Beef and Rotini in Garlic Parmesan Sauce is a delicious, hearty dish that brings together savory ground beef or steak strips with tender rotini pasta in a creamy, garlicky parmesan sauce. The perfect balance of rich and comforting, this recipe is sure to become a new favorite in your dinner rotation. Whether you’re cooking for a crowd or preparing a cozy meal for yourself, this easy-to-make dish is full of flavor and satisfying to the last bite.

The garlic and parmesan sauce creates a velvety coating for the pasta, while the beef adds protein and substance, making it a filling and well-rounded meal. With just a few ingredients and minimal effort, you can have a delicious, restaurant-quality meal on your table in no time.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Quick and Easy: This recipe comes together in under 30 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights or when you’re craving something comforting without spending hours in the kitchen.
Creamy and Flavorful: The garlic parmesan sauce is rich, creamy, and bursting with flavor, thanks to the combination of heavy cream and freshly grated parmesan.
Customizable: You can easily swap in your preferred cut of beef, and add vegetables like spinach or mushrooms for extra flavor and nutrition.
Hearty and Filling: With protein-packed beef and pasta, this dish is satisfying enough to stand on its own.
Perfect for Leftovers: This recipe stores well in the fridge, and the flavors develop even more after a day or two.

Ingredients

For the Dish:

1 lb ground beef or steak strips
12 oz rotini pasta
3 cloves garlic, minced
2 tbsp butter
1 cup heavy cream
1 cup freshly grated parmesan cheese
Salt and pepper to taste
1 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Variations

Swap the Protein: You can use chicken or turkey in place of beef for a lighter version.
Add Vegetables: Add spinach, mushrooms, or sun-dried tomatoes for extra flavor and nutrition.
Spice It Up: If you like a little heat, add a pinch of red pepper flakes or chopped jalapeños to the garlic butter mixture.
Make it Dairy-Free: For a dairy-free version, use coconut cream and a dairy-free parmesan substitute.

How to Make Beef and Rotini in Garlic Parmesan Sauce

Step 1: Cook the Rotini Pasta

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the rotini pasta and cook according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain the pasta and set it aside.

Step 2: Brown the Beef

While the pasta is cooking, heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add the ground beef (or steak strips) and cook until browned and cooked through. Use a spoon to break up the ground beef into crumbles as it cooks. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Once cooked, remove the beef from the skillet and set it aside.

Step 3: Make the Garlic Parmesan Sauce

In the same skillet, melt 2 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for 1-2 minutes, until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic.

Step 4: Add the Cream and Parmesan

Reduce the heat to low, then add the heavy cream to the skillet. Stir to combine, and bring to a gentle simmer. Once simmering, gradually add the freshly grated parmesan cheese, stirring until the cheese has melted and the sauce is smooth and creamy.

Step 5: Combine the Beef, Pasta, and Sauce

Return the cooked beef to the skillet, followed by the drained rotini pasta. Toss everything together until the pasta is well coated in the creamy garlic parmesan sauce.

Step 6: Serve

Season with more salt and pepper to taste. Serve hot, garnished with fresh parsley for a burst of color and flavor.

Tips for Success

Grate Fresh Parmesan: For the best flavor, always use freshly grated parmesan instead of pre-grated cheese. It will melt into the sauce more smoothly and provide a richer taste.
Don’t Overcook the Pasta: Be sure to cook the pasta al dente so it maintains a firm texture and doesn’t become mushy when mixed with the sauce.
Use Full-Fat Cream: For a rich, velvety sauce, use full-fat heavy cream. This will give the dish its signature creaminess.
Adjust the Sauce Consistency: If the sauce is too thick, you can add a splash of pasta water to thin it out. If it’s too thin, let it simmer for a few more minutes to thicken up.

How to Serve

Beef and Rotini in Garlic Parmesan Sauce is delicious on its own, but you can serve it with a side of garlic bread, a simple green salad, or some roasted vegetables to complete the meal.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store any leftover Beef and Rotini in Garlic Parmesan Sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The sauce may thicken upon storing, but you can easily reheat it with a splash of cream or milk to restore its creamy consistency.

Freezing

This dish can be frozen, but keep in mind that the sauce may change texture when thawed. To freeze, allow the dish to cool completely, then transfer it to a freezer-safe container. Freeze for up to 3 months. To reheat, thaw overnight in the refrigerator and reheat on the stove over low heat.

Reheating

To reheat, simply place the dish in a skillet over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally. Add a little extra cream or milk to loosen up the sauce if needed.

FAQs

1. Can I use a different type of pasta?

Yes, you can use any short pasta, such as penne, fusilli, or farfalle, in place of rotini.

2. Can I use ground turkey or chicken instead of beef?

Yes, ground turkey or chicken can be substituted for the beef to create a leaner version of this dish.

3. Can I make this dish ahead of time?

Yes, this dish can be made ahead of time and stored in the fridge. Reheat it with a little added cream or milk to restore its creamy texture.

4. How do I make this dish spicier?

You can add red pepper flakes or a pinch of cayenne pepper to the garlic butter mixture to give it some heat.

5. Can I make this dairy-free?

Yes, you can use coconut cream and a dairy-free parmesan substitute to make this dish dairy-free.

6. Can I use pre-grated parmesan cheese?

While freshly grated parmesan works best, you can use pre-grated parmesan in a pinch.

7. How do I prevent the sauce from separating?

Be sure to add the cheese gradually and stir constantly as it melts to ensure the sauce remains smooth and creamy.

8. Can I add vegetables to this dish?

Absolutely! Spinach, mushrooms, or broccoli would all work well in this creamy pasta dish.

9. Can I use sour cream instead of heavy cream?

Sour cream can be used for a tangier sauce, but it may alter the consistency and richness of the dish.

10. How can I make this recipe gluten-free?

To make this recipe gluten-free, use gluten-free rotini pasta and ensure the parmesan cheese is gluten-free.

Conclusion

Beef and Rotini in Garlic Parmesan Sauce is a quick and satisfying meal that’s creamy, flavorful, and perfect for any occasion. With just a few simple ingredients, you can create a dish that feels indulgent yet easy to make. Whether you’re cooking for yourself or feeding a family, this recipe will quickly become a staple in your kitchen.