This Beef and Rotini in Garlic Parmesan Sauce is a creamy, satisfying pasta dish that’s perfect for busy weeknights. Tender ground beef is cooked with garlic and herbs, then tossed in a rich parmesan cream sauce with rotini pasta that catches every bit of flavor. It’s comforting, cheesy, and full of garlicky goodness—everything you want in a family-friendly dinner.
🥩 Ingredients
- 1 lb (450 g) ground beef
- 10 oz (280 g) rotini pasta
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 1½ cups milk (preferably whole)
- ½ cup heavy cream
- 1 cup grated parmesan cheese
- ½ teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- Optional garnish: chopped parsley, extra parmesan
👩🍳 Instructions
- Cook the pasta according to package directions. Drain and set aside, reserving ½ cup pasta water.
- Brown the beef: In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add ground beef and cook until fully browned, breaking it apart as it cooks. Season with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. Drain excess fat if needed.
- Add garlic: Stir in minced garlic and cook for 1–2 minutes until fragrant.
- Make the sauce: Sprinkle flour over the beef and stir well to coat. Gradually add milk and cream, stirring constantly to prevent lumps. Simmer for 3–5 minutes until slightly thickened.
- Add parmesan: Stir in grated parmesan cheese until melted and the sauce is smooth and creamy.
- Combine: Add cooked rotini to the skillet. Toss to coat in the sauce. If the sauce is too thick, add a splash of reserved pasta water to loosen it.
- Serve hot, garnished with fresh parsley and extra parmesan if desired.
💡 Tips
- Don’t overcook the pasta—al dente is perfect so it holds up in the sauce.
- Freshly grated parmesan melts better and gives a smoother texture than pre-shredded.
- Want more garlic flavor? Add a pinch of garlic powder to the sauce.
- Let the sauce simmer for a minute after adding cheese so it thickens naturally.
🔁 Variations & Substitutions
- Swap ground beef with ground turkey, sausage, or plant-based crumbles.
- Use penne, farfalle, or fusilli if you don’t have rotini.
- Stir in spinach, peas, or broccoli for extra veggies.
- Spice it up with red pepper flakes or a pinch of cayenne.
❓ FAQs
Can I use pre-cooked beef?
Yes! Just warm it up in the pan with garlic before making the sauce.
Will this reheat well?
Absolutely! Store leftovers in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat with a splash of milk or cream.
Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes, but for best texture, cook the pasta fresh. The sauce can be made and stored separately.
Is this recipe freezer-friendly?
The sauce freezes well, but pasta can get mushy. Freeze the beef sauce alone and boil fresh pasta when ready.
🍽️ Serving Suggestions
- Pair with a crisp green salad or roasted broccoli for balance.
- Serve with garlic bread or parmesan breadsticks to soak up the creamy sauce.
- Add a glass of chilled white wine (like Chardonnay) for an elegant dinner.
- Sprinkle with crispy bacon bits or toasted breadcrumbs for extra texture.
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