Description
This beef and rotini in garlic Parmesan sauce combines tender pasta, savory ground beef, and a creamy cheese sauce for the ultimate comfort food. Simple enough for a weeknight but flavorful enough for guests.
Ingredients
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12 ounces rotini pasta
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1 pound ground beef (85/15 blend)
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2 tablespoons unsalted butter
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1 tablespoon olive oil
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4 cloves garlic, minced
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2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
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2 cups whole milk (warm)
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1 cup beef broth (low sodium)
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1 cup Parmesan cheese, freshly grated
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½ teaspoon kosher salt (adjust to taste)
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½ teaspoon black pepper
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½ teaspoon Italian seasoning (optional)
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¼ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
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2 tablespoons parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
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Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook rotini until al dente, then drain. Reserve ½ cup pasta water.
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In a skillet, heat olive oil. Add ground beef and cook 6–7 minutes until browned. Drain excess fat and set aside.
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Melt butter in the skillet. Add garlic and sauté 1–2 minutes until fragrant.
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Stir in flour and cook for 1 minute to form a roux.
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Gradually whisk in warm milk and beef broth. Stir until sauce thickens, about 3–4 minutes.
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Reduce heat to low. Stir in Parmesan cheese, salt, pepper, Italian seasoning, and red pepper flakes if using.
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Return beef to the skillet. Add pasta and toss until well coated. Add reserved pasta water if needed to loosen sauce.
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Garnish with parsley and serve hot with extra Parmesan.
Notes
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Use freshly grated Parmesan for the smoothest sauce.
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Do not overcook garlic—it should be fragrant, not browned.
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Add vegetables like spinach or mushrooms for extra nutrition.
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Reheat gently on the stovetop with a splash of milk to restore creaminess.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main Course, Pasta
- Method: Stovetop / Skillet
- Cuisine: American-Italian Inspired
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1¼ cups
- Calories: 520 kcal
- Sugar: 5 g
- Sodium: 690 mg
- Fat: 26 g
- Saturated Fat: 12 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 13 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 45 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 33 g
- Cholesterol: 110 mg
Keywords: beef and rotini in garlic Parmesan sauce, creamy beef pasta, garlic Parmesan pasta recipe