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Creamy Cheeseburger Alfredo Pasta

Cheeseburger Alfredo Pasta - featured image
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This comforting pasta dish combines classic cheeseburger flavors with a rich, creamy Alfredo sauce for a quick and easy family dinner. Tender pasta, savory ground beef, and a blend of cheeses make every bite indulgent and satisfying.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 12 oz short pasta (penne, rotini, or shells)
  • Salt for boiling water
  • 1 lb ground beef (80/20 preferred, lean works too)
  • 1 small onion, diced
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1/2 tsp salt (plus more to taste)
  • 1/4 tsp black pepper
  • 1 tbsp yellow mustard
  • 1/4 cup dill pickle chips, chopped (optional)
  • 2 tbsp unsalted butter
  • 4 oz cream cheese, softened
  • 1 cup whole milk (or half-and-half)
  • 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1/4 tsp smoked paprika
  • Pinch of cayenne (optional)
  • Chopped fresh parsley (for garnish, optional)
  • Extra shredded cheddar (for garnish, optional)
  • More chopped pickles (for garnish, optional)

Instructions

  1. Fill a large pot with water, add salt, and bring to a boil. Add pasta and cook until just al dente (8-10 minutes). Drain and set aside, reserving 1/2 cup pasta water.
  2. Heat a large skillet over medium-high. Add ground beef, breaking it up. When it starts to brown, add onion and garlic. Sprinkle in salt and pepper. Cook until beef is no longer pink and onions are soft, about 5-7 minutes.
  3. Stir in yellow mustard and chopped pickles (if using). Cook for another minute.
  4. Push beef mixture to one side of the pan. Melt butter in the empty space. Add cream cheese, stirring until smooth. Pour in milk, whisking constantly. When sauce is smooth, add cheddar and Parmesan. Stir until cheese is melted. Add smoked paprika and cayenne.
  5. Add drained pasta to the skillet. Toss gently until pasta is coated and beef is distributed. If sauce is too thick, add reserved pasta water.
  6. Taste and adjust seasoning. Sprinkle with extra cheddar and parsley if desired. Let pasta stand for 2 minutes before serving.

Notes

For best results, shred your own cheese for a smoother sauce. Reserve pasta water to adjust sauce consistency. You can substitute ground turkey, chicken, or plant-based crumbles for the beef. For gluten-free, use GF pasta; for dairy-free, use plant-based cheese and milk. Leftovers reheat well with a splash of milk.

Nutrition

Keywords: cheeseburger pasta, alfredo, family dinner, comfort food, ground beef pasta, easy pasta recipe, kid friendly, weeknight meal

Find it online: https://tomyumy.com/creamy-cheeseburger-alfredo-pasta-recipe-for-easy-family-dinners/