Creamy Beef and Rotini in Garlic Parmesan Sauce

Whether you're hosting a dinner party or looking for a cozy family meal, this recipe is sure to please everyone at the table. Let's dive into this flavorful dish, complete with easy-to-follow steps and tips for perfection.

Why You'll Love This Dish

• Rich and Creamy Sauce: The velvety garlic Parmesan sauce coats every piece of pasta and beef, creating a harmonious blend of flavors.
• Hearty and Filling: With tender beef and rotini pasta, this dish is a complete meal that's perfect for any occasion.
• Easy to Make: Using pantry staples and a few fresh ingredients, you can whip up this dish in under an hour.

Ingredients

For the Creamy Garlic Parmesan Sauce:

• 2 tbsp unsalted butter
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tbsp all-purpose flour
• 2 cups (480 ml) heavy cream
• 1 cup (240 ml) chicken or beef broth
• 1 cup (100 g) grated Parmesan cheese
• ½ tsp garlic powder
• ½ tsp onion powder
• ½ tsp black pepper (adjust to taste)
• Salt to taste

For the Beef and Pasta:

• 1 lb (450 g) ground beef (or beef chunks, if preferred)
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 12 oz (340 g) rotini pasta
• 1 tsp Italian seasoning
• 1 tsp paprika
• ¼ tsp red chili flakes (optional, for heat)
• Salt and pepper to taste

For Garnish:

• 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
• Additional Parmesan cheese for topping

Instructions

Step 1: Cook the Pasta

1. Boil the pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the rotini pasta and cook according to the package instructions until al dente.
2. Drain and set aside: Reserve ½ cup of pasta water, then drain the pasta and set it aside.

Step 2: Prepare the Beef

1. Heat the oil: In a large skillet, heat 1 tbsp olive oil over medium heat.
2. Cook the beef: Add the ground beef, breaking it apart with a wooden spoon. Season with Italian seasoning, paprika, salt, and pepper. Cook until browned and fully cooked (about 5–7 minutes).
3. Set aside: Remove the beef from the skillet and set it aside, leaving the drippings in the pan for added flavor.

Step 3: Make the Garlic Parmesan Sauce

1. Melt the butter: In the same skillet, melt 2 tbsp butter over medium heat.
2. Sauté the garlic: Add the minced garlic and cook until fragrant (about 1 minute).
3. Create a roux: Sprinkle the flour over the garlic and whisk continuously for 1–2 minutes, until lightly golden.
4. Add liquids: Gradually pour in the heavy cream and broth, whisking to prevent lumps.
5. Thicken the sauce: Bring the mixture to a simmer, stirring frequently, until it thickens slightly.
6. Incorporate Parmesan: Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, onion powder, black pepper, and salt to taste. Mix until the cheese is fully melted and the sauce is smooth.

Step 4: Combine and Serve

1. Mix pasta and beef: Add the cooked rotini pasta and beef back into the skillet with the sauce. Toss gently to coat everything evenly. If the sauce is too thick, add a splash of the reserved pasta water to reach your desired consistency.
2. Simmer: Let the mixture cook on low heat for 2–3 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.
3. Garnish and serve: Remove from heat, garnish with fresh parsley and additional Parmesan cheese, and serve immediately.

Tips for the Perfect Creamy Beef and Rotini

• Choose the right beef: Ground beef with an 80/20 fat ratio works best for flavor, but lean beef can be used for a lighter version.
• Don’t skip the pasta water: The starchy water helps the sauce cling to the pasta, creating a silky texture.
• Fresh Parmesan is key: Grate your own Parmesan for the best flavor and melting properties.
• Customize the heat: Add red chili flakes or cayenne pepper if you like a bit of spice.

Pairing Suggestions

To complete the meal, pair this dish with a fresh green salad and garlic bread. A crisp white wine, like Sauvignon Blanc or Chardonnay, also complements the creamy flavors beautifully.

Why This Recipe Will Be Your New Favorite

This Creamy Beef and Rotini in Garlic Parmesan Sauce is everything you want in a comfort food—rich, flavorful, and satisfying. It's a recipe you'll return to time and time again, whether you're feeding a hungry crowd or treating yourself to a cozy night in.

Try it out, and don’t forget to share your results with friends and family. They’ll be asking for the recipe in no time!