Name: Garlic Parmesan Beef Pasta Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: Italian-American
Ingredients: 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)

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If you are craving a hearty, comforting dish that combines the richness of creamy parmesan with the robust flavor of garlic and savory beef, this Garlic Parmesan Beef Pasta Recipe is your new best friend in the kitchen. It’s one of those meals that feels indulgent yet is incredibly straightforward to make, coming together in just 30 minutes. Perfectly cooked rotini pasta mingles with tender ground beef simmered in a luscious garlic-heavy sauce, all topped with freshly grated parmesan and a sprinkle of parsley for a pop of color. Whether you’re making dinner on a busy weeknight or treating friends to a cozy meal, this recipe delivers big on flavor and satisfaction every single time.

Ingredients You’ll Need

A round stainless steel pot is placed on a white marbled surface, inside it has one large, pink raw ground meat log positioned slightly off-center. To the right of the meat is a pile of small chopped white onions. Below the meat, there are four small piles of dry ingredients: a light yellow powder, a pale beige powder, a slightly darker beige powder, and a dab of yellow paste. Around the pot edges, a few whole onions and small chunks of parmesan cheese are partially visible on the white marbled surface. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Getting the right ingredients for this dish is both simple and essential, as each one plays a crucial role in building layers of flavor, texture, and a beautiful presentation. From the robust seasoning on the beef to the creamy sauce and perfectly al dente pasta, these staples come together in harmony.

10 ounces dried rotini pasta: Its corkscrew shape holds onto the creamy sauce beautifully, making every bite full of flavor.
1 pound ground beef: Provides the meaty, hearty base and protein that makes this dish satisfying.
½ cup finely chopped onion: Adds a sweet, aromatic depth that balances the garlic and beef.
4 garlic cloves, minced: Intensifies the garlicky goodness and gives the dish its signature punch.
1 teaspoon garlic powder: Amplifies the garlic flavor evenly throughout the beef mixture.
½ teaspoon salt: Enhances all the other flavors, making them pop.
½ teaspoon black pepper: Adds just the right amount of warmth and subtle heat.
½ teaspoon onion powder: Boosts the onion flavor without overpowering the dish.
½ cup beef broth: Introduces a savory richness and helps deglaze the pan for a deeper sauce.
2 cups heavy cream: Makes the sauce luxuriously creamy and indulgent.
1 cup freshly grated parmesan cheese: Melts into the sauce, providing a salty, tangy, cheesy backbone.
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning: A fragrant mix that adds herbal notes to round out the flavors.
2 Tablespoons fresh chopped parsley (optional): Brightens the dish visually and adds a fresh, mild herbal note.

How to Make Garlic Parmesan Beef Pasta Recipe

Step 1: Cook the Pasta

Start by boiling your rotini pasta in salted water following the package directions. The salt is key here—it seasons the pasta from the inside out. Once cooked to al dente, drain it well and set aside, making sure to reserve the pasta water if you want to adjust sauce consistency later.

Step 2: Brown the Ground Beef Mixture

While your pasta is cooking, heat a large skillet over medium heat and add ground beef, chopped onions, and minced garlic. Season generously with garlic powder, salt, pepper, and onion powder. Crumble the beef as it cooks until it’s fully browned with no pink remaining. Drain off any excess grease to keep the dish balanced and lean, then return the beef back to the skillet.

Step 3: Create the Creamy Sauce

Pour in the beef broth and heavy cream, then stir in the freshly grated parmesan cheese and Italian seasoning over medium heat. Continue stirring as the sauce simmers gently for 3-5 minutes until it thickens slightly, becoming silky and dreamy. This step is where the magic happens—flavors meld and the sauce transforms from simple to spectacular.

Step 4: Combine Pasta and Sauce

Add the cooked rotini directly into the skillet with the sauce and beef mixture. Stir thoroughly to ensure every twist of pasta is coated with the creamy parmesan sauce. Taste and adjust seasoning, adding more salt or pepper if needed. For a touch of brightness and color, stir in a tablespoon of fresh parsley right now.

How to Serve Garlic Parmesan Beef Pasta Recipe

The image shows a white round plate placed on a white marbled surface, filled with spiral-shaped pasta mixed with minced meat and small pieces of green leafy vegetables evenly spread throughout. On the side of the plate, there is a golden-brown toasted garlic bread slice. In the background, a large silver pot is partially visible with more pasta inside, and near it, a white small bowl contains a green herb mix. A whole garlic bulb is also visible beside the plate, and a silver fork is placed on the right side beside the plate. The colors are warm and natural, giving a fresh and inviting feel. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

Enhance your finished dish with an extra sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley for a fresh, green pop that contrasts beautifully with the creamy pasta. A light dusting of additional parmesan cheese on top is always a welcome touch to boost that cheesy richness and add visual appeal.

Side Dishes

Pair this hearty pasta with a crisp green salad tossed in a tangy vinaigrette to balance the creaminess. Garlic bread or warm dinner rolls make perfect companions too, eager to mop up every last bit of sauce.

Creative Ways to Present

For a dinner party, serve the pasta directly in shallow bowls, garnished with parsley and a parmesan flake. Drizzle a bit of extra virgin olive oil for a glossy finish. For a rustic vibe, dish it out family-style in a large serving pan and invite guests to help themselves.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The sauce might thicken in the fridge, so a quick stir with a splash of milk or broth before reheating brings it back to creamy perfection.

Freezing

This Garlic Parmesan Beef Pasta Recipe freezes well. Portion it into freezer-safe containers and freeze for up to 2 months. When you thaw it, the pasta may absorb some sauce, so reheating gently with a little added cream or broth keeps it luscious.

Reheating

Warm leftovers on the stove over low heat, stirring frequently. Add a splash of milk, cream, or broth as needed to loosen the sauce and keep it from drying out. Microwave reheating is fine too, but do so in short bursts with stirring in between for even heating.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of pasta?

Absolutely! While rotini works wonderfully to hold the sauce, penne, rigatoni, or farfalle are also great choices that carry the creamy sauce and beef mixture well.

Is it okay to substitute ground turkey or chicken for beef?

Yes, you can swap in ground turkey or chicken for a leaner option. Just be mindful that the flavor will be milder, so you might want to add a little extra seasoning or garlic to boost the taste.

Can I make this recipe dairy-free?

To make a dairy-free version, use coconut cream or a plant-based cream substitute and a dairy-free cheese alternative. The flavor and texture will be different but still delicious and satisfying.

How can I make this dish spicier?

Adding red pepper flakes while cooking the beef or stirring in a dash of hot sauce into the sauce are easy ways to add heat without overpowering the garlic parmesan flavor.

Is there a way to add vegetables to this recipe?

Yes! Toss in some spinach, peas, or sautéed mushrooms during the last few minutes of cooking the sauce to add color, texture, and extra nutrients to the dish.

Final Thoughts

This Garlic Parmesan Beef Pasta Recipe has quickly become one of those dishes I always reach for when I want something that feels special but takes almost no time at all. Its creamy texture, bold garlic flavor, and satisfying beefy richness come together to create a meal that’ll wow your family or friends. I encourage you to give it a try—once you do, this recipe might just become a beloved staple in your kitchen too!