious garlic-Parmesan sauce makes this meal a true crowd-pleaser. Simple ingredients come together in just 30 minutes for a satisfying and flavorful dish the whole family will love.
Ingredients:
- 1 pound ground beef
- 8 ounces rotini pasta
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions:
- Cook the Pasta: Boil the rotini according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Brown the Beef: In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it apart with a spatula, about 5-7 minutes.
- Sauté the Garlic: Add the minced garlic to the skillet and sauté for 1-2 minutes, until fragrant.
- Make the Sauce: Pour in the heavy cream and stir to combine with the beef. Bring to a gentle simmer.
- Add Parmesan & Seasoning: Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese and Italian seasoning, mixing until the cheese melts and the sauce becomes creamy. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Combine & Serve: Add the cooked rotini to the skillet and toss to coat in the creamy garlic Parmesan sauce. Serve hot, garnished with fresh parsley.
Variations
- Use a Different Protein: Swap the ground beef with ground turkey, chicken, or Italian sausage for a unique twist. Italian sausage adds a hint of spice, while ground turkey makes it leaner.
- Make it a One-Pot Meal: Instead of cooking the pasta separately, add it directly to the skillet with an extra cup of broth. Let it simmer until the pasta is tender and absorbs all the flavors.
- Add More Veggies: Stir in sautéed mushrooms, spinach, or sun-dried tomatoes for extra depth and nutrition. Mushrooms add an earthy richness, spinach provides a fresh contrast, and sun-dried tomatoes bring a tangy burst.
Cooking Notes
- For an extra creamy texture, add an additional ¼ cup of heavy cream or a splash of milk.
- Substitute ground beef with ground turkey or Italian sausage for a different flavor profile.
- Enhance the dish with a pinch of red pepper flakes for a touch of heat.
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently with a splash of milk to maintain the creamy consistency.
Serving Suggestions
- Pair with a Crisp Side Salad: A fresh arugula or Caesar salad balances the richness of the dish with a light, zesty contrast. A lemon vinaigrette or balsamic dressing complements the creamy pasta beautifully.
- Serve with Garlic Bread: A side of warm, buttery garlic bread makes the perfect companion to soak up the extra creamy sauce. Try using a baguette or ciabatta for a crispy texture.
- Top with a Crunchy Garnish: For added texture, sprinkle the dish with toasted panko breadcrumbs or crushed red pepper flakes. The breadcrumbs add a nice crunch, while red pepper gives a mild heat that enhances the garlic and Parmesan flavors.
Tips
- Save Some Pasta Water: When draining the rotini, reserve about ½ cup of pasta water. Adding a splash of this starchy water to the sauce helps it cling better to the pasta and enhances the overall texture.
- Use Heavy Cream for the Best Creaminess: While milk or half-and-half can be used, heavy cream creates the richest, silkiest sauce. If you want to lighten it up, try a mix of cream and low-sodium chicken broth.
- Let the Dish Rest Before Serving: After mixing the pasta with the sauce, let it sit for 2-3 minutes. This allows the flavors to meld, and the sauce thickens slightly, creating an even more indulgent bite.
Prep Time:
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
Nutritional Information (Per Serving)
- Calories: 550 kcal
- Protein: 28g
- Sodium: 480mg
Frequently Asked Questions
-
Can I use a different type of pasta?
Yes! While rotini works great for holding the creamy sauce, you can use penne, fusilli, or even fettuccine. Just adjust the cooking time according to the pasta type. -
How do I store leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When reheating, add a splash of milk or broth to maintain the creamy texture. -
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can cook the beef and prepare the sauce ahead of time, then combine it with freshly cooked pasta when ready to serve. This keeps the dish tasting fresh while saving time. -
What can I substitute for heavy cream?
If you want a lighter version, use half-and-half, whole milk, or a mix of milk and a bit of cream cheese for creaminess. Just note that the sauce may be slightly less rich.
Conclusion
This Creamy Garlic Parmesan Beef and Rotini Delight is a simple yet luxurious meal that brings comfort and bold flavors to the dinner table. With tender rotini coated in a rich, garlicky Parmesan sauce and hearty beef, it’s a dish that satisfies both weeknight cravings and special occasions. Try customizing it with different proteins, veggies, or a spicy kick to make it your own!
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Beef and Rotini in Garlic Parmesan Sauce
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Description
A rich and comforting pasta dish, this Creamy Garlic Parmesan Beef and Rotini Delight is perfect for busy weeknights. The combination of hearty ground beef, tender rotini, and a luscious garlic-Parmesan sauce makes this meal a true crowd-pleaser. Simple ingredients come together in just 30 minutes for a satisfying and flavorful dish the whole family will love.
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground beef
- 8 ounces rotini pasta
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- Cook the Pasta: Boil the rotini according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Brown the Beef: In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it apart with a spatula, about 5-7 minutes.
- Sauté the Garlic: Add the minced garlic to the skillet and sauté for 1-2 minutes, until fragrant.
- Make the Sauce: Pour in the heavy cream and stir to combine with the beef. Bring to a gentle simmer.
- Add Parmesan & Seasoning: Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese and Italian seasoning, mixing until the cheese melts and the sauce becomes creamy. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Combine & Serve: Add the cooked rotini to the skillet and toss to coat in the creamy garlic Parmesan sauce. Serve hot, garnished with fresh parsley.
Notes
- For an extra creamy texture, add an additional ¼ cup of heavy cream or a splash of milk.
- Substitute ground beef with ground turkey or Italian sausage for a different flavor profile.
- Enhance the dish with a pinch of red pepper flakes for a touch of heat.
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently with a splash of milk to maintain the creamy consistency.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Dinner, Pasta
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 550 kcal
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 480mg
- Fat: 34g
- Saturated Fat: 14g
- Unsaturated Fat: 16g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 38g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 28g
- Cholesterol: 95mg
Keywords: beef rotini recipe, creamy garlic pasta, Parmesan beef pasta, easy weeknight dinner, beef and pasta dish, garlic Parmesan sauce, ground beef pasta, rotini recipe