Description
Enjoy a creamy, flavorful dish with Beef and Rotini in Garlic Parmesan Sauce. This one-pan meal combines tender rotini pasta, savory ground beef, and a rich garlic Parmesan sauce for a dinner everyone will love!
Ingredients
- 12 oz rotini pasta (short pasta holds the sauce beautifully)
- 1 lb ground beef (or substitute with ground turkey or chicken)
- 3 cloves garlic, minced (for bold, aromatic flavor)
- 2 tbsp all-purpose flour (to thicken the sauce)
- 2 cups milk (whole milk works best)
- 1 cup Parmesan cheese, grated (freshly grated for richer flavor)
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning (for classic herb flavors)
- 2 tbsp olive oil or butter (olive oil for a lighter touch, butter for richness)
- Salt and pepper to taste (adjust as needed)
- Fresh parsley (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
- Cook the Pasta
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
- Add rotini pasta and cook until al dente, about 9–11 minutes.
- Reserve 1 cup of pasta water before draining, then set pasta aside.
- Brown the Beef
- Heat olive oil or butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
- Add ground beef, breaking it apart with a spatula. Cook for 5–7 minutes until browned and fully cooked.
- Drain excess fat and set beef aside.
- Sauté the Garlic
- In the same skillet, add minced garlic and sauté for 1 minute over medium heat, stirring constantly until fragrant.
- Be careful not to burn the garlic.
- Create the Sauce
- Sprinkle flour over the garlic and stir to form a roux.
- Gradually add milk, whisking constantly to avoid lumps.
- Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer and cook for 2–3 minutes until it thickens.
- Add Cheese and Seasoning
- Stir in Parmesan cheese, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper.
- Cook for 1–2 minutes until cheese is fully melted and sauce is smooth and creamy.
- Combine Pasta and Sauce
- Add cooked pasta to the skillet, tossing to coat evenly in the sauce.
- If the sauce is too thick, add reserved pasta water one tablespoon at a time to reach the desired consistency.
- Return cooked beef to the skillet and mix thoroughly.
- Garnish and Serve
- Sprinkle with freshly chopped parsley for garnish.
- Serve hot and enjoy your creamy, savory dish!
Notes
- Cook Pasta Al Dente: This ensures it holds its shape and absorbs the sauce perfectly.
- Grate Fresh Parmesan: It melts smoother and has a better flavor than pre-shredded cheese.
- Reserve Pasta Water: It’s starchy and helps create a silky sauce.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian-American