Philly Cheesesteak Pasta Recipe

Irresistible Philly Cheesesteak Pasta Recipe for Comfort Lovers

My latest culinary experiment with Philly cheesesteak pasta happened during a lazy weekend cooking spree.

Weeknight dinner solutions often need creative twists that surprise hungry families.

Juicy beef strips and melted cheese create magic in this comfort food mashup.

Nostalgic Philadelphia sandwich flavors dance through every delectable pasta bite.

Classic ingredients merge into something unexpectedly delicious and simple to prepare.

Creamy textures and savory notes promise a meal you’ll want to devour immediately.

Grab your skillet and let’s make dinner extraordinary tonight!

Philly Cheesesteak Pasta Rundown

  • Satisfy Cravings Instantly: Transform the classic Philly cheesesteak into a comforting pasta dish that delivers bold, meaty flavors in every single bite.
  • Customize with Ease: Swap between ground beef or steak strips, adjust cheese types, and add extra vegetables to make this recipe perfectly suited to your personal taste preferences.
  • One-Skillet Wonder: Minimize kitchen cleanup by preparing this entire meal in a single skillet, reducing dishes and making the cooking process super streamlined and convenient.
  • Family-Friendly Feast: Kids and adults alike will love this hearty pasta that combines familiar cheesesteak ingredients into a crowd-pleasing meal that's sure to bring smiles around the dinner table.

Ingredients for Philly Cheesesteak Pasta

Main Protein:
  • Ground Beef or Steak Strips: A classic protein choice that captures the hearty essence of a traditional Philly cheesesteak.
Pasta Base:
  • Pasta: The foundational component that provides a comforting and satisfying texture to this dish.
Dairy and Cheese Components:
  • Cream Cheese: Adds a rich, creamy consistency that helps bind the sauce together.
  • Provolone Cheese: Provides a classic cheesy flavor and creates a melty, golden topping.
Vegetable Aromatics:
  • Green Bell Pepper, Onion, Garlic: These vegetables contribute depth of flavor and authentic Philly cheesesteak character.
Liquid and Seasoning Base:
  • Olive Oil: Helps sauté the vegetables and prevents sticking.
  • Beef Broth: Enhances the meaty flavor and helps create a smooth sauce.
  • Salt, Pepper: Essential seasonings that bring out the natural flavors of the ingredients.

How to Prepare Philly Cheesesteak Pasta

Step 1: Boil Pasta

Cook pasta in salted water until perfectly tender. Drain and set aside, keeping the pasta warm and ready for the next delicious stage of cooking.

Step 2: Prepare Vegetable Base

Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Sauté the following ingredients until soft and aromatic:
  • Green bell pepper
  • Onion
  • Garlic

Stir frequently to prevent burning and ensure even cooking.

Step 3: Brown the Meat

Add ground beef or steak strips to the skillet. Cook thoroughly, breaking down the meat into small pieces.

Season with salt and black pepper to enhance the flavor profile. Continue cooking until the meat is completely browned and develops a rich, caramelized exterior.

Step 4: Create Creamy Sauce

Introduce cream cheese and beef broth into the skillet. Stir continuously until the cream cheese melts completely, creating a smooth and luxurious sauce that coats the meat and vegetables.

Step 5: Combine and Melt Cheese

Fold the cooked pasta into the meat mixture, ensuring every strand is generously covered with the creamy sauce. Sprinkle provolone cheese over the top.

Place the skillet under the broiler for 2-3 minutes until the cheese becomes golden and bubbly.

Step 6: Plate and Serve

Remove the skillet from the broiler.

Transfer the pasta to serving plates immediately. Pair with a crisp green salad or roasted vegetables for a complete meal that captures the essence of a classic Philly cheesesteak.

Tips for Philly Cheesesteak Pasta

  • Cook pasta just until al dente to prevent mushiness and ensure it maintains a perfect bite when mixed with the creamy sauce.
  • Choose well-marbled steak strips or lean ground beef for maximum flavor and authentic Philly cheesesteak experience.
  • Let provolone cheese brown slightly under the broiler for a golden, crispy top that adds delicious texture and depth to the dish.
  • Adjust cream cheese and beef broth quantities to control sauce thickness, ensuring a smooth and velvety consistency that coats pasta evenly.
  • Dice bell peppers and onions uniformly for even cooking and better distribution throughout the pasta, capturing genuine Philly cheesesteak essence.

Variations on Philly Cheesesteak Pasta

  • Vegetarian Deconstructed: Replace beef with sliced portobello mushrooms or plant-based meat alternatives for a meat-free version that captures the classic Philly cheesesteak flavor profile.
  • Gluten-Free Option: Swap traditional pasta with gluten-free pasta made from chickpea, rice, or quinoa to accommodate wheat-sensitive diners while maintaining the dish's rich taste.
  • Low-Carb Transformation: Use zucchini noodles or cauliflower rice instead of pasta to create a lighter, lower-carbohydrate meal that still delivers the creamy, cheesy experience of the original recipe.
  • Spicy Southwest Remix: Add diced jalapeños, cayenne pepper, and replace provolone with pepper jack cheese to give the pasta a bold, spicy kick that elevates the traditional cheesesteak flavor.

Pairing Suggestions for Philly Cheesesteak Pasta

  • Choose a robust Cabernet Sauvignon or Malbec to complement the rich, meaty flavors of the Philly Cheesesteak Pasta. The wine's tannins will cut through the creamy sauce and enhance the beef's savory profile.
  • Select a cold craft beer like an amber ale or brown ale that matches the hearty ingredients. The beer's malty notes will harmonize perfectly with the pasta's cheesy and beefy essence.
  • Prepare a tangy arugula salad with light vinaigrette to balance the dish's heaviness. The peppery greens and acidic dressing will provide a refreshing contrast to the rich, creamy pasta.

Storage Guidelines for Philly Cheesesteak Pasta

  • Store leftovers in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Keep in the refrigerator for 3-4 days, ensuring the pasta remains fresh and safe to eat.
  • Place pasta in a microwave-safe dish, sprinkle a few drops of water to prevent drying. Cover with a damp paper towel and heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each interval until thoroughly warmed.
  • Warm pasta in a skillet over medium-low heat, adding a splash of beef broth or milk to restore moisture and prevent sticking. Stir continuously to distribute heat evenly and maintain creamy texture.
  • Transfer cooled pasta to freezer-safe containers or zip-lock bags. Label with date and contents. Freeze for up to 2 months.

FAQs

  • What meat can I use for this pasta dish?

You can use ground beef or steak strips depending on your preference. Both options work great and will give the dish a delicious Philly cheesesteak flavor.

  • Is this recipe spicy?

No, this recipe is not spicy. It’s a mild, creamy pasta dish with traditional Philly cheesesteak flavors from the bell peppers, onions, and beef.

  • Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the pasta and meat mixture in advance. Just add the cheese right before broiling to keep it fresh and prevent soggy cheese.

  • Do I need any special equipment for this recipe?

You’ll need a large skillet and an oven-safe skillet or baking dish for the final broiling step to melt the provolone cheese.

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Philly Cheesesteak Pasta Recipe

Philly Cheesesteak Pasta Recipe


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4.9 from 38 reviews

  • Total Time: 30 minutes
  • Yield: 4 1x

Description

Hearty Philly cheesesteak pasta blends classic sandwich flavors with comforting noodle goodness. Savory beef, melted provolone, and caramelized peppers create a quick, satisfying meal you’ll crave after one delicious bite.


Ingredients

Scale

Meat:

  • 1 pound ground beef or steak strips

Vegetables:

  • 1 green bell pepper, diced
  • 1 onion, diced
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced

Dairy and Cheese:

  • 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
  • 1 cup shredded provolone cheese

Pasta and Liquids:

  • 12 ounces pasta (penne or rigatoni recommended)
  • 1 cup beef broth

Seasonings and Oil:

  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • Salt to taste
  • Pepper to taste

Instructions

  1. Prepare a large pot of salted water and cook pasta until perfectly al dente, approximately 8-10 minutes. Drain and reserve.
  2. In a spacious skillet, warm olive oil over medium heat. Add diced green bell peppers, onions, and garlic. Sauté for 5-6 minutes until vegetables become translucent and aromatic.
  3. Introduce beef strips or ground meat into the skillet. Cook thoroughly at medium-high heat, breaking down larger pieces, until meat browns completely and releases its rich flavors.
  4. Season the meat mixture with salt and pepper, ensuring even distribution of seasoning throughout the protein.
  5. Reduce heat to medium-low and incorporate cream cheese and beef broth. Stir continuously until cream cheese melts, creating a smooth, velvety sauce.
  6. Gently fold reserved pasta into the skillet, coating each strand with the creamy sauce. Ensure complete integration of pasta and meat mixture.
  7. Sprinkle provolone cheese generously across the top of the pasta. Transfer skillet to preheated broiler for 2-3 minutes, watching carefully until cheese turns golden and bubbles.
  8. Remove from broiler, let rest for 1-2 minutes. Serve immediately while cheese remains hot and melted, accompanied by fresh side salad or seasonal vegetables.

Notes

  • Choose tender, well-marbled steak strips for authentic Philly cheesesteak flavor that melts in your mouth.
  • Opt for high-quality provolone cheese to achieve a rich, creamy texture that perfectly complements the pasta.
  • Drain pasta slightly before fully cooked to prevent mushy texture when combined with the sauce, ensuring a perfect al dente consistency.
  • Consider gluten-free pasta alternatives for those with dietary restrictions, maintaining the dish’s delicious essence without compromising taste.
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 20 minutes
  • Category: Lunch, Dinner
  • Method: Boiling
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 4
  • Calories: 665 kcal
  • Sugar: 4 g
  • Sodium: 620 mg
  • Fat: 41 g
  • Saturated Fat: 18 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 20 g
  • Trans Fat: 1 g
  • Carbohydrates: 38 g
  • Fiber: 3 g
  • Protein: 36 g
  • Cholesterol: 110 mg
Mike Reynolds

Mike Reynolds

Founder & Recipe Developer

Expertise

Farm-to-table cuisine, Seasonal recipe development, Sustainable cooking techniques, Food photography

Education

Asheville-Buncombe Technical Community College (A-B Tech)
Associate Degree in Culinary Arts

Mike studied culinary arts with a strong focus on farm-to-table principles and sustainable cooking. His training emphasized the importance of fresh, local ingredients and environmentally responsible practices in the kitchen.


Mike’s food journey began deep in the Blue Ridge Mountains, where weekends at farmers’ markets and home-cooked meals sparked a lifelong obsession with simple, seasonal eating.
After earning his Associate Degree in Culinary Arts from Asheville-Buncombe Technical Community College, he set out to bring farm-to-table cooking into everyday kitchens, without the fuss.
Mike’s philosophy is all about keeping it fresh, unfussy, and full of heart. When he’s not crafting new single-serving recipes, he’s hiking mountain trails, chatting with local farmers, or experimenting with wild ingredients in his backyard kitchen.

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