Description
Creamy, hearty, and packed with flavor, this Beef and Rotini in Garlic Parmesan Sauce is the ultimate comfort food. Perfect for a quick dinner, cozy family meal, or make-ahead lunch, this easy recipe brings together tender ground beef, spiral pasta, and a silky garlic Parmesan cream sauce. Ideal for busy nights, it’s a great addition to your list of quick dinner ideas, easy recipes, or weeknight meal plans. Whether you’re searching for a hearty food idea or new pasta inspiration, this dish fits the bill every time.
Ingredients
12 oz rotini pasta
1 lb ground beef
1 cup heavy cream
4 cloves garlic, minced
1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
2 tbsp butter
1 tbsp olive oil
1 tsp salt (or to taste)
½ tsp black pepper
1 tsp Italian seasoning
2 tbsp chopped parsley (optional for garnish)
Instructions
1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the rotini pasta until al dente, then drain, reserving ½ cup of pasta water.
2. In a large skillet over medium-high heat, heat olive oil. Add ground beef, season with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. Cook until browned, then drain excess fat and set aside.
3. Reduce heat to medium. In the same skillet, melt butter and sauté minced garlic for about 1 minute until fragrant.
4. Pour in heavy cream, scraping up browned bits from the pan. Simmer for 3–4 minutes.
5. Stir in Parmesan cheese gradually until the sauce is smooth and creamy.
6. Return the beef to the pan. Add cooked rotini and toss to coat. Add a splash of pasta water if needed to loosen the sauce.
7. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.
8. Serve hot, garnished with parsley and extra Parmesan if desired.
Notes
Always grate your own Parmesan for the creamiest sauce—pre-shredded doesn’t melt well.
Save some pasta water before draining—it helps adjust sauce consistency perfectly.
Don’t overcook the pasta; al dente is ideal so it doesn’t turn mushy in the sauce.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl (approx.)
- Calories: 620
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 460mg
- Fat: 36g
- Saturated Fat: 18g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 27g
- Cholesterol: 115mg
Keywords: quick dinner, easy pasta recipe, beef and pasta, garlic Parmesan sauce, weeknight meal, comfort food