Description
This savory Beef and Rotini in Garlic Parmesan Sauce is a comforting pasta dish combining tender ground beef with al dente rotini pasta, all coated in a rich, creamy garlic parmesan sauce infused with Italian herbs. Ready in just 30 minutes, this recipe is perfect for a quick weeknight dinner that satisfies both flavor and texture cravings.
Ingredients
Scale
Pasta
- 12 ounces rotini pasta
Meat
- 1 pound ground beef
Sauce
- 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 Rotini: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the rotini pasta and cook until al dente, approximately 8-10 minutes. Drain and set aside.
- Sauté the Ground Beef: In a large skillet over medium heat, add olive oil or butter. Add the ground beef and cook until browned and cooked through, about 6-8 minutes. Remove excess fat if necessary. Remove beef from skillet and set aside.
- Sauté the Garlic: In the same skillet, add minced garlic and cook for about 1 minute until fragrant, stirring constantly to prevent burning.
- Make the Sauce Base: Sprinkle the flour over the garlic and stir continuously for 1-2 minutes to cook out the raw flour taste.
- Add Milk and Thicken: Gradually whisk in the milk, bringing the mixture to a gentle simmer. Cook for 3-5 minutes, stirring frequently until the sauce thickens.
- Incorporate Cheese and Seasonings: Stir in grated Parmesan cheese and Italian seasoning. Season the sauce with salt and pepper to taste. Continue to cook on low heat until cheese is melted and the sauce is creamy.
- Combine Pasta and Beef with Sauce: Return the cooked ground beef to the skillet and add the drained rotini pasta. Toss well to coat everything evenly with the garlic parmesan sauce.
- Garnish and Serve: Sprinkle with freshly chopped parsley for a burst of color and fresh flavor. Serve hot and enjoy your comforting beef and rotini dish.
Notes
- For a lighter version, use milk with lower fat content or substitute Parmesan with a lighter cheese option.
- You can swap ground beef for ground turkey or chicken for a leaner protein choice.
- If you prefer a thicker sauce, reduce the milk slightly or add more Parmesan cheese.
- Fresh garlic will provide the best flavor, but garlic powder can be used in a pinch.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated in an airtight container for up to 3 days and reheated on the stovetop or microwave.
