There’s nothing quite as comforting as a bowl of Beef and Rotini in Garlic Parmesan Sauce on a chilly evening. The tender beef combined with al dente rotini pasta, all coated in a velvety garlic Parmesan sauce, creates a dish that's as satisfying as it is delicious.

I stumbled across this recipe on a night when I needed something quick but hearty for dinner. Little did I know it would become a family favorite, earning rave reviews and constant requests for seconds. Let me show you why this dish is the ultimate crowd-pleaser.
Why You'll Love This Beef and Rotini in Garlic Parmesan Sauce
Get ready to add this recipe to your permanent meal rotation! This dish isn’t just tasty—it’s everything you’ve been looking for in a quick, family-friendly dinner.
First, it’s incredibly easy to make. In less than 40 minutes, you’ll have a hearty, restaurant-quality meal on the table. Perfect for weeknights when time is short, but cravings are strong!
Second, the flavor combination is unbeatable. The juicy beef pairs beautifully with the rich, creamy Parmesan sauce, while the garlic adds an aromatic kick that ties everything together.
This recipe is also highly versatile. Whether you’re looking to use ground beef, leftover steak, or even a vegetarian option, it adapts beautifully to what you have on hand.
Finally, it’s budget-friendly. Using pantry staples like pasta, Parmesan cheese, and beef means you can enjoy gourmet flavors without breaking the bank.
Ingredients Notes

The magic of this dish lies in its simple, yet carefully chosen ingredients. Each one contributes to the perfect balance of flavors and textures.
- Rotini pasta: The spirals are perfect for holding onto the creamy garlic Parmesan sauce. Feel free to swap with penne or fusilli if needed.
- Ground beef: Opt for lean ground beef to reduce excess grease while still keeping the dish flavorful. If you have leftover steak, slice it thinly and use it as a substitute.
- Garlic: Freshly minced garlic is the star of the show here. It infuses the sauce with a robust, savory aroma that’s simply irresistible.
- Parmesan cheese: Choose high-quality, freshly grated Parmesan for the best flavor and creamy consistency. Pre-grated options may not melt as smoothly.
- Heavy cream: This creates a rich, luscious sauce. If you want a lighter option, half-and-half works too, though the sauce may be slightly less creamy.
- Chicken or beef broth: Adds depth to the sauce and prevents it from feeling too heavy. Low-sodium broth is ideal for better flavor control.
For this recipe, you’ll need a large skillet and a pot for boiling pasta—no fancy gadgets required!
How To Make Beef and Rotini in Garlic Parmesan Sauce

Creating this delicious dish is easier than you think. Follow these simple steps to bring it all together:
- Cook the rotini: Start by boiling a large pot of salted water. Cook the rotini until it’s just al dente—this will ensure it holds up well in the creamy sauce. Reserve ½ cup of pasta water before draining.
- Brown the beef: In a large skillet, heat a drizzle of olive oil over medium heat. Add the ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it up with a spoon. Once cooked, transfer the beef to a plate and drain any excess grease from the skillet.
- Sauté the garlic: In the same skillet, add a tablespoon of butter. Once melted, toss in the minced garlic. Cook for about 30 seconds until fragrant, being careful not to burn it.
- Make the sauce: Stir in the heavy cream and chicken or beef broth, scraping up any browned bits from the skillet. Let it simmer for 2-3 minutes before gradually adding the Parmesan cheese. Whisk continuously until the cheese is fully melted and the sauce is smooth.
- Combine everything: Return the beef to the skillet and toss to coat in the sauce. Add the cooked rotini and stir until everything is well combined. If the sauce seems too thick, add a splash of the reserved pasta water to reach your desired consistency.
- Serve and enjoy: Garnish with fresh parsley or extra Parmesan cheese for an added burst of flavor. Serve immediately and watch it disappear from the table!
This dish comes together in about 35 minutes, making it perfect for a cozy dinner without much fuss
Storage Options
If you happen to have leftovers (which isn’t likely!), here’s how to store them for later:
- Refrigerator: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days. When reheating, add a splash of milk or broth to revive the sauce.
- Freezer: This dish can be frozen for up to 2 months. Portion it out into freezer-safe containers, making it easy to grab and go for quick meals.
- Reheating: For best results, reheat on the stovetop over low heat, stirring frequently. This helps prevent the sauce from separating.
Variations and Substitutions
One of the best things about this recipe is its versatility. Here are a few ways you can customize it to suit your tastes:
- Swap the protein: Try this recipe with ground turkey, chicken, or even Italian sausage for a different flavor profile.
- Add vegetables: Stir in cooked spinach, broccoli, or mushrooms for an extra boost of nutrients.
- Spice it up: Add red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the sauce for a spicy kick.
- Make it gluten-free: Use your favorite gluten-free pasta to make this dish accessible to everyone.
- Try a lighter sauce: For a lower-fat version, use evaporated milk instead of heavy cream.
Feel free to experiment and make this dish your own—the possibilities are endless!
Beef and Rotini in Garlic Parmesan Sauce is the perfect combination of comfort and elegance, making it a standout choice for weeknight dinners and special occasions alike. Once you try it, you’ll see why it’s destined to become a staple in your kitchen!
PrintBeef And Rotini In Garlic Parmesan Sauce Recipe
Savor the delicious combination of tender beef, rotini pasta, and a rich garlic Parmesan sauce in this easy, flavorful dinner recipe. Perfect for busy weeknights or family meals, this dish is a must-try!
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Ingredients
- 12 oz rotini pasta
- 1 lb ground beef
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
- 2 cups heavy cream
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
- Cook the rotini pasta according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
- In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add ground beef and cook until browned. Season with salt and pepper, then remove from skillet and set aside.
- In the same skillet, sauté minced garlic for 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
- Add heavy cream and bring to a simmer. Stir in Parmesan cheese and Italian seasoning, whisking until the sauce thickens.
- Return the cooked beef and rotini pasta to the skillet. Toss everything together to coat evenly with the sauce.
- Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper if needed. Garnish with fresh parsley before serving.
Notes
- Substitute ground turkey or chicken for a leaner option.
- Add steamed broccoli or spinach for extra nutrition.
- Use freshly grated Parmesan for the best flavor.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 610
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 520mg
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