Description
This hearty Beef and Rotini in Garlic Parmesan Sauce is a comforting pasta dish featuring tender ground beef and rotini pasta tossed in a creamy, savory garlic Parmesan sauce. Perfect for a quick weeknight meal, it combines simple ingredients to create a rich and flavorful dinner that serves 4 to 6 people.
Ingredients
Scale
Pasta
- 12 ounces rotini pasta
Beef and Sauce
- 1 pound ground beef
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 2 cups milk
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 tablespoons olive oil or butter
Garnish
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the rotini pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente, usually about 8-10 minutes. Drain and set aside.
- Brown the Beef: In a large skillet, heat olive oil or butter over medium heat. Add the ground beef and cook until browned and cooked through, breaking it apart with a spoon as it cooks. Drain any excess fat if necessary.
- Sauté Garlic: Add the minced garlic to the browned beef and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant, being careful not to burn it.
- Make the Sauce Base: Sprinkle the flour over the beef and garlic mixture, stirring well to coat. Cook the flour for 1-2 minutes to remove the raw taste, stirring constantly.
- Add Milk and Seasoning: Gradually pour in the milk while stirring continuously to prevent lumps. Add the Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Continue cooking and stirring until the sauce thickens and becomes creamy, about 4-5 minutes.
- Incorporate Parmesan Cheese: Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese until melted and fully incorporated, enriching the sauce with its signature flavor and creaminess.
- Combine Pasta and Sauce: Add the drained rotini pasta into the skillet with the garlic Parmesan beef sauce. Toss gently to coat the pasta evenly with the sauce and meat mixture.
- Serve and Garnish: Transfer the pasta to serving bowls or a large platter. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley for a pop of color and freshness. Serve immediately while hot.
Notes
- For a lighter version, use low-fat milk instead of whole milk.
- You can substitute ground turkey or chicken for ground beef for a leaner protein option.
- To add extra veggies, consider stirring in sautéed mushrooms, spinach, or bell peppers before adding the milk.
- If the sauce becomes too thick, thin it out with a splash of milk or reserved pasta water.
- Freshly grated Parmesan cheese provides the best flavor and melt quality.
