Beef and Rotini in Garlic Parmesan Sauce Recipe
Dinner just got exciting with Beef and Rotini in Garlic Parmesan Sauce! This is the sort of meal that brings everyone running to the table: tender pasta and savory beef swirled in a silky, cheesy sauce, with garlicky richness and a hint of fresh herbs. What’s even better is just how easy it is to pull together from pantry staples. Whether you’re cooking for family or craving something cozy after a long day, this dish promises bold flavor, creamy comfort, and a meal you’ll want to make again and again.

Ingredients You’ll Need
It’s amazing how a handful of essential, everyday ingredients combine to create the comforting flavors in this recipe! Each one plays a key role, bringing texture, color, or that signature savory oomph to Beef and Rotini in Garlic Parmesan Sauce.
- Rotini Pasta: The perfect shape for catching every bit of that creamy sauce; al dente spirals make each bite fun and flavorful.
- Olive Oil: A splash helps brown the beef and adds rich flavor depth to the base.
- Ground Beef: Use an 80/20 blend for juicy, tender morsels that soak up all that cheesy garlic goodness.
- Yellow Onion: Finely chopped for sweet aromatic backbone and color in the sauce.
- Garlic: Four cloves bring irresistible, fragrant warmth that’s the star of the rich parmesan sauce.
- All-Purpose Flour: Just enough to thicken the sauce so it clings to the pasta beautifully.
- Beef Broth: Adds deep, savory complexity and melds with cream to form the dreamy sauce.
- Heavy Cream: Luxurious and thick for that perfect, luscious texture in every bite.
- Parmesan Cheese: Salty, nutty, and melting straight into the sauce—freshly grated is best for flavor and meltability.
- Italian Seasoning: A touch of herbs brightens the sauce and ties all the tastes together.
- Salt and Black Pepper: Essential for seasoning at the finish—taste and adjust to your liking.
- Chopped Parsley (Optional): A fresh, green finish that makes every serving look and taste even better.
How to Make Beef and Rotini in Garlic Parmesan Sauce
Step 1: Boil the Rotini
Start by bringing a big pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Add the rotini pasta and cook according to the package’s al dente directions. You want the spirals to be tender but still have a bit of bite. Drain them well and set aside—no need to rinse; the sauce will cling better to the pasta’s natural starches.
Step 2: Brown the Ground Beef
While the pasta is cooking, grab your largest skillet and warm the olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and cook, breaking up the meat into bite-size bits. Wait until it’s evenly browned and no pink remains—this builds all those flavorful caramelized bits! If needed, drain off any excess fat to keep the sauce light and balanced.
Step 3: Sauté Onion and Garlic
Straight into the beef goes the finely chopped onion. Cook for two to three minutes—just long enough for it to soften and turn translucent. Then in with the minced garlic, giving it just 30 seconds so it blooms and perfumes the kitchen but doesn’t burn. There’s nothing like that aroma as a sign you’re almost there!
Step 4: Build the Sauce Base
Sprinkle the flour right over the beef and onions, stirring well to coat everything. This quick step is the secret for a velvety sauce later. Slowly pour in the beef broth while stirring constantly—this prevents lumps and ensures a smooth beginning. Stir in the heavy cream, Parmesan, and Italian seasoning. Let the mixture come up to a gentle simmer for three to four minutes; the sauce will thicken, bubble, and transform into something magical.
Step 5: Combine Pasta and Sauce
Add the cooked rotini directly into the skillet. Toss everything together so those cheesy, garlicky flavors wrap around every spiral. Taste and adjust with salt and black pepper. Let the pasta sit for a minute to soak up extra flavor, then dish it up hot, garnished with chopped parsley for a burst of color if you’re feeling fancy.
How to Serve Beef and Rotini in Garlic Parmesan Sauce

Garnishes
Scatter fresh chopped parsley over the top for a pop of green and brightness. For extra indulgence, shower on more freshly grated Parmesan just before serving—it melts into the hot sauce and adds a savory finish. A twist of black pepper adds a little visual flair and a tiny kick.
Side Dishes
This meal is hearty enough to shine on its own, but pairing it with a simple green salad or roasted vegetables brings lovely contrast and freshness. For something cozy and classic, serve Beef and Rotini in Garlic Parmesan Sauce with garlic bread or warm, crusty rolls to soak up every last bit of sauce.
Creative Ways to Present
Turn this dish into a showstopper by serving family-style in a big, shallow bowl or platter. Sprinkle extra Parmesan and parsley just before guests dig in, or scoop portions into individual oven-safe crocks, top with more cheese, and broil for a bubbly, golden crust. Kids love it “deconstructed” with beef, pasta, and sauce side-by-side for DIY mixing.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store leftover Beef and Rotini in Garlic Parmesan Sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It stays fresh and flavorful for up to three days. Let the dish cool before sealing to prevent extra condensation that could water down the creamy sauce.
Freezing
If you want to freeze portions for later, let the pasta cool completely first. Transfer to freezer-safe containers or zip-top bags, removing as much air as possible. Beef and Rotini in Garlic Parmesan Sauce will keep for two to three months. Note that the sauce may separate a little upon thawing, but a quick stir during reheating will bring it back together.
Reheating
For best results, reheat gently on the stovetop over low to medium heat, adding a splash of milk, cream, or beef broth to loosen the sauce if needed. Stir often to help it regain its creamy consistency. You can also microwave individual portions in short bursts, stirring each time until heated through.
FAQs
Can I use a different type Main Course
Absolutely! While rotini grabs the sauce beautifully, any short pasta like penne, fusilli, or farfalle will work well in this recipe. Just cook according to the package for best texture.
Is it possible to make this dish lighter?
Yes! Substitute ground turkey or chicken for beef, use half-and-half instead of heavy cream, and keep the Parmesan, but use less if you prefer. The final dish will still be creamy and satisfying, just a bit lighter.
How can I make Beef and Rotini in Garlic Parmesan Sauce gluten-free?
Choose your favorite gluten-free rotini or pasta and replace the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend or cornstarch (use half the amount). Make sure your beef broth is also gluten-free to ensure every bite is safe.
Will the sauce thicken more as it sits?
Yes, the sauce tends to thicken a bit as it cools and the pasta absorbs more liquid. If reheating leftovers, just add a splash of cream or broth to loosen things back up to a silky, saucy consistency.
Can I add vegetables to Beef and Rotini in Garlic Parmesan Sauce?
Definitely! Toss in sautéed mushrooms, chopped spinach, or bell peppers in the last few minutes of cooking for extra nutrition, pops of color, and a delicious way to stretch the meal.
Final Thoughts
If you’re seeking comfort food with personality, give Beef and Rotini in Garlic Parmesan Sauce a try—it’s pure joy in a bowl! With its creamy sauce and signature savory twist, this meal is guaranteed to become a repeat favorite. Grab your skillet, gather your loved ones, and treat yourself to a homemade classic that always delivers on flavor and warmth. Enjoy every delicious forkful!
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Beef and Rotini in Garlic Parmesan Sauce Recipe
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in a comforting and flavorful meal with this Beef and Rotini in Garlic Parmesan Sauce recipe. This dish combines tender rotini pasta with savory ground beef in a creamy Parmesan sauce, accented with aromatic garlic and Italian seasoning.
Ingredients
Rotini Pasta:
- 12 ounces rotini pasta
Beef Mixture:
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 small yellow onion, finely chopped
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 1 1/2 cups beef broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Salt and black pepper to taste
Garnish:
- Chopped parsley for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Cook the Rotini: Boil rotini pasta until al dente, then drain and set aside.
- Prepare Beef Mixture: Brown ground beef in a skillet, then add onion and garlic. Stir in flour, broth, cream, Parmesan, and seasoning. Simmer until thickened.
- Combine and Serve: Add cooked rotini to the beef mixture, toss to coat, season with salt and pepper, garnish with parsley, and serve hot.
Notes
- You can substitute ground turkey or chicken for beef.
- Enhance the dish with sautéed mushrooms or baby spinach.
- Use freshly grated Parmesan for optimal flavor.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 610
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 520mg
- Fat: 33g
- Saturated Fat: 16g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15g
- Trans Fat: 1g
- Carbohydrates: 50g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 31g
- Cholesterol: 115mg