Loaded Bacon Cheeseburger Alfredo Pasta Recipe

Creamy Loaded Bacon Cheeseburger Alfredo Pasta Recipe

Crafting a mouthwatering loaded bacon cheeseburger alfredo pasta demands culinary creativity that blends comfort food classics.

Savory notes of crispy bacon dance alongside creamy alfredo sauce in this decadent dish.

Rich flavors merge perfectly, creating a hearty meal that satisfies deep hunger pangs.

Cheese melts luxuriously over tender pasta, while burger-inspired elements add unexpected excitement to traditional recipes.

Bold ingredients converge to deliver an indulgent experience you won’t soon forget.

Meat lovers and pasta enthusiasts will absolutely adore this innovative culinary creation.

Prepare to dive into pure deliciousness that transforms an ordinary dinner into an extraordinary feast.

Why Loaded Bacon Cheeseburger Alfredo Pasta Hits The Spot

  • Speed Demon Meal: Quickly assemble this hearty pasta dish with minimal prep and cooking steps, perfect for busy weeknights when hunger strikes.
  • Comfort Food Champion: Packed with rich, meaty flavors and creamy cheese, this recipe delivers ultimate satisfaction that warms both body and soul.
  • One-Skillet Wonder: Minimize cleanup with this streamlined cooking method that transforms simple ingredients into a restaurant-worthy meal right in a single pan.
  • Crowd-Pleasing Potential: Appeals to meat lovers, pasta enthusiasts, and cheese fans alike, making it an ideal choice for family dinners or casual gatherings with friends.

Everything You Need For Loaded Bacon Cheeseburger Alfredo Pasta

For the Main Proteins:
  • Bacon: A crispy, salty meat that adds rich flavor and textural contrast to the pasta dish.
  • Ground Beef: A hearty protein that provides a deep, caramelized base for the creamy sauce.
For the Pasta:
  • Penne Pasta: A tubular pasta shape that perfectly captures and holds the creamy sauce.
For the Dairy Components:
  • Heavy Cream, Whole Milk: Create a luxurious, smooth base that adds richness and depth to the sauce.
  • Butter: Adds a silky texture and enhances the overall flavor of the dish.
  • Cheddar Cheese: Melts into a velvety coating that brings sharp, tangy notes to the pasta.
For the Seasonings and Aromatics:
  • Salt, Pepper, Garlic Powder: Essential spices that enhance and balance the meaty flavors.
  • Garlic: Provides a fragrant, sharp undertone that complements the creamy sauce.
  • Green Onions: Offer a fresh, crisp garnish that cuts through the richness of the dish.

How To Cook Loaded Bacon Cheeseburger Alfredo Pasta

Step 1: Sizzle Bacon to Crispy Perfection

Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Cook bacon until golden brown and crisp, then transfer to a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess grease.

Step 2: Brown Ground Beef with Robust Seasoning

In the same skillet, crumble ground beef and season with:
  • Salt
  • Black pepper
  • Garlic powder

Cook until beef develops a deep caramelized exterior and no pink remains.

Step 3: Boil Pasta to Al Dente Texture

Bring a pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Cook penne pasta until perfectly tender, about 8-10 minutes. Drain and set aside.

Step 4: Create Aromatic Garlic Base

Reduce skillet heat to medium-low. Melt butter and add minced garlic, sautéing until fragrant and translucent, roughly 30-45 seconds.

Step 5: Develop Creamy Sauce Foundation

Pour in:
  • Heavy cream
  • Whole milk

Stir constantly to create a smooth, silky base. Simmer gently for 2-3 minutes.

Step 6: Combine Meaty Elements

Crumble crispy bacon and fold into the creamy sauce along with browned ground beef. Ensure even distribution of ingredients.

Step 7: Marry Pasta with Sauce

Add cooked penne to the skillet. Toss thoroughly to coat each pasta piece with the rich, meaty sauce.

Step 8: Melt Cheese for Ultimate Indulgence

Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese over the pasta. Stir until cheese melts completely, creating a luxurious, velvety texture.

Step 9: Add Fresh Finishing Touch

Garnish with chopped green onions for a bright, sharp contrast to the hearty dish.

Step 10: Serve Immediately

Dish out directly from the skillet while piping hot to maximize flavor and presentation.

Tips To Master Loaded Bacon Cheeseburger Alfredo Pasta

  • Bacon Brilliance: Render bacon slowly to extract maximum flavor and achieve a golden, crispy texture without burning.
  • Beef Browning Basics: Break ground beef into small, uniform crumbles for even cooking and better sauce integration.
  • Pasta Perfection: Salt your boiling water generously and cook penne exactly 8-10 minutes to maintain ideal al dente texture.
  • Cream Sauce Secrets: Stir continuously when adding cream to prevent scorching and ensure a smooth, silky consistency.
  • Cheese Melting Magic: Remove skillet from direct heat when adding cheese to prevent separation and achieve a perfectly creamy sauce.

Flavorful Combos For Loaded Bacon Cheeseburger Alfredo Pasta

  • Low-Carb Zucchini Noodle Version: Replace penne with spiralized zucchini noodles for a carb-conscious alternative that maintains the same rich flavors and protein content.
  • Spicy Southwest Remix: Add diced jalapeños, replace cheddar with pepper jack cheese, and incorporate taco seasoning for a zesty southwestern-style pasta experience.
  • Vegetarian Protein Swap: Substitute ground beef with plant-based crumbles or black beans, using smoked tempeh bacon for a similar smoky profile while keeping the creamy sauce intact.
  • Gluten-Free Comfort Option: Use gluten-free penne pasta and ensure all seasonings are certified gluten-free, making the dish accessible for those with wheat sensitivities.

Great Sides For Loaded Bacon Cheeseburger Alfredo Pasta

  • Savor Surprising Flavor Companions: Bacon Beef Penne Pairing Guide
  • Match Zesty Red Wine: Full-bodied cabernet sauvignon cuts through the dish's richness, balancing creamy sauce with bold fruit undertones.
  • Complement Crisp Salad: Light arugula salad with lemon vinaigrette refreshes the palate, cutting through heavy meat and cheese flavors.
  • Enhance with Craft Beer: Hoppy amber ale provides perfect carbonation and malty notes that complement the bacon's smoky depth.
  • Balance with Fresh Herb Garnish: Chopped parsley or chives add bright, clean notes that lift the dish's dense, creamy profile.

Storing Loaded Bacon Cheeseburger Alfredo Pasta Right

  • Store leftovers in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking, keeping the pasta fresh for 3-4 days in the refrigerator.
  • Transfer cooled pasta to freezer-safe containers or zip-lock bags, removing excess air to prevent freezer burn. Freeze for up to 2 months.
  • Place pasta in a microwave-safe dish, sprinkle a few tablespoons of milk or cream to restore moisture. Cover and heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each, until heated through.
  • Warm pasta in a skillet over medium-low heat, adding a splash of milk or cream to prevent drying. Stir gently until heated evenly and sauce regains creamy consistency.

FAQs About Loaded Bacon Cheeseburger Alfredo Pasta

  • What ingredients give this pasta dish its rich flavor?

The bacon and ground beef provide deep, savory notes while the combination of heavy cream, whole milk, and cheddar cheese creates a luxurious, creamy base that makes each bite incredibly flavorful.

  • Can I substitute ingredients if I don't have exact ones?

Yes, you can use different pasta shapes like rigatoni or shells, swap ground beef with ground turkey, and replace cheddar with monterey jack or parmesan cheese for similar results.

  • Is this recipe considered a comfort food?

Absolutely! The combination of pasta, meat, bacon, and creamy cheese sauce hits all the classic comfort food markers, making it a hearty and satisfying meal that feels indulgent and warming.

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Loaded Bacon Cheeseburger Alfredo Pasta Recipe

Loaded Bacon Cheeseburger Alfredo Pasta Recipe


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4.5 from 15 reviews

  • Total Time: 35 minutes
  • Yield: 4 1x

Description

Loaded bacon cheeseburger alfredo pasta combines classic comfort foods in one irresistible dish. Creamy sauce, crispy bacon, and melted cheese create a mouthwatering experience you won’t forget.


Ingredients

Scale

Proteins:

  • 1 lb ground beef
  • 8 slices bacon
  • 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese

Pasta and Base:

  • 16 oz penne pasta
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 1/2 cup whole milk

Seasonings and Extras:

  • 2 cloves garlic
  • 1/4 cup chopped green onions
  • 2 tbsp butter
  • 1 tsp salt
  • 1/2 tsp black pepper
  • 1/4 tsp garlic powder

Instructions

  1. Fire up a large skillet over medium-high heat and crisp the bacon until golden and perfectly rendered, then transfer to a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess grease.
  2. In the same skillet, brown the ground beef, breaking it into crumbles, and season with salt, pepper, and garlic powder until no pink remains and a deep caramelized exterior develops.
  3. Simultaneously, bring a pot of salted water to a rolling boil and cook penne pasta until al dente, typically 8-10 minutes, then drain and set aside.
  4. Reduce skillet heat to medium-low and melt butter, then add minced garlic and sauté until fragrant and translucent, approximately 30-45 seconds.
  5. Pour heavy cream and whole milk into the skillet, stirring constantly to create a smooth, creamy base, and allow the mixture to simmer gently for 2-3 minutes.
  6. Crumble the crispy bacon and fold it into the creamy sauce along with the browned ground beef, ensuring even distribution of ingredients.
  7. Add cooked penne pasta to the skillet, tossing thoroughly to coat each pasta piece with the rich, meaty sauce.
  8. Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese over the pasta, stirring until the cheese melts completely and creates a luxurious, velvety texture.
  9. Garnish with chopped green onions for a fresh, sharp contrast to the heavy, indulgent dish.
  10. Serve immediately while hot, directly from the skillet for maximum flavor and presentation.

Notes

  • Crisp bacon thoroughly to ensure maximum flavor and crunchiness without burning, allowing excess fat to drain completely.
  • Choose high-fat ground beef for richer taste, but drain excess grease to prevent an overly greasy final dish.
  • Experiment with cheese varieties like smoked gouda or pepper jack for unique flavor profiles that complement the bacon and beef.
  • Accommodate gluten-free diets by substituting regular penne with chickpea or gluten-free pasta alternatives without compromising texture.
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 25 minutes
  • Category: Lunch, Dinner
  • Method: Sautéing
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 4
  • Calories: 930
  • Sugar: 3g
  • Sodium: 1250mg
  • Fat: 56g
  • Saturated Fat: 24g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 26g
  • Trans Fat: 1g
  • Carbohydrates: 66g
  • Fiber: 3g
  • Protein: 42g
  • Cholesterol: 150mg
Olivia Brooks

Olivia Brooks

Contributing Writer

Expertise

  • Healthy recipe development
  • Plant-based cooking
  • Nutritional analysis
  • Food writing and content creation

Education

Culinary Institute of America
Accelerated Culinary Arts Certificate Program
Focus: Culinary fundamentals, nutrition, and healthy cooking technique


Olivia believes good food should feed both the body and the soul. She earned her Accelerated Culinary Arts Certificate from the Culinary Institute of America, where she focused on nutrition and practical cooking techniques that make healthy eating easy.
At 10 Below Ice Cream, Olivia shares single-serving recipes that are fresh, plant-forward, and full of heart. She loves helping people eat better, without stress, strict rules, or sacrificing flavor.
Beyond the kitchen, Olivia spends her time tending her backyard garden, practicing yoga, and discovering hidden gems in Portland’s food scene.

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