Creamy Beef Rotini in Garlic Parmesan Sauce Recipe

Introduction

Creamy Beef Rotini in Garlic Parmesan Sauce is a comforting and rich pasta dish that combines tender rotini pasta with flavorful ground beef, smothered in a luscious garlic parmesan sauce. This recipe offers the perfect balance of creamy texture, savory beef, and a touch of garlic that makes every bite incredibly satisfying. Whether you’re looking for a quick weeknight dinner or a hearty meal to serve guests, this dish will not disappoint. It’s simple to prepare, packed with flavor, and always a crowd-pleaser.

Why You’ll Love Creamy Beef Rotini in Garlic Parmesan Sauce

• Rich and Creamy Flavor: The garlic parmesan sauce provides a velvety texture and a depth of flavor that elevates the entire dish, while the beef adds a savory heartiness.
• Comfort Food at Its Best: The creamy sauce and tender pasta make this a perfect comfort food, ideal for satisfying your hunger and cravings.
• Quick and Easy: With simple ingredients and minimal prep, you can have this dish on the table in no time, making it perfect for busy nights.
• One-Pot Meal: The sauce and pasta cook together, making cleanup a breeze and giving you more time to enjoy your meal.
• Versatile: You can easily customize this recipe by adding veggies like spinach or mushrooms or adjusting the seasoning to suit your taste.

Preparation and Cooking Time

• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Preparation Time: 10 minutes
• Cooking Time: 30 minutes
• Servings: 4 servings
• Calories per Serving: Approximately 500-550 calories per serving, depending on ingredients and portion sizes.

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

• Calories: 500-550 kcal
• Fat: 25g
• Carbohydrates: 45g
• Protein: 30g
• Fiber: 2g
• Sugar: 3g

Ingredients

For the Creamy Beef Rotini:

• 1 lb ground beef (85% lean)
• 12 oz rotini pasta
• 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1 cup whole milk
• 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour (optional, for thickening)
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
• Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish

Optional Add-ins:

• 1 cup spinach or kale (for added greens)
• ½ cup sliced mushrooms
• ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes (for a bit of heat)

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Cook the Rotini Pasta

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the rotini pasta and cook according to the package instructions, usually about 9-11 minutes, until al dente. Drain the pasta and set it aside. Reserve about 1 cup of the pasta water to add to the sauce later, if needed, to adjust consistency.

2. Brown the Ground Beef

While the pasta is cooking, heat a large skillet or sauté pan over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it up into small pieces with a wooden spoon. This should take about 6-7 minutes. Once browned, drain any excess fat and season the beef with a pinch of salt and pepper.

3. Prepare the Garlic Parmesan Sauce

In the same skillet with the cooked ground beef, melt 3 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1-2 minutes, or until fragrant and golden brown. Be careful not to burn the garlic.

If you’re using flour to thicken the sauce, sprinkle it over the garlic and butter mixture, stirring constantly for about 1 minute to create a roux. This step will help thicken the sauce.

Next, slowly pour in the heavy cream and milk, stirring constantly to combine. Bring the mixture to a simmer and let it cook for 3-4 minutes to thicken slightly.

Add the grated Parmesan cheese and Italian seasoning to the sauce, stirring until the cheese has melted and the sauce becomes smooth and creamy. Season with additional salt and pepper to taste. If the sauce becomes too thick, add some reserved pasta water to reach your desired consistency.

4. Combine Pasta and Beef with the Sauce

Add the cooked rotini pasta and browned ground beef to the garlic parmesan sauce, tossing everything together to coat the pasta evenly in the creamy sauce. If needed, add more pasta water to adjust the sauce to your liking.

If you’re adding spinach or mushrooms, this is the time to stir them in. The spinach will wilt quickly, and the mushrooms will soften and blend into the sauce.

5. Serve and Garnish

Once the pasta and beef are well coated with the creamy sauce, transfer the dish to serving plates. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley and extra Parmesan cheese, if desired. Serve immediately while the dish is hot and creamy.

Tips for Perfect Creamy Beef Rotini in Garlic Parmesan Sauce

• Adjust the Creaminess: You can control the richness of the sauce by adjusting the ratio of heavy cream to milk. For an extra indulgent dish, use more heavy cream; for a lighter version, use more milk. This flexibility allows you to make the dish suit your personal preferences, whether you’re in the mood for something extra creamy or a bit lighter while still maintaining the flavorful richness.
• Add Veggies: Spinach, mushrooms, or even peas are great additions to this dish. They’ll provide extra nutrients and texture, balancing out the richness of the sauce. Vegetables like roasted bell peppers or zucchini can also add a touch of sweetness, complementing the savory flavors of the sausage and enhancing the overall dish.
• Use Fresh Garlic: Fresh garlic gives the sauce a more intense and fragrant flavor. Avoid garlic powder for the best result. Fresh garlic offers a brighter and more aromatic punch, enriching the flavor profile of the sauce and infusing every bite with its bold, delicious taste.
• Be Careful with Salt: Parmesan cheese is already salty, so be cautious when adding additional salt to the dish. Taste the sauce before seasoning further. If you do feel the need to add more salt, use a light hand and consider adding it gradually, as it’s easy to over-salt with the salty cheese already in the mix.
• Customize the Protein: If you prefer, you can swap out the ground beef for ground turkey, chicken, or even a plant-based protein for a healthier or vegetarian option. Ground turkey or chicken offers a leaner alternative, while plant-based proteins like lentils or crumbled tofu provide a delicious vegetarian choice, all while still offering the perfect balance to the rich, creamy sauce.

Variations of Creamy Beef Rotini in Garlic Parmesan Sauce

• Spicy Garlic Parmesan Rotini: For a spicy twist, stir in some red pepper flakes or fresh chili peppers along with the garlic. The heat will balance nicely with the creamy and savory sauce.
• Chicken Garlic Parmesan Rotini: Substitute ground beef with diced chicken breast or thighs. Cook the chicken in the same way as the beef and follow the rest of the recipe as usual.
• Vegetarian Garlic Parmesan Rotini: Skip the beef entirely and increase the amount of vegetables like spinach, mushrooms, or zucchini. You can also add some plant-based protein like tofu or tempeh.
• Creamy Beef Rotini with Bacon: For a smoky flavor, add cooked and crumbled bacon to the pasta. Bacon pairs wonderfully with garlic and Parmesan, adding another layer of depth to the dish.

Storage and Shelf Life

• Refrigeration: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Let the dish cool completely before storing to avoid condensation.
• Freezing: This dish can be frozen, but the texture of the creamy sauce may change after thawing. To freeze, place the pasta in a freezer-safe container and store for up to 2 months. When reheating, add a splash of milk or cream to restore the creamy consistency.
• Reheating: Reheat leftovers in a skillet over low heat, stirring occasionally. You can also microwave the pasta, but be sure to stir it halfway through. If the sauce has thickened too much, add a bit of milk or pasta water to loosen it.

Side Dishes and Pairings for Creamy Beef Rotini in Garlic Parmesan Sauce

Pair this comforting pasta dish with sides that complement its creamy, savory richness:

• Garlic Bread: A warm, crusty slice of garlic bread is perfect for soaking up any extra sauce.
• Caesar Salad: A classic Caesar salad with crisp romaine lettuce, tangy dressing, and crunchy croutons balances the richness of the pasta.
• Steamed Vegetables: Lightly steamed veggies, like broccoli or green beans, provide a healthy and fresh contrast to the creamy pasta.
• Roasted Brussels Sprouts: Roasted Brussels sprouts with a touch of balsamic vinegar add a bit of tang and are a great side to serve with the beef rotini.
• Side of Fruit: A fresh fruit salad with berries, citrus, or grapes can help cut through the creaminess and offer a refreshing note.

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Conclusion

Creamy Beef Rotini in Garlic Parmesan Sauce is the perfect dish for when you want something comforting, hearty, and full of flavor. With a few simple ingredients, you can create a delicious meal that’s sure to impress your family and friends. The combination of tender rotini pasta, savory ground beef, and the creamy garlic parmesan sauce is truly irresistible. Whether for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion, this dish will be a hit every time. Enjoy this creamy, indulgent pasta the next time you’re craving a comforting meal that’s both satisfying and delicious!