Print

Beef and Rotini in Garlic Parmesan Sauce

A hearty and comforting dish that combines tender rotini pasta, savory ground beef, and a creamy garlic Parmesan sauce. This recipe is perfect for a quick weeknight dinner that feels indulgent yet simple to make.

Ingredients

Scale
  • For the Pasta:12 ouncesrotini pastaWater for boilingSalt for pasta waterFor the Sauce:1pound ground beef3cloves garlic, minced2 tablespoonsall-purpose flour2 cupsmilk1 cupgrated Parmesan cheese1 teaspoonItalian seasoningSalt and pepper to taste2 tablespoonsolive oil or butterOptional Garnish:Fresh parsley, chopped
  • 12 ouncesrotini pastaWater for boilingSalt for pasta water
  • Water for boilingSalt for pasta water
  • Salt for pasta water
  • For the Sauce:1pound ground beef3cloves garlic, minced2 tablespoonsall-purpose flour2 cupsmilk1 cupgrated Parmesan cheese1 teaspoonItalian seasoningSalt and pepper to taste2 tablespoonsolive oil or butterOptional Garnish:Fresh parsley, chopped
  • 1pound ground beef3cloves garlic, minced2 tablespoonsall-purpose flour2 cupsmilk1 cupgrated Parmesan cheese1 teaspoonItalian seasoningSalt and pepper to taste2 tablespoonsolive oil or butter
  • 3cloves garlic, minced2 tablespoonsall-purpose flour2 cupsmilk1 cupgrated Parmesan cheese1 teaspoonItalian seasoningSalt and pepper to taste2 tablespoonsolive oil or butter
  • 2 tablespoonsall-purpose flour2 cupsmilk1 cupgrated Parmesan cheese1 teaspoonItalian seasoningSalt and pepper to taste2 tablespoonsolive oil or butter
  • 2 cupsmilk1 cupgrated Parmesan cheese1 teaspoonItalian seasoningSalt and pepper to taste2 tablespoonsolive oil or butter
  • 1 cupgrated Parmesan cheese1 teaspoonItalian seasoningSalt and pepper to taste2 tablespoonsolive oil or butter
  • 1 teaspoonItalian seasoningSalt and pepper to taste2 tablespoonsolive oil or butter
  • Salt and pepper to taste2 tablespoonsolive oil or butter
  • 2 tablespoonsolive oil or butter
  • Optional Garnish:Fresh parsley, chopped
  • Fresh parsley, chopped

Instructions

  1. 1️⃣Cook the Pasta:Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the rotini pasta and cook according to package instructions (9–11 minutes) until al dente. Reserve 1 cup of the pasta water before draining the pasta. Set the cooked pasta aside.2️⃣Brown the Beef:In a large skillet, heat the olive oil or butter over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef, breaking it up with a spatula. Cook for 5–7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until browned and cooked through. Drain excess fat if necessary and set the beef aside.3️⃣Sauté the Garlic:In the same skillet, reduce the heat to medium and add the minced garlic. Sauté for about 1 minute, stirring constantly, until fragrant. Be careful not to let the garlic burn.4️⃣Create the Sauce:Sprinkle the flour evenly over the garlic and beef mixture, stirring well to combine. Gradually pour in the milk while whisking to prevent lumps. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer and cook for 2–3 minutes, allowing the sauce to thicken.5️⃣Add the Cheese and Seasoning:Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Continue cooking for another 1–2 minutes until the cheese melts completely and the sauce becomes smooth and creamy.6️⃣Combine Pasta and Sauce:Add the cooked rotini pasta to the skillet, tossing well to coat each piece with the creamy garlic Parmesan sauce. If the sauce feels too thick, stir in the reserved pasta water, a tablespoon at a time, until you achieve the desired consistency.7️⃣Garnish and Serve:Sprinkle freshly chopped parsley over the dish for a touch of color and freshness. Serve immediately while hot and enjoy!
  2. 2️⃣Brown the Beef:In a large skillet, heat the olive oil or butter over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef, breaking it up with a spatula. Cook for 5–7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until browned and cooked through. Drain excess fat if necessary and set the beef aside.3️⃣Sauté the Garlic:In the same skillet, reduce the heat to medium and add the minced garlic. Sauté for about 1 minute, stirring constantly, until fragrant. Be careful not to let the garlic burn.4️⃣Create the Sauce:Sprinkle the flour evenly over the garlic and beef mixture, stirring well to combine. Gradually pour in the milk while whisking to prevent lumps. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer and cook for 2–3 minutes, allowing the sauce to thicken.5️⃣Add the Cheese and Seasoning:Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Continue cooking for another 1–2 minutes until the cheese melts completely and the sauce becomes smooth and creamy.6️⃣Combine Pasta and Sauce:Add the cooked rotini pasta to the skillet, tossing well to coat each piece with the creamy garlic Parmesan sauce. If the sauce feels too thick, stir in the reserved pasta water, a tablespoon at a time, until you achieve the desired consistency.7️⃣Garnish and Serve:Sprinkle freshly chopped parsley over the dish for a touch of color and freshness. Serve immediately while hot and enjoy!
  3. 3️⃣Sauté the Garlic:In the same skillet, reduce the heat to medium and add the minced garlic. Sauté for about 1 minute, stirring constantly, until fragrant. Be careful not to let the garlic burn.
  4. 4️⃣Create the Sauce:Sprinkle the flour evenly over the garlic and beef mixture, stirring well to combine. Gradually pour in the milk while whisking to prevent lumps. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer and cook for 2–3 minutes, allowing the sauce to thicken.5️⃣Add the Cheese and Seasoning:Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Continue cooking for another 1–2 minutes until the cheese melts completely and the sauce becomes smooth and creamy.6️⃣Combine Pasta and Sauce:Add the cooked rotini pasta to the skillet, tossing well to coat each piece with the creamy garlic Parmesan sauce. If the sauce feels too thick, stir in the reserved pasta water, a tablespoon at a time, until you achieve the desired consistency.7️⃣Garnish and Serve:Sprinkle freshly chopped parsley over the dish for a touch of color and freshness. Serve immediately while hot and enjoy!
  5. 5️⃣Add the Cheese and Seasoning:Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Continue cooking for another 1–2 minutes until the cheese melts completely and the sauce becomes smooth and creamy.6️⃣Combine Pasta and Sauce:Add the cooked rotini pasta to the skillet, tossing well to coat each piece with the creamy garlic Parmesan sauce. If the sauce feels too thick, stir in the reserved pasta water, a tablespoon at a time, until you achieve the desired consistency.7️⃣Garnish and Serve:Sprinkle freshly chopped parsley over the dish for a touch of color and freshness. Serve immediately while hot and enjoy!
  6. 6️⃣Combine Pasta and Sauce:Add the cooked rotini pasta to the skillet, tossing well to coat each piece with the creamy garlic Parmesan sauce. If the sauce feels too thick, stir in the reserved pasta water, a tablespoon at a time, until you achieve the desired consistency.
  7. 7️⃣Garnish and Serve:Sprinkle freshly chopped parsley over the dish for a touch of color and freshness. Serve immediately while hot and enjoy!

Notes

For a richer sauce, substitute half of the milk with heavy cream.This recipe works well with other pasta shapes like penne, fusilli, or farfalle.Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a hint of spice.Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently to maintain the creamy texture.
This recipe works well with other pasta shapes like penne, fusilli, or farfalle.Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a hint of spice.Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently to maintain the creamy texture.
Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a hint of spice.Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently to maintain the creamy texture.
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently to maintain the creamy texture.