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Creamy Bacon Cheeseburger Alfredo Pasta for Two

Bacon Cheeseburger Alfredo Pasta - featured image
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This easy, loaded pasta dinner combines crispy bacon, juicy ground beef, and a rich, creamy Alfredo sauce for a comforting meal perfect for cozy nights or date night. Every bite delivers classic cheeseburger flavor with a silky, cheesy twist.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 4 ounces dried penne or rotini (or any short pasta)
  • Salt, for boiling water
  • 4 ounces ground beef (80/20 blend preferred)
  • 1 teaspoon olive oil
  • 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/8 teaspoon onion powder
  • Pinch of salt and black pepper
  • 1 teaspoon ketchup
  • 1/2 teaspoon yellow mustard
  • 3 slices bacon, chopped
  • 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
  • 1/2 cup heavy cream
  • 1/2 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
  • 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1 tablespoon cream cheese, softened
  • Pinch of paprika (optional)
  • Pinch of red pepper flakes (optional)
  • 2 tablespoons chopped green onion or chives (optional garnish)
  • Extra bacon crumbles (optional garnish)
  • Fresh parsley (optional garnish)

Instructions

  1. Bring a medium saucepan of salted water to a boil. Add pasta and cook according to package instructions (8-10 minutes) until al dente. Reserve 1/4 cup pasta water, then drain and set aside.
  2. While pasta cooks, heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add chopped bacon and cook until crisp and browned (4-6 minutes). Transfer bacon to a paper towel-lined plate, leaving about 1 tablespoon bacon fat in the skillet.
  3. Add olive oil to the skillet. Add ground beef, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Break up beef and cook until browned and no longer pink (3-4 minutes). Stir in ketchup and mustard, cooking for another minute. Drain excess fat if needed.
  4. Reduce heat to low. Add butter to the skillet and melt. Pour in heavy cream and bring to a gentle simmer. Add cheddar, Parmesan, and cream cheese. Stir until melted and smooth (about 2 minutes). Add reserved pasta water as needed to loosen sauce. Sprinkle in paprika and red pepper flakes if using.
  5. Add cooked pasta and half the bacon to the skillet. Toss to coat in sauce and mix evenly with beef. Cook for 1-2 minutes, stirring, until everything is warm and creamy. Add more pasta water if sauce thickens too much.
  6. Divide between two bowls. Top with remaining bacon, green onion, and parsley. Serve immediately for maximum creaminess.

Notes

For best results, use freshly grated cheese and serve immediately. If reheating, add a splash of milk or cream to revive the sauce. You can substitute ground turkey or turkey bacon for a lighter version, or use gluten-free pasta for dietary needs. Garnish with extra bacon and green onions for added flavor and color.

Nutrition

Keywords: bacon, cheeseburger, Alfredo, pasta, comfort food, easy dinner, skillet, creamy, date night, loaded pasta

Find it online: https://tomyumy.com/creamy-bacon-cheeseburger-alfredo-pasta-for-two-easy-loaded-dinner-recipe/