Loaded Bacon Cheeseburger Alfredo Pasta Recipe
This Loaded Bacon Cheeseburger Alfredo Pasta Recipe combines the best of two comfort food worlds.
Equipment
- Large pot for boiling pasta
- Large skillet or saucepan
- Colander for draining
- Wooden spoon for stirring
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Cheese grater (if using fresh cheese)
Ingredients
- 12 oz penne pasta
- 1 lb ground beef 80/20
- 6 strips bacon chopped
- 2 cups heavy cream
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 3 cloves garlic minced
- 2 tbsp butter
- 1 tsp onion powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 green onions chopped
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes halved
Instructions
- Cook pasta according to package directions until al dente.
- Drain pasta and set aside in large bowl.
- Cook chopped bacon in large skillet until crispy.
- Remove bacon and drain on paper towels.
- Add ground beef to same skillet with bacon fat.
- Cook beef until browned, breaking into small pieces.
- Season beef with onion powder, salt, and pepper.
- Add minced garlic and cook for one minute.
- Pour heavy cream into skillet with beef mixture.
- Bring cream to gentle simmer over medium heat.
- Add butter and stir until completely melted.
- Gradually add Parmesan cheese while stirring constantly.
- Add cheddar cheese and stir until smooth.
- Return cooked pasta to skillet with sauce.
- Toss pasta until evenly coated with alfredo.
- Add crispy bacon and cherry tomatoes.
- Garnish with green onions before serving immediately.
Notes
- Al dente texture prevents mushy results when combined with sauce.
- Pre-shredded cheese contains anti-caking agents that prevent smooth melting.
- High heat can cause cream to curdle and separate.
- This prevents clumping and ensures silky smooth alfredo sauce.
- Alfredo sauce thickens as it cools, so serve while hot for best texture.