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Creamy Bacon Cheeseburger Alfredo Pasta

Bacon Cheeseburger Alfredo Pasta - featured image

This comforting pasta dish combines the best flavors of a bacon cheeseburger with silky Alfredo sauce and tender pasta. It’s quick, easy, and perfect for busy weeknights or family gatherings.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 12 oz short pasta (penne, rotini, or shells)
  • 6 slices thick-cut bacon, chopped
  • 1 lb lean ground beef
  • 1 medium yellow onion, finely diced
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 cups heavy cream
  • 4 oz cream cheese, cubed
  • 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1/2 cup whole milk
  • Salt and black pepper, to taste
  • 1/2 tsp dried Italian herbs (optional)
  • 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
  • 2 green onions, thinly sliced (for topping)
  • Optional: pickle slices, crushed red pepper flakes, chopped tomatoes

Instructions

  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente (8–10 minutes). Reserve 1/2 cup pasta water, then drain and set aside.
  2. While pasta cooks, heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add chopped bacon and cook, stirring often, until crispy and browned (6–8 minutes). Remove bacon with a slotted spoon and set aside. Leave about 2 tablespoons bacon fat in the pan.
  3. Add ground beef to the bacon fat in the skillet. Cook over medium-high heat, breaking up with a spoon, until browned and cooked through (5–6 minutes). Season lightly with salt and pepper. Drain excess grease if needed.
  4. Push beef to the edges of the pan and add diced onion and minced garlic to the center. Sauté until onion is soft and translucent (about 3 minutes), stirring occasionally. Mix beef, onion, and garlic together.
  5. Reduce heat to medium-low. Stir in heavy cream, cream cheese, and milk. Stir constantly until cream cheese melts and sauce is smooth (2–3 minutes). Add grated Parmesan cheese and Italian herbs (if using). Season with more salt and pepper to taste.
  6. Return crispy bacon to the skillet. Add drained pasta and toss gently to coat everything in the sauce. If sauce is too thick, add a splash of reserved pasta water until desired consistency.
  7. Sprinkle shredded cheddar over the pasta. Turn off heat, cover, and let sit for 2 minutes until cheese melts. Stir to combine.
  8. Taste and adjust seasoning. Top with sliced green onions and optional garnishes like pickle slices or chopped tomatoes.
  9. Spoon into bowls and serve hot. For a cheesier top, broil for 1–2 minutes in an oven-safe skillet.

Notes

For best results, use thick-cut bacon and freshly grated Parmesan. Gluten-free pasta and dairy-free swaps work well. If sauce is too thick, add pasta water; if too thin, simmer gently. Make ahead by keeping sauce and pasta separate until serving.

Nutrition

Keywords: bacon cheeseburger pasta, Alfredo pasta, creamy pasta, weeknight dinner, comfort food, easy pasta recipe, family meal