Description
A hearty and comforting dish that combines tender rotini pasta, savory ground beef, and a creamy garlic Parmesan sauce. This recipe is perfect for a quick weeknight dinner that feels indulgent yet simple to make.
Ingredients
- For the Pasta:
- 12 ounces rotini pasta
- Water for boiling
- Salt for pasta water
- For the Sauce:
- 1 pound ground beef
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 2 cups milk
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 tablespoons olive oil or butter
- Optional Garnish:
- Fresh parsley, chopped
Instructions
1️⃣ Cook the Pasta:
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the rotini pasta and cook according to package instructions (9–11 minutes) until al dente. Reserve 1 cup of the pasta water before draining the pasta. Set the cooked pasta aside.
2️⃣ Brown the Beef:
In a large skillet, heat the olive oil or butter over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef, breaking it up with a spatula. Cook for 5–7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until browned and cooked through. Drain excess fat if necessary and set the beef aside.
3️⃣ Sauté the Garlic:
In the same skillet, reduce the heat to medium and add the minced garlic. Sauté for about 1 minute, stirring constantly, until fragrant. Be careful not to let the garlic burn.
4️⃣ Create the Sauce:
Sprinkle the flour evenly over the garlic and beef mixture, stirring well to combine. Gradually pour in the milk while whisking to prevent lumps. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer and cook for 2–3 minutes, allowing the sauce to thicken.
5️⃣ Add the Cheese and Seasoning:
Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Continue cooking for another 1–2 minutes until the cheese melts completely and the sauce becomes smooth and creamy.
6️⃣ Combine Pasta and Sauce:
Add the cooked rotini pasta to the skillet, tossing well to coat each piece with the creamy garlic Parmesan sauce. If the sauce feels too thick, stir in the reserved pasta water, a tablespoon at a time, until you achieve the desired consistency.
7️⃣ Garnish and Serve:
Sprinkle freshly chopped parsley over the dish for a touch of color and freshness. Serve immediately while hot and enjoy!
Notes
- For a richer sauce, substitute half of the milk with heavy cream.
- This recipe works well with other pasta shapes like penne, fusilli, or farfalle.
- Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a hint of spice.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently to maintain the creamy texture.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4