Oh my goodness, let me tell you about this beef and rotini in garlic parmesan sauce! It’s like a warm hug on a plate—hearty, creamy, and packed full of flavors that’ll make your taste buds dance! Imagine perfectly cooked rotini pasta coated in a luscious garlic parmesan sauce, with tender ground beef mixed in for good measure. Trust me, this dish is a weeknight winner that brings comfort to the dinner table without a whole lot of fuss. You’ll be amazed at how quickly you can whip it up, and your family will be begging for seconds before they even finish their first plate!
Ingredients for Beef and Rotini in Garlic Parmesan Sauce
Gather these simple ingredients to create a delicious feast! Here’s what you’ll need:
- 8 oz rotini pasta: This fun-shaped pasta holds onto the creamy sauce beautifully.
- 1 lb ground beef: I like using regular ground beef for its flavor, but feel free to choose lean if you prefer.
- 3 cloves garlic, minced: Fresh is best! You’ll want that aromatic kick in every bite.
- 1 cup heavy cream: This is what makes the sauce rich and velvety. Don’t skimp on it!
- 1 cup grated parmesan cheese: Freshly grated is preferred for the best melting and flavor.
- 2 tbsp olive oil: This adds a lovely richness when browning the beef.
- Salt to taste: Essential for bringing out all those wonderful flavors.
- Pepper to taste: A dash or two adds a nice little kick!
How to Prepare Beef and Rotini in Garlic Parmesan Sauce
Alright, let’s get cooking! Follow these simple steps, and you’ll have a delightful plate of beef and rotini in garlic parmesan sauce ready in no time. I promise, it’s easier than it looks!
Step 1: Cook the Rotini Pasta
First things first, let’s get that rotini pasta cooking! Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Once it’s bubbling away, add in your 8 oz of rotini pasta. You’ll want to cook it according to the package instructions, which typically takes about 8 to 10 minutes. Aim for al dente—just a little bite left in the pasta is perfect! When it’s done, drain the pasta in a colander, but don’t rinse it! We want to keep that lovely starchiness to help the sauce cling later.
Step 2: Brown the Ground Beef
Now, let’s move to the skillet! Heat 2 tbsp of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Once it’s shimmering, toss in your 1 lb of ground beef. Cook it until it’s nicely browned, which should take around 5-7 minutes. Use a wooden spoon to break it apart as it cooks. When it’s all browned, carefully drain off any excess fat—nobody wants a greasy dish! Just tilt the skillet and let it pour out, using a spoon to help if needed.
Step 3: Sauté Garlic
Here comes the fun part! Add in your 3 cloves of minced garlic to the browned beef and sauté for about 1 minute, just until it becomes fragrant. Be careful not to let it burn, as burnt garlic can turn bitter. You want that lovely garlic aroma filling your kitchen—trust me, it’s heavenly!
Step 4: Make the Sauce
Now, let’s create that creamy goodness! Pour in 1 cup of heavy cream and bring it to a gentle simmer. Stir it around and watch it transform into a silky sauce. Once it’s bubbling, add in 1 cup of grated parmesan cheese, stirring until it melts into that velvety sauce. Oh wow, you’re going to love how rich this sauce becomes!
Step 5: Combine Pasta and Sauce
It’s time to bring it all together! Add your cooked rotini pasta directly into the skillet with the sauce. Give it a good toss to coat all the pasta evenly in that creamy garlic parmesan sauce. If it looks a little thick, don’t hesitate to add a splash of pasta water to loosen it up!
Step 6: Season and Serve
Finally, season your dish with salt and pepper to taste—don’t be shy! You want those flavors to shine. Serve it hot, and if you’re feeling fancy, sprinkle a bit more parmesan on top for good measure. Enjoy every cozy bite!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick Preparation: You can have this hearty meal on the table in just 30 minutes—perfect for busy weeknights!
- Rich Flavors: The combination of creamy garlic parmesan sauce and savory beef creates a flavor explosion that’s simply irresistible.
- Comforting Meal: This dish is like a warm blanket on a chilly day; it’s comforting and satisfying with every bite.
- Easy Cleanup: With just one skillet needed, you’ll spend less time cleaning up and more time enjoying your delicious creation!
Tips for Success
Now that you’re ready to dive into making this beef and rotini in garlic parmesan sauce, here are some of my favorite tips to ensure you get the best results every time!
- Don’t Overcook the Pasta: Aim for al dente! It’ll soak up more of that delicious sauce and prevent it from getting mushy.
- Use Fresh Garlic: Freshly minced garlic gives the best flavor. If you can, avoid the pre-minced stuff—it just doesn’t compare!
- Experiment with Cheeses: While parmesan is a classic, feel free to mix in other cheeses like mozzarella or even a sprinkle of feta for a twist!
- Adjust the Cream: For a lighter version, you can swap half of the heavy cream with chicken or vegetable broth. It’ll still be creamy but with fewer calories!
- Don’t Skip Seasoning: Always taste and adjust the salt and pepper at the end. Each beef brand varies in saltiness, so make it your own!
- Add Veggies: For a pop of color and nutrition, toss in some spinach, broccoli, or bell peppers when sautéing the garlic. They’ll cook down perfectly!
- Make it Ahead: This dish can be made a day in advance! Just reheat gently on the stove with a splash of cream to bring it back to life.
With these tips in your back pocket, you’re all set to whip up a fantastic meal that’ll impress anyone at your table. Happy cooking!
Variations of Beef and Rotini in Garlic Parmesan Sauce
If you’re feeling adventurous or just want to mix things up a bit, there are so many fun variations you can try with this beef and rotini in garlic parmesan sauce! Here are some ideas that’ll keep your taste buds excited:
- Veggie-Packed: Add in your favorite vegetables! Spinach, broccoli, or sun-dried tomatoes can easily be tossed in during the last few minutes of cooking for an extra boost of flavor and nutrition.
- Cheesy Twist: Want a cheesy explosion? Mix in some shredded mozzarella or provolone along with the parmesan for a gooey, melty goodness that stretches with every bite!
- Herb-Infused: Add some fresh herbs like basil or parsley just before serving for a fresh burst of flavor. It really brightens up the dish and adds a lovely aroma!
- Spicy Kick: If you enjoy a little heat, sprinkle in some red pepper flakes while you sauté the garlic. A little spice can elevate the whole dish!
- Meat Lover’s Delight: For those who can’t get enough meat, try adding some cooked Italian sausage or diced ham along with the ground beef for a heartier dish.
- Different Pastas: While rotini is fantastic, feel free to swap it out for other pasta shapes like penne, fusilli, or even whole wheat pasta for a different texture.
- Gluten-Free Option: To make this dish gluten-free, just use gluten-free pasta. It’ll still be delicious and creamy, perfect for everyone to enjoy!
These variations not only add new flavors but also keep the dish fresh and exciting every time you make it. So go ahead, get creative in the kitchen, and let your taste buds lead the way!
Nutritional Information for Beef and Rotini in Garlic Parmesan Sauce
Now, let’s chat about the nutritional information for this delightful beef and rotini in garlic parmesan sauce. While I always believe in enjoying food without guilt, it’s good to know what you’re putting into your body. Keep in mind that these values are estimates and can vary based on the specific brands and ingredients you choose.
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 600
- Fat: 30g
- Saturated Fat: 15g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 1g
- Cholesterol: 80mg
- Sodium: 800mg
- Carbohydrates: 60g
- Fiber: 3g
- Sugars: 2g
- Protein: 25g
This hearty dish not only satisfies your hunger but also gives you a nice balance of protein and carbs to fuel your day. Enjoy every creamy, cheesy bite, knowing you’re treating yourself to something delicious!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Alright, let’s talk about storing any leftovers of this beef and rotini in garlic parmesan sauce! If you’re anything like me, you’ll want to savor every last delicious bite. Here’s how to keep it fresh and tasty:
First off, let the dish cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. This helps prevent condensation, which can make your pasta soggy. You can store it in the fridge for up to 3 days. Just make sure it’s sealed tight—nobody wants their fridge smelling like garlic!
When it’s time to reheat, I recommend doing it gently on the stovetop. Just scoop out the portion you want and place it in a skillet over medium-low heat. Add a splash of heavy cream or a little pasta water to help loosen it up as you stir. This will bring back that creamy goodness and prevent it from drying out. Heat it until it’s warmed through, stirring occasionally to ensure even heating.
If you’re in a hurry, you can microwave it, but I find the stovetop method keeps the texture better. Just pop it in a microwave-safe bowl, cover it with a damp paper towel, and heat in short bursts—about 30 seconds at a time—stirring in between until it’s hot.
And there you have it! Follow these simple steps, and you’ll be able to enjoy your beef and rotini in garlic parmesan sauce all over again. Happy eating!
Imprimer
Beef and Rotini in Garlic Parmesan Sauce: 30-Minute Bliss
- Temps Total: 30 minutes
- Rendement: 4 servings 1x
- Alimentation: Faible En Calories
Description
A hearty dish featuring beef and rotini pasta in a creamy garlic parmesan sauce.
Ingrédients
- 8 oz rotini pasta
- 1 lb ground beef
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup grated parmesan cheese
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- Salt to taste
- Pepper to taste
Instructions
- Cook the rotini pasta according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
- In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat.
- Add ground beef and cook until browned. Drain excess fat.
- Add minced garlic and sauté for 1 minute.
- Pour in the heavy cream and bring to a simmer.
- Stir in parmesan cheese until melted and smooth.
- Add cooked rotini to the skillet and mix well.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Serve hot.
Notes
- For a lighter version, use lean ground beef.
- Adjust garlic according to your taste preference.
- Garnish with additional parmesan if desired.
- Temps De Préparation: 10 minutes
- Temps De Cuisson: 20 minutes
- Catégorie: Main Course
- Méthode: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
La Nutrition
- Taille D'Une Portion: 1 serving
- Calories: 600
- Sucre: 2g
- De Sodium: 800mg
- La graisse: 30g
- Graisses Saturées: 15g
- Les Graisses Insaturées: 10g
- Les Gras Trans: 1g
- Les hydrates de carbone: 60g
- La fibre: 3g
- La protéine: 25g
- Le taux de cholestérol: 80mg
Mots-clés: beef and rotini in garlic parmesan sauce
