If you are craving a comfort meal that feels like a warm hug in a bowl, you have to try this Garlic Parmesan Beef Pasta Recipe. It’s an absolute crowd-pleaser with tender ground beef tossed in a creamy garlic and Parmesan sauce, perfectly coating every bite of rotini pasta. The rich flavors meld together beautifully, making it an ideal dish for busy weeknights or casual gatherings when you want something hearty but fuss-free. Once you try this recipe, it will quickly become one of your go-to meals that everyone asks for again and again.

Ingredients You’ll Need

A silver cooking pot with two handles is placed on a white marbled surface. Inside the pot, there is one large piece of pink ground meat positioned on the left side, chopped white onions on the right side, and small piles of light yellow minced garlic and light beige breadcrumbs next to the meat near the bottom-left corner. Around the pot on the surface, there are whole yellow onions, a wedge of pale yellow cheese, and green parsley leaves. The photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

This Garlic Parmesan Beef Pasta Recipe uses straightforward, pantry-friendly ingredients that come together to create an incredible depth of flavor and a luxurious texture. Each ingredient plays a special role, whether it’s for seasoning, creaminess, or savory richness.

10 ounces dried rotini pasta: The spiral shape holds onto the creamy sauce perfectly, ensuring flavor in every forkful.
1 pound ground beef: Adds hearty protein and a meaty foundation for this dish’s comforting vibe.
½ cup finely chopped onion: Provides subtle sweetness and a fragrant base when cooked.
4 garlic cloves, minced: The star flavor that adds a punch of savory aroma and taste.
1 teaspoon garlic powder: Enhances the garlic flavor with a slightly roasted note.
½ teaspoon salt: Essential to bring out all the other flavors harmoniously.
½ teaspoon black pepper: Offers just the right mild heat and earthiness.
½ teaspoon onion powder: Adds a gentle onion depth to complement the fresh onion.
½ cup beef broth: Infuses savory richness and keeps the sauce from feeling too heavy.
2 cups heavy cream: Creates the luscious, velvety sauce that coats the pasta beautifully.
1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese: Brings nutty, tangy complexity and amazing melt-in-your-mouth texture.
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning: A blend of herbs that add a fragrant and slightly herbaceous tone.
2 Tablespoons fresh chopped parsley (optional): Adds a burst of freshness and vibrant color to finish the dish.

How to Make Garlic Parmesan Beef Pasta Recipe

Step 1: Cook the Pasta

Start by boiling the rotini pasta according to the package instructions, don’t forget to add a pinch of salt to the water to season it right from the start. Once al dente, drain and set it aside while you move on to prepare the savory beef base.

Step 2: Brown the Beef Mixture

In a large skillet over medium heat, add the ground beef, finely chopped onions, and minced garlic. Season this mixture with garlic powder, salt, black pepper, and onion powder to build layers of flavor. Cook and crumble the beef until it’s no longer pink, making sure to brown it well for that deep, meaty taste. Drain any excess grease to keep the sauce from becoming greasy, then return the beef back to the pan.

Step 3: Create the Creamy Sauce

Pour the beef broth and heavy cream into the skillet with your beef mixture, then sprinkle in the freshly grated Parmesan and Italian seasoning. Stir this mixture and cook for about 3 to 5 minutes, letting the sauce thicken slightly and become ultra creamy. This step is key to ensuring every piece of pasta will be coated with rich flavor.

Step 4: Combine Pasta and Sauce

Add the cooked rotini pasta directly into the skillet with the sauce. Stir thoroughly so that each swirl and curve of the pasta is drenched in the creamy garlic Parmesan sauce. Be sure to taste and adjust seasoning with a little more salt and pepper if needed. For a lovely touch of brightness, stir in a tablespoon of fresh parsley if you have it on hand.

How to Serve Garlic Parmesan Beef Pasta Recipe

A large metal pan filled with spiral pasta mixed with cooked ground meat, evenly spread throughout. The pasta is light yellow with a smooth texture, and the meat is brown and crumbly, sitting mostly on top and between the pasta spirals. A woman's hand is holding a wooden spoon scooping some pasta and meat from the pan. Fresh green parsley leaves are sprinkled in the center on top of the pasta. The pan is placed on a white marbled surface with a bunch of fresh coriander leaves at the top right corner. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

The dish is naturally enticing, but topping it off with a sprinkle of fresh chopped parsley adds a refreshing pop of color and a hint of herbal brightness that perfectly balances the creamy richness.

Side Dishes

This Garlic Parmesan Beef Pasta pairs beautifully with simple sides like a crisp green salad or roasted vegetables, which add textural contrast and lighten the meal while keeping it satisfying. Garlic bread or warm crusty rolls also make fantastic companions for mopping up every last bit of that luscious sauce.

Creative Ways to Present

For an inviting presentation, serve this pasta in deep bowls for that cozy, rustic feel. You can also bake the pasta briefly with an extra sprinkle of Parmesan and breadcrumbs to create a golden crust on top — perfect for family-style dinners or when you want a comforting baked pasta twist.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

This Garlic Parmesan Beef Pasta Recipe keeps well in the fridge for up to 3 days. Store leftovers in an airtight container to maintain freshness and creamy texture. The flavors deepen over time, making for an even tastier next-day meal.

Freezing

While this dish is best enjoyed fresh, you can freeze leftovers without the parsley garnish. Freeze in a sealed container for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating gently on the stove or in the microwave.

Reheating

Reheat the pasta slowly on low heat, adding a splash of cream or broth if the sauce has thickened too much. Stir often to keep it smooth and creamy, and finish with a fresh sprinkle of parsley to brighten things back up.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of pasta for this recipe?

Absolutely! While rotini is ideal for holding onto the creamy sauce, other shapes like penne, fusilli, or farfalle will also work wonderfully with this Garlic Parmesan Beef Pasta Recipe.

Is there a substitute for heavy cream?

If you want a lighter version, you can use half-and-half mixed with a little sour cream or cream cheese to mimic the richness. However, heavy cream provides the best silky texture and flavor.

Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Yes! Simply swap the rotini for your favorite gluten-free pasta. Just be sure to check cooking times as they may vary depending on the brand.

Can I prepare this recipe ahead of time?

You can cook the pasta and beef mixture separately and store them in the fridge for up to a day. Combine and heat everything together just before serving to keep the freshest taste and creamiest texture.

Is this dish suitable for meal prep?

Definitely. This Garlic Parmesan Beef Pasta Recipe holds up well in meal prep containers and makes for a delicious, hearty lunch or dinner option throughout the week.

Final Thoughts

There you have it — a deeply satisfying Garlic Parmesan Beef Pasta Recipe that brings together ease, flavor, and comfort in one delightful dish. Whether you’re feeding family or friends, this creamy, garlicky pasta will fill your kitchen with irresistible aromas and your heart with pure joy. Give it a try soon, and I promise it will become one of your all-time favorite meals too!