Piquant Beef and Rotini in Parmesan Sauce Recipe

Tasty Beef and Rotini in Garlic Parmesan Sauce Recipe

Let me whip up a quick beef and rotini revelation that’ll make your taste buds dance with pure delight.

garlic whispers magic through this hearty pasta creation, promising comfort in every single bite.

parmesan adds a luxurious depth that elevates this simple weeknight dinner from ordinary to extraordinary.

Weeknight cooking demands quick solutions that never compromise on flavor, and this recipe delivers perfectly.

Succulent beef mingles with tender rotini, creating a symphony of textures you’ll absolutely adore.

Layers of rich, creamy sauce coat each pasta curve with irresistible goodness.

I promise this meal will become your new go-to recipe when hunger strikes and time feels short.

Dive into this delectable dish that proves gourmet meals can emerge from your kitchen in under thirty minutes.

Rotini with Beef Garlic Sauce Method

Step 1: Boil Rotini Pasta

Cook the rotini in a large pot of salted water according to package directions.

Once tender, drain completely and set aside in a colander.

Step 2: Brown Ground Beef

Heat olive oil and butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat.

Add ground beef and break into small crumbles while cooking.

Continue cooking until beef is completely browned and no pink remains, about 6-8 minutes.

Step 3: Infuse with Garlic

Sprinkle minced garlic into the skillet with browned beef.

Stir and cook for 1-2 minutes until garlic becomes wonderfully fragrant and slightly golden.

Step 4: Create Creamy Sauce

Pour heavy cream into the skillet and immediately add Parmesan cheese.

  • Heavy cream
  • Parmesan cheese

Stir continuously until cheese melts completely and sauce transforms into a smooth, rich consistency, approximately 3-5 minutes.

Step 5: Season the Mixture

Enhance the sauce with these seasonings:
  • Italian seasoning
  • Red pepper flakes
  • Salt
  • Black pepper

Sprinkle seasonings and stir thoroughly to distribute flavors evenly.

Step 6: Combine Pasta and Sauce

Add drained rotini to the skillet.

Gently toss pasta until every noodle is generously coated with the creamy garlic Parmesan sauce.

Step 7: Serve and Garnish

Transfer to serving plates and sprinkle chopped fresh parsley on top.

Serve immediately while hot and aromatic.

Pasta Tips for Beef Rotini in Garlic Sauce

  • Rinse rotini with cold water after draining to stop cooking and prevent sticking, ensuring a perfect al dente texture.
  • Use a cast-iron skillet or stainless steel pan for better browning and developing deeper flavor in the ground beef.
  • Grate Parmesan cheese fresh for smoother melting and richer taste compared to pre-packaged grated cheese.
  • Adjust red pepper flakes carefully to control heat level, starting with a small pinch and adding more if desired for personalized spiciness.
  • If sauce seems too thick, add a splash of pasta water to thin it out while maintaining rich flavor and helping sauce cling to pasta.

Garlic Rotini Storage Help

  • Store leftovers in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking, keeping them fresh in the refrigerator for 3-4 days.
  • Place pasta in a microwave-safe dish, sprinkle a few drops of water to prevent drying, and heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each interval until thoroughly warmed.
  • Warm the pasta in a skillet over medium-low heat, adding a splash of cream or water to restore moisture and prevent sticking, stirring frequently until heated through.
  • Freeze portions in freezer-safe containers for up to 2 months, thawing overnight in the refrigerator before reheating for best texture and flavor.

Garlic Pasta Complements for Beef Rotini

  • Elevate Pasta Pairing
  • Uncork a bold Chianti or Sangiovese red wine to complement the rich, creamy beef sauce and cut through its heaviness with balanced acidity.
  • Crisp Side Salad
  • Toss a light arugula salad with lemon vinaigrette and shaved Parmesan to provide a fresh, peppery contrast against the hearty pasta dish.
  • Garlic Bread Match
  • Prepare crusty garlic bread with herb-infused butter to soak up the delicious Parmesan sauce and add an extra layer of garlicky goodness to the meal.
  • Wine Alternative
  • Select a crisp Italian Pinot Grigio for those preferring white wine, which offers a lighter refreshing option that won't overpower the dish's rich flavors.

Beef and Rotini Pasta Blends

  • Vegetarian Pasta Delight: Replace ground beef with plant-based crumbles or sautéed mushrooms for a meat-free version that maintains rich flavor and texture.
  • Low-Carb Alternative: Swap rotini pasta with spiralized zucchini noodles or cauliflower rice to reduce carbohydrate content while keeping the creamy garlic Parmesan sauce.
  • Dairy-Free Option: Use coconut cream instead of heavy cream and nutritional yeast in place of Parmesan cheese to accommodate lactose-intolerant or dairy-sensitive individuals.
  • Gluten-Free Adaptation: Select gluten-free rotini pasta made from rice, corn, or chickpea flour to ensure safe consumption for those with gluten sensitivities.

FAQs

  • Can I use a different type of pasta?

Yes, you can substitute rotini with penne, fusilli, or similar short pasta shapes that hold sauce well. Choose a pasta with ridges or curves to catch more of the creamy garlic Parmesan sauce.

  • Is ground beef the only meat option?

No, you can easily swap ground beef with ground turkey, ground chicken, or Italian sausage for different flavor profiles. Each meat will bring a unique taste to the dish.

  • How spicy will this dish be with red pepper flakes?

The amount of red pepper flakes determines the heat level. Start with a small pinch for mild spice, or add more if you prefer a stronger kick. You can always adjust to your personal spice tolerance.

  • Can I make this recipe dairy-free?

While challenging, you could try dairy-free alternatives like cashew cream instead of heavy cream and nutritional yeast in place of Parmesan cheese. However, the taste and texture will be significantly different from the original recipe.

Garlic Rotini and Beef That’s Cheesy and Garlicky Comfort

  • Quick Weeknight Dinner: Whip up this hearty beef and rotini dish in just 20 minutes, perfect for busy families craving a delicious meal without spending hours in the kitchen.
  • Minimal Ingredient Magic: Create a restaurant-quality dinner using simple pantry staples like ground beef, pasta, garlic, and Parmesan cheese, making it budget-friendly and accessible.
  • Flavor-Packed Comfort Food: Enjoy a creamy, rich sauce with a perfect balance of garlic, Parmesan, and subtle heat from red pepper flakes that transforms basic ingredients into an irresistible meal.
  • One-Skillet Wonder: Minimize cleanup with this single-pan recipe that combines pasta and sauce in one easy cooking process, saving time and reducing dish-washing hassle.

Beef & Rotini in Parmesan Sauce Ingredients

Pasta Base:
  • Rotini Pasta: Classic spiral pasta perfect for catching sauce and holding flavors, whole wheat option available for extra nutrition.
Protein:
  • Ground Beef: Rich protein source that adds hearty texture and depth to the dish, lean varieties recommended for healthier option.
Fat and Flavor Enhancers:
  • Olive Oil, Butter: Combination provides rich, smooth base for cooking and adding depth of flavor, use high-quality versions for best taste.
Dairy Components:
  • Heavy Cream, Parmesan Cheese: Creates luxurious, creamy sauce with sharp cheese notes, fresh grated cheese preferred over pre-packaged.
Aromatics and Seasonings:
  • Garlic, Italian Seasoning, Red Pepper Flakes, Salt, Black Pepper: Provides layers of flavor complexity, fresh garlic recommended for most robust taste.
Garnish:
  • Fresh Parsley: Adds bright color and fresh herbal note to finish the dish, flat-leaf variety preferred for better flavor.
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Piquant Beef and Rotini in Parmesan Sauce Recipe

Piquant Beef and Rotini in Parmesan Sauce Recipe


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4.7 from 40 reviews

  • Total Time: 30 minutes
  • Yield: 4 1x

Description

Hearty beef and rotini in garlic parmesan sauce brings comfort and zest to weeknight dinner tables. Creamy parmesan envelops tender pasta and succulent beef, inviting you to savor each flavorful bite.


Ingredients

Scale

Main Protein:

  • 1 pound (454 grams) ground beef

Pasta and Dairy:

  • 12 ounces (340 grams) rotini pasta
  • 1 cup (240 milliliters) heavy cream
  • 1 cup (100 grams) grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1 tablespoon (14 grams) butter

Herbs, Spices, and Seasonings:

  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tablespoon (15 milliliters) olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning
  • 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
  • Salt to taste
  • Black pepper to taste
  • Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions

  1. Prepare the rotini pasta in a pot of boiling water according to package guidelines, ensuring an al dente texture. Thoroughly drain and reserve.
  2. Select a spacious skillet and warm the olive oil with butter over medium-high temperature. Introduce ground beef, methodically crumbling the meat while cooking until it achieves a rich, uniform brown coloration.
  3. Incorporate finely chopped garlic into the beef mixture, allowing the aromatic ingredients to release their intense flavors for approximately two minutes.
  4. Gently pour heavy cream into the skillet, followed by a generous sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese. Continuously stir the mixture, watching it transform into a luxurious, velvety sauce with a smooth consistency.
  5. Enhance the sauce’s complexity by adding Italian seasoning, a subtle dash of red pepper flakes, and carefully balanced salt and black pepper to elevate the overall taste profile.
  6. Transfer the previously cooked rotini directly into the skillet, carefully folding the pasta through the creamy sauce to ensure each strand is thoroughly coated with the rich, garlicky mixture.
  7. Plate the dish immediately while piping hot, and garnish with freshly chopped parsley to add a vibrant, herbaceous finishing touch.

Notes

  • Swap ground beef with ground turkey or plant-based crumbles for a leaner, lighter version that accommodates different dietary preferences.
  • Use gluten-free rotini pasta to make the dish completely gluten-free without compromising taste or texture.
  • Dial down the red pepper flakes for kids or those who prefer milder flavors, ensuring everyone can enjoy this creamy comfort meal.
  • Store leftover sauce separately from pasta to prevent soggy noodles, keeping the dish fresh and maintaining its delicious texture when reheating.
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 20 minutes
  • Category: Dinner
  • Method: Sautéing
  • Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 4
  • Calories: 683
  • Sugar: 2 g
  • Sodium: 637 mg
  • Fat: 40 g
  • Saturated Fat: 19 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 20 g
  • Trans Fat: 1 g
  • Carbohydrates: 51 g
  • Fiber: 3 g
  • Protein: 30 g
  • Cholesterol: 125 mg
Emily Harper

Emily Harper

Nutrition Consultant & Recipe Analyst

Expertise

Healthy Recipe Modification, Nutritional Analysis & Meal Planning, Global Cuisine & Dietary Adaptations​

Education

School: French Pastry School, Chicago, IL

Program: L’Art de la Pâtisserie

Focus: Intensive training in traditional French pastry techniques, baking theory, and confectionery arts. ​


Emily’s journey started in a pastry kitchen but took a detour into the world of health and flavor science.
Graduating from the French Pastry School and studying nutrition opened her eyes to a new mission: making healthy food taste like something you’d actually crave.
At Dining At Home, Emily’s the go-to for smart, feel-good recipes that don’t trade flavor for nutrition.
She’s all about adding a fresh spin on old favorites and finding small ways to make everyday meals a little brighter.
Outside of the kitchen, Emily is most at home walking forest trails, testing plant-based recipes, or sharing a picnic under a wide-open sky.

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