There’s something truly comforting about a warm bowl of Beef and Rotini in Garlic Parmesan Sauce. The tender beef, paired with perfectly cooked rotini, and coated in a creamy, garlicky parmesan sauce, makes for an irresistible dish that's ideal for busy weeknights or cozy family dinners.

This recipe came to life when I was craving a hearty pasta dish that didn’t rely on heavy tomato-based sauces. After a bit of experimenting, it quickly became a household favorite, delivering restaurant-quality flavor with minimal effort. Let’s dive into why this dish is about to be your next go-to dinner.
Why You'll Love This Beef And Rotini In Garlic Parmesan Sauce
Get ready to fall in love with a dish that’s as satisfying as it is simple to make. Beef and Rotini in Garlic Parmesan Sauce ticks all the boxes for a weeknight dinner winner.
First, this recipe is incredibly quick and easy to prepare. In just 30 minutes, you’ll have a meal that tastes like you spent hours in the kitchen. Perfect for those nights when time is short, but you still want something delicious.
Second, the combination of flavors and textures is pure magic. The juicy, savory beef complements the creamy garlic parmesan sauce perfectly, while the rotini soaks up every bit of that luscious flavor in its ridges.
Not only is this dish delicious, but it’s also budget-friendly. Using ground beef and simple pantry staples, you can whip up a satisfying meal without breaking the bank.
Finally, this recipe is endlessly versatile. You can add your favorite vegetables, adjust the seasoning to suit your taste, or swap out the beef for chicken or turkey. It’s truly a recipe that adapts to your needs.
Ingredients Notes

The magic of this recipe lies in its simple, approachable ingredients. Let’s take a closer look at what makes this dish shine.
Ground beef is the heart of this recipe. I recommend using lean ground beef to keep the dish flavorful without too much grease. If you prefer, ground turkey or chicken works wonderfully too.
Rotini pasta is the perfect choice for this dish. Its spiral shape holds onto the creamy garlic parmesan sauce beautifully, ensuring every bite is packed with flavor. If rotini isn’t available, penne or fusilli are great alternatives.
Garlic is the star of the sauce. Freshly minced garlic provides the best flavor, but pre-minced garlic from a jar will also work if you’re short on time.
Parmesan cheese creates a rich, creamy sauce. Grating your parmesan fresh ensures the smoothest texture and the most vibrant flavor, but pre-grated parmesan can be used in a pinch.
The sauce base combines heavy cream and chicken broth, creating a luscious, creamy consistency that’s not too heavy. If you prefer a lighter option, half-and-half can be substituted for the cream.
Lastly, you’ll need basic pantry staples like olive oil, salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning to round out the flavors. A large skillet and a pot for boiling pasta are the only tools you’ll need to make this dish.
How To Make This Beef And Rotini In Garlic Parmesan Sauce

This dish comes together effortlessly, making it a perfect option for busy evenings. Here’s how to prepare it step by step.
Start by boiling a large pot of salted water for the rotini. Once it reaches a rolling boil, add the pasta and cook until al dente according to the package instructions. Reserve ½ cup of the pasta water before draining.
While the pasta cooks, heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the ground beef and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until it’s browned and cooked through. Season with salt and pepper, then transfer it to a plate and set aside.
In the same skillet, add a little more olive oil if needed, then sauté the minced garlic until fragrant, about 1 minute. Be careful not to let it burn, as burnt garlic can turn bitter.
Pour in the chicken broth and bring it to a gentle simmer. Stir in the heavy cream, followed by the grated parmesan cheese. Continue stirring until the cheese is fully melted and the sauce is smooth and creamy. If the sauce seems too thick, use the reserved pasta water to adjust the consistency.
Add the cooked beef back into the skillet, followed by the drained rotini. Toss everything together until the pasta is fully coated in the sauce and the beef is evenly distributed. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed with salt, pepper, or a pinch of Italian seasoning.
The entire process takes about 30 minutes, and the result is a hearty, satisfying pasta dish your family will love.
Storage Options
If you have leftovers, you’re in luck – this dish stores and reheats beautifully. Transfer any remaining pasta to an airtight container and refrigerate it for up to 3 days.
To reheat, add a splash of milk or cream to the pasta before warming it in a skillet over low heat. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking and ensure the sauce stays creamy.
Freezing is another option if you want to make this dish ahead of time. Store the pasta in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. Thaw it in the refrigerator overnight before reheating on the stove.
Variations and Substitutions
One of the best things about this recipe is its flexibility. You can easily customize it to suit your preferences or use up ingredients you have on hand.
For a veggie-packed version, add sautéed spinach, mushrooms, or peas to the sauce. These ingredients pair beautifully with the garlic parmesan base.
If you prefer a lighter option, substitute ground turkey or chicken for the beef. The results are just as flavorful but slightly leaner.
Want to switch up the cheese? Try using pecorino romano or a blend of Italian cheeses for a different flavor profile.
For a gluten-free version, use your favorite gluten-free pasta. The creamy sauce works just as well with alternative pasta options.
Finally, for a spicy kick, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauce or garnish the finished dish with a sprinkle of chili flakes.
Whether you follow the recipe as is or put your own spin on it, Beef and Rotini in Garlic Parmesan Sauce is sure to become a new favorite in your kitchen. Enjoy!
PrintBeef And Rotini In Garlic Parmesan Sauce Recipe
This beef and rotini recipe combines tender pasta, savory beef, and a creamy garlic Parmesan sauce for an irresistible meal.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian-American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Ingredients
- 12 oz rotini pasta
- 1 lb ground beef
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 cups heavy cream
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Cook rotini pasta according to package instructions; drain and set aside.
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add ground beef and cook until browned; drain excess fat.
- Add minced garlic to the skillet and sauté for 1 minute until fragrant.
- Stir in heavy cream and bring to a gentle simmer.
- Gradually add Parmesan cheese, stirring constantly until melted and smooth.
- Season with Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper to taste.
- Toss cooked rotini into the sauce until well-coated.
- Garnish with fresh parsley and serve warm.
Notes
- For extra flavor, add red pepper flakes or a splash of white wine to the sauce.
- Substitute rotini with penne or fusilli if preferred.
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 550
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 520mg
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