It’s one of those evenings when the air feels crisp, the kitchen feels like the heart of the home, and comfort food is calling your name. That’s where this Beef and Rotini in Garlic Parmesan Sauce recipe steps in — a creamy, garlicky pasta dish that brings together tender ground beef, rotini pasta spirals that hold onto every drop of sauce, and the nutty richness of real Parmesan. It’s a weeknight dinner that feels indulgent, yet simple enough for even the busiest home cooks.

This dish was inspired by those cozy family dinners where everything came together in one skillet — where garlic butter and sizzling beef filled the air, and creamy Parmesan sauce coated every piece of pasta like a warm hug. The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity: humble ingredients, quick preparation, and restaurant-level flavor.

Ingredients:

1 lb ground beef
12 oz rotini pasta
3 tablespoons butter
4 cloves garlic, minced
1 ½ cups heavy cream
1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
½ cup reserved pasta water (as needed)
Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
½ teaspoon Italian seasoning
¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions:

Cook the pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add rotini pasta and cook according to package directions until al dente. Reserve ½ cup of the starchy pasta water, then drain and set aside.
Brown the beef: In a large skillet over medium heat, melt 1 tablespoon of butter. Add the ground beef, seasoning with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. Cook until browned and crumbly, about 6–7 minutes. Drain any excess fat.
Sauté the garlic: Add the remaining butter to the same skillet. Once melted, add minced garlic and sauté for 30 seconds, just until fragrant — don’t let it brown.
Make the sauce: Reduce heat to low, then slowly pour in the heavy cream. Stir gently as it simmers, allowing the garlic flavor to infuse the sauce.
Add Parmesan: Sprinkle in the grated Parmesan cheese, stirring constantly until melted and smooth. If the sauce feels too thick, add a splash of reserved pasta water until it reaches a silky consistency.
Combine everything: Add the cooked rotini to the skillet and toss until every piece of pasta is coated in creamy garlic Parmesan sauce. Mix in the browned beef until fully combined.
Season and finish: Taste and adjust with salt, pepper, or red pepper flakes if desired. Sprinkle with fresh parsley and an extra touch of Parmesan before serving.

Tips & Tricks

Don’t skip the pasta water: That reserved liquid helps the sauce cling perfectly to your rotini.
Use freshly grated Parmesan: It melts more smoothly and gives the sauce a better texture and flavor than pre-grated.
Try a flavor boost: A splash of white wine in the sauce before adding cream adds depth and aroma.

Variations

Spinach & Mushroom: Add a handful of baby spinach or sautéed mushrooms for extra vegetables and flavor.
Chicken Swap: Replace beef with cooked shredded chicken or rotisserie chicken for a lighter protein option.
Bacon Twist: Stir in a few crispy bacon bits at the end for a smoky, salty touch.

Beef and Rotini in Garlic Parmesan Sauce

A creamy, comforting pasta dish featuring tender ground beef, rotini, and a luscious garlic Parmesan sauce perfect for cozy weeknight dinners.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 10

Cook Time 25

Total Time 35

Servings: 4 people

Course: Dinner, Main Course

Cuisine: American, Italian-Inspired

Calories: 640

Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients

1 lb ground beef
12 oz rotini pasta
3 tbsp butter
4 cloves garlic, minced
1.5 cups heavy cream
1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
0.5 cup reserved pasta water as needed
to taste salt and black pepper
0.5 tsp Italian seasoning
0.25 tsp red pepper flakes optional
2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped for garnish

Equipment

Large skillet
Pot for pasta
Mixing spoon
Strainer

Method

Cook rotini pasta according to package directions; reserve 1/2 cup of pasta water and drain.
In a large skillet, melt butter and brown the ground beef with Italian seasoning until fully cooked.
Add minced garlic and sauté briefly until fragrant.
Pour in heavy cream and simmer on low heat.
Stir in grated Parmesan until melted and smooth, adjusting consistency with pasta water.
Combine cooked rotini with sauce and beef, tossing well.
Season with salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes. Garnish with parsley and extra Parmesan before serving.

Notes

Use freshly grated Parmesan for best flavor and texture. Adjust sauce thickness with pasta water as needed.

Serving Suggestions
Serve this creamy pasta with a crisp green salad, garlic bread, or roasted vegetables. For a cozy dinner, pour yourself a glass of chilled white wine and light a candle — the perfect way to elevate a simple weekday meal into something special.

Storage Information
Leftovers keep beautifully for up to 3 days in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave with a splash of milk or cream to restore creaminess.

FAQ
Q: Can I use a different pasta shape?
A: Absolutely! Penne, fusilli, or even fettuccine work great. Just pick something with grooves to hold onto the sauce.

Q: Can I make this ahead of time?
A: Yes. You can prepare the sauce and beef ahead of time and boil the pasta fresh before serving.

Q: Is this freezer-friendly?
A: While creamy sauces can separate slightly when frozen, this dish reheats well if stored properly. Just stir well after thawing and reheat gently.

History / Fun Facts
The marriage of beef and pasta is a timeless combination that dates back to Italian-American kitchens in the early 1900s. While authentic Italian dishes often use minimal cream, the creamy garlic Parmesan trend became a favorite comfort food in America — merging rustic Italian roots with modern indulgence. Rotini, known for its spiral shape, is perfect for holding rich sauces, making it a staple in cozy family recipes like this one.

Beef and Rotini in Garlic Parmesan Sauce – A Cozy Creamy Pasta Night Favorite