Loaded Cheeseburger Alfredo Pasta (Print-Friendly Version)

Creamy pasta with beef, bacon, and cheddar in a rich Alfredo sauce.

# What You'll Need:

→ Main Ingredients

01 - 400 g penne pasta
02 - 350 g ground beef (80/20 blend preferred)
03 - 120 g thick-cut bacon
04 - 350 ml Alfredo sauce
05 - 120 g sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
06 - 60 g chopped pickles (optional)
07 - Salt, to taste
08 - Freshly ground black pepper, to taste

# How to Make It:

01 - Boil penne pasta in salted water until al dente. Reserve 120 ml of pasta water, drain, and set aside.
02 - In a large skillet over medium heat, cook bacon until crisp. Transfer to paper towels and chop into small pieces.
03 - Add ground beef to the skillet. Cook over medium heat, breaking it apart, until fully browned. Drain excess fat, leaving about 1 tablespoon.
04 - Return chopped bacon to the skillet with the cooked beef and stir to combine.
05 - Pour in Alfredo sauce and stir well. Let simmer for 2 minutes. Add reserved pasta water if sauce is too thick.
06 - Add drained pasta to the skillet. Toss to coat evenly with the sauce.
07 - Sprinkle shredded cheddar over the pasta. Mix gently until melted and fully blended.
08 - Fold in chopped pickles if using. Season with salt and pepper. Serve hot with optional garnishes like extra cheese or bacon bits.

# Additional Tips:

01 - Let pasta cool slightly before adding cheese to prevent greasy texture.
02 - Bacon should be extra crisp before mixing to maintain texture.
03 - Add milk or cream when reheating to maintain creaminess.
04 - Can be frozen in an airtight container for up to three months.
05 - Sprinkle extra shredded cheese on reheated portions for added richness.

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