Beef and Rotini in Garlic Parmesan Sauce is one of those comfort dishes that never fails to impress. When I first tried this recipe, I immediately fell in love with how rich and creamy it turned out, all while being incredibly easy to prepare. It combines the bold flavors of beef, garlic, and parmesan, with the delightful bite of rotini pasta. This dish is perfect for any night of the week when you’re craving something hearty yet satisfying.
The combination of tender beef and the creamy garlic parmesan sauce is irresistible. The sauce coats the rotini perfectly, giving each bite a burst of flavor. Whether you’re cooking for your family, a group of friends, or just yourself, this meal is sure to please everyone at the table. Plus, it’s simple enough to make without spending hours in the kitchen.
As a baker, I appreciate the importance of flavors blending together, and in this dish, the beef provides the savory depth, while the garlic adds that signature punch. The parmesan cheese ties everything together, creating a smooth and velvety sauce that’s hard to resist. If you’re looking for a cozy, satisfying dinner that combines rich flavors and easy preparation, this is the perfect recipe to try.
Ingredients:
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1 lb (450g) ground beef
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12 oz (340g) rotini pasta
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4 cloves garlic, minced
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1 cup heavy cream
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1 cup grated parmesan cheese
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1/2 cup beef broth
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2 tbsp olive oil
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1 tsp dried Italian seasoning
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Salt and pepper to taste
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Fresh parsley, chopped (optional, for garnish)
How to Bake:
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Cook the Rotini Pasta: Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil. Once boiling, add the rotini pasta and cook according to the package instructions, usually around 9-10 minutes. Drain the pasta and set it aside.
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Brown the Ground Beef: In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it apart with a spatula as it cooks. This should take about 5-7 minutes. Once the beef is browned, drain any excess fat, if necessary.
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Sauté the Garlic: Add the minced garlic to the skillet with the beef and cook for 1-2 minutes, until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic.
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Prepare the Sauce: Pour in the beef broth, and then stir in the heavy cream and dried Italian seasoning. Allow the mixture to simmer for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it thickens slightly.
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Add the Parmesan: Lower the heat and add the grated parmesan cheese. Stir well until the cheese is fully melted and the sauce becomes creamy and smooth. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
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Combine the Pasta and Sauce: Add the cooked rotini pasta to the skillet and toss everything together until the pasta is fully coated in the sauce. Let it cook for another 2-3 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.
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Serve: Garnish with freshly chopped parsley if desired and serve immediately.
How Long to Bake:
This dish doesn’t require baking, as it’s prepared on the stovetop. However, the cooking process includes simmering the sauce and allowing it to thicken, which gives it time to develop rich, deep flavors. The total cook time for this recipe is about 30 minutes from start to finish, which includes browning the beef, preparing the sauce, and cooking the pasta.
How to Store Leftovers:
If you happen to have leftovers (which is rare because this dish is so delicious), you can store them in an airtight container. Make sure the dish is completely cooled before refrigerating. Leftover Beef and Rotini in Garlic Parmesan Sauce can be kept in the fridge for up to 3 days.
To reheat, you can place the dish in a skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of milk or beef broth to loosen up the sauce, which may have thickened during storage. Stir occasionally until it’s heated through and the sauce returns to a creamy consistency. You can also reheat it in the microwave, but make sure to stir it halfway through to ensure even heating.
Tips for Perfect Beef and Rotini in Garlic Parmesan Sauce:
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Don’t Overcook the Beef: Make sure to brown the beef just enough to cook it through. Overcooking can make it dry and tough.
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Use Freshly Grated Parmesan: For the best flavor and texture, always use freshly grated parmesan instead of pre-shredded cheese. It melts more smoothly and adds a richer flavor to the sauce.
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Adjust the Thickness of the Sauce: If you prefer a thicker sauce, let it simmer for a few extra minutes until it reaches the desired consistency. If it’s too thick, simply add a little more beef broth or cream.
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Flavor Boost: You can add a pinch of red pepper flakes for some heat or a handful of spinach for extra color and nutrition. Just stir it in with the pasta to wilt the spinach slightly.
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Make it a One-Pot Meal: You can easily turn this into a one-pot meal by using a deep skillet with a lid. Cook the pasta directly in the sauce for added flavor, just be sure to add enough liquid to prevent the pasta from sticking.
Beef and Rotini in Garlic Parmesan Sauce is delicious!
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Description
Beef and Rotini in Garlic Parmesan Sauce is a perfect weeknight dinner that combines hearty ground beef, tender pasta, and a creamy garlic parmesan sauce. This easy-to-make dish is rich, satisfying, and full of flavor, making it a go-to recipe for busy nights when you crave something comforting. Whether you’re feeding the whole family or just looking for a simple meal, this recipe will hit the spot every time.
Ingredients
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1 lb (450g) ground beef
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12 oz (340g) rotini pasta
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4 cloves garlic, minced
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1 cup heavy cream
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1 cup grated parmesan cheese
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1/2 cup beef broth
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2 tbsp olive oil
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1 tsp dried Italian seasoning
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Salt and pepper to taste
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Fresh parsley, chopped (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
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Cook the Rotini Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the rotini and cook for 9-10 minutes or until al dente. Drain and set aside.
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Brown the Ground Beef: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the ground beef and cook until browned, about 5-7 minutes. Drain excess fat, if necessary.
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Sauté the Garlic: Add minced garlic to the skillet and cook for 1-2 minutes, until fragrant.
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Prepare the Sauce: Stir in beef broth, heavy cream, and Italian seasoning. Simmer for 5 minutes.
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Add the Parmesan: Stir in grated parmesan cheese and cook until the sauce is creamy. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
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Combine the Pasta and Sauce: Add the cooked rotini pasta to the sauce and toss until fully coated. Cook for another 2-3 minutes.
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Serve: Garnish with chopped parsley, if desired. Serve warm and enjoy!
Notes
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You can substitute ground turkey for a lighter version of this dish.
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For added flavor, consider sprinkling some red pepper flakes or adding spinach for extra color.
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This dish can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat on the stovetop with a splash of cream or broth.
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Feel free to use different pasta types, like penne or fusilli, if preferred.
Cooking Information:
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
Frequently Asked Questions:
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Can I use a different type of pasta?
Yes, absolutely! While rotini works great for this recipe because it holds the sauce well, you can swap it for other types of pasta like penne, fusilli, or rigatoni. Just make sure to cook the pasta according to the package instructions. -
Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Yes, you can make this recipe ahead of time. Prepare the sauce and pasta, then store them separately in airtight containers. When you’re ready to serve, simply reheat the sauce and pasta together on the stovetop, adding a little extra cream or broth to keep the sauce smooth. -
Can I use ground turkey instead of beef?
Definitely! Ground turkey can be substituted for ground beef in this recipe. The flavor will be lighter, but still delicious. You may want to add a little extra seasoning to enhance the flavor of the turkey. -
Can I freeze this dish?
While this dish can be frozen, the creamy sauce may change texture once thawed. If you choose to freeze it, be sure to store it in an airtight container. When reheating, you may need to add a splash of cream or broth to bring the sauce back to its creamy consistency.