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If you’re craving the iconic flavors of a Philly cheesesteak but want a fun, comforting twist, the Philly Cheesesteak Pasta Recipe is your new best friend in the kitchen. This dish takes the juicy, savory goodness of steak and peppers, blends it with a luscious, creamy cheese sauce, and marries it all with tender pasta to create a meal that’s hearty, delicious, and impossible to resist. Whether you’re settling in for a cozy dinner or entertaining friends, this recipe delivers all the bold flavors of a classic cheesesteak in a delightful pasta form that everyone will love.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering the right ingredients is essential to capturing the true spirit of this Philly Cheesesteak Pasta Recipe. Each component adds its own special touch—whether it’s the fresh crunch of green peppers, the richness of cream cheese, or the savory punch of tender steak or ground beef. Simple, straightforward, and all-stars in their own right.
- 1 lb ground beef or steak strips: Use your choice of protein for that authentic Philly cheesesteak flavor and satisfying meaty texture.
- 1 green bell pepper, diced: Adds a crisp, slightly bitter contrast that brightens the dish.
- 1 onion, diced: Brings sweetness and depth, perfectly complementing the peppers and meat.
- 2 cloves garlic, minced: A punch of aromatic flavor that elevates every bite.
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened: Creates a luxuriously creamy sauce that binds everything beautifully.
- 1 cup shredded provolone cheese: Melts perfectly on top for that gooey, golden finish reminiscent of a cheesesteak sandwich.
- 12 oz pasta (penne or rigatoni recommended): The sturdy shapes hold the rich sauce perfectly in every forkful.
- 1 cup beef broth: Adds savory depth and helps melt the cream cheese into a silky sauce.
- Salt and pepper, to taste: Essential for balancing flavors and seasoning to your liking.
- 1 tbsp olive oil: Used for sautéing veggies and infusing a subtle fruity richness.
How to Make Philly Cheesesteak Pasta Recipe
Step 1: Cook the Pasta
Start by bringing a large pot of salty water to a boil—this seasons the pasta from the inside out. Toss in your penne or rigatoni and cook until al dente, which means it still has a bit of bite without being mushy. Drain the pasta and set it aside to wait for its cheesy, meaty sauce.
Step 2: Sauté the Vegetables
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the diced green bell pepper, onion, and minced garlic. Sauté for about 4-5 minutes, or until the veggies soften and release their fragrant aroma—this step is key to building that irresistible base flavor for your Philly Cheesesteak Pasta Recipe.
Step 3: Cook the Meat
Next, add your ground beef or steak strips to the skillet. Brown the meat thoroughly, breaking it up if needed, and cook until no pink remains. Season generously with salt and pepper, bringing out the savory, juicy essence that makes this dish so darn good.
Step 4: Combine Ingredients
Now, stir in the softened cream cheese and beef broth right into the skillet with the meat and veggies. Keep the heat moderate and stir constantly to melt the cream cheese into a smooth, creamy sauce that perfectly coats all those tasty bits beneath.
Step 5: Top with Cheese and Broil
Mix in the cooked pasta, tossing everything together so the noodles get enveloped in that luscious sauce. Then sprinkle shredded provolone cheese generously on top. Pop the skillet under the broiler for 3 to 5 minutes until the cheese bubbles, melts, and turns a gorgeous golden brown—you’re almost there!
Step 6: Serve
Carefully remove from the oven and serve your Philly Cheesesteak Pasta Recipe piping hot. The perfect melding of creamy, cheesy sauce and hearty, flavorful meat and veggies makes this dish an instant crowd-pleaser that’s as comforting as it is impressive.
How to Serve Philly Cheesesteak Pasta Recipe
Garnishes
To brighten up the rich flavors, sprinkle some freshly chopped parsley or green onions on top. A light dusting of freshly ground black pepper adds just the right touch of heat and aroma. If you like things a bit spicy, a few red pepper flakes can also bring a nice kick without overpowering the classic cheesesteak notes.
Side Dishes
This pasta dish stands strong on its own but pairs beautifully with a crisp green salad dressed lightly with lemon vinaigrette to cut through the richness. Garlic bread is a natural partner, perfect for soaking up every last bit of that creamy, cheesy sauce. For something lighter, roasted or steamed green beans add a fresh, crunchy contrast.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve this Philly Cheesesteak Pasta Recipe in individual oven-safe ramekins topped with provolone and broiled to bubbly perfection. Alternatively, you can spoon it into hollowed-out bell peppers or even bake it in a casserole dish for a family-style meal that’s easy to share and sure to impress.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have leftovers (and you just might!), store them in an airtight container in the fridge. The flavors actually deepen overnight, making for an even more delicious next-day meal. It will keep well for up to 3 days—just be sure to cool it before sealing to maintain the creamy texture.
Freezing
This Philly Cheesesteak Pasta Recipe freezes nicely, making it a great make-ahead option. Portion it into freezer-safe containers and freeze for up to 2 months. To avoid cheese separation, it’s best to freeze before broiling or add fresh shredded provolone on top after reheating.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers gently on the stove over low heat or in the microwave, stirring occasionally. Adding a splash of beef broth or milk helps restore the creamy consistency. If you want that broiled cheese finish again, sprinkle fresh provolone on top and pop it under the broiler for a couple of minutes until bubbly.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of pasta for this recipe?
Absolutely! While penne or rigatoni are recommended because their shapes hold the sauce well, you can swap in fusilli, farfalle, or even macaroni based on what you have or prefer. The key is to choose a pasta shape that catches the creamy sauce nicely.
What’s the best way to make this recipe vegetarian?
To make a vegetarian version, swap the meat for hearty mushrooms like portobello or cremini, which add a meaty texture and rich flavor. You can also use plant-based ground “beef” substitutes to keep that classic Philly vibe without the meat.
Can I prepare this Philly Cheesesteak Pasta Recipe ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare the pasta and meat mixture a day ahead and keep it refrigerated. When you’re ready to serve, just combine everything, add the cheese topping, and broil to get that bubbly, golden finish. It’s perfect for busy weeknights or entertaining.
Is provolone cheese necessary or can I use something else?
Provolone delivers that authentic Philly cheesesteak flavor, but you can absolutely experiment with mozzarella, cheddar, or a blend of cheeses. Just pick cheeses that melt smoothly and create a gooey, cheesy crust under the broiler.
How can I make the dish spicier?
For an extra spicy kick, toss in some diced jalapeños with the bell peppers or sprinkle crushed red pepper flakes into the sauce. Adding a dash of hot sauce to the creamy mixture can also amplify the heat without masking the cheesesteak flavors.
Final Thoughts
Cooking the Philly Cheesesteak Pasta Recipe brings all the best parts of a classic sandwich into a warm, cheesy, and utterly comforting pasta dish that’s perfect any night of the week. It’s easy to make, endlessly satisfying, and bound to become a new favorite in your recipe rotation. Give it a try—you’ll be hooked from the very first bite!
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Philly Cheesesteak Pasta Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Pasta
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Philly Cheesesteak Pasta is a comforting and flavorful dish that combines the classic flavors of a Philly cheesesteak sandwich with tender pasta. Ground beef or steak strips are sautéed with bell peppers, onions, and garlic, then tossed in a creamy sauce made from cream cheese and beef broth. Topped with melted provolone cheese and broiled to golden perfection, this easy 30-minute meal is perfect for weeknight dinners and serves 4 people.
Ingredients
Meat and Vegetables
- 1 lb ground beef or steak strips
- 1 green bell pepper, diced
- 1 onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
Cheese and Dairy
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup shredded provolone cheese
Pasta and Liquids
- 12 oz pasta (penne or rigatoni recommended)
- 1 cup beef broth
Seasonings and Oil
- 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 according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain the pasta and set it aside for later.
- Sauté the Vegetables: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the diced green bell pepper, onion, and minced garlic. Sauté for 4 to 5 minutes until the vegetables are softened and aromatic.
- Cook the Meat: Add the ground beef or steak strips to the skillet with the vegetables. Cook thoroughly until the meat is browned and fully cooked, breaking up the ground beef as needed. Season the mixture with salt and pepper to taste.
- Combine Ingredients: Stir the softened cream cheese and beef broth into the skillet with the meat and vegetables. Cook while stirring constantly until the cream cheese melts and the sauce becomes smooth and creamy.
- Top with Cheese and Broil: Add the cooked pasta to the skillet and toss everything together to coat the pasta well with the creamy sauce. Sprinkle the shredded provolone cheese evenly on top. Place the skillet under a preheated oven broiler for 3 to 5 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and golden brown.
- Serve: Carefully remove the skillet from the oven and serve the pasta hot. Enjoy your delicious Philly Cheesesteak Pasta immediately for best flavor and texture.
Notes
- Use penne or rigatoni pasta as they hold the sauce well, but any short pasta will work.
- You can substitute provolone cheese with mozzarella for a different flavor profile.
- If you prefer steak strips, slice them thinly for quick cooking.
- Broiling time can vary—watch the cheese carefully to prevent burning.
- Leftovers keep well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and can be reheated gently on the stovetop or microwave.
