There's nothing quite like a hearty bowl of beef and rotini in garlic parmesan sauce to warm you up after a long day. The combination of tender beef, perfectly al dente pasta, and a rich, garlicky parmesan sauce makes this dish irresistibly comforting.

I first stumbled upon this recipe when I was looking for a quick yet satisfying meal that felt indulgent but was easy enough for a busy weeknight. The creamy sauce, infused with buttery garlic and nutty parmesan, coats the rotini beautifully, making every bite a perfect balance of flavor and texture.
If you're craving a meal that's quick, creamy, and utterly delicious, this one’s for you! Let’s dive into why you’ll love this dish.
Why You’ll Love This Beef and Rotini in Garlic Parmesan Sauce
Get ready to fall in love with your new favorite pasta dish. This beef and rotini in garlic parmesan sauce is the kind of recipe that becomes an instant household favorite.
First off, it’s incredibly easy to make. With just a few simple ingredients and one pan for the sauce, you can have this on the table in under 30 minutes—perfect for busy weeknights.
It’s also budget-friendly. Using affordable cuts of beef, pantry staples, and a block of parmesan, you can create a gourmet-tasting meal without spending a fortune.
The flavors are rich, creamy, and well-balanced. The combination of garlic, parmesan, and a hint of butter creates a luxurious sauce that clings perfectly to the rotini, making every bite flavorful and satisfying.
And finally, it’s versatile. You can switch up the protein, use a different pasta shape, or even add vegetables like spinach or mushrooms to make it your own.
Now, let’s talk about the key ingredients that make this dish shine!
Ingredients Notes

The magic of this beef and rotini in garlic parmesan sauce lies in its simple but flavorful ingredients. Each one plays a crucial role in making this dish creamy, savory, and utterly satisfying.
- Rotini pasta – The twisted shape of rotini is perfect for holding onto the rich, garlicky parmesan sauce. You can substitute with penne, fusilli, or even spaghetti if needed.
- Beef – I recommend using thinly sliced sirloin or flank steak for the best tenderness. However, ground beef works well if you're looking for an even quicker alternative.
- Garlic – Fresh minced garlic is a must for this dish! It infuses the sauce with bold, aromatic flavor that complements the creamy parmesan beautifully.
- Parmesan cheese – A good-quality, freshly grated parmesan makes all the difference. Avoid pre-shredded cheese, as it won’t melt as smoothly into the sauce.
- Heavy cream – This gives the sauce its luxuriously creamy texture. If you prefer a lighter version, you can use half-and-half, but the sauce won’t be as rich.
- Butter and olive oil – A combination of butter and olive oil helps create the perfect sear on the beef while adding depth to the sauce.
- Beef broth – A splash of beef broth enhances the meaty flavor and ensures the sauce has the perfect consistency.
- Italian seasoning – A blend of oregano, basil, and thyme rounds out the flavors beautifully.
Special Equipment Needed
- A large skillet for searing the beef and making the sauce
- A pot for boiling pasta
- A cheese grater for freshly grating parmesan
Now that we’ve got everything ready, let’s get cooking!
How To Make This Beef and Rotini in Garlic Parmesan Sauce

Making this dish is easier than you might think, and the result is an incredibly rich and satisfying meal. Follow these steps for the perfect creamy garlic parmesan pasta with beef.
- Cook the rotini: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the rotini according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve ½ cup of pasta water before draining.
- Sear the beef: While the pasta is cooking, heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add olive oil and butter, then sear the thinly sliced beef in batches, cooking for 2-3 minutes per side until browned. Remove from the pan and set aside.
- Sauté the garlic: In the same skillet, reduce heat to medium, add another pat of butter, and sauté the minced garlic for 30 seconds, just until fragrant.
- Make the sauce: Pour in the beef broth and heavy cream, stirring well to combine. Let it simmer for 3-4 minutes until slightly thickened.
- Add the parmesan: Reduce the heat to low and slowly stir in the freshly grated parmesan, allowing it to melt into a smooth, creamy sauce. If the sauce is too thick, add a splash of the reserved pasta water.
- Combine everything: Return the seared beef to the skillet, then toss in the cooked rotini, coating everything evenly in the sauce. Let it all simmer for another minute or two.
- Serve and enjoy! Garnish with extra parmesan and fresh parsley for a burst of freshness.
This dish comes together in about 30 minutes from start to finish, making it perfect for a quick but luxurious dinner.
Storage Options
If you have leftovers (which is rare in my house!), here’s how to store them properly:
- Refrigeration: Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Freezing: While the sauce may slightly separate, you can freeze this dish for up to 2 months in a freezer-safe container. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
- Reheating: Warm leftovers over low heat on the stovetop, adding a splash of broth or milk to restore creaminess. The microwave works too, but heat in short intervals, stirring in between.
Variations and Substitutions
This recipe is highly adaptable, so feel free to get creative! Here are some variations you can try:
- Swap the beef: If you’re out of beef, this dish works beautifully with chicken, shrimp, or even mushrooms for a vegetarian twist.
- Add veggies: Stir in spinach, mushrooms, or sun-dried tomatoes for extra flavor and texture.
- Make it spicy: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce for a little heat.
- Use a different cheese: While parmesan is classic, you can mix in pecorino romano or asiago for a slightly different flavor profile.
- Go low-carb: Swap the rotini for zucchini noodles or cauliflower rice for a lighter option.
This beef and rotini in garlic parmesan sauce is creamy, comforting, and incredibly flavorful—the kind of meal that brings everyone to the table. Give it a try, and don’t be surprised if it becomes a regular in your dinner rotation!
PrintBeef And Rotini In Garlic Parmesan Sauce Recipe
This beef and rotini in garlic Parmesan sauce recipe is a hearty, creamy pasta dish packed with tender beef, garlic, and rich Parmesan cheese. It's an easy one-pan meal perfect for busy weeknights, bringing together savory flavors with a smooth, cheesy sauce.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Pasta Recipes
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian-American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Ingredients
- 12 oz rotini pasta
- 1 lb ground beef
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 cups heavy cream
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 cup beef broth
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- ½ tsp salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
- ½ tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
- 2 tbsp butter
- 2 tbsp all-purpose flour
- ¼ cup chopped parsley (for garnish)
Instructions
- Cook rotini pasta according to package instructions; drain and set aside.
- In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add ground beef and cook until browned; drain excess fat.
- Add minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
- Stir in butter and flour, cooking for another minute to create a roux.
- Gradually whisk in beef broth and heavy cream, stirring continuously until smooth.
- Add Parmesan cheese, Italian seasoning, salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes. Stir until the sauce thickens.
- Mix in the cooked rotini and toss until well coated.
- Garnish with chopped parsley and serve warm.
Notes
- Substitute ground beef with Italian sausage for extra flavor.
- Use half-and-half instead of heavy cream for a lighter sauce.
- Add spinach or mushrooms for extra vegetables.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 plate
- Calories: 620 kcal
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 680 mg
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