Print

Creamy Cheeseburger Alfredo Pasta Recipe

Print Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.9 from 126 reviews

This Creamy Loaded Cheeseburger Alfredo Pasta combines the hearty flavors of a cheeseburger with rich Alfredo sauce, making a comforting and indulgent meal. Ground beef, sautéed vegetables, and a blend of cheddar, mozzarella, and Parmesan cheeses come together with penne pasta in a creamy sauce, topped with fresh parsley and optional toppings for a flavorful twist.

Ingredients

Pasta and Protein

  • 12 ounces penne or rotini pasta
  • 1 pound ground beef (or turkey/chicken)
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil (if needed)

Vegetables and Aromatics

  • 1 small onion, diced
  • 2 celery stalks, diced
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced

Seasonings and Sauces

  • 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • ½ teaspoon black pepper (plus more for topping)
  • 1 cup diced tomatoes (cherry or grape, or 1 large tomato)

Cheeses and Dairy

  • 1½ cups shredded cheddar cheese
  • 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
  • 2 cups heavy cream (or half-and-half)
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese

Herbs and Optional Toppings

  • 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
  • Optional toppings: Diced pickles, cooked bacon, sliced jalapeños, diced red onion, ketchup or mustard drizzle

Instructions

  1. Cook Pasta: Boil the penne or rotini pasta in salted water according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain the pasta and set it aside for later.
  2. Brown the Meat: In a large skillet over medium-high heat, cook the ground beef until browned. Drain excess fat if necessary to avoid a greasy sauce.
  3. Sauté Vegetables: Add the diced onion, celery, and minced garlic to the skillet with the browned meat. Sauté for 3 to 4 minutes until the vegetables are softened and fragrant.
  4. Add Flavorings: Stir in Worcestershire sauce and half of the diced tomatoes. Cook this mixture for an additional 2 minutes to meld the flavors.
  5. Prepare Alfredo Sauce: Push the meat and vegetable mixture to one side of the skillet. In the cleared space, melt the butter, then add the heavy cream. Let it simmer gently for 2 to 3 minutes to thicken slightly.
  6. Incorporate Cheese: Stir the grated Parmesan cheese into the cream mixture until smooth and fully incorporated, creating the base of your Alfredo sauce.
  7. Combine Pasta and Cheese: Add the cooked pasta to the skillet and toss it with the sauce and meat mixture. Stir in half of the shredded cheddar and mozzarella cheeses, allowing the sauce to become creamy and coated evenly.
  8. Top and Melt Cheeses: Sprinkle the remaining cheddar and mozzarella cheeses along with the remaining diced tomatoes over the top of the pasta mixture. Cover the skillet for 1 to 2 minutes to melt the cheese evenly.
  9. Garnish and Serve: Remove the cover and sprinkle chopped fresh parsley and extra black pepper on top. Add any optional toppings such as diced pickles, cooked bacon, jalapeños, diced red onion, or ketchup/mustard drizzle if desired. Serve the pasta hot for the best taste and texture.

Notes

  • You can substitute ground beef with ground turkey or chicken for a leaner option.
  • If you prefer a lighter sauce, use half-and-half instead of heavy cream.
  • Adding Worcestershire sauce enhances the savory depth of the dish but can be omitted for a milder flavor.
  • Optional toppings like pickles and jalapeños add texture and a flavor contrast that complements the creamy sauce.
  • Use freshly grated Parmesan cheese for the best melting quality and flavor.
  • To make this dish gluten-free, use gluten-free pasta varieties.

Find it online: https://oliviabakes.com/creamy-cheeseburger-alfredo-pasta-recipe/