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Savory Beef & Rotini: 650 Cal Comfort

Oh my goodness, are you ready for a weeknight dinner game-changer? Because I’ve got the ultimate recipe for you: my Savory Beef And Rotini In Garlic Parmesan Sauce Recipe. Seriously, this dish is pure comfort in a bowl. It’s one of those meals that just tastes like a hug – rich, creamy, garlicky, and packed with savory beef. My kids devour it, and honestly, so do I! What I love most is how darn quick it is. We’re talking a delicious, restaurant-worthy pasta dish on the table in under an hour, barely breaking a sweat. It’s become my go-to when I need something satisfying and easy after a long day.

A close-up shot of steaming savory beef and rotini pasta coated in a rich garlic parmesan sauce.

Why You’ll Love This Savory Beef And Rotini In Garlic Parmesan Sauce Recipe

Trust me, this recipe is a total win! Here’s why I think you’ll adore it as much as my family does:

  • Super Speedy: It whips up in about 40 minutes, total! Perfect for those busy weeknights when you need dinner fast.
  • Loads of Flavor: The creamy garlic Parmesan sauce with savory beef is just *chef’s kiss*. It’s rich without being too heavy.
  • Kid-Approved: Even picky eaters gobble this one up. The rotini pasta shape is fun, and the sauce is just delicious.
  • One-Skillet Wonder (almost!): Most of the magic happens in one pan, meaning less cleanup! Yay!

Gather Your Ingredients for Savory Beef And Rotini In Garlic Parmesan Sauce

Okay, let’s get our mise en place ready! The beauty of this dish is that it uses ingredients you probably already have hanging around your kitchen, which makes it even more of a weeknight warrior. Seriously, just a quick peek in the pantry and fridge, and you’re good to go. So, gather these goodies:

You’ll need about a pound of good ol’ ground beef – 80/20 is usually my go-to for flavor, but use what you have! I always start with just 1 tablespoon of olive oil to get things going. Then, grab 1 medium onion, chopped, and about 2 cloves of garlic, minced. Don’t skimp on the garlic, it’s key here! For those savory, herby notes, have 1 teaspoon of dried Italian seasoning, 1/2 teaspoon of salt, and 1/4 teaspoon of black pepper ready. The base of our creamy sauce comes from 1 (24 ounce) jar of marinara sauce – any good quality one will do! Then, for that luscious richness, we need 1 cup of heavy cream and a good half cup of grated Parmesan cheese. And of course, the pasta! We’re using 12 ounces of rotini pasta, but really, any fun shape works. Lastly, for that pop of freshness at the end, a little bit of fresh parsley, chopped, is totally optional but highly recommended!

Step-by-Step Guide to Making Savory Beef And Rotini In Garlic Parmesan Sauce

Alright, let’s get cooking! This recipe is truly a breeze, so don’t be intimidated. I like to think of it as a little culinary dance, and once you do it a couple of times, you’ll be a pasta pro! It all comes together pretty quickly so make sure you have everything prepped and ready to go. You’ve got this! Maybe you’re looking for something super similar to this creamy garlic chicken pasta or perhaps a delightful twist like this garlic parmesan chicken alfredo. Or even some delicious garlic butter beef bites with parmesan cream sauce!

Cook the Rotini Pasta

First things first, let’s get that pasta going. Grab your rotini and cook it up according to the package directions. You want it perfectly al dente, not mushy! Once it’s done, drain it really well and set it aside. No need to rinse it; a little starch on the pasta helps the sauce cling better. Easy peasy!

Brown the Beef and Sauté Aromatics

Now, for some serious flavor building! Get a nice big skillet over medium-high heat and toss in that tablespoon of olive oil. Once it’s shimmering, add your ground beef. Break it up with your spoon and let it get nice and browned. Now, listen, this part is important: drain off any excess grease. Nobody wants a greasy pasta dish! Toss in your chopped onion and let it soften up for about 5 minutes until it’s nice and translucent. Then, add that minced garlic, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Stir it all around for another minute until you can really smell that amazing aroma – oh, that’s the good stuff! Trust me, don’t overcrowd the pan when browning the beef; give it some space so it gets nice and seared instead of just steaming.

Close-up of Savory Beef and Rotini in Garlic Parmesan Sauce, featuring tender beef chunks and rotini pasta coated in creamy sauce.

Create the Garlic Parmesan Sauce

This is where the magic *really* happens! Pour that jar of marinara sauce right into the skillet with your beefy, oniony goodness. Give it a good stir, then bring it all up to a gentle simmer. Now, turn the heat down to low – and I mean *low*. You don’t want this sauce to boil violently. Stir in your heavy cream slowly, and then sprinkle in that glorious grated Parmesan cheese. Keep stirring gently until everything is beautifully combined, smooth, and heated all the way through. If the sauce seems a little too thick for your liking, and you want it extra dreamy, I sometimes add a tiny splash more cream or even a tablespoon of water to get it just right. The key is a velvety, smooth sauce that just coats everything.

A fork lifting a swirl of rotini pasta coated in creamy garlic parmesan sauce with chunks of savory beef.

Combine Pasta and Sauce

And now for the grand finale! Add your perfectly cooked, drained rotini pasta right into that glorious garlic Parmesan sauce. Toss everything together gently until every single piece of pasta is coated in that creamy, savory goodness. It should look divine! Serve it up immediately while it’s hot and steamy. A little sprinkle of fresh parsley on top just makes it look so pretty, but it’s totally optional if you don’t have any on hand.

Close-up of a bowl of Savory Beef and Rotini in Garlic Parmesan Sauce, with red pepper flakes.

Tips for the Perfect Savory Beef And Rotini In Garlic Parmesan Sauce

Okay, so making this dish is pretty foolproof, but here are a couple of my little secrets for making it absolutely, positively perfect every single time. First off, don’t rush the browning of the beef! Getting those nice, browned bits at the bottom of the pan adds so much depth of flavor to the whole dish. And when you add the sauce ingredients, make sure that heat is on low. You want a creamy, dreamy sauce, not something that’s split or oily. If you’re feeling adventurous, maybe check out how I play with garlic and brown sugar for a yummy chicken dish too here – it’s a different vibe but same idea of building flavor!

Ingredient Notes and Substitutions

So, let’s chat about these ingredients for a sec! The ground beef is pretty standard, but feel free to use turkey or even Italian sausage if you’re feeling change. And while rotini is my favorite because it really grabs that sauce, honestly, any short pasta shape like penne, farfalle, or even elbow macaroni works like a charm. If you want a richer sauce, just stir in a little extra heavy cream at the end – my secret weapon! And if you don’t have Italian seasoning, a mix of dried oregano and basil works just as well. Easy swaps make this recipe super flexible!

Serving Suggestions for Savory Beef And Rotini In Garlic Parmesan Sauce

This hearty pasta is pretty much a meal in itself, but if you’re looking to round out your dinner spread, I’ve got you covered! A simple, crisp side salad is always a winner. I love a good marinated cucumber and tomato salad or a classic Caprese salad. And who can resist some warm, crusty bread for soaking up every last bit of that delicious sauce? Yum!

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Got leftovers? Lucky you! Store any remaining Savory Beef And Rotini in Garlic Parmesan Sauce in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. When you’re ready to reheat, I find the microwave works best for a quick warm-up, just stir it occasionally to make sure it heats evenly. If you prefer, you can also gently reheat it in a skillet over low heat, maybe adding a tiny splash of milk or cream if it seems a little thick.

Frequently Asked Questions about Savory Beef And Rotini In Garlic Parmesan Sauce

Got questions about this delicious pasta? I’ve got answers! It’s a pretty straightforward recipe, but I know questions pop up. For example, if you’re curious about a similar classic dish, you might want to check out a great Spaghetti Bolognese recipe.

Can I use a different type of pasta?

Absolutely! While rotini is my favorite because those little spirals hug the sauce so well, you can totally use other shapes. Penne, farfalle (bow ties), elbow macaroni, or even a long pasta like fettuccine would be great. Just make sure to cook whatever you choose until it’s perfectly al dente!

How can I make this recipe spicier?

Oh, if you like a little kick, I’ve got you covered! The easiest way to add some heat is to toss in a pinch of red pepper flakes right along with the garlic and seasonings when you’re sautéing the onions. Start with just a little, taste, and then add more if you dare!

Can I use ground turkey instead of beef?

You sure can! Ground turkey is a fantastic lighter alternative. Just make sure to brown it well and drain off any excess liquid, just like you would with the beef. You might want to add a little extra seasoning, like a pinch more salt or Italian herbs, since turkey can be a bit milder in flavor.

Can I freeze leftovers?

This is a great question! While the sauce itself freezes okay, pasta can sometimes get a bit mushy after thawing. So, I usually recommend storing leftovers in the fridge for up to 3 days. If you really need to freeze it, let it cool completely, portion it into freezer-safe containers, and reheat gently. It won’t be *exactly* the same, but it’ll still be tasty! Honestly, it’s so quick to whip up another batch, you might just want to make a fresh pot!

Nutritional Information

Just a heads-up, this is just an estimate, you know? The nutrition details can wiggle around a bit depending on the exact brands you use and, of course, how much you pile on your plate! But generally, one serving of this Savory Beef And Rotini In Garlic Parmesan Sauce is around 650 calories, with about 35g of fat. You’ll also get a good dose of protein at about 30g and around 50g of carbohydrates. Pretty satisfying, right?

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Close-up of a pan filled with Savory Beef and Rotini in Garlic Parmesan Sauce, garnished with fresh parsley.

Savory Beef and Rotini in Garlic Parmesan Sauce


  • Author: smaakvolle.nl
  • Total Time: 40 min
  • Yield: 4 servings 1x
  • Diet: Vegetarian

Description

A simple and flavorful pasta dish featuring tender beef and rotini noodles coated in a rich garlic parmesan sauce.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 pound ground beef
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 medium onion, chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 (24 ounce) jar marinara sauce
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 12 ounces rotini pasta, cooked according to package directions
  • Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish (optional)

Instructions

  1. Cook rotini pasta according to package directions. Drain and set aside.
  2. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add ground beef and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until browned. Drain off any excess grease.
  3. Add chopped onion to the skillet and cook until softened, about 5 minutes.
  4. Stir in minced garlic, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Cook for 1 minute more until fragrant.
  5. Pour in the marinara sauce and bring to a simmer.
  6. Reduce heat to low and stir in heavy cream and grated Parmesan cheese. Cook, stirring, until the sauce is smooth and heated through. Do not boil.
  7. Add the cooked rotini pasta to the skillet with the sauce. Toss to coat evenly.
  8. Serve immediately, garnished with fresh parsley if desired.

Notes

  • For a spicier sauce, add a pinch of red pepper flakes with the garlic.
  • You can substitute other pasta shapes for rotini.
  • Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
  • Prep Time: 15 min
  • Cook Time: 25 min
  • Category: Dinner
  • Method: Stovetop
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 serving
  • Calories: 650
  • Sugar: 10g
  • Sodium: 800mg
  • Fat: 35g
  • Saturated Fat: 15g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 20g
  • Trans Fat: 1g
  • Carbohydrates: 50g
  • Fiber: 4g
  • Protein: 30g
  • Cholesterol: 120mg

Keywords: beef, rotini, pasta, garlic parmesan sauce, dinner, easy recipe, family meal

Recipe rating