Welcome to your new favorite weeknight meal! This Garlic Parmesan Beef Pasta is a hearty, flavorful dish that comes together quickly and easily.
It’s perfect for those busy evenings when you need a satisfying dinner without spending hours in the kitchen. Get ready to enjoy a creamy, rich, and undeniably delicious pasta creation.
Table of Contents
Why You’ll Love This Garlic Parmesan Beef Pasta
This recipe quickly earns a spot in your rotation for many great reasons. You’ll truly love how simple and satisfying this Garlic Parmesan Beef Pasta is to prepare.
- Quick & Easy: This recipe streamlines dinner prep, making it perfect for busy weeknights with minimal fuss.
- Rich, Creamy Flavor: Experience a delightful blend of savory beef, pungent garlic, and decadent Parmesan cheese in every bite.
- Comforting & Satisfying: It’s a hearty meal that truly fills you up, offering warmth and comfort after a long day.
- Family Favorite: Even picky eaters will ask for seconds of this delicious and approachable beef pasta.
Ingredients
Gather these simple ingredients to create your next favorite meal. Each component plays a crucial role in developing the rich flavor of this Garlic Parmesan Beef Pasta.
- 10 ounces dried rotini pasta (2.5 cups – measured before cooking)
- 1 pound ground beef
- ½ cup finely chopped onion
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- ½ cup beef broth (can use low or no sodium)
- 2 cups heavy cream
- 1 cup freshly grated parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 2 Tablespoons fresh chopped parsley (optional, can use dried)
Notes & Substitutions
- Pasta: Feel free to swap rotini for other short pasta like penne, fusilli, or even fettuccine for a different texture.
- Ground Beef: Ground turkey or chicken can be used as a leaner alternative, adjusting cooking time as needed.
- Onion & Garlic: Freshly minced is best for flavor, but pre-minced versions are a convenient time-saver.
- Seasonings: Adjust garlic powder, salt, and pepper to suit your taste. Experiment with a pinch of red pepper flakes for heat.
- Beef Broth: Opt for low-sodium broth to better control the overall saltiness of your dish.
- Heavy Cream: This is essential for achieving the signature creamy texture; lighter creams may curdle.
- Parmesan Cheese: Freshly grated Parmesan melts smoother and offers a more vibrant, authentic flavor than pre-shredded.
- Italian Seasoning: This blend adds a traditional herby depth. You can substitute with equal parts dried oregano and basil.
- Parsley: Fresh parsley provides a bright, refreshing finish. Dried parsley can be used in a pinch, but fresh is preferred for garnish.
Instructions For The Best Garlic Parmesan Beef Pasta
Follow these easy steps to prepare your comforting Garlic Parmesan Beef Pasta. The process is straightforward, ensuring a delicious meal even for beginner cooks.
First, cook 10 ounces of dried rotini pasta according to the package directions, adding a pinch of salt to the water. Drain the cooked pasta and set it aside while you prepare the sauce.
Next, heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add 1 pound of ground beef, ½ cup of finely chopped onion, and 4 minced garlic cloves to the skillet. Season the mixture with 1 teaspoon of garlic powder, ½ teaspoon of salt, ½ teaspoon of black pepper, and ½ teaspoon of onion powder.
Cook and crumble the ground beef until it’s no longer pink, ensuring it’s thoroughly browned for maximum flavor. Drain any excess grease from the skillet before returning the cooked beef mixture.
Now, it’s time to build the creamy sauce for our Garlic Parmesan Beef Pasta. To the skillet with the beef (still over medium heat), add ½ cup of beef broth, 2 cups of heavy cream, 1 cup of freshly grated Parmesan cheese, and 1 teaspoon of Italian seasoning.
Stir all the ingredients together well. Let the sauce simmer gently for about 3-5 minutes, or until it visibly thickens to your desired consistency.
Add the cooked rotini pasta directly into the skillet with the rich, creamy sauce and beef. Stir everything until the pasta is fully coated and combined with the flavorful sauce.
Taste the Garlic Parmesan Beef Pasta and adjust seasonings like salt and pepper as needed to suit your preference. Finally, stir in 1 tablespoon of fresh chopped parsley if desired, adding a touch of freshness.
Serve your delicious pasta immediately, garnishing with the remaining fresh parsley for an appealing finish. Enjoy this warm and hearty meal!
Pro Tips for Success
Achieving perfect Garlic Parmesan Beef Pasta is simple with a few key tricks. These tips will help you elevate your dish and avoid common pitfalls.
- Don’t Overcook Pasta: Cook pasta to al dente for the best texture; it will finish cooking slightly in the sauce.
- Brown Beef Well: Ensuring the ground beef is thoroughly browned helps develop deep, savory flavors, as highlighted by culinary experts on the importance of the Maillard reaction in cooking meat.
- Adjust Garlic and Cheese: Feel free to increase the minced garlic or Parmesan cheese to intensify their flavors.
- Simmer Sauce Gently: Allow the sauce to simmer over medium heat until it thickens, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.
- Use Fresh Grated Parmesan: Freshly grated cheese melts smoothly and integrates better into the sauce, preventing a grainy texture.
- Prevent Sauce from Breaking: Keep the heat moderate and avoid boiling the cream vigorously to maintain a smooth, cohesive sauce.
Serving Suggestions, Storage & Variations
This versatile Garlic Parmesan Beef Pasta is perfect on its own, but also pairs beautifully with various sides. Proper storage ensures you can enjoy delicious leftovers.
Serving Suggestions
- Serve alongside warm garlic bread or a crusty baguette for soaking up every drop of sauce.
- A crisp, fresh side salad with a light vinaigrette makes a perfect counterpoint to the rich pasta.
- Round out the meal with steamed or roasted vegetables like broccoli, asparagus, or green beans.
- Offer extra grated Parmesan cheese at the table for guests to sprinkle on top as desired.
Storage & Reheating
- Store any leftover pasta in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
- To reheat, gently warm portions on the stovetop over low heat or in the microwave.
- Add a splash of milk, cream, or beef broth when reheating to rehydrate the sauce and restore creaminess.
- Freezing is not recommended for this cream-based sauce, as it may separate and become watery upon thawing.
Recipe Variations
- Add Vegetables: Stir in fresh spinach, sautéed mushrooms, or diced bell peppers with the beef for added nutrients and color.
- Spice It Up: A pinch of red pepper flakes added with the seasonings can give the dish a pleasant kick.
- Different Cheese: Experiment with other melty cheeses like mozzarella or asiago along with or instead of Parmesan.
- Swap Meat: Try ground chicken, Italian sausage, or even a plant-based ground meat alternative for a different spin.
- Shortcut: For an even quicker meal, use a quality jarred Alfredo sauce as the base and simply add your cooked beef and pasta.
Nutrition Information
This Garlic Parmesan Beef Pasta offers a hearty and satisfying meal. The nutritional values below are estimates and can vary based on specific brands and exact ingredient quantities used.
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 1081 kcal |
| Carbohydrate Content | 64 g |
| Protein Content | 41 g |
| Fat Content | 74 g |
| Sodium Content | 955 mg |
| Fiber Content | 3 g |
| Sugar Content | 6 g |
| Serving Size | 1 serving |
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use other types of pasta?
Yes, you can easily substitute rotini with other short pasta shapes like penne, ziti, or even longer strands like fettuccine or spaghetti, which work well with the creamy sauce.
What if my sauce is too thin or thick?
If the sauce is too thin, simmer it gently for a few more minutes to reduce and thicken. If it’s too thick, stir in an extra splash of beef broth or heavy cream until it reaches your desired consistency.
Can I make this dairy-free?
While possible, achieving the same creamy texture and rich flavor can be challenging. You can try dairy-free heavy cream alternatives and nutritional yeast for a cheesy flavor, but the taste will vary significantly from traditional Garlic Parmesan Beef Pasta.
Conclusion
This Garlic Parmesan Beef Pasta truly delivers on both flavor and convenience. It’s an incredibly satisfying dish that feels gourmet but is remarkably simple to prepare, making it a perfect fit for any busy schedule.
We encourage you to try this creamy, garlicky, and comforting recipe for your next family dinner. It’s sure to become a cherished favorite in your recipe collection!
Garlic Parmesan Beef Pasta
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Cook rotini pasta according to package directions in salted water. Drain and set aside.
- In a skillet over medium heat, cook ground beef with onion, garlic, garlic powder, salt, pepper, and onion powder until browned. Drain excess grease.
- Add beef broth, heavy cream, Parmesan cheese, and Italian seasoning to the beef. Simmer for 3–5 minutes until the sauce thickens.
- Return cooked pasta to skillet and toss to coat with sauce. Stir in parsley if using. Adjust seasoning to taste.
- Serve hot, garnished with additional parsley and Parmesan if desired.
Nutrition
Notes
- Heavy cream essential for creamy texture.
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