Introduction:
Beef and Rotini in Garlic Parmesan Sauce is a hearty, creamy, and flavorful dish that’s perfect for a comforting meal. The tender beef, combined with the spiral rotini pasta, is coated in a rich and creamy garlic Parmesan sauce. The sauce is made with butter, garlic, cream, and Parmesan cheese, creating a velvety texture that perfectly complements the beef and pasta. It’s an easy-to-make dish that can be served for a family dinner or a special occasion. Packed with flavor and guaranteed to please, this recipe will become a favorite in no time.
Ingredients:
For the beef and pasta:
1 lb ground beef (or thinly sliced beef)
8 oz rotini pasta (or any pasta of your choice)
1 tbsp olive oil
Salt and pepper, to taste
1/2 tsp red pepper flakes (optional, for a little heat)
For the Garlic Parmesan Sauce:
3 tbsp butter
4 cloves garlic, minced
1 cup heavy cream
1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1/2 cup chicken or beef broth
1 tbsp chopped fresh parsley (for garnish)
Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions:
Cook the pasta:
In a large pot of salted boiling water, cook the rotini pasta according to the package instructions until al dente.
Drain the pasta and set it aside, reserving about 1/2 cup of the pasta water.
Cook the beef:
In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat.
Add the ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it apart with a spatula as it cooks.
Season with salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes (if using). Once cooked through, remove the beef from the skillet and set it aside.
Make the garlic Parmesan sauce:
In the same skillet, melt the butter over medium heat.
Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant.
Add the heavy cream and chicken broth, stirring to combine.
Bring the mixture to a simmer and cook for about 3-5 minutes, allowing it to thicken slightly.
Finish the dish:
Lower the heat and stir in the grated Parmesan cheese, allowing it to melt into the sauce.
Add the cooked beef back into the skillet and mix to combine.
Add the cooked rotini pasta to the skillet, tossing to coat the pasta in the sauce. If the sauce is too thick, add a bit of the reserved pasta water to thin it out.
Garnish and serve:
Taste and adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper as needed.
Garnish with chopped fresh parsley before serving.
Description
This Beef and Rotini in Garlic Parmesan Sauce is a rich and creamy pasta dish that offers a perfect balance of savory beef, pasta, and a luxurious garlic Parmesan sauce. The hearty beef adds protein and flavor, while the pasta soaks up the creamy sauce, making each bite deliciously satisfying. The garlic and Parmesan create a savory base with a hint of nuttiness, complemented by the freshness of parsley. This dish is perfect for those who love comforting, cheesy pasta meals with a twist.
Tips:
For a more indulgent dish, you can add a little extra Parmesan cheese on top when serving.
If you prefer a lighter version, you can substitute the heavy cream with half-and-half or use a lower-fat cheese.
To add more veggies, consider incorporating spinach, mushrooms, or sun-dried tomatoes into the sauce.
For a smoky flavor, you can add a touch of smoked paprika or a few dashes of hot sauce to the sauce.
For extra texture and flavor, top with some toasted breadcrumbs or extra Parmesan cheese before serving.
Variations:
Chicken and Rotini in Garlic Parmesan Sauce: Replace the ground beef with boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs. You can either cook them whole and slice them or cook diced chicken for a quicker option.
Vegetarian version: Skip the meat entirely and opt for roasted vegetables like zucchini, bell peppers, or mushrooms to add depth and flavor.
Spicy Garlic Parmesan Sauce: Add more red pepper flakes or even a diced jalapeño for an extra kick.
Herbed Garlic Parmesan Sauce: Add dried herbs like basil, thyme, or oregano to the sauce for a more complex flavor profile.
Corrections:
If the sauce becomes too thick as it sits, simply stir in a bit more chicken broth or pasta water to achieve the desired consistency.
If using pre-grated Parmesan, be aware that it may not melt as smoothly as freshly grated Parmesan, which will give you a creamier texture.
Enjoy!
Now that your Beef and Rotini in Garlic Parmesan Sauce is ready, serve it up hot and enjoy this deliciously creamy and savory dish. Perfect for any occasion, this meal will quickly become a favorite in your recipe rotation!