Description

This Loaded Cheeseburger Alfredo Pasta is a decadent and hearty dish that combines classic cheeseburger flavors with creamy Alfredo sauce and tender penne pasta. Ground beef is browned and mixed with a rich blend of cheddar, mozzarella, and cream cheese in a smooth, creamy sauce flavored with Worcestershire sauce and paprika. Crispy bacon and tangy pickles add texture and a burst of flavor, making this comfort food dish perfect for a satisfying family meal.

Ingredients

Scale

Protein and Meat

1 lb Ground Beef
1/2 cup Crispy Bacon, crumbled

Pasta

12 oz Penne Pasta (or your preferred pasta)

Dairy and Cheese

1 cup Heavy Cream
1 1/2 cups Whole Milk
1 cup Shredded Cheddar Cheese
1 cup Shredded Mozzarella Cheese
1/4 cup Cream Cheese, softened

Vegetables and Aromatics

1 small Onion, finely chopped
3 cloves Garlic, minced
Fresh Parsley, chopped (for garnish)
1/4 cup Pickles, chopped (optional but recommended)

Oils and Condiments

3 tbsp Olive Oil
1 tbsp Worcestershire Sauce

Spices

1/2 tsp Paprika
Salt and Pepper, to taste

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

Instructions

Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the penne pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain the pasta, reserving some pasta water, and set aside.
Brown the Ground Beef: In a large skillet, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until browned and cooked through, about 6-8 minutes. Drain any excess fat if necessary, then transfer the beef to a plate and set aside.
Sauté the Aromatics: In the same skillet, add remaining olive oil and sauté the finely chopped onion for 3-4 minutes until softened. Add the minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds until fragrant.
Make the Alfredo Sauce: Pour in the heavy cream and whole milk, stirring to combine. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer and cook for 2-3 minutes until slightly thickened. Reduce heat to low and stir in shredded cheddar, shredded mozzarella, and softened cream cheese. Cook, stirring continuously, until the cheeses melt and create a smooth, creamy sauce. Season the sauce with Worcestershire sauce, paprika, salt, and pepper to taste.
Combine the Beef and Pasta: Return the cooked ground beef to the skillet and mix with the sauce. Add the cooked penne pasta and toss everything together to coat the pasta evenly with the creamy sauce. If the sauce is too thick, add a little reserved pasta water to reach the desired consistency.
Add Toppings: Stir in the crispy crumbled bacon and chopped pickles (if using) throughout the pasta for texture and flavor. Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary.
Serve: Spoon the loaded cheeseburger Alfredo pasta into bowls or plates and garnish with freshly chopped parsley. Serve immediately while hot for the best flavor and texture.

Notes

Pickles are optional but highly recommended for an authentic cheeseburger flavor contrast.
Use freshly grated cheese for better melting and creaminess.
If you prefer, substitute penne with your favorite pasta type such as rigatoni or fusilli.
Reserve pasta water for adjusting sauce consistency as needed.
This dish pairs well with a simple green salad to balance richness.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Category: Pasta
Method: Stovetop
Cuisine: American