Looking for a delicious, creamy dinner idea?
Try this Beef and Rotini in Garlic Parmesan Sauce!
This comforting dish combines tender beef, rotini pasta, and a rich garlic parmesan sauce that the whole family will love.
Whether you’re cooking for a busy weeknight or planning a family dinner, this recipe is sure to satisfy every craving!
Key Ingredients You’ll Need
To make Beef and Rotini in Garlic Parmesan Sauce, you’ll need a few simple ingredients. Here’s what you need to gather:
- Ground Beef: You can also use steak strips for a heartier version, but ground beef is quick and budget-friendly.
- Rotini Pasta: This spiral pasta shape is perfect for holding sauce, so you get more flavor in every bite.
- Fresh Garlic: Garlic adds a savory kick that pairs perfectly with parmesan and butter.
- Butter and Heavy Cream: These two ingredients create the base of the creamy garlic parmesan sauce.
- Parmesan Cheese: Freshly grated parmesan adds the right sharpness and flavor.
- Fresh Parsley: A garnish of parsley adds a pop of color and a hint of freshness.
Step-by-Step Guide
1. Cook the Beef
Start by heating a large skillet over medium heat. Add the ground beef (or steak strips) and cook, breaking it apart as it cooks, until it’s browned and fully cooked through. Drain any excess fat and set the beef aside.
2. Prepare the Pasta
While the beef is cooking, bring a pot of salted water to a boil. Add the rotini pasta and cook according to the package instructions until it’s al dente (firm but cooked through). Drain the pasta, reserving a cup of pasta water for later use.
3. Make the Garlic Parmesan Sauce
In the same skillet you used for the beef, melt butter over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant. Pour in the heavy cream, stirring to combine, then add the parmesan cheese, and cook, stirring constantly, until the sauce thickens. If needed, add some reserved pasta water to achieve your desired sauce consistency.
4. Combine Everything
Once the sauce has thickened, add the cooked beef and rotini pasta to the skillet. Toss everything together, ensuring the pasta and beef are well coated in the creamy garlic parmesan sauce. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Garnish with fresh parsley and serve immediately!
Tips & Tricks
Want to elevate this dish? Here are some pro tips:
- Add Lemon Zest: For a burst of freshness, add a touch of lemon zest to the sauce. It cuts through the richness and brightens up the flavors.
- Add Vegetables: Try adding spinach, bell peppers, or even sun-dried tomatoes to the dish for extra nutrients and flavor.
- Use Fresh Parmesan: Freshly grated parmesan provides a better texture and richer flavor than pre-shredded options.
Variations
Feel free to make this dish your own by experimenting with different variations:
- Swap the Beef: For a lighter option, try using ground turkey or chicken, or even a plant-based protein for a vegetarian version.
- Make It Lighter: Substitute heavy cream with half-and-half, milk, or even a non-dairy cream like coconut cream for a lighter version.
- Spice It Up: If you love heat, add red pepper flakes or a splash of hot sauce to the garlic parmesan sauce for a spicy kick.
FAQ’s
Can I use a different type of pasta?
Yes, you can swap the rotini pasta for any other pasta shape you prefer, such as penne, fusilli, or spaghetti.
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
While this dish is best enjoyed fresh, you can prepare the beef, pasta, and sauce ahead of time and store them separately in the fridge. Simply reheat and combine them when you’re ready to serve.
Can I freeze this dish?
Yes, this dish can be frozen. Store it in an airtight container and freeze for up to 3 months. To reheat, thaw in the fridge overnight and warm on the stove, adding a little extra cream if needed.
Beef and Rotini in Garlic Parmesan Sauce (30-Minutes)
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef or steak strips
- 12 oz rotini pasta
- 3 cloves garlic minced
- 2 tbsp butter
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup freshly grated parmesan cheese
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 tbsp fresh parsley chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
Cook the Beef
- Start by heating a large skillet over medium heat. Add the ground beef (or steak strips) and cook, breaking it apart as it cooks, until it’s browned and fully cooked through. Drain any excess fat and set the beef aside.
Prepare the Pasta
- While the beef is cooking, bring a pot of salted water to a boil. Add the rotini pasta and cook according to the package instructions until it’s al dente (firm but cooked through). Drain the pasta, reserving a cup of pasta water for later use.
Make the Garlic Parmesan Sauce
- In the same skillet you used for the beef, melt butter over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant. Pour in the heavy cream, stirring to combine, then add the parmesan cheese, and cook, stirring constantly, until the sauce thickens. If needed, add some reserved pasta water to achieve your desired sauce consistency.
Combine Everything
- Once the sauce has thickened, add the cooked beef and rotini pasta to the skillet. Toss everything together, ensuring the pasta and beef are well coated in the creamy garlic parmesan sauce. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Garnish with fresh parsley and serve immediately!