There is nothing quite as satisfying as the rich, comforting flavors of a classic Philly cheesesteak, and when those iconic tastes are transformed into a creamy, hearty pasta, you get a true winner on your hands. This Philly Cheesesteak Pasta Recipe ingeniously marries tender beef, sautéed peppers and onions, and luscious cheeses all tossed with perfectly cooked penne for a meal that feels indulgent yet approachable. Whether you’re craving a quick weeknight dinner or a cozy dish to share, this recipe packs the flavor punch you love in a familiar, pasta-perfect way. Get ready for a plateful of cheesy, meaty goodness that will have you smiling from the first forkful to the very last.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of the Philly Cheesesteak Pasta Recipe lies in its straightforward ingredients, each one playing a crucial role in building those layered textures and bold flavors. From the juicy beef to the sharp provolone and melty mozzarella, every item brings something special to the table.
- 12 oz penne or rigatoni pasta: A sturdy pasta shape that holds the sauce beautifully for every bite.
- 1 tablespoon olive oil: For sautéing the meat and veggies, adding richness without overpowering flavors.
- 1 pound ground beef or thinly sliced steak: The meaty star that delivers savory depth with each tender morsel.
- 1 green bell pepper (chopped): Adds a mild sweetness and vibrant color for freshness.
- 1 small onion (chopped): Gives a subtle pungency and soft texture when cooked down.
- 2 cloves garlic (minced): Infuses the dish with aromatic warmth and a little kick.
- 1 teaspoon salt: Essential for balancing and enhancing all the flavors.
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper: Adds just the right amount of heat and earthiness.
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce: A secret weapon for umami zing that compliments the beef perfectly.
- 1 cup beef broth: Builds the savory base for the sauce, keeping it moist and flavorful.
- 1 cup heavy cream: Creates a luscious, velvety sauce that coats every piece of pasta beautifully.
- 1 cup shredded provolone cheese: Tangy and smooth, it melts into the sauce for that hallmark cheesesteak taste.
- 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese: Adds gooey stretchiness and balances the sharpness of the provolone.
- Chopped parsley for garnish: A fresh, herbal finish that brings brightness and a pop of green.
How to Make Philly Cheesesteak Pasta Recipe
Step 1: Cook the Pasta
Start by boiling the pasta in salted water according to the package instructions until it is al dente. This ensures that the pasta retains a bit of bite and won’t turn mushy once mixed with the creamy sauce. After cooking, drain the pasta and set it aside while you prepare the rest of the dish.
Step 2: Sauté the Meat
In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat, then add your choice of ground beef or thinly sliced steak. Cook the meat until nicely browned, breaking it apart if using ground beef, so every piece caramelizes beautifully. If there’s excess fat, drain it off to keep the dish from getting greasy.
Step 3: Cook the Vegetables
To the skillet with the meat, add the chopped green bell pepper and onion. Sauté for about five minutes until they become tender and fragrant, perfectly complementing the meaty base. This step builds both flavor and texture, adding a touch of sweetness and crunch.
Step 4: Add Garlic and Seasonings
Stir in the minced garlic, salt, black pepper, and Worcestershire sauce. Let everything cook together for another minute so those spices bloom and the garlic releases its aroma, enhancing the saucy foundation you’re building.
Step 5: Make the Sauce
Pour in the beef broth and heavy cream, stirring to combine thoroughly. Allow the mixture to simmer gently for 3 to 4 minutes until it thickens slightly, becoming lush and silky. This creamy sauce is what transforms simple pasta and beef into a sumptuous Philly-inspired dish.
Step 6: Melt in the Cheese and Combine
Reduce the heat to low and add the shredded provolone and mozzarella cheeses. Stir until the cheese melts fully, creating a smooth, cheesy sauce that envelops the pasta. Finally, toss in the cooked pasta and mix until everything is coated beautifully and heated through.
How to Serve Philly Cheesesteak Pasta Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of fresh chopped parsley adds a lovely herbal freshness and a burst of inviting color, cutting through the richness with its bright flavor. You can also toss on some sliced green onions or a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes if you like a little kick.
Side Dishes
This dish pairs wonderfully with simple sides like a crisp garden salad or steamed green beans to balance the creamy pasta. Garlic bread or soft dinner rolls also make great companions, perfect for mopping up any leftover sauce.
Creative Ways to Present
For a crowd-pleasing presentation, serve your Philly Cheesesteak Pasta Recipe in a large, shallow bowl garnished with parsley and a few extra cheese shreds on top. You can also layer it in a casserole dish, bake it with an additional cheese topping until golden brown, and serve it as a bubbly, comforting baked pasta.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Philly Cheesesteak Pasta can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors tend to deepen overnight, making it an even tastier lunch or dinner the next day.
Freezing
You can freeze this pasta by placing it in a freezer-safe container. It’s best to freeze it without garnish and consume within 2 months for optimal flavor and texture. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Reheating
To reheat, warm the pasta gently in a skillet over medium-low heat, adding a splash of beef broth or cream if needed to loosen the sauce. Avoid microwaving too long at once to keep the cheese from becoming rubbery and maintain that creamy consistency.
FAQs
Can I use different types of cheese for this Philly Cheesesteak Pasta Recipe?
Absolutely! While provolone and mozzarella give the authentic flavor and gooey texture, you can experiment with American cheese, cheddar, or even a bit of cream cheese for extra richness and creaminess.
Is it better to use ground beef or sliced steak?
Both work wonderfully. Ground beef offers convenience and great flavor, while thinly sliced ribeye gives the dish a more classic Philly cheesesteak vibe with tender meat slices that elevate the texture.
Can I make this dish vegetarian?
Yes, you can substitute the meat with sautéed mushrooms or a plant-based meat alternative to keep that hearty, savory feel without compromising on flavor.
How spicy is this recipe?
This recipe is mild by default but adding pepper flakes or hot sauce when cooking the garlic and seasonings can introduce a pleasant heat to suit your taste.
What pasta shapes work best for Philly Cheesesteak Pasta Recipe?
Penne or rigatoni are ideal because their ridges and hollow centers hold onto the creamy sauce perfectly, but other sturdy shapes like fusilli or cavatappi also work well.
Final Thoughts
If you’re craving a dish that’s bursting with the soul-satisfying flavors of a Philly cheesesteak while delivering the comfort of a creamy pasta, this Philly Cheesesteak Pasta Recipe is your new go-to. It’s simple to make, endlessly adaptable, and irresistibly tasty — perfect for sharing with loved ones or treating yourself to something truly special. Give it a try, and prepare to fall in love with a new comfort food classic!
Print
Philly Cheesesteak Pasta Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Kid-Friendly
Description
Philly Cheesesteak Pasta is a creamy, hearty dish that combines the classic flavors of a Philly cheesesteak sandwich with tender pasta. Featuring ground beef or thinly sliced ribeye, sautéed bell peppers and onions, and a rich cheese sauce made with provolone and mozzarella, this skillet dinner is perfect for an easy weeknight meal that satisfies comfort food cravings.
Ingredients
Pasta
- 12 oz penne or rigatoni pasta
Meat and Vegetables
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 pound ground beef or thinly sliced steak (like ribeye)
- 1 green bell pepper, chopped
- 1 small onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
Seasonings and Sauces
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 cup beef broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
Cheeses
- 1 cup shredded provolone cheese
- 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
Garnish
- Chopped parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the penne or rigatoni pasta and cook according to the package directions until al dente. Drain well and set aside.
- Brown the Meat: Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef or thinly sliced steak and cook until browned, stirring occasionally. If using ground beef, break it up into crumbles during cooking. Drain any excess fat from the skillet if necessary.
- Sauté Vegetables: Add the chopped green bell pepper and onion to the skillet with the meat. Sauté for about 5 minutes until the vegetables are softened and fragrant.
- Add Garlic and Seasonings: Stir in the minced garlic, salt, black pepper, and Worcestershire sauce. Cook for an additional minute to allow the flavors to meld.
- Create the Sauce: Pour in the beef broth and heavy cream, stirring to combine everything evenly. Let the mixture simmer gently for 3 to 4 minutes until it thickens slightly.
- Melt the Cheeses: Reduce the heat to low. Add the shredded provolone and mozzarella cheeses to the skillet, stirring until the cheeses melt completely and create a creamy sauce.
- Toss Pasta with Sauce: Add the cooked pasta to the skillet and toss thoroughly to coat the pasta with the cheesy meat sauce.
- Garnish and Serve: Sprinkle chopped parsley over the top for a fresh finish. Serve the Philly Cheesesteak Pasta hot for a comforting and delicious meal.
Notes
- For a more authentic Philly cheesesteak flavor, opt for thinly sliced ribeye steak instead of ground beef.
- Substitute cream cheese for heavy cream to add extra richness and creaminess.
- Add sautéed mushrooms to the vegetable mix for added depth and earthiness.
- Include a dash of hot sauce if you prefer a spicy kick to your dish.
