Beef & Rotini in Garlic Parmesan Sauce: A Creamy, Comforting Weeknight Dinner

If you love creamy pasta dishes loaded with flavor and hearty ingredients, Beef & Rotini in Garlic Parmesan Sauce is about to become your new favorite comfort meal. Tender rotini pasta is tossed in a rich, buttery garlic parmesan sauce, then combined with savory ground beef for a filling, family-friendly dish that comes together quickly.

This simple pasta recipe is perfect for busy weeknights, cozy evenings, or anytime you need a satisfying meal without complicated steps. It’s easy, versatile, and absolutely irresistible.


Why You’ll Love This Beef & Rotini Dish

✔ Rich & Creamy

The garlic parmesan sauce clings perfectly to curly rotini pasta.

✔ Hearty & Filling

Ground beef adds protein and makes the pasta extra satisfying.

✔ Budget-Friendly

Uses simple ingredients like pasta, beef, garlic, and Parmesan.

✔ Customizable

Add veggies, spice, or extra cheese to make it your own.

✔ Family-Approved

Kid-friendly flavors, mild seasoning, and creamy texture.


🍝 Ingredients You’ll Need

For the Beef

  • 1 lb ground beef
  • 1 small onion, diced
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • ½ teaspoon black pepper
  • ½ teaspoon paprika (optional)

For the Pasta & Sauce

  • 12 oz rotini pasta
  • 3 tablespoons butter
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 tablespoons flour
  • 2 cups beef broth
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
  • ½ teaspoon garlic powder
  • Salt & pepper to taste

Optional Add-Ins

  • Fresh parsley or basil
  • Red pepper flakes
  • Peas, mushrooms, or spinach
  • Mozzarella or Asiago cheese for extra creaminess

🍽 How to Make Beef & Rotini in Garlic Parmesan Sauce

Step 1: Cook the Rotini

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add rotini and cook until al dente. Drain and set aside.


Step 2: Brown the Ground Beef

In a large skillet, cook ground beef with onion until browned. Add garlic, salt, pepper, and paprika. Cook for 1 more minute. Drain excess grease if needed.


Step 3: Make the Garlic Parmesan Sauce

In the same skillet or a separate pot:

  1. Melt the butter over medium heat.
  2. Add minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
  3. Whisk in the flour to form a smooth paste.
  4. Slowly add beef broth, whisking until thick and smooth.
  5. Add heavy cream, Parmesan, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, and black pepper.
  6. Allow the sauce to thicken for 3–5 minutes.

The sauce should be creamy, velvety, and rich with garlic flavor.


Step 4: Combine Everything

Add the cooked rotini and the browned beef to the garlic parmesan sauce. Stir well to coat every spiral of pasta in creamy goodness.

Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.


Step 5: Serve

Garnish with freshly shredded Parmesan, parsley, or red pepper flakes.

Enjoy warm!


💡 Tips for the Best Beef & Rotini Pasta

✓ Use Fresh Garlic

Fresh garlic makes the sauce more fragrant and flavorful.

✓ Don’t Rinse the Pasta

Starchy pasta helps the sauce cling better.

✓ Add Extra Cheese

Parmesan, mozzarella, or asiago makes the sauce richer.

✓ Thin the Sauce if Needed

Add a splash of broth or cream if it gets too thick.

✓ Use High-Quality Parmesan

Real Parmigiano-Reggiano melts beautifully and tastes amazing.


🌿 Delicious Variations

Creamy Mushroom Rotini

Sauté mushrooms with the onions before adding ground beef.

Broccoli Parmesan Beef Pasta

Add steamed broccoli for a veggie boost.

Spicy Garlic Beef Rotini

Add crushed red pepper flakes or a spoon of chili paste.

Cheesy Bake Version

Transfer pasta to a baking dish, top with mozzarella, and bake at 400°F for 10 minutes.

Ground Turkey or Chicken Swap

Use a lighter meat option if desired.


🍽 What to Serve with Beef & Rotini

This dish pairs perfectly with:

  • Garlic bread or cheesy toast
  • Caesar salad
  • Roasted asparagus
  • Steamed broccoli
  • Fresh green salad

It’s a complete meal, but a side salad or crunchy bread makes it even better.


🧊 How to Store & Reheat

Refrigerator

Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days.

Freezer

Freeze for up to 2 months (sauce may thicken slightly).

Reheat

  • Stovetop: Add a splash of cream or broth and warm slowly.
  • Microwave: Heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between.
Print
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Beef & Rotini in Garlic Parmesan Sauce: A Creamy, Comforting Weeknight Dinner


  • Author: WAFA LI

Ingredients

• 8 oz rotini or penne (or chickpea pasta for +10g protein; zucchini noodles for low-carb)
• 1 lb lean ground beef (85/15)
• 3 tbsp butter
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup low-sodium beef broth
• ½ cup heavy cream (or whole milk + 1 tbsp flour for lighter)
• 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
• ½ tsp dried parsley
• ¼ tsp red pepper flakes (optional, for subtle heat)
• Salt & black pepper to taste
• Optional: chopped fresh parsley or basil for garnish


Instructions

  1. Cook pasta to al dente; drain. Reserve ¼ cup pasta water.
  2. In a large skillet, brown beef over medium-high heat. Drain excess fat. Remove beef, set aside.
  3. In same skillet, melt butter over medium. Sauté garlic 1 min—don’t brown!
  4. Stir in broth and cream; simmer 3–4 mins until slightly thickened.
  5. Reduce heat to low. Gradually whisk in Parmesan until smooth and creamy. Stir in parsley, red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper.
  6. Return beef and cooked pasta to skillet. Toss to coat. If too thick, add reserved pasta water 1 tbsp at a time.
  7. Serve warm, garnished with extra Parmesan and fresh herbs.

PREP TIME & NUTRITION :
Prep Time: 5 mins, Cook Time: 20 mins, Total Time: 25 mins, Servings: 6
Calories: 480, Net Carbs: 30g, Fats: 26g, Protein: 32g
Keto-friendly with zucchini noodles — net carbs drop to ~7g/serving.

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