Introduction:

This Beef and Rotini in Garlic Parmesan Sauce is the ultimate comfort food. The savory ground beef pairs perfectly with the creamy, cheesy sauce, and the rotini pasta soaks up all that delicious flavor. It’s an easy, one-pot meal that comes together in no time and is guaranteed to satisfy even the pickiest eaters. A sprinkle of Parmesan and a dash of fresh parsley take this dish to the next level, making it as comforting as it is delicious.

Ingredients:

1 lb ground beef
12 oz rotini pasta
4 cups beef broth
1 cup heavy cream
1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
4 cloves garlic, minced
2 tbsp olive oil or butter
1 tsp Italian seasoning
Salt and pepper to taste
Chopped parsley (optional, for garnish)

Instructions:

In a large pot, heat olive oil or butter over medium heat. Add ground beef, season with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning, and cook until browned (about 5-7 minutes). Drain excess fat if necessary.
Add minced garlic and cook for an additional 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
Pour in beef broth and heavy cream, then add uncooked rotini pasta. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low. Simmer, stirring occasionally, until pasta is tender (about 10-12 minutes).
Stir in Parmesan cheese until melted and the sauce is creamy.
Serve warm, garnished with chopped parsley if desired.

Variation:

Ground Beef Alternatives: While ground beef is the classic choice for this dish, you can experiment with other types of ground meat. For a leaner option, try ground turkey or chicken. These meats are lighter and contain less fat, but may also require extra moisture. Consider adding a tablespoon of olive oil or a bit of extra cream to maintain the richness of the sauce. If you prefer a more indulgent take, ground pork or sausage can bring in a burst of flavor, thanks to their spices and fat content.
Cheese Varieties: Parmesan is the star cheese in this recipe, but you can make it your own by swapping in other cheeses or blending different varieties. For a sharper taste, try Pecorino Romano in place of some of the Parmesan. If you prefer a creamier texture, add a bit of cream cheese or mascarpone to the sauce. A handful of shredded mozzarella can also be stirred in for extra meltiness, making the sauce even more indulgent.
Pasta Alternatives: While rotini is ideal for catching all that creamy sauce, feel free to use other pasta shapes if you have a preference. Fusilli, cavatappi, or even penne work well here, but just be mindful of the cooking times, as they may vary slightly depending on the size and thickness of the pasta. Whole wheat or gluten-free pasta options can also be used for a different texture and nutritional profile.
Herb Variations: The Italian seasoning adds a delightful mix of herbs, but feel free to customize it based on what you have on hand. You can use fresh herbs like basil, oregano, or thyme for an elevated flavor. A bit of fresh rosemary can add a fragrant, woody note. For a spicy twist, add a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes or even a small chopped chili pepper for some heat.

Cooking Notes:

Avoiding a greasy dish: Ground beef can release a fair amount of fat while cooking, so be sure to drain off any excess fat after browning. This keeps the dish from becoming greasy and ensures the sauce remains smooth and creamy. If you’re using leaner meats like ground turkey, this won’t be as much of a concern, but it’s still a good idea to keep an eye on the moisture levels in the pan to avoid any unwanted oiliness.
Achieving the perfect creaminess: To get the richest and creamiest sauce, don’t rush the process. Allow the broth and cream to simmer gently together, giving them time to reduce and thicken. Stirring the sauce occasionally ensures that the flavors meld together smoothly. If you find the sauce too thin, let it cook for a little longer, or add a splash of heavy cream to thicken it up. You can also make the sauce richer by adding a bit of butter at the end.
Cooking pasta directly in the sauce: Cooking the rotini directly in the sauce, rather than separately in water, is a great way to infuse the pasta with flavor. It also makes the dish more convenient since everything cooks in one pot. Just be sure to stir the pasta occasionally to prevent it from sticking together. If needed, add more broth or water to keep the sauce at the right consistency.

Serving Suggestions:

Pair with a fresh salad: Since this dish is rich and creamy, pairing it with a fresh, tangy side salad helps balance the meal. A simple salad made with mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, and a light vinaigrette offers a refreshing contrast to the heaviness of the pasta. You can also add sliced cucumber, red onion, or roasted bell peppers for more color and flavor.
Add a side of bread: A crusty loaf of bread is perfect for mopping up any leftover sauce. Try serving this dish with garlic bread, toasted baguette slices, or even focaccia. The bread’s texture and garlic or herb flavor complement the creamy pasta, creating a more satisfying meal.
Wine pairings: For a complete dining experience, consider pairing this dish with a glass of wine. A medium-bodied red like Cabernet Sauvignon or Merlot will complement the richness of the beef and the creaminess of the sauce. If you prefer white wine, a full-bodied Chardonnay with its buttery texture works wonderfully. If you’re looking for something lighter, a dry rosé can also be a nice, refreshing choice.

Tips:

Brown the beef properly: Don’t rush the browning process when cooking the ground beef. Let it sit undisturbed for a few minutes to get a nice sear. This step caramelizes the beef, giving it a rich, savory flavor that enhances the overall dish. Once browned, break up the meat into smaller pieces so it mixes evenly with the pasta and sauce.
Mince the garlic finely: The garlic in this dish is a key flavor, so be sure to mince it finely to ensure it infuses the sauce evenly. If you want to intensify the garlic flavor, consider grating the garlic with a microplane to get an even smoother texture in the sauce. Just be cautious not to burn the garlic as it cooks, as this can turn it bitter. You only need to cook it for 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
Pasta cooking tip: When cooking the rotini pasta in the broth and cream, keep an eye on the texture. Pasta can quickly overcook in a creamy sauce, so stir occasionally and taste to ensure it’s cooked to your preferred level of doneness. If the sauce is becoming too thick and the pasta isn’t fully cooked yet, just add a bit more beef broth or water to help it along.

Prep Time:

Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 25 minutes

Nutritional Information (Per Serving):

Calories: 550
Protein: 35g
Sodium: 800mg

Frequently Asked Questions:

1. Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes! This Beef and Rotini in Garlic Parmesan Sauce is perfect for meal prep. You can make it a day ahead and store it in the fridge. When you’re ready to eat, simply reheat it on the stovetop or in the microwave. If the sauce thickens too much while storing, just add a splash of milk or beef broth to loosen it up.

2. Can I use a different kind of pasta?
Absolutely! While rotini is great for holding onto the creamy sauce, you can use other types of pasta such as penne, fusilli, or cavatappi. Just make sure to adjust the cooking time as needed to avoid overcooking the pasta.

3. Can I use ground turkey instead of beef?
Yes, ground turkey or chicken can be used as a leaner alternative to beef. Keep in mind that ground turkey might dry out a little more, so be sure to add a bit more cream or broth to maintain the creamy texture of the sauce.

4. Is there a way to make this dish lighter?
To make the dish lighter, you can swap out the heavy cream for half-and-half or milk. You could also use a lower-fat cheese, like reduced-fat Parmesan. Additionally, you can replace the ground beef with leaner meats like ground turkey, chicken, or even plant-based ground meat.

Conclusion:

Beef and Rotini in Garlic Parmesan Sauce is a delicious, comforting dish that’s both easy to make and full of flavor. The combination of ground beef, creamy Parmesan sauce, and perfectly cooked rotini creates a hearty meal that’s sure to please everyone at the table. Whether you’re cooking it for a busy weeknight dinner or preparing it ahead for meal prep, this dish is versatile, satisfying, and can easily be adapted to suit your taste. With the addition of simple, fresh ingredients, you can create a filling meal that’s rich in flavor without spending hours in the kitchen.

Enjoy this delightful pasta dish with your favorite sides, and don’t forget to top it with a sprinkle of fresh Parmesan and parsley for that extra touch of flavor and color. It’s a meal that’s both comforting and indulgent, with the perfect balance of creaminess and savory goodness. Happy cooking!

Creamy Garlic Parmesan Beef Rotini Skillet

Author: Avery
Total Time: 25 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x

Print Recipe

Description

Ingredients

Scale

1 lb ground beef
12 oz rotini pasta
4 cups beef broth
1 cup heavy cream
1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
4 cloves garlic, minced
2 tbsp olive oil or butter
1 tsp Italian seasoning
Salt and pepper to taste
Chopped parsley (optional, for garnish)

Instructions

In a large pot, heat olive oil or butter over medium heat. Add ground beef, season with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning, and cook until browned (about 5-7 minutes). Drain excess fat if necessary.
Add minced garlic and cook for an additional 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
Pour in beef broth and heavy cream, then add uncooked rotini pasta. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low. Simmer, stirring occasionally, until pasta is tender (about 10-12 minutes).
Stir in Parmesan cheese until melted and the sauce is creamy.
Serve warm, garnished with chopped parsley if desired.

Notes

You can substitute the ground beef with ground turkey or chicken for a lighter version of this dish.
Add extra vegetables like spinach or mushrooms to make it even heartier.
If you want a thicker sauce, let it simmer a bit longer or stir in a bit of cornstarch mixed with water.

Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Category: Main Course
Method: Stovetop
Cuisine: Italian-American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 bowl
Calories: 550
Sugar: 3g
Sodium: 800mg
Fat: 30g
Saturated Fat: 12g
Unsaturated Fat: 15g
Trans Fat: 1g
Carbohydrates: 35g
Fiber: 3g
Protein: 35g
Cholesterol: 95mg

Keywords: Beef pasta, garlic Parmesan sauce, creamy pasta, easy dinner, comfort food