Thank you so much for being here today! If you’re in the mood for a cozy, comforting dinner that’s hearty, creamy, and packed with flavor, you are going to absolutely fall for this Beef and Rotini in Garlic Parmesan Sauce. It’s the kind of meal that feels fancy enough for a weekend but easy enough to throw together on a busy weeknight.

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What Is Beef and Rotini in Garlic Parmesan Sauce?

It’s a rich, creamy pasta dish starring tender ground beef, perfectly cooked rotini, and a luscious garlic Parmesan cream sauce that coats every single swirl of pasta. It’s like a hug in a bowl — savory, cheesy, garlicky goodness that’s way easier to pull together than you might think!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

One-pan magic — fewer dishes, more flavor
Simple pantry ingredients — nothing complicated here
Ready in 30 minutes — total weeknight win
Creamy, cheesy, hearty — basically pure comfort food
Perfect for family dinners, meal prep, or leftovers

What Does It Taste Like?

Creamy, rich, savory, and just the right amount of cheesy without feeling heavy. The garlic Parmesan sauce wraps itself around the rotini and beef, making every single bite packed with flavor. A little buttery, a little garlicky, super satisfying — it’s honestly impossible not to go back for seconds.

Ingredients

1 lb ground beef (85/15 or 90/10)
12 oz rotini pasta
2 tbsp butter
4 cloves garlic, minced
1/4 cup flour (for thickening)
2 1/2 cups milk (whole milk preferred)
1/2 cup beef broth
1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
1 tsp Italian seasoning
Salt and pepper to taste
Fresh parsley, for garnish

Tools You’ll Need

Large skillet or sauté pan
Pasta pot
Whisk
Mixing spoon or spatula
Measuring cups and spoons

Ingredient Swaps & Additions

Swap rotini for penne, shells, or fusilli
Add in baby spinach or sautéed mushrooms for extra veggies
Use ground turkey or chicken instead of beef for a lighter version
Spice it up with a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes in the sauce

How to Make Beef and Rotini in Garlic Parmesan Sauce

Cook rotini pasta in a large pot of salted boiling water according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
In a large skillet, brown the ground beef over medium heat until fully cooked. Drain excess fat if needed. Remove beef from the skillet and set aside.
In the same skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Add minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
Whisk in flour and cook for 1 minute to create a roux.
Slowly whisk in milk and beef broth, stirring constantly to smooth out lumps. Simmer until the sauce starts to thicken (about 3–5 minutes).
Stir in Parmesan cheese and Italian seasoning. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Return cooked beef to the skillet. Add the drained rotini and toss everything together until well coated.
Garnish with chopped parsley and serve hot!

What to Serve With It

Honey Sriracha Ground Chicken — spicy, sticky, and a bold contrast to creamy pasta
White Pasta with Sausage — another comforting, creamy pasta favorite to try next
Bang Bang Salmon Bites — crispy, spicy seafood to change things up!

Tips for Success

Use freshly grated Parmesan — it melts so much smoother into the sauce than pre-shredded!
Whisk constantly when adding the milk to avoid lumps.
Cook pasta just to al dente since it will continue absorbing sauce as it sits.
Taste and adjust seasoning — Parmesan can be salty, so always taste before adding more salt.

Storage & Reheating

Fridge: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
Reheat: Add a splash of milk or broth when reheating on the stovetop or microwave to loosen the sauce.
Freezer: Best enjoyed fresh, but you can freeze for up to 2 months — thaw overnight before reheating.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use heavy cream instead of milk?
Yes! It’ll make the sauce even richer.

Can I make this gluten-free?
Absolutely — use gluten-free rotini and substitute cornstarch for flour to thicken the sauce.

Can I add vegetables?
Definitely! Baby spinach, peas, or sautéed mushrooms would be amazing.

Is it spicy?
Not at all — but you can easily add some heat with a pinch of red pepper flakes.

Let’s Get Cozy on Pinterest!

If you make this creamy, dreamy beef and rotini dish, I have to see it!
📸 Tag me over at Pinterest @TheKitchenJoyy and save this recipe to your Easy Comfort Food or Weeknight Dinners boards!