Ingredients
Scale
Pasta
- 8 oz fettuccine or penne pasta
Meat & Protein
- 6 slices bacon
- 1 lb ground beef
Vegetables & Aromatics
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
Sauce
- 4 tbsp unsalted butter
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
Cheese
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
Seasonings & Garnish
- Salt, to taste
- Black pepper, to taste
- 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook according to package directions until al dente. Drain, reserving about 1/4 cup pasta water, and set aside.
- Prepare the Bacon and Ground Beef: In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the bacon until crispy. Remove bacon and drain on paper towels. In the same skillet, add ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it into small pieces with a spatula. Season with salt, pepper, and smoked paprika.
- Sauté Onion and Garlic: Drain excess grease from the skillet, then add diced onion and minced garlic. Sauté for 2-3 minutes until softened and fragrant.
- Make the Alfredo Sauce: In a separate saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Pour in heavy cream and warm gently. Gradually whisk in freshly grated Parmesan cheese until the sauce thickens and becomes creamy. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Combine Everything: Return the cooked ground beef and bacon into the skillet with onions and garlic. Pour in the Alfredo sauce and stir to combine. Add the cooked pasta and shredded cheddar cheese, tossing gently until the cheese melts and everything is evenly coated. Add reserved pasta water, a little at a time, if the sauce is too thick for a silky texture.
- Serve and Garnish: Transfer the pasta to serving bowls or a platter. Sprinkle with chopped fresh parsley for color and freshness. Serve immediately and enjoy!
Notes
- Cook pasta al dente to prevent it from becoming mushy when mixed with the sauce.
- Reserve pasta water to adjust sauce consistency as needed without diluting flavor.
- Use freshly grated Parmesan and cheddar cheese for superior melting and taste.
- Do not overcook bacon; aim for crisp-tender texture to balance the dish.
- Adjust salt, pepper, and smoked paprika seasoning to taste throughout cooking.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Not Gluten Free
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 750 kcal
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 800 mg
- Fat: 50 g
- Saturated Fat: 25 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 20 g
- Trans Fat: 0.5 g
- Carbohydrates: 45 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 35 g
- Cholesterol: 150 mg
Keywords: Bacon, Cheeseburger, Alfredo, Pasta, Comfort Food, Loaded Pasta, Cheesy, Creamy, Bacon Pasta