Loaded Cheeseburger Alfredo Pasta Recipe

If you’ve ever wished you could take the juicy, cheesy magic of a loaded cheeseburger and spin it into a creamy pasta dinner, then this Loaded Cheeseburger Alfredo Pasta is about to become your new obsession. It’s every bit as indulgent and satisfying as it sounds—swirling together ground beef, cheddar cheese, a luscious Alfredo sauce, and playful burger-inspired toppings, all over your favorite pasta shape. Trust me, it’s the comfort food mashup you didn’t know you needed, and it’s destined to be a weeknight favorite or a crowd-pleaser at family gatherings.

Loaded Cheeseburger Alfredo Pasta Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

What makes this dish so irresistible is the way each ingredient brings something to the table, layering classic cheeseburger flavor over creamy, dreamy pasta. These are simple pantry and fridge staples, but each is absolutely essential for taste, texture, and colorful appeal.

  • Pasta (12 oz penne or rotini): These shapes hold the rich sauce in every nook and cranny, delivering maximum flavor in each bite.
  • Ground beef (1 lb): The hearty, beefy base of our “cheeseburger,” packed with savory flavor.
  • Olive oil (1 tablespoon): For sautéing the aromatics and keeping everything juicy.
  • Onion (1 small, diced): Adds classic sweetness and depth to round out the sauce.
  • Garlic (2 cloves, minced): Infuses the Alfredo with rich, robust flavor.
  • Paprika (1 teaspoon): Gives a gentle smokiness and a hint of warm color.
  • Salt (½ teaspoon): Essential for balancing all the flavors.
  • Black pepper (¼ teaspoon): Just enough to add a little zing.
  • Heavy cream (2 cups): The secret to a silky, decadent Alfredo sauce.
  • Beef broth (1 cup): Boosts the meaty flavor and keeps the sauce richly savory.
  • Shredded cheddar cheese (1½ cups): For that all-important cheeseburger meltiness.
  • Grated Parmesan cheese (½ cup): Gives depth and a salty, nutty finish.
  • Cream cheese (¼ cup): Helps create the creamiest, dreamiest sauce possible.
  • Chopped pickles (¼ cup, optional): Adds cheeseburger authenticity and a tangy zing.
  • Chopped tomatoes (¼ cup, optional): Brings bursts of color and freshness.
  • Green onions or parsley (2 tablespoons, for garnish): Finishes the dish with a vibrant, fresh note.

How to Make Loaded Cheeseburger Alfredo Pasta

Step 1: Boil the Pasta

Start by cooking your pasta of choice in a big pot of salted boiling water until it’s perfectly al dente. This gives you those springy noodles that’ll soak up all the delicious sauce. Drain the pasta, setting it aside while the rest of the magic happens.

Step 2: Sauté Aromatics

In a large skillet or sauté pan, add olive oil over medium heat. Toss in your diced onion and minced garlic, letting them soften and become super fragrant, about 3–4 minutes. This is the beginning of that swoon-worthy flavor base.

Step 3: Brown the Beef

Add your ground beef straight into the skillet. Break it up with a spoon as it cooks, making sure to get it nice and browned. Season with paprika, salt, and black pepper, then drain off any excess grease. Now it’s smelling like your favorite burger joint!

Step 4: Create the Creamy Sauce

Turn the heat down low and pour in the heavy cream and beef broth, stirring it together with the beef. Now comes the triple-cheese hit: add cream cheese, cheddar, and Parmesan, stirring until everything is dreamy and melted together. The sauce will be rich and velvety—don’t be surprised if folks start hovering by the stove.

Step 5: Combine Everything

Add your cooked pasta to the skillet, tossing gently so every little pasta piece is coated in the luscious sauce. If you’re feeling daring (and I recommend it), stir in the chopped pickles and tomatoes for a true loaded cheeseburger Alfredo pasta experience. Let it all simmer gently for 2–3 minutes so the flavors can get acquainted.

Step 6: Garnish and Serve

Spoon the hot, creamy pasta into bowls and shower each serving with a sprinkle of chopped green onions or fresh parsley. Every bite is bubbling with cheeseburger delight!

How to Serve Loaded Cheeseburger Alfredo Pasta

Loaded Cheeseburger Alfredo Pasta Recipe - Recipe Image

Garnishes

This is the time to have fun! A scatter of crunchy green onions or fresh parsley brightens the plate, while a few extra pickles or a handful of crispy bacon bits (if you have them) take things completely over the top. If you really want to channel burger vibes, a drizzle of ketchup or mustard makes for a playful, unexpected finish.

Side Dishes

The richness of Loaded Cheeseburger Alfredo Pasta pairs beautifully with simple sides—think a crisp green salad with tangy vinaigrette to cut through the creaminess, or some roasted broccoli for extra veggies. Garlic bread is always a hit if you’re in the mood to double down on carb comfort.

Creative Ways to Present

You can serve this pasta in a big, family-style dish at the center of the table for a cozy, casual dinner, or scoop it into individual ramekins under the broiler for a cheesy, bubbling crust. For a party, try offering toppings bar-style, so everyone can “load” their own bowl just the way they like it.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Loaded Cheeseburger Alfredo Pasta reheats like a dream, so don’t stress if you made a little (or a lot) extra. Transfer cooled leftovers to an airtight container and keep them in the fridge for up to 3 days—the flavors get even better overnight!

Freezing

To freeze, let the pasta cool completely, then portion it into airtight containers or heavy-duty freezer bags. It will keep well for up to 2 months. Just note the creamy sauce may separate a bit, but it’ll come back together with a gentle reheat and a big stir.

Reheating

For best results, reheat leftovers on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of milk or broth if needed to smooth out the sauce. You can also microwave individual servings, stirring halfway through. Either way, you’ll be back in cheeseburger pasta heaven in no time.

FAQs

Can I substitute ground turkey for ground beef?

Absolutely! Ground turkey is a great leaner option that still gives you all the hearty, savory vibes in Loaded Cheeseburger Alfredo Pasta. Consider adding a touch more olive oil to keep everything juicy.

What’s the best pasta shape to use?

Penne and rotini are classic for this recipe because they hold the sauce well, but feel free to use shells, rigatoni, or your personal favorite. The heartier the pasta, the better it grabs all that melted cheese!

Can I make this dish gluten free?

Yes! Swap the regular pasta for a gluten-free variety and double-check that your beef broth and cheeses are certified gluten free. Everything else in Loaded Cheeseburger Alfredo Pasta is naturally gluten free.

How spicy is this recipe?

This dish is kid-friendly with only a gentle warmth from the paprika. If you love heat, you can add a pinch of cayenne or a few dashes of hot sauce to pump it up a notch.

What can I use instead of pickles?

If pickles aren’t your thing, try chopped jarred jalapeños for a spicy kick, or swap in roasted red peppers for sweetness and color. Or go classic and skip the extra toppings entirely—Loaded Cheeseburger Alfredo Pasta is delicious both ways!

Final Thoughts

If you’re craving something both nostalgic and a little bit over the top, you’ve got to give Loaded Cheeseburger Alfredo Pasta a try. It’s a comfort food masterpiece that brings huge flavor, guaranteed smiles, and lots of recipe requests from friends and family. Dive in and make it your own—you won’t be disappointed!

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Loaded Cheeseburger Alfredo Pasta Recipe

Loaded Cheeseburger Alfredo Pasta Recipe


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4.5 from 28 reviews

  • Author: admin
  • Total Time: 35 minutes
  • Yield: 6 servings
  • Diet: Non-Vegetarian

Description

Indulge in the ultimate comfort food with this Loaded Cheeseburger Alfredo Pasta. A creamy, cheesy pasta dish with seasoned ground beef, topped with all your favorite cheeseburger toppings. It’s a family-friendly meal that combines the best of both worlds!


Ingredients

Pasta:

12 oz pasta (penne or rotini)

Ground Beef Mixture:

1 lb ground beef, 1 tablespoon olive oil, 1 small onion (diced), 2 cloves garlic (minced), 1 teaspoon paprika, ½ teaspoon salt, ¼ teaspoon black pepper

Cheese Sauce:

2 cups heavy cream, 1 cup beef broth, 1½ cups shredded cheddar cheese, ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese, ¼ cup cream cheese

Toppings:

¼ cup chopped pickles (optional), ¼ cup chopped tomatoes (optional), 2 tablespoons chopped green onions or parsley (for garnish)


Instructions

  1. Cook the Pasta: Cook the pasta until al dente, then drain and set aside.
  2. Prepare Ground Beef Mixture: In a skillet, sauté onion and garlic, then add ground beef, paprika, salt, and pepper. Cook until browned.
  3. Make Cheese Sauce: Reduce heat, add cream and broth, then stir in cheeses until smooth. Add cooked pasta and toss to coat.
  4. Finish and Serve: Stir in pickles and tomatoes, simmer briefly, then garnish with green onions or parsley before serving.

Notes

  • For extra flavor, consider adding bacon bits or using ground turkey.
  • Try a blend of sharp cheddar and Monterey Jack cheese for a variation.
  • Enhance the cheeseburger essence by drizzling ketchup or mustard over the dish.
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 25 minutes
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Stovetop
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1½ cups
  • Calories: 630
  • Sugar: 4g
  • Sodium: 590mg
  • Fat: 38g
  • Saturated Fat: 20g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 15g
  • Trans Fat: 1g
  • Carbohydrates: 40g
  • Fiber: 2g
  • Protein: 28g
  • Cholesterol: 115mg

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