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Instructions
Step 1: Cook the Bacon and Prepare the Pasta
- Start by cooking the bacon in a large skillet over medium heat. Cook until crispy, then remove and set aside on a paper towel to drain. Once cooled, crumble the bacon into small pieces.
- In the same skillet, remove excess bacon fat, leaving about 1 tablespoon. Add olive oil to the pan and cook the onion over medium heat until softened, about 3-4 minutes. Add the garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
- While the bacon and onion are cooking, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the penne pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
Step 2: Brown the Ground Turkey
- In the skillet with the onions and garlic, add the ground turkey. Break it apart with a wooden spoon and cook until browned and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Step 3: Make the Creamy Alfredo Sauce
- In a separate saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the heavy cream and stir to combine. Let the cream simmer for about 3-4 minutes, allowing it to thicken slightly.
- Once the cream has thickened, lower the heat and slowly add the Parmesan cheese, stirring constantly until melted and smooth. Then, add the shredded cheddar cheese and continue stirring until the sauce is creamy and well-blended. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Step 4: Combine Everything
- Once the turkey is cooked, pour the Alfredo sauce over the turkey and onions. Stir well to combine. Add the cooked penne pasta and toss everything together, ensuring the pasta is fully coated with the creamy sauce.
- Gently fold in the crumbled bacon, reserving a little bit for garnish if desired. Stir to distribute the bacon evenly throughout the pasta.
Step 5: Serve and Garnish
- Serve the Loaded Turkey Bacon Cheeseburger Alfredo Pasta hot, garnished with additional shredded cheddar cheese and freshly chopped parsley if you like a burst of color.
- For an extra touch of cheeseburger goodness, you can also serve with extra crispy bacon on top or a sprinkle of onion powder to enhance the savory flavors.
Tips for the Perfect Loaded Turkey Bacon Cheeseburger Alfredo Pasta
- Add veggies: To make the dish even more nutritious, try adding some veggies like spinach, bell peppers, or mushrooms. They’ll add color and extra flavor to the pasta.
- Customize the cheese: Feel free to experiment with different types of cheese in the sauce. Mozzarella can be added for an extra gooey texture, or you can even use pepper jack cheese for a little heat.
- Make it spicier: If you like a bit of a kick, add a dash of hot sauce, red pepper flakes, or a chopped jalapeño when cooking the turkey.
- Use lean turkey: For a lighter option, opt for lean ground turkey or even ground chicken if you prefer a different protein. The turkey will still have plenty of flavor when combined with the bacon and creamy sauce.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Loaded Turkey Bacon Cheeseburger Alfredo Pasta is the ultimate comfort food mash-up. With the hearty, lean turkey replacing beef, this dish offers a lighter alternative to a classic cheeseburger, while still packing all the flavor you crave. The crispy bacon adds an irresistible crunch, while the creamy Alfredo sauce brings everything together in a way that’s truly indulgent. This pasta is incredibly filling, so it’s perfect for a cozy family dinner or a satisfying meal after a long day.
It’s a crowd-pleaser for sure, and you can easily customize it to fit your taste. Whether you’re looking for a creamy, cheesy pasta dish to enjoy on its own or want to serve it alongside a fresh salad or garlic bread, this recipe will quickly become a favorite in your meal rotation.
A Hearty, Flavorful Meal in One Bowl
If you’re looking to treat yourself and your loved ones to something rich, comforting, and packed with flavor, Loaded Turkey Bacon Cheeseburger Alfredo Pasta is the perfect choice. It brings together all the best parts of a classic cheeseburger with the decadence of Alfredo pasta, resulting in a dish that’s truly hard to beat. Try it tonight, and prepare for an empty plate and plenty of compliments!
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