Imagine twirling tender rotini pasta coated in a luscious, creamy garlic Parmesan sauce, perfectly paired with savory ground beef. This dish is comfort food elevated with Italian flair, ideal for cozy family dinners or impressing guests with simple ingredients.
The blend of rich heavy cream, nutty Parmesan, and fragrant garlic creates a sauce that clings beautifully to every bite of spiral pasta. Ground beef adds hearty depth, making this meal both satisfying and flavorful.
- Rich, creamy sauce brings indulgence to everyday pasta.
- Ground beef adds protein and savory richness for a complete meal.
- Quick and easy to prepare in under 30 minutes.
Ingredients
- 8 oz Rotini pasta: Spiral-shaped pasta ideal for holding the creamy garlic Parmesan sauce in every bite.
- 1 lb Ground beef: Lean or regular ground beef adds hearty protein and robust flavor to the dish.
- 2 tablespoons Olive oil: Used for sautéing beef, adding subtle fruitiness and preventing sticking.
- 4 cloves Garlic, minced: Fresh garlic imparts a warm, aromatic base essential for the sauce’s flavor depth.
- 1 cup Heavy cream: The creamy base that enriches the sauce with a silky, indulgent texture.
- 1 cup Grated Parmesan cheese: A salty, nutty cheese that melts into the sauce, providing savory complexity.
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning: A herbal blend of oregano, basil, thyme, and rosemary that enhances overall taste.
- Salt and pepper, to taste: Essential seasonings that balance and highlight the dish’s flavors.
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish): Adds a vibrant pop of color and a fresh, slightly peppery finish.
Instructions
- Cook the Rotini Pasta
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add rotini and cook according to package instructions until al dente, usually 8-10 minutes. This ensures the pasta holds a bit of firmness, perfect for saucing. Drain and set aside to keep warm.
- Sauté the Ground Beef
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add ground beef and cook for 5-7 minutes until browned and no longer pink, breaking it apart as it cooks. This step develops rich flavor through caramelization and browning.
- Add Garlic and Seasonings
Stir in minced garlic and cook an additional 1-2 minutes until fragrant, being careful not to burn it. Season with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning, which infuses a blend of aromatic herbs to deepen taste.
- Create the Garlic Parmesan Sauce
Pour in the heavy cream and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. Gradually stir in grated Parmesan cheese, continuously mixing until melted and the sauce becomes smooth and creamy. If sauce is too thick, adjust by adding reserved pasta water.
- Toss Pasta in Sauce
Add the cooked rotini to the skillet, gently tossing to coat each piece evenly with the rich sauce. This step melds all components, allowing noodles to absorb flavors for a cohesive dish.
- Garnish and Serve
Serve the pasta hot, topped with freshly chopped parsley for a burst of color and freshness. Optionally, add extra Parmesan cheese to enhance the savory notes right before serving.
- Use freshly grated Parmesan for the best melting texture and authentic flavor.
- Save some pasta cooking water to thin the sauce if it becomes too thick.
- You can swap ground beef with ground turkey or chicken for a lighter variation.
Storage Tips
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove or microwave, adding a splash of cream or water to restore sauce creaminess.
Serving Suggestions
Pair this rich dish with a crisp green salad or steamed vegetables for balance. A glass of light red wine such as Pinot Noir complements the savory beef and creamy sauce beautifully.
- For best garlic flavor, mince finely and add just before cream for maximum aroma.
- Brown the beef well to develop deeper, richer umami taste.
- Slowly incorporate Parmesan while stirring to avoid clumps and ensure silky sauce.
FAQs
- Can I use other types of pasta?
Yes, twisted or tubular pastas like penne or fusilli work well to hold creamy sauces.
- Can I make this dish vegetarian?
Omit beef and add sautéed mushrooms or roasted vegetables for a vegetarian version.
- What if I don’t have heavy cream?
Use half-and-half or whole milk thickened with a bit of flour, although sauce won’t be as rich.
- How do I prevent the sauce from breaking?
Simmer sauce gently on low heat and add cheese gradually to maintain smooth consistency.
- Can I prepare this ahead for meal prep?
Yes, cook pasta and sauce separately then combine before serving for best texture.
Beef Rotini Garlic Parmesan
Equipment
- 1 large pot
- 1 large skillet
- 1 spatula
- 1 colander
Ingredients
- 8 oz rotini pasta
- 1 lb ground beef
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 4 cloves garlic minced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- salt and pepper to taste
- fresh parsley chopped for garnish
Instructions
- Boil a large pot of salted water and cook the rotini pasta until al dente, about 8 to 10 minutes, then drain and set aside.
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat, add ground beef, and sauté for 5 to 7 minutes until browned and fully cooked.
- Stir in minced garlic and cook for an additional 1 to 2 minutes until fragrant, then season with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning.
- Pour in the heavy cream and bring to a gentle simmer, stirring to combine with the beef and garlic mixture.
- Gradually add grated Parmesan cheese while stirring continuously until the sauce is creamy and cheese is melted, adjusting thickness with reserved pasta water if needed.
- Add the cooked rotini to the skillet and toss gently until the pasta is fully coated with the sauce.
- Serve hot, garnished with chopped parsley and additional Parmesan cheese if desired.
Notes
- This dish is versatile; you can substitute ground beef with other proteins or add vegetables.
- Store leftovers covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Use reserved pasta water to adjust sauce consistency as needed.
