Begin by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add 12 ounces of fettuccine or penne and cook for 8 to 10 minutes until al dente, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking. Once cooked, reserve ½ cup of the pasta water for later use, then drain the pasta and set it aside.

In a large skillet over medium heat, add 1 pound of lean ground beef directly to the dry pan. Use a spatula to break up the meat as it cooks, allowing it to brown evenly for about 7 to 10 minutes. The beef should be nicely browned and cooked through; drain any excess fat if necessary.

In a separate skillet, lay 6 slices of thick-cut bacon, turning the heat to medium. Cook for about 5 to 7 minutes, flipping occasionally, until the bacon is crispy and golden brown. Remove the bacon from the skillet and place it on paper towels to absorb excess grease. Once cooled, chop the bacon into bite-sized pieces.

In the same skillet used for the ground beef, lower the heat and add 3 minced garlic cloves. Sauté for 1 minute until fragrant, being careful not to burn the garlic. Pour in 1 cup of heavy cream, stirring well to combine, and allow it to simmer gently for about 3 to 5 minutes until it thickens slightly.

Carefully fold the cooked ground beef, crispy bacon bits, and drained pasta into the creamy Alfredo sauce. Mix thoroughly to ensure that every piece of pasta is coated. If the mixture seems too thick, gradually add the reserved pasta water until you reach your desired consistency.

Taste your Loaded Bacon Cheeseburger Alfredo Pasta and season with salt, pepper, and any additional optional spices you prefer, like onion powder or Italian seasoning. Serve hot, garnished with fresh parsley or chives for a pop of color and freshness—enjoy this creamy comfort food masterpiece!