There’s something comforting about the combination of tender beef and perfectly cooked rotini pasta, all coated in a creamy garlic Parmesan sauce. The smell alone is enough to have the whole family gathering around the table, ready to dig in.
I discovered this recipe during a busy week when I needed a quick, hearty meal that could be made with pantry staples. Now, it’s a go-to dish in our household, perfect for weeknights or casual dinners with friends. Let’s dive into what makes this dish so special.
Why You’ll Love This Beef and Rotini in Garlic Parmesan Sauce
Get ready to meet your new favorite comfort food. This recipe is the perfect balance of rich, savory flavors and creamy indulgence, with just the right touch of garlic.
First, it’s incredibly simple to prepare. From boiling the pasta to whipping up the sauce, you’ll have this dish on the table in under 40 minutes. Perfect for those busy evenings when you want something homemade but don’t have hours to spare.
The combination of ingredients is budget-friendly, making it an excellent choice for families. Ground beef or thinly sliced steak works wonderfully here, offering versatility depending on what’s in your fridge.
This dish is also endlessly customizable. Whether you want to add in some vegetables, switch up the protein, or use gluten-free pasta, there’s plenty of room for creativity.
Best of all, the creamy garlic Parmesan sauce will win over even the pickiest eaters. It’s a crowd-pleaser that delivers restaurant-quality flavor without the price tag. Let’s take a closer look at the ingredients that make this dish shine.
Ingredient Notes

The ingredients in this recipe work together to create layers of flavor and texture. Each one plays a critical role in crafting a dish that’s as comforting as it is delicious.
Rotini pasta is the star of this recipe. Its spiral shape captures the creamy sauce, ensuring every bite is packed with flavor. While rotini is ideal, you can substitute penne or fusilli in a pinch.
Beef is the protein of choice here, adding a hearty and savory component. Ground beef is quick and easy, but thinly sliced steak can elevate this dish to a special occasion meal.
The garlic Parmesan sauce is the soul of this recipe. Made with fresh minced garlic, butter, cream, and freshly grated Parmesan cheese, it’s the perfect mix of richness and bold, cheesy flavor. For a lighter option, you can use half-and-half instead of heavy cream.
Onions and garlic form the aromatic base, infusing the dish with depth and warmth. Don’t skimp on these ingredients—they’re essential for building flavor.
If you have it, a sprinkle of parsley at the end adds a fresh, herby touch and a pop of color. You’ll also need basic pantry staples like olive oil, salt, and pepper to bring everything together.
No special equipment is required, just a large pot for boiling the pasta and a skillet for cooking the beef and sauce.
How To Make This Beef and Rotini in Garlic Parmesan Sauce

Making this recipe is easier than you might think. Follow these simple steps for a perfect dish every time.
Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the rotini according to package instructions until al dente, then drain and set aside. Reserve a cup of pasta water in case you need to thin the sauce later.
While the pasta cooks, heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add a drizzle of olive oil and cook the beef, breaking it into crumbles. If using steak, sear it in slices until browned. Once the beef is cooked through, remove it from the skillet and set it aside.
In the same skillet, melt butter and sauté finely diced onions until they’re soft and translucent. Add minced garlic, cooking until fragrant, about 30 seconds. Be careful not to let the garlic burn, as it can turn bitter.
Pour in heavy cream and stir, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the skillet. Let the cream simmer gently for 2-3 minutes, then whisk in freshly grated Parmesan cheese. Stir until the sauce is smooth and creamy.
Return the cooked beef to the skillet, along with the drained rotini. Toss everything together, making sure the pasta and beef are evenly coated in the sauce. If the sauce is too thick, add a splash of the reserved pasta water to reach your desired consistency.
Taste and season with salt and pepper as needed. Garnish with chopped parsley before serving.
This dish comes together in about 35 minutes, making it a fantastic option for a quick yet satisfying dinner.
Storage Options
If you have leftovers (lucky you!), this dish stores beautifully. Allow it to cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container.
Store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place it in a skillet with a splash of water or cream and warm over low heat, stirring occasionally. This keeps the sauce creamy and prevents the pasta from drying out.
For longer storage, you can freeze this dish for up to 2 months. Let it thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating as described above.
Variations and Substitutions
This recipe is incredibly versatile, so feel free to adapt it to your tastes and dietary needs.
Want to add some veggies? Toss in steamed broccoli, sautéed mushrooms, or sun-dried tomatoes for added color and flavor.
For a different protein, try ground turkey, chicken, or Italian sausage. Shrimp is also a fantastic choice for a seafood twist.
Looking for a lower-carb option? Swap the rotini for zucchini noodles or cauliflower rice.
Gluten-free pasta works wonderfully in this recipe. Just be sure to check the cooking time, as it can vary depending on the brand.
Experiment with different cheeses. Asiago or Pecorino Romano can be used in place of Parmesan for a slightly sharper flavor.
The possibilities are endless, so have fun making this dish your own. It’s the perfect canvas for creativity in the kitchen!
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Beef And Rotini In Garlic Parmesan Sauce Recipe
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
Indulge in this easy Beef and Rotini in Garlic Parmesan Sauce recipe, packed with tender beef, al dente rotini pasta, and a creamy, garlicky Parmesan sauce. Perfect for weeknight dinners or special gatherings, this recipe is a family favorite loaded with rich flavors and comforting ingredients.
Ingredients
- 12 oz rotini pasta
- 1 lb ground beef
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tbsp butter
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
Instructions
- Cook rotini pasta according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
- In a large skillet, brown ground beef over medium heat. Drain excess fat.
- Add minced garlic to the skillet and sauté until fragrant, about 1 minute.
- Stir in butter, heavy cream, and Parmesan cheese. Cook until the sauce thickens, about 3-5 minutes.
- Add Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper to the sauce.
- Toss the cooked rotini pasta in the skillet with the sauce and beef. Mix well.
- Garnish with fresh parsley and serve warm.
Notes
- Use freshly grated Parmesan for the best flavor.
- Substitute ground turkey or chicken for a lighter version.
- Add vegetables like spinach or mushrooms for added nutrition.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 plate
- Calories: 520
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 540mg
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