Description

This creamy beef and rotini pasta in garlic Parmesan sauce is a quick, comforting dinner perfect for families. Tender beef, garlicky cream sauce, and spiral pasta make every bite rich and satisfying.

Ingredients

Scale

12 oz rotini pasta
1 lb ground beef (85% lean recommended)
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 medium yellow onion, finely chopped
4 large garlic cloves, minced
1 cup heavy cream
1/2 cup beef broth
1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
Salt and black pepper, to taste (start with 1/2 teaspoon each)
2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Reserved pasta water (as needed)

Instructions

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add rotini pasta and cook according to package instructions (8-10 minutes) until al dente. Stir occasionally. Reserve 1/2 cup pasta water, then drain and set aside.
While pasta cooks, heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add ground beef and break it up as it browns. Cook for 5-6 minutes until no longer pink. Spoon off excess fat if needed, leaving a little for flavor. Season with salt and black pepper.
Add chopped onion to the skillet with beef. Cook for 2-3 minutes until softened. Stir in minced garlic and cook for 30-60 seconds until fragrant.
Reduce heat to medium-low. Pour in heavy cream and beef broth, stirring and scraping up browned bits. Add Italian seasoning and red pepper flakes (if using). Simmer for 3-4 minutes until slightly thickened.
Gradually sprinkle in Parmesan cheese, stirring constantly until the sauce is creamy and glossy. If sauce is too thick, add reserved pasta water as needed.
Add drained rotini to the skillet. Toss gently to coat pasta with sauce and beef. Simmer together for 2-3 minutes to meld flavors and finish cooking pasta. Add more pasta water if needed for desired consistency.
Taste and adjust seasoning. Serve in bowls, garnished with chopped fresh parsley and extra Parmesan if desired.

Notes

For a gluten-free version, use gluten-free rotini. Substitute ground turkey or chicken for a lighter dish. Add baby spinach or mushrooms for extra veggies. Always reserve some pasta water to adjust sauce consistency. Use freshly grated Parmesan for the best texture.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Category: Main Course
Cuisine: Italian-American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1/6 of recipe (about 1 1/2 cups)
Calories: 480
Sugar: 3
Sodium: 680
Fat: 24
Saturated Fat: 11
Carbohydrates: 38
Fiber: 2
Protein: 27

Keywords: beef pasta, garlic parmesan, rotini, family dinner, creamy pasta, easy weeknight meal, Italian pasta, comfort food