Directions

Let’s get cooking! The beauty of this dish is that it comes together quickly and easily, without a lot of fuss. Here’s how to make Beef and Rotini in Garlic Parmesan Sauce from start to finish:

Step 1: Cook the Pasta
Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the rotini pasta and cook according to the package instructions (usually 9-11 minutes) until the pasta is al dente. Don’t forget to reserve about 1 cup of the pasta water before draining the pasta. You’ll use that later to adjust the sauce’s consistency if needed.

Step 2: Brown the Beef
While the pasta is cooking, heat the olive oil or butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef to the skillet, breaking it up into smaller pieces with a spatula. Cook the beef for about 5-7 minutes, until it’s fully browned and cooked through. Drain any excess fat if necessary, and set the beef aside.

Step 3: Sauté the Garlic
In the same skillet, add the minced garlic and cook it over medium heat for about 1 minute, stirring constantly. You’ll know it’s ready when it becomes fragrant just be careful not to burn it! Garlic burns quickly, and once it’s burned, it can turn bitter, so keep an eye on it.

Step 4: Create the Sauce
Next, sprinkle the flour over the beef and garlic mixture, stirring well to combine. The flour will help thicken the sauce. Gradually add the milk to the skillet, stirring continuously to avoid lumps. Bring the mixture to a simmer, and let it cook for 2-3 minutes until it thickens into a creamy sauce.

Step 5: Add the Cheese and Seasoning
Once the sauce has thickened, it’s time to make it cheesy! Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese, followed by the Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Continue cooking for another 1-2 minutes until the cheese is fully melted and the sauce is creamy and smooth.

Step 6: Combine the Pasta and Sauce
Add the drained rotini pasta to the skillet, tossing it in the sauce until it’s well-coated. If the sauce is too thick, gradually add some of the reserved pasta water, a tablespoon at a time, until you reach your desired consistency. The starchy pasta water will help the sauce cling to the pasta and make it extra creamy.

Step 7: Garnish and Serve
Finally, sprinkle some freshly chopped parsley over the dish for a burst of color and freshness. Serve immediately and enjoy your creamy, comforting meal!