Creamy Beef Rotini Pasta is a rich and satisfying dish where tender beef is paired with rotini pasta, coated in a velvety, cheesy cream sauce. It’s comfort food at its best, perfect for weeknights or casual entertaining.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
You’ll love this dish because it’s quick, hearty, and packed with flavor. The spiral shape of rotini captures the creamy sauce in every bite, and the beef adds a filling protein boost. It’s family-friendly, easy to prepare, and ideal for leftovers.
Ingredients
(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)
rotini pasta
ground beef or beef cubes
olive oil
onion, finely diced
garlic, minced
heavy cream
beef broth
cheddar or mozzarella cheese, shredded
Parmesan cheese
salt
black pepper
fresh parsley (for garnish)
Directions
- Cook rotini pasta according to package instructions; drain and set aside.
- In a skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Sauté onion and garlic until soft.
- Add beef; cook until browned. Season with salt and pepper.
- Pour in beef broth and cream. Simmer until slightly thickened.
- Stir in cheese and cooked pasta. Toss until pasta is coated.
- Garnish with parsley and serve hot.
Servings and timing
Serves 4
Preparation time: 10 minutes
Cooking time: 20 minutes
Variations
- Add mushrooms or spinach.
- Use ground turkey for a lighter version.
- Make it spicy with chili flakes.
Storage/reheating
Store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat on the stove with a splash of broth or cream.
FAQs
Can I use another pasta?
Yes, penne or fusilli work well.
Can I make it ahead?
Yes, reheat gently before serving.
Can I freeze it?
Not recommended — cream sauces may separate.
Is it gluten-free?
Use gluten-free pasta.
What cheese works best?
Cheddar, mozzarella, or a mix.
Can I use milk instead of cream?
Yes, though it will be thinner.
Can I add herbs?
Yes, parsley, basil, or thyme.
What sides pair well?
Green salad or garlic bread.
How do I thicken the sauce?
Simmer longer or add extra cheese.
Can I add veggies?
Yes, broccoli or peas are great additions.
Conclusion
Creamy Beef Rotini Pasta is a comforting, flavorful meal that’s quick to make and always satisfying.
PrintCreamy Beef Rotini Pasta
Creamy Beef Rotini Pasta is a rich and satisfying dish where tender beef is paired with rotini pasta, coated in a velvety, cheesy cream sauce. It’s comfort food at its best, perfect for weeknights or casual entertaining.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: Serves 4
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Ingredients
- rotini pasta
- ground beef or beef cubes
- olive oil
- onion, finely diced
- garlic, minced
- heavy cream
- beef broth
- cheddar or mozzarella cheese, shredded
- Parmesan cheese
- salt
- black pepper
- fresh parsley (for garnish)
Instructions
- Cook rotini pasta according to package instructions; drain and set aside.
- In a skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Sauté onion and garlic until soft.
- Add beef; cook until browned. Season with salt and pepper.
- Pour in beef broth and cream. Simmer until slightly thickened.
- Stir in cheese and cooked pasta. Toss until pasta is coated.
- Garnish with parsley and serve hot.
Notes
- For added flavor, you can include mushrooms or spinach in the sauce.
- Use ground turkey for a lighter, leaner version of the dish.
- Add chili flakes or a splash of hot sauce to make it spicy.
- Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove with a splash of broth or cream to maintain creaminess.
- If you don’t have rotini, penne or fusilli work great as substitutes.
- This dish can be made ahead; just reheat gently before serving.
- It’s not recommended to freeze due to the cream sauce potentially separating upon thawing.
- For a gluten-free version, use gluten-free pasta.
- Cheddar, mozzarella, or a mix of both cheeses work best for this creamy dish.
- If you want a lighter sauce, you can substitute milk for cream, but the texture will be thinner.
- Fresh herbs like parsley, basil, or thyme are excellent additions for extra flavor.
- Great side dishes to pair with this include a green salad or garlic bread.
- If you want to thicken the sauce further, simmer longer or add extra cheese.
- Broccoli or peas are perfect vegetable additions to this dish.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 500
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 700mg
- Fat: 25g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 80mg