Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the penne pasta until just al dente, then drain and set aside.
- Meanwhile, heat a frying pan over medium heat and add the bacon pieces, cooking until crispy and golden brown. Remove with a slotted spoon and drain on paper towels.
- In the same pan, add a splash of olive oil if needed and cook the ground beef until browned and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes. Add any salt, pepper, and minced garlic, cooking until fragrant, about 1 minute.
- Pour the heavy cream into the beef mixture, stirring to combine. Bring to a gentle simmer and cook for 2-3 minutes, allowing the sauce to thicken slightly.
- Add the shredded cheddar and Parmesan cheeses to the sauce, stirring until melted and smooth. Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as desired.
- Stir the cooked pasta into the cheese sauce, ensuring all noodles are evenly coated and glossy.
- Return the crispy bacon to the pan, mixing it into the pasta and sauce evenly.
- Warm the halved cherry tomatoes briefly in a separate pan or microwave, just until they soften slightly and release some juices.
- Plate the loaded pasta onto serving dishes, topping with the warmed cherry tomatoes and a handful of fresh greens for contrast.
- Finish with an extra sprinkle of Parmesan cheese or freshly cracked pepper if desired, and enjoy this decadent, cheesy burger pasta.
Notes
Feel free to customize toppings with sliced pickles or additional cheese for extra flavor.