This Creamy Beef and Rotini in Garlic Parmesan Sauce is the ultimate comfort food! A rich and creamy garlic-Parmesan sauce coats tender rotini pasta and perfectly seasoned ground beef, making this an easy, satisfying weeknight dinner. Ready in just 30 minutes, this one-pan meal is packed with flavor and pairs well with garlic bread or a crisp green salad.

Full Recipe:

Ingredients

12 oz rotini pasta
1 lb ground beef
3 cloves garlic, minced
2 tbsp all-purpose flour
2 cups milk
1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 tsp Italian seasoning
Salt and pepper, to taste
2 tbsp olive oil or butter
Fresh parsley, for garnish

Directions

Cook the Pasta: Boil water in a large pot, add salt, and cook rotini until al dente (about 8-10 minutes). Drain and set aside.
Brown the Beef: In a large skillet, heat olive oil or butter over medium heat. Add ground beef, breaking it apart as it cooks. Once browned (5-7 minutes), drain excess fat and set aside.
Make the Garlic Base: In the same skillet, sauté garlic for 1 minute until fragrant. Be careful not to burn it.
Prepare the Sauce:
- Sprinkle in flour and whisk for 1-2 minutes until golden.
- Gradually pour in milk, whisking continuously to avoid lumps.
- Stir in Parmesan cheese, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Let simmer for 3-5 minutes until thickened.
Combine Everything: Return the cooked beef and pasta to the skillet, tossing to coat everything in the creamy sauce.
Serve & Garnish: Plate the pasta and top with fresh parsley and extra Parmesan. Serve warm with garlic bread or a side salad.

Nutrients (Per Serving, Approximate)

Calories: 480
Carbohydrates: 50g
Protein: 25g
Total Fat: 20g
Saturated Fat: 8g
Sodium: 620mg
Fiber: 2g
Sugar: 6g

Why You’ll Love This Creamy Beef and Rotini Recipe

There are plenty of reasons why this recipe is a must-try for busy home cooks:

One-Pan Simplicity: Minimal cleanup and maximum flavor.
Rich and Creamy Sauce: Made with garlic, Parmesan cheese, and milk, this sauce coats the pasta beautifully.
Quick and Easy: Ready in 30 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights.
Comforting and Filling: A well-balanced mix of protein, carbs, and creamy goodness.
Customizable: You can adjust the ingredients to suit your preferences or dietary needs.

The Key Ingredients That Make This Dish So Delicious

1. Rotini Pasta: The Perfect Shape for Holding Sauce

Rotini pasta is spiral-shaped, which helps it hold onto the creamy garlic Parmesan sauce. The ridges trap every bit of the sauce, ensuring each bite is packed with flavor.

If you don’t have rotini on hand, other great pasta options include:

Penne – Holds the sauce well and has a similar firm texture.
Fusilli – Another spiral pasta that works beautifully in creamy sauces.
Rigatoni – Larger tubes that provide a heartier bite.

2. Ground Beef: A Savory Protein Boost

Ground beef adds richness and depth to the dish. When browned properly, it develops a delicious caramelized flavor that enhances the sauce.

For a lighter alternative, try:

Ground turkey or chicken for a leaner option.
Italian sausage for extra spice and flavor.
Mushrooms or lentils for a vegetarian version.

3. Garlic Parmesan Sauce: The Star of the Dish

The creamy garlic Parmesan sauce is what takes this dish to the next level. It’s made with:

Garlic – Adds a warm, aromatic depth.
Flour and Milk – The base for a smooth, thick sauce.
Parmesan Cheese – Creates a rich, umami-packed flavor.
Italian Seasoning – Enhances the overall taste with a mix of herbs.

This sauce is silky, cheesy, and incredibly comforting—perfect for coating pasta and beef!

4. Olive Oil or Butter: For a Rich Base

Sautéing the beef and garlic in olive oil or butter creates a deeper, more robust flavor. Butter adds extra richness, while olive oil keeps things light and aromatic.

5. Fresh Parsley: A Bright Finishing Touch

A sprinkle of fresh parsley on top adds color and a touch of freshness, balancing out the richness of the sauce. You can also use:

Basil for a slightly sweeter taste.
Chives for a mild onion-like flavor.
Crushed red pepper flakes if you want a bit of heat.

Tips for Making the Best Creamy Beef and Rotini Pasta

1. Cook the Pasta Until Just Al Dente

Since the pasta will continue cooking in the sauce, make sure to cook it until it’s just al dente (firm to the bite). This ensures it stays perfectly tender without getting mushy.

2. Brown the Beef Properly

For the best flavor and texture, cook the ground beef over medium-high heat until well browned. Let it develop a golden crust before stirring—this enhances the depth of flavor.

3. Avoid Overheating the Sauce

Once you add the milk and Parmesan cheese, keep the heat medium-low to prevent curdling or separation. Stir continuously for a smooth, creamy consistency.

4. Reserve Pasta Water for Extra Silkiness

If you find that the sauce is too thick, add a splash of reserved pasta water to loosen it. The starch in the pasta water helps create a silkier, creamier sauce.

5. Let the Dish Rest Before Serving

Allowing the pasta to sit for a few minutes after cooking helps the flavors meld together, making the dish even more delicious.

Delicious Variations and Customizations

This recipe is incredibly versatile, so feel free to tweak it based on your preferences!

1. Make It Spicy

Add crushed red pepper flakes for a kick of heat.
Stir in cooked chorizo or spicy Italian sausage for extra depth.

2. Add More Vegetables

Boost the nutrition by adding:

Spinach or kale for extra greens.
Sautéed mushrooms for an umami-rich bite.
Cherry tomatoes for a burst of sweetness.

3. Make It Extra Cheesy

If you’re a cheese lover, mix in:

Mozzarella cheese for a gooey texture.
Sharp cheddar for a bolder taste.
Goat cheese for a tangy twist.

4. Swap the Protein

Instead of ground beef, try:

Shredded rotisserie chicken for a quick alternative.
Pancetta or bacon for a smoky flavor.
Tofu crumbles for a plant-based version.

What to Serve with Creamy Beef and Rotini Pasta

This dish is already a complete meal, but pairing it with the right sides makes it even better:

Garlic Bread: Perfect for soaking up the extra sauce.
Side Salad: A crisp Caesar salad or garden salad adds a fresh contrast.
Roasted Vegetables: Serve with roasted broccoli, asparagus, or bell peppers.
Steamed Green Beans: A simple, healthy side that complements the rich sauce.

How to Store and Reheat Leftovers

This pasta dish stores well, making it a great option for meal prep.

1. Refrigerating Leftovers

Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days.

2. Freezing for Later

Freeze in portioned containers for up to 2 months.
Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

3. Reheating Instructions

Stovetop: Reheat over medium-low heat, adding a splash of milk to loosen the sauce.
Microwave: Heat in 30-second intervals, stirring in between to prevent overheating.

Conclusion: A Must-Try Creamy and Comforting Pasta Dish

This Creamy Beef and Rotini in Garlic Parmesan Sauce is the perfect weeknight dinner that delivers big flavors with minimal effort. The combination of tender pasta, seasoned ground beef, and a rich, garlicky Parmesan sauce makes every bite delightfully creamy and satisfying.

With simple ingredients, easy preparation, and endless variations, this dish is a family favorite that will never get old. Whether you’re making it for a quick dinner, meal prepping for the week, or serving it at a gathering, this creamy pasta will always be a hit.