There's nothing like the hearty aroma of Beef and Rotini in Garlic Parmesan Sauce filling your kitchen. This creamy, savory dish combines tender beef, al dente pasta, and a rich, garlicky Parmesan sauce that feels indulgent yet is incredibly simple to prepare.
This recipe came to life one hectic evening when I needed a quick dinner that used pantry staples and leftover beef. It instantly became a household favorite for its comforting flavors and easy preparation. Let’s dive in and see why this dish deserves a spot on your dinner table.
Why You'll Love This Beef And Rotini In Garlic Parmesan Sauce
Get ready to fall in love with a recipe that balances simplicity, taste, and family-friendly appeal. This dish is perfect for busy weeknights or casual entertaining.
First off, this recipe is quick and easy to make, coming together in under 30 minutes. The minimal prep and short cook time make it ideal for evenings when you’re short on time but still crave a hearty, home-cooked meal.
The flavors are a crowd-pleaser for all ages. The rich Parmesan sauce, infused with garlic, coats the rotini perfectly, while the tender bites of beef add a satisfying protein boost. Even picky eaters will come back for seconds.
It’s also wonderfully versatile. You can swap out ingredients to suit what you have on hand or adjust the seasonings to your personal taste. This flexibility makes it a great recipe to keep in your repertoire.
Lastly, this recipe uses simple, affordable ingredients that are likely already in your kitchen. You won’t have to break the bank to create a restaurant-quality meal at home.
Ingredients Notes

The beauty of this dish lies in its straightforward ingredients, each playing a key role in creating its comforting flavors.
The rotini pasta is perfect for this recipe because its twists and ridges hold onto the creamy sauce, ensuring every bite is packed with flavor. If rotini isn’t available, penne or fusilli make excellent substitutes.
For the beef, thinly sliced sirloin or flank steak works best. These cuts cook quickly while remaining tender. If you’re on a budget, ground beef can also be used, though it will result in a slightly different texture.
The Parmesan cheese is the star of the sauce, providing its signature nutty and savory flavor. Freshly grated Parmesan is ideal for the best taste and texture, but pre-grated works in a pinch.
Garlic brings bold flavor to the sauce. Freshly minced garlic will give you the best results, but garlic powder can be substituted if needed.
To create the creamy base, you’ll need heavy cream and chicken or beef broth. This combination gives the sauce richness and depth. For a lighter version, you can use half-and-half instead of heavy cream.
No special equipment is needed—just a large pot for the pasta and a skillet for the beef and sauce.
How To Make This Beef And Rotini In Garlic Parmesan Sauce

Making this dish is as easy as it is satisfying. Here’s how to bring it all together.
Start by cooking your rotini pasta in a large pot of salted boiling water. Cook until just al dente, as the pasta will continue to cook slightly when mixed with the sauce. Reserve about a cup of pasta water before draining, as it can be used to adjust the sauce consistency later.
While the pasta cooks, heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add a splash of olive oil and sear your beef slices in batches. Let each side develop a golden crust, which takes about 2-3 minutes per side. Once done, remove the beef from the pan and set aside.
In the same skillet, lower the heat to medium and add a bit more olive oil if needed. Sauté minced garlic until fragrant, about 30 seconds. Be careful not to burn it, as garlic turns bitter quickly.
Pour in the chicken or beef broth, scraping the bottom of the pan to release all those flavorful browned bits. Stir in the heavy cream and bring to a gentle simmer. Allow the sauce to thicken slightly before adding freshly grated Parmesan cheese. Stir until smooth and creamy.
Return the cooked beef to the skillet along with the drained pasta. Toss everything together, ensuring the sauce coats every piece of rotini and beef. If the sauce is too thick, add a splash of reserved pasta water to reach your desired consistency.
This dish is best served immediately, garnished with a sprinkle of fresh parsley or extra Parmesan cheese for an added touch of flavor.
Storage Options
If you have leftovers, this dish stores beautifully. Transfer cooled pasta to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to three days.
To reheat, use a skillet over medium-low heat, adding a splash of cream, broth, or water to loosen the sauce as it warms. This helps maintain the dish’s creamy texture.
For freezing, portion the dish into freezer-safe containers. Freeze for up to two months. When ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Variations and Substitutions
One of the best things about this recipe is its flexibility. You can easily customize it to suit your preferences or dietary needs.
For a veggie-packed version, add sautéed mushrooms, spinach, or roasted cherry tomatoes to the mix. These additions complement the garlic Parmesan sauce beautifully.
If you prefer poultry, substitute the beef with thinly sliced chicken breast or even cooked shredded chicken.
For a spicy kick, add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the sauce.
Want to make it gluten-free? Use your favorite gluten-free pasta and double-check that your Parmesan and broth are gluten-free as well.
Experimenting with different cheeses, such as Asiago or Pecorino Romano, can add a new twist to the sauce’s flavor profile.
No matter how you tweak it, this recipe is a guaranteed hit that’s sure to make its way into your regular meal rotation. Enjoy!
PrintBeef And Rotini In Garlic Parmesan Sauce Recipe
Indulge in this easy Beef and Rotini in Garlic Parmesan Sauce recipe. A perfect dinner featuring tender beef, al dente rotini, and a creamy garlic Parmesan sauce, this hearty dish is packed with flavor and comfort.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef
- 12 oz rotini pasta
- 3 tbsp butter
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 cups heavy cream
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- Cook the rotini pasta according to package directions. Drain and set aside.
- In a large skillet, cook the ground beef over medium heat until browned. Remove excess grease.
- Add butter to the skillet, followed by the minced garlic. Sauté until fragrant, about 1-2 minutes.
- Pour in the heavy cream, and stir in the Parmesan cheese and Italian seasoning. Simmer until the sauce thickens slightly.
- Add the cooked rotini to the skillet and toss to coat in the sauce. Season with salt and pepper.
- Garnish with fresh parsley before serving.
Notes
- Substitute ground beef with ground turkey or chicken for a lighter option.
- Use freshly grated Parmesan for the best flavor.
- Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a spicy kick.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 580
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 620mg
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