Bold, cheesy, and outrageously comforting, Cheeseburger Alfredo Pasta brings together everything we love about two iconic classics: the juicy flavors of a cheeseburger and the creamy indulgence of Alfredo pasta. Imagine forkfuls of tender penne, rich meaty sauce, and tangy, melty cheese, all brightened with a hint of ketchup and mustard—this recipe absolutely delivers that craveable, familiar taste in every bite. It’s a one-pan weeknight wonder that feels like pure comfort food, made for bringing everyone to the table and leaving the plates squeaky clean!

Ingredients You’ll Need

Cheeseburger Alfredo Pasta Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

With only a handful of approachable ingredients, every element works together to create that signature flavor and texture. There are no unnecessary extras here—each component is an essential building block in this outrageous comfort dish!

Penne Pasta: Its ridges catch all the creamy sauce and meaty goodness—feel free to use another short pasta if you like!
Ground Beef: Savory, tender, and the backbone of that classic cheeseburger flavor—choose 80-85% lean for the juiciest result.
Salt, Black Pepper, Garlic Powder, Paprika: This simple spice blend brings out the beef’s flavor and adds gentle warmth and seasoning to each bite.
Unsalted Butter: Adds richness to the sauce and helps sauté the garlic without browning it too fast.
Garlic: Fresh minced garlic brings an aromatic pop and depth to the creamy Alfredo base.
Heavy Cream: The secret to that silky, luscious Alfredo texture—don’t be tempted to swap for milk!
Shredded Cheddar Cheese: Classic cheeseburger taste, plus gooey stretch in every forkful—use sharp cheddar for extra bite.
Grated Parmesan Cheese: Completes the Alfredo sauce with salty, nutty notes for depth.
Ketchup and Mustard: The magical finishing touch that transforms Alfredo into the perfect cheeseburger sauce—don’t skip these!
Chopped Fresh Parsley: Sprinkled on at the end for a burst of color and freshness that balances all the richness.

How to Make Cheeseburger Alfredo Pasta

Step 1: Cook the Penne Pasta

Start things off by boiling a big pot of salted water and cooking your penne until it’s just shy of al dente, according to package directions. The pasta will soak up some sauce later, so drain it and set it aside—no need to rinse! Meanwhile, get your skillet ready for the flavor party.

Step 2: Brown the Beef

In a large skillet over medium-high heat, add the ground beef along with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and paprika. Break it up as it cooks, letting those spices mingle with the meat until it’s browned all over and sizzling with savory goodness. Once cooked, scoop out the beef and set it aside—you’ll be using that skillet again!

Step 3: Start the Alfredo Base

Lower the heat and melt the butter right in the same skillet, picking up all those meaty bits from browning the beef. Toss in your minced garlic and sauté just for 30 seconds until fragrant—you want it aromatic, not browned.

Step 4: Build the Creamy Sauce

Slowly pour in the heavy cream, using your spoon to scrape up every tasty browned bit from the pan’s bottom. Let it come to a gentle simmer, then start sprinkling in both the cheddar and Parmesan cheeses. Stir patiently as they melt together into a thick, velvety sauce—it’s pure cheesy heaven!

Step 5: Add Cheeseburger Flavor

Time for the fun twist that makes Cheeseburger Alfredo Pasta so addictive: Stir in ketchup and mustard. It might feel quirky, but trust me—these two humble condiments bring the nostalgic magic, balancing that rich sauce with tang and zip, just like a real cheeseburger.

Step 6: Combine It All

Return the cooked beef to the skillet and give everything a good mix. Now, add your cooked pasta and toss, making sure every noodle is luxuriously coated in the cheesy, meaty, burger-inspired Alfredo sauce. If you want to go all-in on the cheesiness, top with extra shredded cheddar and pop it under the broiler for two or three minutes.

Step 7: Garnish and Serve

Right before serving, sprinkle over a generous handful of chopped fresh parsley. The bright green not only looks gorgeous, but its freshness also pulls everything together. Call everyone to the table—dinner’s ready!

How to Serve Cheeseburger Alfredo Pasta

Garnishes

A handful of fresh parsley is classic, but you can also sprinkle on sliced green onions, extra cheddar, chopped tomatoes, or a dash of smoked paprika if you want to up the eye appeal and flavor. For a playful burger vibe, a scattering of diced pickles brings a bright, tangy crunch!

Side Dishes

Round out your Cheeseburger Alfredo Pasta with something crisp and bright—a simple green salad with a zingy vinaigrette, or steamed green beans work wonders to balance the richness. Garlic bread or even oven fries make this even more decadent, turning dinner into a true comfort food celebration.

Creative Ways to Present

Serve the pasta in mini cast iron skillets for a diner-style feel, or pile into a big ovenproof dish, shower with more cheese, and broil until bubbly. For parties, scoop the pasta into individual ramekins or mugs so guests get their own personal cheesy “burger” bowl!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Simply cool any leftover Cheeseburger Alfredo Pasta to room temperature, then transfer it to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. Make sure it’s fully cooled before sealing to keep the sauce creamy and the pasta from getting mushy.

Freezing

If you want to freeze, portion into freezer-safe containers and store for up to 2 months. The sauce will thicken a bit after freezing and reheating, but you can easily bring it back to life with a splash of milk or cream when you reheat.

Reheating

Reheat individual portions in the microwave, or warm gently on the stovetop with a bit of added cream or milk to loosen the sauce. Stir frequently for an even, smooth result, and sprinkle with extra cheddar or parsley to freshen things up before serving again.

FAQs

Can I use a different type Main Course

Absolutely! While penne’s ridges hold the sauce beautifully, any short pasta like rotini, rigatoni, or even shells will work well for Cheeseburger Alfredo Pasta. Just adjust the cooking time as needed.

Is there a lighter version of this recipe?

You can swap the heavy cream for half and half, and use ground turkey or chicken in place of beef for a leaner twist. Reduced-fat cheese works too, though the sauce might be slightly less rich—but still super satisfying!

Can I leave out the ketchup and mustard?

Technically you can, but those two little additions make all the difference. They infuse the Alfredo with the signature cheeseburger tang and truly set Cheeseburger Alfredo Pasta apart from ordinary cheesy pasta dishes!

How can I make it spicier?

Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the beef as it cooks, or give the finished sauce a squirt of sriracha or hot sauce. Another tasty trick is a dash of smoked paprika for subtle heat and smoky flavor.

Does this recipe reheat well?

Yes! The sauce might thicken a bit after chilling, but a splash of milk or cream (and a brief stir on the stovetop or in the microwave) revives it perfectly. Cheeseburger Alfredo Pasta makes an amazing leftover lunch!

Final Thoughts

If you’re searching for a dinner that brings big, bold flavors with minimal fuss, you absolutely have to try Cheeseburger Alfredo Pasta. It’s satisfying, fun, and guaranteed to become a family favorite—give it a spot in your rotation and watch how quickly it disappears!

Cheeseburger Alfredo Pasta Recipe

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4.8 from 6 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 30 minutes
Yield: 6 servings 1x
Diet: Non-Vegetarian

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Description

Indulge in the ultimate comfort food with this creamy and flavorful Cheeseburger Alfredo Pasta. A delicious combination of tender pasta, seasoned ground beef, and a rich cheese sauce, this dish is sure to be a hit with the whole family.

Ingredients

Scale

Pasta:

12 oz penne pasta

Cheeseburger Sauce:

1 lb ground beef
1 tsp salt
1/2 tsp black pepper
1/2 tsp garlic powder
1/2 tsp paprika
2 tbsp unsalted butter
2 cloves garlic, minced
2 cups heavy cream
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 tbsp ketchup
1 tsp mustard
Chopped fresh parsley for garnish

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Instructions

Cook Pasta: Cook pasta according to package directions; drain and set aside.
Cook Ground Beef: In a large skillet over medium-high heat, cook ground beef with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and paprika until browned. Remove beef from skillet and set aside.
Make Cheese Sauce: In the same skillet, melt butter and sauté garlic for 30 seconds. Stir in heavy cream and bring to a gentle simmer. Add cheddar and Parmesan cheeses, stirring until melted and smooth. Mix in ketchup and mustard for a cheeseburger flavor boost.
Combine and Serve: Return beef to skillet and stir to combine. Add cooked pasta and toss until coated in sauce. Garnish with parsley before serving.

Notes

For extra cheesiness, sprinkle shredded cheddar over the top and broil for 2–3 minutes before serving.
You can also swap ground beef for ground turkey or chicken.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Category: Main Course
Method: Stovetop
Cuisine: American