Introduction
Beef and Rotini in Garlic Parmesan Sauce is a deliciously comforting dish that combines flavorful ground beef with perfectly cooked rotini pasta, all enveloped in a rich and creamy garlic Parmesan sauce. This recipe is not only easy to prepare but also makes for a satisfying meal that the whole family will love.
Ingredients
1 lb ground beef (lean for a healthier option or regular for richer flavor)
12 oz rotini pasta
4 cloves garlic, minced
2 tbsp butter
1 cup heavy cream
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1/2 cup chicken broth
Salt and pepper, to taste
Fresh parsley (optional, for garnish)
Prep Time
15 minutes
Cook Time
15 minutes
Total Time
30 minutes
Yield
Serves 4
Instructions
1. Cook the Rotini Pasta:
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the rotini pasta and cook according to the package instructions, usually around 8-10 minutes, until al dente. Once done, drain the pasta, reserving about 1/2 cup of pasta water for the sauce, and set the pasta aside.
2. Brown the Ground Beef:
In a large skillet, heat 1 tablespoon of butter over medium heat. Add the ground beef and cook, breaking it apart with a spoon, until browned and fully cooked through. Drain any excess fat, if needed, and season the beef with salt and pepper to taste.
3. Prepare the Garlic Parmesan Sauce:
In the same skillet, add the remaining 1 tablespoon of butter. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1-2 minutes, or until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic. Pour in the chicken broth, followed by the heavy cream. Stir to combine, then bring the mixture to a simmer. Let it cook for about 3-4 minutes until the sauce slightly thickens.
4. Combine Beef, Rotini, and Sauce:
Add the cooked beef back to the skillet with the garlic Parmesan sauce. Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese and let it melt into the sauce, creating a creamy texture. Toss the cooked rotini pasta into the skillet, ensuring it’s evenly coated in the sauce. If the sauce is too thick, you can add some of the reserved pasta water to loosen it up to your desired consistency.
5. Serve and Garnish:
Serve the Beef and Rotini in Garlic Parmesan Sauce immediately, garnished with fresh parsley if desired. The combination of tender beef, al dente pasta, and rich garlic Parmesan sauce will make every bite a mouthwatering experience.
Tips
– Customize Your Protein: If you’re not a fan of ground beef, you can substitute it with ground turkey, chicken, or even sausage for a different flavor profile.
– Add Vegetables: For a more balanced meal, consider adding sautéed spinach, mushrooms, or broccoli to the dish.
– Make It Spicier: If you like a bit of heat, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the garlic Parmesan sauce.
– Leftovers: This dish stores well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Just reheat it gently on the stove with a splash of milk or broth to restore its creamy texture.
Enjoy your meal!
Detailed Directions and Instructions
Cook the Rotini Pasta
– Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
– Add the rotini pasta and cook according to the package instructions, usually around 8-10 minutes, until al dente.
– Once done, drain the pasta, reserving about 1/2 cup of pasta water for the sauce, and set the pasta aside.
Brown the Ground Beef
– In a large skillet, heat 1 tablespoon of butter over medium heat.
– Add the ground beef and cook, breaking it apart with a spoon, until browned and fully cooked through.
– Drain any excess fat, if needed, and season the beef with salt and pepper to taste.
Prepare the Garlic Parmesan Sauce
– In the same skillet, add the remaining 1 tablespoon of butter.
– Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1-2 minutes, or until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic.
– Pour in the chicken broth, followed by the heavy cream. Stir to combine, then bring the mixture to a simmer.
– Let it cook for about 3-4 minutes until the sauce slightly thickens.
Combine Beef, Rotini, and Sauce
– Add the cooked beef back to the skillet with the garlic Parmesan sauce.
– Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese and let it melt into the sauce, creating a creamy texture.
– Toss the cooked rotini pasta into the skillet, ensuring it’s evenly coated in the sauce.
– If the sauce is too thick, you can add some of the reserved pasta water to loosen it up to your desired consistency.
Serve and Garnish
– Serve the Beef and Rotini in Garlic Parmesan Sauce immediately, garnished with fresh parsley if desired.
– The combination of tender beef, al dente pasta, and rich garlic Parmesan sauce will make every bite a mouthwatering experience.
Notes
Customize Your Protein
– If you’re not a fan of ground beef, you can substitute it with ground turkey, chicken, or even sausage for a different flavor profile.
Add Vegetables
– For a more balanced meal, consider adding sautéed spinach, mushrooms, or broccoli to the dish.
Make It Spicier
– If you like a bit of heat, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the garlic Parmesan sauce.
Leftovers
– This dish stores well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Just reheat it gently on the stove with a splash of milk or broth to restore its creamy texture.
Cook Techniques
Cooking Pasta
Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil before adding rotini pasta. Cooking pasta al dente means it should be firm to the bite, usually taking 8-10 minutes, depending on package instructions. Reserve some pasta water to adjust the sauce consistency later.
Browning Ground Beef
Ensure your skillet is heated over medium heat before adding ground beef. Break it apart with a spoon as it cooks for even browning. Drain excess fat if necessary, and season with salt and pepper once cooked through.
Sautéing Garlic
Add minced garlic to the pan after melting butter, sautéing for about 1-2 minutes. Monitor closely to prevent burning, as burnt garlic can impart a bitter flavor to your dish.
Making the Garlic Parmesan Sauce
Combine chicken broth and heavy cream in the skillet after sautéing garlic. Bring to a simmer, allowing the sauce to thicken slightly for about 3-4 minutes before mixing in Parmesan cheese.
Combining Ingredients
Combine the browned beef and cooked rotini into the garlic Parmesan sauce, ensuring everything is well-coated. Use reserved pasta water to thin out the sauce as needed for your preferred consistency.
FAQ
Can I use a different type of meat?
Yes, you can substitute ground beef with ground turkey, chicken, or sausage based on your preference.
How can I add more vegetables to the dish?
Consider incorporating sautéed spinach, mushrooms, or broccoli for added nutrition and flavor.
What if I want to make it spicy?
You can add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the garlic Parmesan sauce for some heat.
How should I store leftovers?
Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to three days. Reheat gently on the stove with a splash of milk or broth for a creamy texture.
Conclusion
The Beef and Rotini in Garlic Parmesan Sauce is a delicious and satisfying dish that combines the richness of ground beef with the creamy texture of a garlic Parmesan sauce. This recipe is not only simple to prepare but also allows for flexibility in ingredients, making it easy to customize according to your preferences. Whether you serve it for a family dinner or a casual gathering, this meal is sure to impress with its comforting flavors and delightful aroma.
Vegetable Pasta Medley
Consider creating a colorful Vegetable Pasta Medley by adding sautéed bell peppers, zucchini, and cherry tomatoes to your rotini. Toss them in olive oil and seasoning for fresh flavors.
Italian Sausage and Spinach
For a flavorful variation, replace the ground beef with Italian sausage and add fresh spinach to the sauce. The sausage adds a hearty flavor, while the spinach provides a nutritious boost.
Pesto Chicken Rotini
Try using shredded cooked chicken and tossing the rotini with homemade or store-bought pesto instead of the garlic Parmesan sauce. This offers a fresh and herby twist to the dish.
Buffalo Chicken Pasta
For those who enjoy a bit of heat, mix shredded buffalo chicken with the rotini and a creamy ranch dressing. This will give a delightful zing to your pasta dish.
Mushroom Alfredo Rotini
Swap the meat for sautéed mushrooms and use an Alfredo sauce instead of garlic Parmesan. This option caters to vegetarians while still providing a rich, creamy flavor.
Seafood Pasta Delight
Transform the recipe into a seafood delight by incorporating shrimp or scallops. Lightly sauté them and mix with the sauce for a flavorful seafood twist that pairs wonderfully with pasta.
