Description
This comforting dish features tender rotini pasta tossed with savory ground beef and a creamy garlic Parmesan sauce, enriched with aromatic Italian seasoning and a touch of heat from red pepper flakes. Ready in just 30 minutes, it’s a perfect weeknight meal that combines rich flavors and satisfying textures.
Ingredients
Scale
Pasta
- 12 oz (340g) rotini pasta
- 1 tsp salt (for boiling water)
Beef Mixture
- 1 lb (450g) ground beef
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
Garlic Parmesan Sauce
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter
- 2 tbsp all-purpose flour
- 2 cups (480ml) whole milk (or half-and-half for a richer sauce)
- 1/2 cup (50g) grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Garnish
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
- Extra Parmesan cheese
Instructions
- Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the rotini pasta and cook according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain the pasta well and set it aside.
- Cook the Beef: Heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add the ground beef and cook, breaking it up with a spatula, until browned and cooked through.
- Sauté Onion and Garlic: Add the diced onion and minced garlic to the skillet with the beef. Cook for 3-4 minutes until the onion softens. Season with 1/2 teaspoon salt and 1/4 teaspoon black pepper. Remove this beef mixture from the skillet and set aside.
- Make the Roux: In the same skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Sprinkle in the flour and whisk constantly for 1-2 minutes until the mixture is lightly golden and fragrant to form a roux.
- Add Milk: Slowly whisk in the milk, making sure to avoid lumps. Continue to cook the sauce while stirring frequently for about 3-4 minutes until it thickens to a creamy consistency.
- Season the Sauce: Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese, Italian seasoning, red pepper flakes if using, and additional salt and pepper to taste. Mix well to combine.
- Combine Ingredients: Return the cooked beef mixture to the skillet, then add the drained rotini pasta. Toss everything together thoroughly so that the pasta is evenly coated with the creamy garlic Parmesan sauce.
- Serve: Serve the dish hot, garnished with freshly chopped parsley and extra Parmesan cheese to add brightness and extra flavor.
Notes
- Use half-and-half instead of milk for a richer, creamier sauce.
- Adjust red pepper flakes based on your desired spice level or omit for no heat.
- Reserve some pasta water before draining if the sauce needs thinning later.
- Freshly grated Parmesan cheese yields the best flavor compared to pre-grated.
- For a low-fat version, substitute whole milk with 2% milk and use lean ground beef.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian-American
