Beef and Rotini in Garlic Parmesan Sauce transforms simple weeknight ingredients into restaurant-quality comfort food that’s ready in just 30 minutes. This creamy, satisfying pasta dish combines tender ground beef with perfectly cooked rotini in a rich garlic parmesan sauce that coats every spiral—much like our Beef Stroganoff One-Pot Recipe
There’s something magical about the way cream and parmesan come together in a hot skillet – it reminds me of those cozy Sunday dinners at my grandmother’s house, where the kitchen always smelled like love and garlic. This recipe captures that same warmth and comfort, but with the convenience of a quick weeknight meal. The rotini pasta holds onto every bit of that creamy sauce, while the seasoned ground beef adds hearty satisfaction that fills everyone up. From the moment you start browning the beef to that final sprinkle of fresh parsley, your kitchen will smell absolutely divine. Let’s get cooking!
Why You’ll Love This Beef and Rotini in Garlic Parmesan Sauce
This recipe has become a true lifesaver in my kitchen, especially on those busy weeknights when everyone’s hungry but time is short. I’ve been making variations of this creamy pasta dish for years, and it never fails to bring smiles to the dinner table.
Easy to make with everyday ingredients you likely already have in your pantry
Perfect for busy weeknights when you need dinner ready in 30 minutes, just like our quick and hearty Ground Turkey Pasta Skillet.
Consistently delicious results that satisfy both kids and adults
Versatile enough to customize with your favorite vegetables or herbs, or pair it with a light side like our Garlic Parmesan Roasted Broccoli.
Budget-friendly comfort food that feeds a family without breaking the bank
This creamy beef pasta is more than just dinner—it’s a warm hug on a plate that brings everyone together around the table.
Ingredient Note List
Rotini Pasta: The spiral shape of rotini pasta is perfect for this dish because it catches and holds onto the creamy garlic parmesan sauce in every twist and turn.
Ground Beef: I always recommend using 80/20 ground beef because the slight fat content keeps the meat tender and juicy while adding rich flavor to the sauce.
Fresh Garlic: Fresh minced garlic creates that aromatic base that makes your kitchen smell incredible and gives the sauce its signature flavor punch.
Yellow Onion: A small finely chopped onion adds sweetness and depth to balance the richness of the cream and sharpness of the parmesan.
Heavy Cream: Heavy cream is essential for creating that silky, restaurant-quality sauce that coats the pasta beautifully without breaking.
Parmesan Cheese: I always use freshly grated parmesan cheese because it melts smoothly and provides that nutty, sharp flavor that makes this Beef and Rotini in Garlic Parmesan Sauce so irresistible.
Olive Oil: Good quality olive oil helps sauté the aromatics and prevents the beef from sticking to the pan.
Fresh Parsley: Fresh chopped parsley adds a bright pop of color and a hint of freshness that balances the rich, creamy sauce.
How to Cook Beef and Rotini in Garlic Parmesan Sauce
Step 1. I usually start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil before adding the rotini pasta – the salt helps season the pasta from the inside out.
Step 2. Cook the rotini according to package directions until al dente, which typically takes about 8-10 minutes, then drain and set aside while you prepare the sauce.
Step 3. In my kitchen, I prefer using a large skillet to heat the olive oil over medium heat, then add the chopped onion and sauté until it becomes translucent and fragrant.
Step 4. I’ve found that adding the minced garlic after the onions prevents it from burning – cook it just until fragrant, about 30 seconds.
Step 5. My grandmother always said to break up the ground beef as it cooks, and she was right – this ensures even browning and the perfect texture for the sauce.
Step 6. Season the beef generously with salt and pepper while it browns, cooking until no pink remains and the meat is beautifully caramelized.
Step 7. Pour in the heavy cream and let it simmer gently until it starts to thicken slightly – this usually takes about 3-4 minutes in my experience.
Step 8. I always add the grated parmesan cheese gradually while stirring constantly to prevent clumping and create a smooth, creamy sauce.
Step 9. Add the cooked rotini to the skillet and toss everything together until the pasta is well coated in that gorgeous garlic parmesan sauce.
Step 10. Taste and adjust the seasoning as needed, then serve immediately garnished with fresh chopped parsley for the perfect finishing touch.
How to Store & Reheat
I usually store any leftover Beef and Rotini in Garlic Parmesan Sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator, where it stays fresh for up to 3 days. Make sure the pasta cools completely before sealing it to prevent excess moisture from making the sauce watery.
In my experience, this dish doesn’t freeze particularly well because cream-based sauces can separate when thawed, so I recommend enjoying it fresh or within those first few days of refrigeration.
For best results, I recommend reheating leftovers on the stovetop over medium-low heat, stirring gently and adding a splash of cream or milk if the sauce has thickened too much. You can also use the microwave for convenience – just cover it with a damp paper towel and heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each one.
What to Serve with Beef and Rotini in Garlic Parmesan Sauce
Garlic Bread: The crispy, buttery texture of garlic bread is perfect for soaking up any extra sauce, and the garlic flavors complement each other beautifully.
Caesar Salad: A crisp Caesar salad with crunchy romaine lettuce provides a fresh contrast to the rich, creamy pasta while adding nutritional balance to the meal.
Roasted Broccoli: The slight char and crisp texture of roasted broccoli cuts through the richness of the sauce while adding vibrant color and healthy vegetables to your plate.
Steamed Green Beans: Simple steamed green beans with a touch of butter and lemon provide a light, fresh element that balances the hearty nature of this pasta dish.
Dinner Rolls: Warm, fluffy dinner rolls are perfect for family-style serving and give everyone something to nibble on while the pasta disappears from their plates.
Mixed Green Salad: A light salad with vinaigrette dressing adds freshness and helps cleanse the palate between bites of this rich, satisfying meal.
FAQs
How many calories are in Beef and Rotini in Garlic Parmesan Sauce?
This recipe contains approximately 550 calories per serving when divided into 4 portions, making it a hearty and satisfying main course for dinner.
Can I use a different type of pasta for this recipe?
Absolutely! I often substitute penne, rigatoni, or even shells when I don’t have rotini on hand – any short pasta that holds sauce well will work perfectly.
How do I prevent the cream sauce from curdling?
To avoid this issue, try keeping the heat at medium or lower when adding the cream, and always let it simmer gently rather than boiling rapidly.
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Many home cooks find that this pasta is best served fresh, but you can prepare the beef mixture earlier in the day and simply reheat it before adding the cooked pasta and final touches.
Beef and Rotini in Garlic Parmesan Sauce
A hearty and comforting pasta dish featuring savory ground beef, creamy garlic Parmesan sauce, and tender rotini.
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add rotini pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Sauté the chopped onion until translucent, then add minced garlic and cook for about 1 minute until fragrant.
Add ground beef and cook until browned. Season with salt and pepper.
Reduce the heat to low and pour in the heavy cream. Simmer for 3–5 minutes until slightly thickened.
Stir in Parmesan cheese until melted and smooth.
Add the cooked rotini pasta to the sauce and mix until evenly coated. Adjust seasoning if needed.
Serve hot, garnished with fresh parsley.
Notes
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop with a splash of cream. Pair with garlic bread and salad for a full meal.
