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:
- Melt the butter over medium heat.
- Add minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
- Whisk in the flour to form a smooth paste.
- Slowly add beef broth, whisking until thick and smooth.
- Add heavy cream, Parmesan, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, and black pepper.
- 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.
Beef & Rotini in Garlic Parmesan Sauce: A Creamy, Comforting Weeknight Dinner
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
- Cook pasta to al dente; drain. Reserve ¼ cup pasta water.
- In a large skillet, brown beef over medium-high heat. Drain excess fat. Remove beef, set aside.
- In same skillet, melt butter over medium. Sauté garlic 1 min—don’t brown!
- Stir in broth and cream; simmer 3–4 mins until slightly thickened.
- Reduce heat to low. Gradually whisk in Parmesan until smooth and creamy. Stir in parsley, red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper.
- Return beef and cooked pasta to skillet. Toss to coat. If too thick, add reserved pasta water 1 tbsp at a time.
- 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.