There’s something truly comforting about a big bowl of Beef and Rotini in Garlic Parmesan Sauce. The tender pasta perfectly coated in a creamy, garlicky cheese sauce, paired with savory beef, creates a dish that feels both luxurious and homey. It’s the perfect solution for those nights when you want a hearty, satisfying meal without spending hours in the kitchen.
This recipe came into my life when I was experimenting with quick weeknight dinners that still felt like a treat. The result? A family favorite that’s as easy to make as it is delicious. Let’s dive into what makes this dish a must-try!
Why You’ll Love This Beef and Rotini in Garlic Parmesan Sauce
Get ready to fall head over heels for this creamy, comforting dish. Here’s why it’s sure to become a staple in your kitchen:
First off, it’s incredibly quick and easy to prepare. With just 30 minutes from start to finish, it’s perfect for busy weeknights when you don’t want to compromise on flavor.
This recipe is also wallet-friendly. It uses pantry staples like pasta and Parmesan cheese, along with ground beef, to create a meal that feels indulgent without breaking the bank.
The balance of flavors is what truly sets this dish apart. The robust, savory beef pairs beautifully with the creamy, garlicky Parmesan sauce, while the rotini’s ridges hold onto all that deliciousness in every bite.
Lastly, it’s versatile enough to suit a variety of preferences. You can easily swap ingredients or add vegetables to make it your own.
Ingredients Notes

The magic of this dish lies in its simple, flavorful ingredients. Let’s break them down to see why each one matters:
Rotini pasta forms the base of this recipe. Its spiraled shape is ideal for capturing the creamy Parmesan sauce, ensuring every bite is packed with flavor. While you can use other pasta shapes, rotini works best here.
Ground beef brings a hearty, savory element to the dish. I recommend using lean ground beef to avoid excess grease, but you can also substitute with ground turkey or chicken for a lighter option.
Garlic is the star of the sauce. Freshly minced garlic infuses the dish with bold, aromatic flavor that perfectly complements the Parmesan.
Parmesan cheese adds richness and depth to the sauce. Use freshly grated Parmesan if possible—it melts better and delivers a more robust taste than pre-grated varieties.
Heavy cream creates the luxurious, velvety texture of the sauce. If you’re looking for a lighter option, you can substitute with half-and-half, though the sauce may be slightly less creamy.
You’ll also need a few pantry staples like butter, olive oil, and chicken broth to tie everything together. A large skillet and a pot for boiling pasta are the only equipment required.
How to Make This Beef and Rotini in Garlic Parmesan Sauce

Creating this delicious dish is a breeze! Let’s walk through the steps:
Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the rotini pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. Reserve about 1 cup of pasta water before draining the rest.
While the pasta cooks, heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add a drizzle of olive oil and cook the ground beef, breaking it up with a spoon, until browned and cooked through. Remove the beef from the skillet and set aside.
In the same skillet, melt a few tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and cook until fragrant, about 1 minute. Be careful not to burn it!
Pour in the chicken broth and heavy cream, stirring to combine. Let the mixture simmer gently for a few minutes to thicken slightly. Then, stir in the freshly grated Parmesan cheese until melted and smooth.
Return the cooked beef to the skillet and toss it in the sauce. Add the drained rotini and stir to coat everything evenly. If the sauce feels too thick, add a splash of the reserved pasta water to loosen it up.
Serve immediately, garnished with fresh parsley or additional Parmesan if desired. This dish tastes best hot and fresh, but it’s so good you likely won’t have leftovers!
Storage Options
If you do find yourself with leftovers (lucky you!), this dish stores beautifully. Transfer cooled pasta to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days.
For longer storage, you can freeze it. Portion the pasta into freezer-safe containers and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
To reheat, warm the pasta gently on the stovetop or in the microwave, adding a splash of milk or chicken broth to bring the sauce back to life.
Variations and Substitutions
This recipe is endlessly adaptable, so feel free to get creative!
- Swap the ground beef for ground turkey, chicken, or even Italian sausage for a different flavor profile.
- Add vegetables like spinach, peas, or sautéed mushrooms to sneak in some greens and enhance the dish.
- Use a blend of cheeses like mozzarella or Gruyere for a twist on the classic Parmesan sauce.
- Want a spicy kick? Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauce for some heat.
The possibilities are endless, so don’t be afraid to experiment and make it your own. Once you try this Beef and Rotini in Garlic Parmesan Sauce, you’ll be coming back for more—guaranteed!
PrintBeef And Rotini In Garlic Parmesan Sauce Recipe
Indulge in this Beef and Rotini in Garlic Parmesan Sauce recipe, a comforting dish featuring tender beef, al dente rotini, and a creamy garlic Parmesan sauce. Perfect for weeknight dinners or special occasions, this easy recipe is sure to be a family favorite.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Dinner
- Method: baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef
- 12 oz rotini pasta
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
- 2 cups heavy cream
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tsp dried parsley
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Cook the rotini pasta in salted water according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
- In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add ground beef and cook until browned. Season with salt and pepper.
- Remove beef from the skillet and set aside. In the same skillet, sauté minced garlic until fragrant.
- Pour in heavy cream and bring to a simmer. Stir in Parmesan cheese until melted and sauce thickens.
- Add the cooked beef and rotini to the skillet. Toss until well coated in the garlic Parmesan sauce.
- Sprinkle with dried parsley and Italian seasoning. Serve hot and enjoy!
Notes
Beef and Rotini recipe, Garlic Parmesan sauce, pasta dinner, creamy rotini pasta, easy family meals
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 520
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 620mg
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