Beef And Rotini In Garlic Parmesan Sauce Recipe

Savory Beef and Rotini in Garlic Parmesan Sauce Recipe

Creamy, comforting beef and rotini in garlic parmesan sauce dance with bold flavors that promise an unforgettable meal.

This hearty pasta dish combines tender beef and perfectly cooked rotini swirled in a rich, velvety sauce.

garlic and parmesan work magic, creating layers of savory depth that make every bite extraordinary.

Weeknight dinners just got a serious upgrade with this simple yet sophisticated recipe.

Home cooks can whip up this crowd-pleasing meal in under 30 minutes.

Fresh ingredients and minimal prep time ensure you spend less time cooking and more time enjoying.

Let’s turn an ordinary evening into a delicious culinary adventure that will have everyone asking for seconds.

Why Beef Rotini Parmesan Sauce Tastes Amazing

  • Create Culinary Masterpiece: Craft an elegant dessert that transforms simple ingredients into a stunning blueberry ganache tart, perfect for impressing guests with minimal professional baking skills.
  • Customize with Ease: Personalize the tart by experimenting with different berry juices or adding unique garnishes like edible flowers or fresh mint, making each version uniquely yours.
  • Celebrate Seasonal Delights: Highlight fresh summer blueberries in a decadent dessert that captures the essence of the season, bringing vibrant colors and rich flavors to your table.
  • Master Gourmet Techniques: Learn professional pastry-making skills like blind baking, creating ganache, and straining fruit, expanding your culinary repertoire with this sophisticated recipe.

Everything for Beef and Rotini Pasta Perfection

Pasta:
  • Rotini Pasta: A twisted pasta shape that holds sauce exceptionally well.
Protein:
  • Ground Beef: A hearty meat that provides rich flavor and protein to the dish.
Dairy and Cheese:
  • Milk: Creates a smooth and creamy base for the sauce.
  • Parmesan Cheese: Adds a sharp, nutty flavor and helps thicken the sauce.
Aromatics and Seasonings:
  • Garlic: Provides a powerful and aromatic flavor foundation.
  • Italian Seasoning, Salt, Pepper: Enhance the overall taste profile of the dish.
Fat and Cooking Liquid:
  • Olive Oil or Butter: Helps brown the beef and prevent sticking.
  • Pasta Water: A starchy liquid used to adjust sauce consistency.
Herbs:
  • Fresh Parsley: A bright garnish that adds color and fresh herbal notes.
Thickening Agent:
  • Flour: Helps create a smooth and thick sauce by binding ingredients.

Steps to Make Beef Rotini Parmesan Sauce

Step 1: Boil the Pasta

Fill a large pot with water and add salt. Bring the water to a rolling boil.

Gently drop the rotini pasta into the bubbling water. Cook the pasta until it reaches the perfect al dente texture, following package guidelines.

Before draining, carefully scoop out a cup of pasta water and set aside.

Step 2: Brown the Ground Beef

Warm olive oil or butter in a spacious skillet over medium-high heat.

Crumble the ground beef into the pan, breaking it into small pieces with a spatula. Sizzle and cook the meat for several minutes until it develops a rich, golden-brown color and cooks completely through.

Remove any excess grease from the pan.

Step 3: Awaken the Garlic Flavors

In the same skillet, add finely chopped garlic.

Stir and cook the garlic over medium heat, creating a fragrant aroma. Watch carefully to prevent burning, moving the garlic around the pan for about a minute.

Step 4: Craft the Creamy Sauce

Sprinkle flour over the beef and garlic mixture. Stir thoroughly to combine.

Slowly pour in milk, whisking continuously to prevent any lumps from forming. Let the sauce simmer and thicken for a few minutes.

Step 5: Enhance with Cheese and Seasonings

Incorporate these ingredients into the sauce:
  • Grated Parmesan cheese
  • Italian seasoning
  • Salt
  • Black pepper

Stir until the cheese melts completely and the sauce becomes smooth and creamy.

Step 6: Marry Pasta and Sauce

Transfer the drained rotini into the skillet.

Gently toss the pasta, ensuring every piece gets coated with the delicious sauce. If the sauce seems too thick, add reserved pasta water one tablespoon at a time until you reach the perfect consistency.

Step 7: Final Touch and Serve

Sprinkle freshly chopped parsley over the top of the dish. Plate immediately and enjoy the mouthwatering meal while it’s hot and steamy.

Notes for Cheesy Beef Rotini Pasta Bowls

  • Aim for perfectly al dente rotini by testing a piece 1-2 minutes before package instructions suggest, ensuring a firm but not hard center.
  • Gradually add reserved pasta water to adjust sauce consistency, preventing it from becoming too thin or too thick.
  • Saute minced garlic quickly over medium heat, stirring constantly to release flavor without scorching.
  • Use freshly grated Parmesan for a more intense, authentic taste compared to pre-shredded varieties.
  • Taste and adjust salt and pepper levels after adding Parmesan, as the cheese already contains saltiness.

Creative Swaps for Rotini Pasta Dishes

  • Vegetarian Rotini Delight: Replace ground beef with plant-based crumbles or sautéed mushrooms for a meat-free version. Use vegetable broth instead of milk for added depth.
  • Gluten-Free Friendly Option: Swap regular rotini for gluten-free pasta. Use cornstarch instead of flour to thicken the sauce and ensure a celiac-safe meal.
  • Spicy Mediterranean Remix: Add red pepper flakes, diced sun-dried tomatoes, and swap Parmesan for feta cheese. Include fresh oregano for an extra Mediterranean kick.
  • Low-Carb Cauliflower Alternative: Substitute rotini with cauliflower rice or zucchini noodles. Reduce flour and use heavy cream for a keto-friendly adaptation.

Pairings to Enjoy With Rotini Parmesan Pasta

  • Pair with Robust Red Wine: Select a medium-bodied Italian red like Chianti or Sangiovese to complement the rich garlic Parmesan sauce and enhance the beef's savory flavors.
  • Serve with Crisp Green Salad: Create a light arugula salad with lemon vinaigrette to balance the creamy pasta dish and provide a fresh, zesty contrast to the hearty beef.
  • Match with Garlic Bread: Prepare toasted crusty bread rubbed with garlic and olive oil to soak up the delicious sauce and add a crunchy texture to the meal.
  • Recommend Sparkling Water with Lemon: Offer a refreshing citrus-infused sparkling water to cleanse the palate between bites and cut through the richness of the Parmesan sauce.

Storing Beef Rotini Pasta Properly

  • Store in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days in the refrigerator. Cover the dish completely to prevent drying out and absorbing other food odors.
  • Transfer to a freezer-safe container, leaving some space for expansion. Freeze for up to 2 months. Wrap tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil to prevent freezer burn.
  • Place portion in a microwave-safe dish. Add a splash of milk or pasta water to restore moisture. Heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each interval to distribute heat evenly. Stop when the pasta is steaming hot.

FAQs

  • Can I use a different type of pasta?

Yes, you can substitute rotini with other short pasta like penne, fusilli, or shells. Just ensure they cook in a similar time frame.

  • What if I want to make this dish healthier?

Use lean ground beef or ground turkey, and opt for low-fat milk and reduced-fat Parmesan cheese to lower the calorie content.

  • Is this recipe suitable for meal prep?

Absolutely! This dish can be prepared ahead and stored in the refrigerator for 3-4 days. Reheat gently with a splash of milk to restore the sauce’s creamy texture.

  • Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Replace the all-purpose flour with cornstarch or a gluten-free flour blend to thicken the sauce, and use gluten-free pasta.

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Beef And Rotini In Garlic Parmesan Sauce Recipe

Beef And Rotini In Garlic Parmesan Sauce Recipe


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4.9 from 23 reviews

  • Total Time: 25 minutes
  • Yield: 6 1x

Description

Succulent beef and rotini dance together in a creamy garlic parmesan sauce, creating a comforting Italian-inspired masterpiece. Hearty pasta twirls with tender meat invite you to savor each rich, perfectly seasoned bite.


Ingredients

Scale

Meat:

  • 1 pound (454 grams) ground beef

Pasta:

  • 12 ounces (340 grams) rotini pasta

Sauce and Seasonings:

  • 1 cup (100 grams) grated parmesan cheese
  • 2 cups (473 milliliters) milk
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon italian seasoning
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil or butter
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions

  1. Fill a large pot with salted water and bring to a rolling boil at high heat. Submerge rotini and cook for 9-11 minutes until perfectly tender. Set aside 1 cup of pasta water before draining.
  2. Heat olive oil in a spacious skillet over medium-high temperature. Introduce ground beef, fragmenting with a spatula. Sear for 5-7 minutes until completely browned. Remove excess fat if needed.
  3. Reduce skillet heat to medium and introduce minced garlic. Quickly sauté for approximately 60 seconds, stirring continuously to prevent burning.
  4. Dust flour across beef and garlic mixture, blending thoroughly. Slowly incorporate milk, whisking to prevent clumping. Simmer for 2-3 minutes until sauce transforms into a velvety consistency.
  5. Integrate Parmesan cheese, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Continue cooking 1-2 minutes until cheese melts completely and sauce achieves a luxurious texture.
  6. Transfer drained rotini into skillet, carefully coating each pasta piece with sauce. Adjust sauce thickness by introducing reserved pasta water gradually, one tablespoon at a time.
  7. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley. Serve piping hot directly from the skillet for maximum flavor and presentation.

Notes

  • Swap ground beef with ground turkey or plant-based crumbles for a lighter, healthier alternative that maintains the dish’s rich flavor profile.
  • Reserve pasta water strategically to control sauce thickness, adding moisture without diluting the garlic Parmesan’s robust taste.
  • Toast the minced garlic briefly before adding other ingredients to enhance its nutty, complex flavor and prevent bitter undertones.
  • For gluten-sensitive diners, replace wheat flour with cornstarch or a gluten-free blend to achieve the same silky sauce consistency.
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 15 minutes
  • Category: Lunch, Dinner
  • Method: Sautéing
  • Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 6
  • Calories: 520 kcal
  • Sugar: 3 g
  • Sodium: 390 mg
  • Fat: 26 g
  • Saturated Fat: 11 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 13 g
  • Trans Fat: 0.5 g
  • Carbohydrates: 38 g
  • Fiber: 2 g
  • Protein: 34 g
  • Cholesterol: 85 mg
Jess Martinez

Jess Martinez

Contributing Recipe Writer & Nutrition Consultant

Expertise

Southwestern and Latin American cooking, Nutritional analysis and healthy recipe planning, Cultural food traditions, Modifying traditional dishes for better health

Education

Santa Fe Community College
Certificate in Culinary Arts

Focused on mastering the flavors and cooking methods of traditional Southwestern cuisine.


Jess’s love for bold, homegrown flavors led her straight into the world of Southwestern cooking and cultural nutrition.
After completing her Certificate in Culinary Arts at Santa Fe Community College, she made it her mission to show that good-for-you food can still taste incredible.
At saltytart.com, Jess shares vibrant, health-conscious recipes with roots in tradition but a fresh, modern twist. When she’s not testing new recipes, you’ll find her at local growers’ markets, tending her herb garden, or digging into food history books.

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