Description
Comfort meets indulgence in this loaded cheeseburger alfredo pasta, blending classic burger flavors with creamy pasta perfection. Hearty ingredients and rich seasonings create a mouthwatering dish that satisfies deep cravings and brings family together at the dinner table.
Ingredients
Scale
Pasta and Meat:
- 12 ounces (340 grams) penne or rotini pasta
- 1 pound (450 grams) ground beef
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1/2 cup yellow onion, finely diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
Cheese and Sauce Ingredients:
- 2 cups heavy cream
- 1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 tablespoon ketchup
- 1 tablespoon mustard
Optional Toppings:
- 1/2 cup dill pickles, chopped
- Fresh parsley, chopped
Instructions
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil and cook pasta until al dente, typically 8-10 minutes. Drain, reserving 1/4 cup of starchy pasta water for later use.
- In a large skillet, brown ground beef over medium-high heat, breaking it into crumbly pieces. Drain excess fat to prevent a greasy dish.
- Using the same skillet, sauté finely diced onions and minced garlic for 3-4 minutes until they become translucent and release their aromatic essence.
- Pour heavy cream into the skillet, creating a luxurious base. Sprinkle smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper, allowing the mixture to simmer gently for 2-3 minutes.
- Reduce heat to low and gradually incorporate shredded cheddar and Parmesan cheese, stirring continuously until the sauce transforms into a silky, smooth consistency. Blend in ketchup and mustard for an extra flavor dimension.
- Fold the cooked pasta and seasoned ground beef into the creamy sauce, ensuring each strand is lavishly coated. If the sauce appears too thick, introduce the reserved pasta water to achieve the perfect consistency. Gently fold in chopped dill pickles for a tangy crunch.
- Transfer the loaded cheeseburger alfredo pasta into serving bowls. Garnish with fresh parsley for a pop of color and added freshness. Serve immediately alongside a crisp salad or warm garlic bread.
Notes
- Customize the pasta by swapping ground beef with turkey or plant-based meat for a leaner or vegetarian version.
- Control sauce thickness by gradually adding reserved pasta water, ensuring a silky smooth consistency without becoming too runny.
- Enhance flavor depth by toasting spices like smoked paprika briefly before adding cream, releasing more complex aromatic compounds.
- Prevent cheese sauce from breaking by reducing heat and stirring continuously when melting cheeses, creating a creamy and stable emulsion.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Lunch, Dinner
- Method: Boiling
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 840 kcal
- Sugar: 4 g
- Sodium: 650 mg
- Fat: 60 g
- Saturated Fat: 30 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 28 g
- Trans Fat: 1 g
- Carbohydrates: 35 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 45 g
- Cholesterol: 160 mg