Description
This Beef Rotini with Garlic Parmesan Sauce is a simple yet flavorful pasta dish perfect for a quick weeknight dinner. Tender ground beef is cooked with aromatic garlic and Italian seasoning, then combined with a creamy Parmesan sauce that beautifully coats al dente rotini pasta. Finished with fresh parsley, it offers a comforting and satisfying meal with rich flavors and a hint of herbaceous freshness.
Ingredients
Scale
Meat
- 1 pound ground beef
Pasta
- 12 ounces rotini pasta
Sauce
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
Garnish
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- Boil Pasta: Fill a large pot with water, add a generous pinch of salt, and bring it to a rolling boil over high heat to prepare for cooking the pasta.
- Cook Rotini: Add the rotini pasta to the boiling water, stirring gently to prevent sticking, and cook according to package instructions (about 8-10 minutes) until al dente.
- Drain and Reserve Pasta Water: Reserve about 1 cup of the pasta cooking water, then drain the pasta in a colander and set aside for later use.
- Heat Oil: In a large skillet, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat for about a minute to prepare for cooking the beef.
- Cook Ground Beef: Add the ground beef to the skillet, breaking it apart with a wooden spoon. Season with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. Cook for 5-7 minutes until browned and thoroughly cooked.
- Add Garlic: Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional 1-2 minutes until fragrant, infusing the dish with aromatic flavors.
- Add Heavy Cream: Reduce the heat to low and slowly pour in the heavy cream, stirring continuously to combine with the beef and garlic.
- Incorporate Parmesan Cheese: Gradually stir in the grated Parmesan cheese until it melts smoothly and the sauce becomes creamy. Adjust the sauce thickness using the reserved pasta water if needed.
- Adjust Seasoning: Taste the sauce and adjust seasoning with more salt and pepper as desired. Optionally, add red pepper flakes for a spicy kick.
- Toss Pasta with Sauce: Add the drained rotini pasta to the skillet and toss thoroughly to coat each piece evenly with the creamy sauce.
- Adjust Sauce Consistency: If the sauce is too thick, add more reserved pasta water, one tablespoon at a time, until you reach the desired creaminess.
- Serve: Remove from heat and serve the pasta in bowls, garnished with freshly chopped parsley for a burst of color and freshness.
Notes
- Reserve pasta water carefully as it helps to loosen and adjust the sauce consistency perfectly.
- Use freshly grated Parmesan cheese for the best flavor and melting texture.
- You can substitute ground beef with ground turkey or chicken for a leaner option.
- Adding red pepper flakes is optional and can be adjusted based on your spice preference.
- Serve immediately for the best texture and flavor, as the sauce thickens upon standing.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian-American