Beef and Rotini in Garlic Parmesan Sauce

 

Here’s a simple, flavorful recipe for Beef and Rotini in Garlic Parmesan Sauce—creamy, savory, and weeknight-friendly 😋

---

Beef and Rotini in Garlic Parmesan Sauce

🧄 Ingredients

• 12 oz rotini pasta
• 1 lb ground beef (80/20 works well)
• 3 tbsp butter
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tbsp all-purpose flour
• 1 ½ cups milk (whole or 2%)
• ½ cup heavy cream (optional but richer)
• 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
• ½ tsp Italian seasoning
• ½ tsp paprika
• Salt & black pepper, to taste
• Optional: red pepper flakes, fresh parsley

---

🍝 Instructions

1. Cook the pasta

   • Boil rotini in well-salted water until al dente.
   • Reserve ½ cup pasta water, then drain.

2. Brown the beef

   • In a large skillet over medium heat, cook ground beef until browned.
   • Season with salt and pepper.
   • Drain excess grease and set beef aside.

3. Make the garlic base

   • In the same skillet, melt butter over medium-low heat.
   • Add garlic and cook 30–60 seconds until fragrant (don’t brown).

4. Create the sauce

   • Whisk in flour and cook 1 minute.
   • Slowly add milk (and cream if using), whisking constantly.
   • Simmer 3–4 minutes until slightly thickened.

5. Add cheese & seasoning

   • Stir in Parmesan, Italian seasoning, paprika, and optional red pepper flakes.
   • Season with salt and pepper to taste.

6. Combine everything

   • Add cooked beef and rotini to the sauce.
   • Toss well, adding pasta water a little at a time if needed for looseness.

7. Finish & serve

   • Garnish with parsley or extra Parmesan.
   • Serve hot.

---

🔄 Variations

• Add veggies: spinach, mushrooms, or broccoli
• Make it spicy: extra red pepper flakes or a splash of hot sauce
• Swap protein: ground chicken, Italian sausage, or steak strips
• Extra cheesy: add mozzarella or provolone

If you want a one-pot version, a lighter sauce, or oven-baked casserole style, just tell me!