This creamy Loaded Cheeseburger Alfredo Pasta is a fun twist on two favorites! It’s packed with beef, cheese, and pasta all in one dish, making it super hearty and comforting.
You can’t go wrong with a dish that combines pasta and cheeseburgers! I love serving it with a sprinkle of extra cheese on top—because there’s no such thing as too much cheese! 🧀
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Pasta: I used rotini, but fusilli works well too! If you want a gluten-free option, consider using gluten-free pasta. Just be careful to follow the package instructions for cooking times.
Ground Beef: Lean ground beef is my go-to, but you can substitute with ground turkey or chicken for a lighter option. Even plant-based ground meat can make this dish flavorful and hearty!
Alfredo Sauce: While homemade is usually the best, I often go for store-bought to save time. If you want to make it from scratch, a simple blend of heavy cream, butter, cheese, and garlic does wonders!
Cheese: Cheddar and mozzarella are my favorites for this recipe. However, feel free to mix it up! Pepper jack adds a nice kick, or you can use gouda for a smoky flavor.
How Do You Ensure the Pasta is Perfectly Cooked?
The key to great pasta is all in the timing! Here’s how you can do it:
- Always use a large pot with plenty of salted water—this helps the pasta cook evenly.
- Check the package instructions for cooking time and set a timer. Taste the pasta a minute or two before the end time to see if it’s al dente, which means it should be firm but not hard.
- Once cooked, immediately drain the pasta and give it a quick rinse under cold water if you’re not adding it to sauce right away. This stops the cooking process.
This simple tip will give your Loaded Cheeseburger Alfredo Pasta the right texture to hold up against the creamy sauce!
How to Make Loaded Cheeseburger Alfredo Pasta
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Pasta:
- 8 oz rotini or fusilli pasta
For the Beef Mixture:
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup diced tomatoes, drained
- 2 tbsp olive oil or butter
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 1 tsp dried Italian seasoning or oregano
For the Sauce and Cheese:
- 2 cups Alfredo sauce (store-bought or homemade)
- 1 ½ cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This hearty Loaded Cheeseburger Alfredo Pasta will take about 25-30 minutes total. It includes around 10 minutes of prep time for chopping and dicing, followed by about 15-20 minutes of cooking—all so you can dig into a creamy, cheesy dish in no time!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Cooking the Pasta:
Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil. Once boiling, add the rotini or fusilli pasta and cook according to the package instructions until al dente. This usually takes about 8-10 minutes. Once cooked, drain the pasta and set it aside while you prepare the rest.
2. Sautéing the Vegetables:
In a large skillet, heat the olive oil or butter over medium-high heat. Add the finely chopped onion and sauté until it becomes translucent, about 3-4 minutes. Then, add the minced garlic and cook for an additional 30 seconds until fragrant.
3. Cooking the Beef:
Next, add the ground beef to the skillet. Use a spatula to break it apart as it cooks. Brown the beef for about 6-8 minutes until there are no pink spots remaining. If there is any excess fat, drain it from the skillet.
4. Adding Tomatoes and Seasoning:
Stir in the drained diced tomatoes and the Italian seasoning. Season this mixture with salt and pepper to taste. Let it simmer for about 2-3 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together nicely.
5. Mixing in the Alfredo Sauce:
Reduce the heat to low, then pour the Alfredo sauce into the skillet. Stir everything together until the sauce is fully combined with the beef and vegetable mixture.
6. Combining with Pasta:
Add the cooked pasta into the skillet. Gently toss everything together so that the pasta is well coated in the creamy sauce and mixed with the beef.
7. Melting the Cheese:
Sprinkle the shredded cheddar and mozzarella cheeses on top of the pasta mixture. Cover the skillet with a lid or aluminum foil. Let it cook on low heat for 3-5 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
8. Garnishing and Serving:
Once the cheese has melted, remove the skillet from heat. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley for a pop of color and flavor. Serve warm, and enjoy your comforting and cheesy Loaded Cheeseburger Alfredo Pasta!
FAQ for Loaded Cheeseburger Alfredo Pasta
Can I Use Ground Turkey Instead of Beef?
Absolutely! Ground turkey is a great lighter alternative to beef. Just like with beef, cook it fully until no longer pink, and it will still provide that delicious, meaty flavor for your pasta.
How Do I Make This Dish Healthier?
To make this dish a bit healthier, you can use whole-grain pasta or a veggie-based pasta, add extra vegetables like spinach or bell peppers to the beef mixture, and opt for low-fat versions of the Alfredo sauce and cheeses. These subtle changes can pack in more nutrients while keeping the dish tasty!
Can I Prepare This Meal in Advance?
Yes! You can cook the beef mixture and pasta ahead of time. Just store them separately in airtight containers in the fridge for up to 3 days. When you’re ready to eat, simply combine them, add the Alfredo sauce, and warm everything together on the stove until heated through.
What Should I Serve This Pasta With?
This Loaded Cheeseburger Alfredo Pasta is a complete meal on its own, but you can serve it with a side salad or some garlic bread for a delightful combination. A light Caesar salad complements the cheese and richness perfectly!
