Description
A creamy and comforting Beef and Rotini pasta dish simmered in a rich garlic Parmesan sauce, perfect for a hearty weeknight dinner. Ground beef is browned and combined with a flavorful Parmesan sauce seasoned with Italian herbs, then tossed with al dente rotini pasta and garnished with fresh parsley for a delicious finish.
Ingredients
Scale
Pasta
- 12 oz rotini pasta
Beef and Sauce
- 1 lb ground beef
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tbsp all-purpose flour
- 2 cups milk
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 2 tbsp olive oil or butter
Garnish
- Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish
Instructions
- Cook Pasta: Bring a pot of salted water to a boil and cook the rotini pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain the pasta and set aside.
- Brown Beef: In a large skillet over medium heat, heat olive oil or butter. Add the ground beef and cook, breaking it apart with a spoon, until browned and fully cooked. Drain any excess fat if necessary.
- Sauté Garlic: Add the minced garlic to the beef and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant but not browned.
- Add Flour: Sprinkle the all-purpose flour over the beef and garlic mixture, stirring well to combine. Cook for 1 to 2 minutes to eliminate the raw flour taste.
- Whisk in Milk: Gradually pour in the milk while whisking continuously to prevent lumps, forming a smooth sauce base.
- Season and Thicken Sauce: Stir in Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Continue to cook, stirring frequently, until the sauce thickens, approximately 5 minutes.
- Add Parmesan Cheese: Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese until melted and smooth, enriching the sauce.
- Combine Pasta and Sauce: Add the cooked rotini pasta into the skillet with the sauce and toss gently to coat all the pasta evenly. Heat together for 1 to 2 minutes to meld flavors.
- Garnish and Serve: Remove from heat, sprinkle with chopped fresh parsley, and serve warm for a satisfying meal.
Notes
- For a lighter version, use low-fat milk and reduce the amount of cheese.
- Substitute ground turkey or chicken for beef for a leaner option.
- Freshly grated Parmesan cheese is preferred to ensure smooth melting and a rich flavor.
- Make sure to stir constantly when adding the milk to avoid lumps in the sauce.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated in an airtight container for up to 3 days and reheated gently on the stovetop.
