This Garlic Parmesan Pasta with Creamy Beef Rotini is weeknight comfort food at its finest. Tender rotini pasta is smothered in a rich, garlicky Parmesan cream sauce and loaded with savory ground beef. It’s easy, indulgent, and bursting with flavor in every bite. Perfect for feeding the whole family or meal prepping for cozy lunches all week.
Ingredients
- 8 ounces rotini pasta
- 1 pound ground beef
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook rotini according to package directions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it up as it cooks, about 5–7 minutes.
- Stir in the minced garlic and sauté for another 1–2 minutes until fragrant.
- Pour in the heavy cream, stirring to combine. Let it simmer gently for a couple of minutes.
- Add the grated Parmesan and Italian seasoning. Stir until the cheese melts and the sauce becomes smooth and creamy. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Toss in the cooked rotini and mix until the pasta is fully coated in the creamy beef sauce.
- Serve warm, topped with a sprinkle of chopped fresh parsley.
Variation
- Swap the Protein: Try ground turkey, chicken, or Italian sausage instead of ground beef for a lighter or spicier flavor. Turkey and chicken will reduce the fat content, while sausage adds a punch of seasoning and complexity.
- Add Veggies: Mix in vegetables like spinach, bell peppers, or mushrooms for added nutrition and texture. Simply sauté them with the garlic, so they meld into the sauce seamlessly.
- Make it Spicy: Stir in red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce if you enjoy a little heat. This will cut through the richness of the cream and balance the dish beautifully.
Cooking Notes
- Use Fresh Garlic: While garlic powder works in a pinch, fresh minced garlic brings out a deeper, more aromatic flavor that infuses the cream sauce perfectly.
- Simmer Gently: When adding cream and cheese, keep the heat on low to medium. High heat can cause the cream to curdle and the cheese to become grainy instead of melting smoothly.
- Cook Pasta Al Dente: Slightly undercooking the pasta keeps it from getting mushy when mixed into the warm sauce. It’ll finish cooking as it soaks up the flavorful cream.
Serving Suggestions
- Pair with a Crisp Salad: A simple side salad with lemon vinaigrette helps cut the richness of the dish and adds a refreshing, crunchy contrast.
- Serve with Garlic Bread: A side of garlic bread or a warm baguette is perfect for soaking up any extra creamy sauce left on the plate.
- Top with Extra Cheese or Herbs: Finish with an extra sprinkle of Parmesan or a handful of fresh basil for a touch of color and extra flavor. It elevates the presentation and gives a pop of freshness.
Tips
- Grate Cheese Fresh: Pre-grated Parmesan often contains anti-caking agents that prevent it from melting smoothly. Grate your own for the best creamy consistency.
- Reserve Pasta Water: Save a little pasta cooking water before draining. If your sauce gets too thick, a splash of starchy water can help loosen it while keeping it velvety.
- Double the Batch: This dish reheats beautifully, so consider making a double batch for easy lunches or dinners later in the week. Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3–4 days.
Prep Time
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
Nutritional Information (Per Serving)
- Calories: 550 kcal
- Protein: 30 g
- Sodium: 420 mg
Frequently Asked Questions
- Can I use a different type of pasta?
Absolutely! While rotini is great for holding onto creamy sauces, penne, fusilli, or farfalle are excellent alternatives. Just choose a shape with ridges or curves to capture all that savory sauce. - How can I make this dish lighter?
To lighten it up, use half-and-half or evaporated milk instead of heavy cream, and opt for ground turkey or chicken. You can also reduce the cheese slightly or use a reduced-fat Parmesan. - Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes, it reheats well! Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3–4 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave, adding a splash of milk or cream to loosen the sauce if needed. - Is this freezer-friendly?
Technically, yes—but cream-based sauces can separate when frozen and thawed. For the best texture, enjoy it fresh or store in the fridge for short-term use. If you do freeze it, stir well when reheating to help the sauce come back together.
Conclusion
This Garlic Parmesan Pasta with Creamy Beef Rotini brings bold, comforting flavors to your table with minimal effort. It’s a one-pan wonder that satisfies both picky eaters and gourmet appetites alike. Whether it’s a busy weeknight or a cozy weekend meal, this creamy, garlicky pasta dish is bound to become a household favorite. Serve it up hot, sprinkle on some parsley, and dig into delicious simplicity!
Print
Garlic Parmesan Pasta with Creamy Beef Rotini
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Description
This Garlic Parmesan Pasta with Creamy Beef Rotini is weeknight comfort food at its finest. Tender rotini pasta is smothered in a rich, garlicky Parmesan cream sauce and loaded with savory ground beef. It’s easy, indulgent, and bursting with flavor in every bite. Perfect for feeding the whole family or meal prepping for cozy lunches all week.
Ingredients
Scale
- 8 ounces rotini pasta
- 1 pound ground beef
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook rotini according to package directions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it up as it cooks, about 5–7 minutes.
- Stir in the minced garlic and sauté for another 1–2 minutes until fragrant.
- Pour in the heavy cream, stirring to combine. Let it simmer gently for a couple of minutes.
- Add the grated Parmesan and Italian seasoning. Stir until the cheese melts and the sauce becomes smooth and creamy. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Toss in the cooked rotini and mix until the pasta is fully coated in the creamy beef sauce.
- Serve warm, topped with a sprinkle of chopped fresh parsley.
Notes
- Swap rotini for penne or fusilli if that’s what you have on hand.
- Want to sneak in some veggies? Try stirring in sautéed mushrooms, spinach, or peas.
- For a spicy kick, add a pinch of red pepper flakes with the garlic.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American-Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 plate (approx. ¼ recipe)
- Calories: 550 kcal
- Sugar: 1 g
- Sodium: 420 mg
- Fat: 35 g
- Saturated Fat: 17 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15 g
- Trans Fat: 0.5 g
- Carbohydrates: 32 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 30 g
- Cholesterol: 110 mg
Keywords: creamy beef rotini, garlic parmesan pasta, ground beef pasta, weeknight dinner, pasta skillet
