If there’s one recipe that warms my heart and fills the kitchen with irresistible aromas, it’s this Rotini with Beef in Garlic Parmesan Velvety Sauce. Tender rotini pasta, juicy seasoned beef, and a rich, creamy garlic Parmesan sauce come together in perfect harmony to create a dish that’s equal parts comforting and indulgent. Whether you’re looking for a weeknight dinner or something special to wow your family, this recipe will hit the spot!
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Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Incredibly flavorful: The combination of savory beef, roasted garlic, and creamy Parmesan creates a flavor explosion in every bite.
Easy to make: With simple, pantry-friendly ingredients, this dish comes together in under 40 minutes.
Family-approved: Even picky eaters will love the hearty pasta and velvety sauce.
Versatile: Swap out ingredients or add extras to suit your preferences.
What Does Rotini with Beef in Garlic Parmesan Velvety Sauce Taste Like?
Imagine al dente rotini pasta coated in a silky, garlicky Parmesan sauce that’s perfectly balanced with juicy, seasoned beef. The sauce is rich yet light enough to let the flavors of the beef and garlic shine through. A subtle kick of black pepper and a sprinkle of fresh parsley tie everything together. It’s comfort food at its finest!
Benefits of Rotini with Beef in Garlic Parmesan Velvety Sauce
Packed with protein and carbohydrates, this is a well-rounded meal.
Great for meal prep—store leftovers and enjoy them all week long.
Perfect for both kids and adults.
Ingredients For Rotini with Beef in Garlic Parmesan Velvety Sauce
For the Main Ingredients:
- Rotini pasta – 12 oz (about 4 cups).
- Ground beef – 1 lb, lean or extra lean.
- Garlic – 4 cloves, minced.
- Heavy cream – 1 cup.
- Parmesan cheese – 1 cup, freshly grated.
- Chicken or beef broth – ½ cup.
- Unsalted butter – 2 tbsp.
- Olive oil – 1 tbsp.
For Seasoning:
- Salt and black pepper – to taste.
- Red pepper flakes – ½ tsp (optional, for a hint of spice).
- Fresh parsley – chopped, for garnish.
Tools You’ll Need
- Large pot (for cooking the pasta).
- Large skillet or sauté pan.
- Wooden spoon or spatula.
- Cheese grater (for freshly grated Parmesan).
- Ladle (to reserve pasta water).
Ingredient Additions and Substitutions
Vegetarian Option: Replace beef with sautéed mushrooms or plant-based ground meat.
Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free rotini or any other gluten-free pasta you love.
Extra Veggies: Add baby spinach, cherry tomatoes, or steamed broccoli for added nutrition.
Cheese Swap: Try Pecorino Romano for a sharper flavor instead of Parmesan.
How to Make Rotini with Beef in Garlic Parmesan Velvety Sauce
Step 1: Cook the Pasta
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the rotini and cook until al dente (about 8–10 minutes). Reserve ½ cup of pasta water, then drain the pasta and set aside.
Step 2: Cook the Beef
In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add ground beef, season with salt and pepper, and cook until browned, breaking it apart with a spoon. Once cooked, remove the beef from the skillet and set aside.
Step 3: Prepare the Garlic Parmesan Sauce
In the same skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté until fragrant, about 1 minute. Stir in heavy cream, chicken broth, and Parmesan cheese. Cook, stirring constantly, until the sauce thickens slightly (about 4–5 minutes).
Step 4: Combine Everything
Return the cooked beef to the skillet and stir to combine. Add the drained pasta to the sauce and toss to coat. If the sauce is too thick, add a splash of the reserved pasta water to loosen it up. Taste and adjust seasonings as needed.
Step 5: Serve and Garnish
Plate the pasta and sprinkle with freshly chopped parsley. Optional: Add extra Parmesan on top for an extra cheesy finish.
What to Serve with Rotini with Beef in Garlic Parmesan Velvety Sauce
This hearty pasta dish pairs beautifully with garlic bread, a simple green salad with a tangy vinaigrette, or roasted vegetables like asparagus, zucchini, or carrots for a colorful side.
Tips for Making the Perfect Rotini with Beef
Fresh Parmesan is key—pre-shredded cheese doesn’t melt as smoothly, so opt for freshly grated.
Don’t overcook the pasta—al dente pasta holds up better in the creamy sauce.
Reserve pasta water—the starch in the water helps the sauce cling to the pasta.
Storage Instructions
Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop, adding a splash of milk or broth to loosen the sauce.
Freeze the cooked pasta and sauce in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Yes! Cook the beef and make the sauce in advance. Store them separately in the fridge, then reheat and combine with freshly cooked pasta.
What can I use instead of rotini?
Any pasta with ridges, like penne or fusilli, works wonderfully. The ridges help hold onto the creamy sauce.
How do I make the sauce thicker?
Let the sauce simmer a little longer or add a small slurry of cornstarch and water.
Wrapping It Up
This Rotini with Beef in Garlic Parmesan Velvety Sauce is a recipe that hits all the right notes—creamy, hearty, and incredibly satisfying. It’s the kind of dish you’ll want to add to your weekly rotation because it’s just that good.
If you try this recipe, let me know how it turns out! Share your photos on Pinterest or drop a review below—I love hearing from you.
Looking for more pasta inspiration? Check out these delicious recipes:
One-Pan Chicken with Buttered Noodles
Creamy Butter Chicken Pasta
One-Pan Garlic Butter Chicken
Nutritional Information (per serving):
Calories: ~520
Protein: 25g
Carbohydrates: 45g
Fat: 25g
Rotini with Beef in Garlic Parmesan Velvety Sauce
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Description
Indulge in this comforting and flavorful dish featuring tender rotini pasta, savory ground beef, and a rich garlic Parmesan sauce. Perfect for weeknight dinners or special occasions, this creamy pasta recipe is family-approved and incredibly satisfying.
Ingredients
For the Main Ingredients:
- 12 oz (about 4 cups) rotini pasta
- 1 lb lean ground beef
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- ½ cup chicken or beef broth
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter
- 1 tbsp olive oil
For Seasoning:
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- ½ tsp red pepper flakes (optional, for a hint of spice)
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- Cook the Pasta:
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the rotini pasta and cook until al dente (about 8–10 minutes). Reserve ½ cup of pasta water, then drain and set aside. - Cook the Beef:
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add ground beef, season with salt and pepper, and cook until browned, breaking it into crumbles with a spoon. Remove the beef from the skillet and set aside. - Prepare the Garlic Parmesan Sauce:
In the same skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant. Stir in heavy cream, chicken broth, and Parmesan cheese, cooking until the sauce thickens slightly (4–5 minutes). - Combine Everything:
Return the cooked beef to the skillet and stir to combine. Add the drained pasta to the sauce and toss until evenly coated. If the sauce is too thick, add a splash of the reserved pasta water to adjust consistency. - Serve and Garnish:
Plate the pasta and garnish with freshly chopped parsley. For an extra cheesy finish, sprinkle additional Parmesan on top.
Notes
- For a vegetarian version, replace the beef with sautéed mushrooms or plant-based ground meat.
- Use gluten-free pasta for a gluten-free option.
- Add veggies like spinach, cherry tomatoes, or steamed broccoli for a nutritional boost.
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop with a splash of milk or broth to loosen the sauce.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: ~520 kcal
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 480mg
- Fat: 25g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 75mg
Keywords: Rotini pasta, beef recipes, garlic Parmesan sauce, creamy pasta