Philly Cheesesteak Pasta Recipe: The Perfect Comfort Food Mashup
Imagine the savory flavors of a Philly cheesesteak sandwich—thinly sliced beef, sautéed onions, peppers, and gooey cheese—infused into a creamy, hearty pasta dish. Philly Cheesesteak Pasta is the ultimate fusion recipe that combines the beloved sandwich with the comforting, carb-loaded goodness of pasta. It’s a one-pan wonder that’s easy to make, versatile, and guaranteed to satisfy your cravings.
Why You’ll Love Philly Cheesesteak Pasta
Quick and Easy: Ready in under an hour, making it ideal for weeknight dinners.
Family-Friendly: A hit with both kids and adults, thanks to its familiar flavors.
One-Pot Meal: Minimal cleanup required since everything cooks in a single pan.
Customizable: Easily adjust the ingredients to suit your preferences or dietary needs.
Deliciously Cheesy: Loaded with melty provolone, mozzarella, or even cream cheese for a creamy twist.
Ingredients
This recipe serves 4-6 people.
Base Ingredients
1 pound ground beef (or thinly sliced ribeye steak)
2 tablespoons olive oil (if using steak)
1 medium onion, diced
1 large green bell pepper, diced
1 large red bell pepper, diced
3 cloves garlic, minced
2 cups uncooked penne or rigatoni pasta (any short pasta works)
3 cups beef broth
1 cup heavy cream
1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
Salt and black pepper, to taste
Cheese Blend
1 1/2 cups shredded provolone cheese
1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional, for extra richness)
Optional Add-Ins
1/2 cup sliced mushrooms
1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (for a spicy kick)
1 tablespoon Dijon mustard (for tangy depth)
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Prepare the Beef
If using ground beef:
Heat a large skillet or sauté pan over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and cook, breaking it into crumbles, until browned. Season with salt and pepper. Drain any excess grease and set aside.
If using thinly sliced steak:
Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in the pan. Sear the steak strips for 2-3 minutes per side until browned. Remove from the pan and set aside.
2. Sauté the Vegetables
In the same pan, add a drizzle of olive oil if needed. Sauté the diced onion and bell peppers over medium heat for 4-5 minutes, until softened.
Stir in the garlic and cook for another 30 seconds, ensuring it doesn’t burn.
3. Add Pasta and Liquid
Pour in the beef broth, heavy cream, Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, smoked paprika, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Stir to combine.
Add the uncooked pasta to the skillet, making sure it’s submerged in the liquid.
4. Simmer and Cook
Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. Cover the skillet and cook over medium heat for 10-12 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent the pasta from sticking.
5. Stir in the Cheese
Once the pasta is tender and most of the liquid has been absorbed, reduce the heat to low. Stir in the shredded provolone, mozzarella, and Parmesan cheese.
Mix until the cheese is melted and the sauce is creamy.
6. Reintroduce the Beef
Return the cooked ground beef or steak strips to the pan, stirring to combine everything evenly.
7. Taste and Adjust
Taste the dish and adjust the seasoning, adding more salt, pepper, or garlic powder as needed.
8. Garnish and Serve
Garnish with chopped fresh parsley or additional Parmesan cheese. Serve hot and enjoy!
Tips for the Perfect Philly Cheesesteak Pasta
Choose the Right Pasta: Penne, rigatoni, or rotini are great choices because they hold the creamy sauce well.
Shred Your Own Cheese: Pre-shredded cheese often contains anti-caking agents that can affect how well it melts. Shredding your own ensures a smooth, creamy sauce.
Don’t Overcook the Pasta: Check for doneness frequently, as the pasta will continue to cook slightly in the residual heat.
Sear the Steak Properly: If using steak, make sure your pan is hot to achieve a nice sear and lock in the flavor.
Variations
Philly Cheesesteak Pasta is versatile, making it easy to adapt to your taste preferences or dietary needs.
1. Protein Options
Chicken: Substitute the beef with cooked shredded chicken or diced chicken breast.
Plant-Based: Use a meat substitute like ground Beyond Meat or sautéed mushrooms for a vegetarian version.
Sausage: Add cooked Italian sausage for a slightly spicy twist.
2. Cheese Variations
Use American cheese or Velveeta for an ultra-creamy sauce.
Add cream cheese for extra richness and tang.
Swap in gouda or smoked cheddar for a deeper, smoky flavor.
3. Veggie Additions
Add mushrooms, spinach, or even diced tomatoes for extra nutrients.
Use roasted red peppers instead of fresh for a smoky sweetness.
4. Gluten-Free Option
Use gluten-free pasta and ensure your broth and other ingredients are gluten-free.
Serving Suggestions
Philly Cheesesteak Pasta is hearty enough to be a standalone dish, but you can elevate your meal with complementary sides:
Garlic Bread: Perfect for mopping up the creamy sauce.
Side Salad: A crisp Caesar or garden salad balances the richness of the pasta.
Roasted Vegetables: Serve alongside roasted broccoli, asparagus, or Brussels sprouts.
Storage and Reheating
Storing Leftovers
Transfer leftovers to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days.
For longer storage, freeze portions in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months.
Reheating
Stovetop: Reheat in a skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of broth or cream to refresh the sauce.
Microwave: Heat individual portions on medium power, stirring occasionally, until warmed through.
Why This Recipe Works
Philly Cheesesteak Pasta captures the best of both worlds: the savory, comforting flavors of a cheesesteak sandwich and the creamy, indulgent nature of pasta. The combination of tender beef, melty cheese, and perfectly cooked pasta creates a meal that’s satisfying and easy to make. Plus, the one-pan cooking method means less cleanup and more time to enjoy your delicious creation!
Philly Cheesesteak Pasta Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef or steak strips
- 1 green bell pepper diced
- 1 onion diced
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 8 oz cream cheese softened
- 1 cup shredded provolone cheese
- 12 oz pasta penne or rigatoni recommended
- 1 cup beef broth
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 tbsp olive oil
Instructions
- Cook the Pasta:
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook until al dente according to the package instructions. Drain and set aside.
- 2️⃣ Sauté the Vegetables:
- In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced green bell pepper, onion, and minced garlic. Sauté for 4-5 minutes, or until the vegetables are softened and fragrant.
- 3️⃣ Cook the Meat:
- Add the ground beef or steak strips to the skillet. Cook, breaking up the beef as necessary, until the meat is fully browned and cooked through. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- 4️⃣ Combine Ingredients:
- Stir the softened cream cheese and beef broth into the skillet with the meat and vegetables. Continue to cook, stirring constantly, until the cream cheese is fully melted and the mixture is smooth and creamy.
- 5️⃣ Top with Cheese and Broil:
- Add the cooked pasta to the skillet, tossing it in the sauce until fully coated. Sprinkle the shredded provolone cheese evenly on top. Broil in the oven for 3-5 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and golden brown.
- 6️⃣ Serve:
- Remove from the oven and serve hot. Enjoy this creamy, cheesy, and savory pasta dish immediately!
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes! Prepare the recipe up to the point of adding the cheese. Refrigerate, then reheat and stir in the cheese just before serving.
2. Can I use pre-cooked pasta?
While it’s possible, cooking the pasta directly in the sauce infuses it with flavor and ensures a creamy texture.
3. What’s the best beef to use?
Thinly sliced ribeye is the most authentic, but ground beef or sirloin are great alternatives.
Conclusion
Philly Cheesesteak Pasta is a delicious, family-friendly dish that’s perfect for weeknight dinners, potlucks, or any occasion when you’re craving something comforting and flavorful. With its cheesy sauce, tender beef, and vibrant veggies, it’s a meal that will quickly become a favorite. Try it tonight, and bring the taste of Philly into your kitchen!