This creamy beef and rotini dish boasts a rich garlic Parmesan sauce that clings perfectly to each spiral of pasta, creating a decadent and comforting meal. The tender ground beef adds hearty flavor while the fresh parsley garnish brightens the plate with a splash of color.
Ideal for busy weeknights or when you want to treat yourself to something indulgent, this dish combines creamy, cheesy textures with savory meatiness in every bite. It’s a classic comfort food elevated with the vibrant aroma of garlic and freshly grated Parmesan cheese, making it irresistible to both family and guests alike.
Full recipe:
Ingredients:
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1 pound ground beef
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8 ounces rotini pasta
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3 tablespoons butter
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4 cloves garlic, minced
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2 cups heavy cream
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1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
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1/2 teaspoon black pepper
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1 teaspoon salt
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1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
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1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
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1 cup beef broth
Directions:
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Cook the rotini pasta in salted boiling water according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
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In a large skillet over medium heat, melt 1 tablespoon of butter. Add the ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it apart with a spoon. Drain excess fat if needed.
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Remove beef from the skillet and set aside. In the same skillet, melt the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter. Add the minced garlic and sauté until fragrant, about 1 minute.
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Pour in the beef broth and heavy cream, stirring to combine. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer.
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Gradually whisk in the Parmesan cheese until melted and the sauce thickens slightly. Season with salt, black pepper, and crushed red pepper flakes if using.
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Return the cooked beef to the skillet and stir to coat with the creamy sauce.
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Add the cooked rotini pasta to the skillet and toss everything together until evenly mixed and heated through.
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Garnish with fresh parsley and serve immediately.
Prep Time: 10 minutes | Cooking Time: 20 minutes | Total Time: 30 minutes
Kcal: 620 kcal | Servings: 4 servings
Why Rotini and Ground Beef?
Rotini pasta is an excellent choice for creamy sauces because its spiral shape captures the sauce in every groove, enhancing the eating experience. Unlike smoother pastas such as spaghetti or linguine, rotini’s ridges hold the garlic Parmesan sauce, ensuring the flavors are distributed evenly with every forkful.
Ground beef is a readily available, budget-friendly protein that adds a robust flavor and texture. When browned properly, it provides a savory base that pairs perfectly with the creamy sauce. It’s also versatile enough to be adapted with additional spices or vegetables if desired, making it a great pantry staple for a wide range of meals.
The Role of Garlic and Parmesan
Garlic and Parmesan are the true stars of this dish. Garlic provides a fragrant, slightly pungent aroma that awakens the senses. When sautéed lightly in butter before adding the cream, it infuses the sauce with a rich, savory base note without overpowering the dish.
Parmesan cheese adds sharp, nutty, and salty characteristics that elevate the cream sauce beyond ordinary. Using freshly grated Parmesan ensures the sauce has a silky smooth texture and a deep, complex flavor. This cheese melts seamlessly into the cream and broth mixture, creating a sauce that is thick enough to coat the pasta but still silky and luxurious.
Creamy Sauce: Balancing Richness and Flavor
A common concern with creamy pasta dishes is that they can become overly heavy or greasy. This recipe strikes a careful balance by incorporating beef broth alongside heavy cream. The broth adds a subtle umami undertone and helps thin the sauce just enough to prevent it from feeling too thick or cloying.
The careful seasoning with salt, pepper, and optional crushed red pepper flakes adds layers of flavor without overwhelming the palate. The red pepper flakes introduce a gentle warmth that can be adjusted to taste, offering a mild kick that contrasts beautifully with the creamy, cheesy sauce.
Practical and Quick to Make
One of the greatest advantages of this creamy beef and rotini pasta is how quickly it comes together. It requires minimal prep work and cooks entirely on the stovetop, making cleanup easier. For families or busy individuals, it’s a recipe that can be whipped up in about 30 minutes, delivering restaurant-quality flavors at home without hours of effort.
The ingredients are also common pantry and fridge staples: pasta, ground beef, garlic, butter, cream, and Parmesan. This accessibility means you can often make this dish without an extra trip to the grocery store, which adds to its appeal as a reliable weeknight meal option.
Nutritional Considerations
While this dish is indulgently creamy and rich, it also contains protein from the beef and some calcium from the Parmesan cheese. For those looking to lighten the recipe, substitutions such as using half-and-half instead of heavy cream or adding vegetables like spinach or mushrooms can increase nutritional value without sacrificing flavor.
It’s a filling and satisfying meal that will keep you energized, especially on colder days or when you need a hearty dish that fuels your body and comforts your soul.
Serving Suggestions and Variations
Creamy beef and rotini pasta pairs well with a variety of side dishes. A crisp green salad with a tangy vinaigrette provides a refreshing contrast to the rich sauce. Roasted vegetables or garlic bread also complement this dish nicely, adding texture and balance.
If you want to switch up the protein, ground turkey or chicken can be substituted for the beef, creating a lighter version. For a vegetarian twist, try replacing the meat with sautéed mushrooms or plant-based crumbles and using vegetable broth instead of beef broth.
To elevate the flavor further, fresh herbs like basil or thyme can be sprinkled on top just before serving. A squeeze of lemon juice can also brighten the dish and cut through the richness, giving it a more complex flavor profile.
Why This Recipe Works for Everyone
This creamy beef and rotini pasta hits all the right notes for a crowd-pleasing meal. It’s indulgent but balanced, flavorful but not overwhelming, and simple yet elegant. Whether you’re cooking for family dinners, meal prepping for the week, or entertaining guests, it fits the bill perfectly.
The familiar ingredients and classic flavor combination offer a sense of nostalgia, while the creamy Parmesan sauce adds a touch of sophistication. It’s a dish that pleases picky eaters and adventurous food lovers alike.
Conclusion: The Perfect Comfort Food for Any Occasion
In summary, creamy beef and rotini in garlic Parmesan sauce is a versatile and delicious recipe that embodies comfort food at its best. The richness of the sauce, the hearty beef, and the perfectly cooked rotini combine to create a satisfying meal that feels special but is incredibly easy to make.
Whether you are looking for a quick weeknight dinner, a family-friendly meal, or a recipe to impress guests without much fuss, this dish fits every scenario. Its simplicity, accessibility, and irresistible flavors make it a timeless classic that deserves a spot in your recipe collection.
Give it a try, and you’ll discover why creamy garlic Parmesan pasta with beef has become a favorite for so many — it’s more than just food; it’s a warm hug in a bowl.