Ingredients
- 12 ounces rotini pasta (can substitute with penne or fusilli)
- 1 pound ground beef (or substitute with ground chicken or turkey)
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour (for thickening the sauce)
- 2 cups milk (whole milk for a creamier texture, or use low-fat milk for a lighter version)
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning (or use a mix of dried basil, oregano, and thyme)
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 2 tablespoons olive oil or butter
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
1. Cook the Pasta
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Adding salt to the water enhances the pasta’s flavor.
- Cook the rotini pasta according to the package instructions, usually 9-11 minutes, until al dente.
- Before draining, reserve 1 cup of pasta water—this will help adjust the sauce’s consistency later.
- Drain the pasta and set it aside.
2. Brown the Beef
- In a large skillet, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil or butter over medium-high heat.
- Add the ground beef and break it apart using a spatula.
- Cook for 5-7 minutes until the beef is browned and fully cooked.
- Drain any excess fat to prevent the dish from becoming greasy.
- Remove the beef from the skillet and set it aside.
3. Sauté the Garlic
- In the same skillet, lower the heat to medium.
- Add the minced garlic and cook for 1 minute, stirring constantly to prevent burning.
- Garlic burns quickly, so keep a close eye on it to avoid a bitter taste.
4. Create the Garlic Parmesan Sauce
- Sprinkle 2 tablespoons of flour over the garlic, stirring to coat it evenly.
- Gradually add 2 cups of milk, stirring continuously to prevent lumps.
- Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer and cook for 2-3 minutes until it starts to thicken.
5. Add Cheese and Seasoning
- Stir in 1 cup of grated Parmesan cheese, allowing it to melt into the sauce.
- Add 1 teaspoon of Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper to taste.
- Continue stirring for another 1-2 minutes until the sauce is smooth and creamy.
6. Combine the Pasta and Sauce
- Return the cooked beef to the skillet.
- Add the drained rotini pasta and toss everything together, making sure the pasta is evenly coated in the sauce.
- If the sauce is too thick, gradually add reserved pasta water (1 tablespoon at a time) until the desired consistency is reached.
7. Garnish and Serve
- Remove from heat and sprinkle with freshly chopped parsley for added freshness.
- Serve immediately while warm.
Notes
1. How to Tell When Pasta is Done
- The pasta should be al dente, meaning it is tender but still slightly firm when bitten. Overcooked pasta becomes mushy and absorbs too much sauce.
2. Preventing a Lumpy Sauce
- Always add the milk gradually while whisking to avoid lumps.
- If lumps form, whisk vigorously or use a hand blender to smooth out the sauce.
3. Adjusting Sauce Consistency
- If the sauce is too thick, add a little more milk or pasta water.
- If it’s too thin, let it simmer for a couple more minutes to thicken.
4. Enhancing the Flavor
- For extra richness, stir in a tablespoon of butter at the end.
- Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a subtle heat.
5. Storage and Reheating Tips
- Refrigerate Leftovers: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Reheat Properly: Warm in a pan over low heat with a splash of milk to restore creaminess.
- Avoid Microwaving: The sauce can separate if overheated. If using a microwave, stir in a little milk before heating.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes