Easy, Healthier Creamy Garlic Beef Pasta

Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Add the rotini pasta and cook according to package directions until al dente. Drain the pasta, reserving about half a cup of the starchy pasta water.

While the pasta is cooking, heat olive oil in a large skillet or pan over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and diced red onion. Sauté for about 2 minutes until the onion softens and becomes fragrant.

Add the lean ground beef to the skillet with the garlic and onion. Break up the beef with a spoon and cook until it is thoroughly browned, about 6 minutes. Drain any excess fat from the pan.

Season the browned beef mixture with 1 tsp salt, pepper, paprika, chili powder, and oregano. Stir well to combine all the spices. Pour in the tomato sauce, beef broth, and heavy cream. Stir everything together and bring the sauce to a gentle simmer. Let it cook for about 3 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld and the sauce to thicken slightly.

Add the cooked and drained pasta to the creamy beef sauce in the skillet. Toss everything together until the pasta is evenly coated. If the sauce appears too thick, add a splash of the reserved pasta water to reach your desired consistency. Serve immediately and enjoy!