If you adore the rich flavors of a classic Philly cheesesteak but want to enjoy them in a heartier, more comforting way, the Philly Cheesesteak Pasta Recipe is going to become your new favorite dinner. This dish brilliantly transforms those iconic components—savory beef, sweet peppers and onions, luscious cheeses—into a creamy, cheesy pasta that feels both indulgent and satisfying. Perfect for a cozy weeknight or when you need a little extra comfort on your plate, this recipe delivers all the best parts of a Philly cheesesteak with the cozy warmth of a pasta bake. Plus, it’s surprisingly quick to prepare, making it an absolute winner for busy cooks craving something special.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Each ingredient in this Philly Cheesesteak Pasta Recipe plays a vital role in building the layers of flavor and that irresistible creamy texture. They’re simple, straightforward pantry and fresh ingredients that come together to make a dish that’s anything but ordinary.
- 1 lb ground beef or steak strips: This is the star protein, supplying that classic Philly cheesesteak meaty flavor and texture.
- 1 green bell pepper, diced: Adds a fresh, slightly sweet crunch to balance the richness of the cheese and beef.
- 1 onion, diced: Provides depth and a touch of natural sweetness when sautéed.
- 2 cloves garlic, minced: Injects a fragrant punch that elevates every bite.
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened: The secret to a creamy, velvety sauce that coats every piece of pasta.
- 1 cup shredded provolone cheese: Melts perfectly on top for that gooey, bubbly finish.
- 12 oz pasta (penne or rigatoni recommended): Holds onto the sauce and chunks beautifully thanks to its ridged shape.
- 1 cup beef broth: Adds savory umami and helps create a flavorful sauce base.
- Salt and pepper to taste: Essential seasonings to brighten and balance all the components.
- 1 tbsp olive oil: For sautéing vegetables and adding a silky richness to the pan.
How to Make Philly Cheesesteak Pasta Recipe
Step 1: Cook the Pasta
Start by boiling a large pot of salted water. Add your choice of pasta—penne or rigatoni hold the sauce wonderfully—and cook until perfectly al dente according to the package directions. Once done, drain the pasta thoroughly and set it aside to await that rich, cheesesteak sauce it’s about to meet.
Step 2: Sauté the Vegetables
With your skillet preheated and olive oil shimmering, toss in the diced green bell pepper, onion, and minced garlic. Cook them gently over medium heat until they soften and release their natural sweetness, which usually takes about 5 minutes. This step ramps up the flavor and ensures your veggies meld seamlessly into the dish.
Step 3: Cook the Meat
Next, add your ground beef or steak strips to the sizzling pan of veggies. Let the meat brown evenly, stirring occasionally, until it’s cooked through and beautifully caramelized. This browning adds that deep, savory foundation that makes this pasta feel so hearty and classic Philly cheesesteak-like.
Step 4: Combine Ingredients
Now for the magic moment: stir in the softened cream cheese and beef broth right into the skillet with your meat and veggies. The cream cheese will melt into a rich, creamy sauce, perfectly balancing the beef broth’s savory depth. Once the sauce is smooth and luscious, fold in the cooked pasta, tossing everything so each piece is coated generously.
Step 5: Top with Cheese
Transfer the creamy pasta mixture into an oven-safe dish or leave it in your skillet if it’s broiler-safe. Sprinkle the shredded provolone evenly over the top. Pop it under the broiler for 2 to 3 minutes until the cheese bubbles up golden and irresistibly gooey. Keep a close eye on it—this is the delicious finishing touch that brings the Philly cheesesteak vibe front and center.
How to Serve Philly Cheesesteak Pasta Recipe
Garnishes
Brighten your Philly Cheesesteak Pasta Recipe with a sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley or a dusting of cracked black pepper. These simple garnishes add a fresh pop of color and a hint of vibrancy that makes each plate look as good as it tastes.
Side Dishes
This pasta is quite substantial on its own, but pairing it with a crisp green salad or roasted vegetables can offer a lovely contrast in texture and freshness. Something light and crunchy helps balance the indulgent creaminess of the dish perfectly.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve the Philly Cheesesteak Pasta Recipe in individual mini casserole dishes or bread bowls for a charming presentation. Alternatively, layering it in a clear glass baking dish lets the cheesy layers show through, making a stunning centerpiece for your dinner table.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you’re lucky enough to have leftovers (and you probably will be), store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. The flavors actually deepen after a day, and it will keep well for up to 3 days.
Freezing
This dish freezes beautifully. Just make sure it’s completely cooled before packing it into a freezer-safe container. It will keep in the freezer for up to 2 months, perfect for a quick, comforting meal whenever you need it.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers gently on the stove with a splash of beef broth or milk to loosen the sauce, or zap it in the microwave until warmed throughout. If reheating from frozen, thaw it overnight in the fridge first for the best texture and flavor.
FAQs
Can I use chicken or other meats instead of beef?
Absolutely! While ground beef or steak strips give the authentic Philly cheesesteak experience, substituting with chicken or even turkey works well to lighten it up. Just adjust cooking times accordingly so your meat is tender and juicy.
What type of pasta is best for this recipe?
Penne or rigatoni are ideal because their ridges catch the creamy cheese sauce beautifully. However, feel free to use any short pasta you have on hand. Just avoid very thin or long noodles since they don’t hold the sauce as well.
Is this recipe very spicy?
Not at all! This Philly Cheesesteak Pasta Recipe keeps things mild, focusing on savory and cheesy flavors. If you want a bit of heat, you can always add red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to taste.
Can I make this dish vegetarian?
You can swap out the beef for plant-based meat alternatives or hearty mushrooms and use vegetable broth instead of beef broth. The cream cheese and provolone will still create a rich, comforting sauce.
How long does it take to make this recipe?
This recipe is wonderfully quick for a cheesy, hearty pasta dish—ready to serve in about 30 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights when you want something delicious without hours in the kitchen.
Final Thoughts
If you’ve been on the lookout for a comforting, flavorful dinner that channels the spirit of a Philly cheesesteak in a totally new way, the Philly Cheesesteak Pasta Recipe is your go-to. It’s creamy, cheesy, packed with savory beef and veggies, and simply downright delicious. I can’t wait for you to try this recipe and make it your own cozy weeknight favorite—trust me, it’s one dish your whole family will rave about!
Print
Philly Cheesesteak Pasta Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Philly Cheesesteak Pasta recipe combines the iconic flavors of a classic Philly cheesesteak sandwich with comforting pasta. Tender sautéed beef, bell peppers, and onions are mixed in a creamy, cheesy sauce and topped with melted provolone cheese for a delicious, hearty meal perfect for a quick weeknight dinner.
Ingredients
Protein and Vegetables
- 1 lb ground beef or steak strips
- 1 green bell pepper, diced
- 1 onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
Dairy and Cheese
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup shredded provolone cheese
Pantry and Others
- 12 oz pasta (penne or rigatoni recommended)
- 1 cup beef broth
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Cook Pasta: Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook until al dente according to package instructions. Drain the pasta thoroughly and set it aside.
- Sauté Vegetables: Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the diced green bell pepper, diced onion, and minced garlic. Sauté the vegetables for about 5 minutes until they become soft and fragrant.
- Cook Meat: Add the ground beef or steak strips to the skillet with the vegetables. Cook the meat until browned and fully cooked through, breaking up the ground beef as it cooks if used.
- Combine Ingredients: Stir in the softened cream cheese and pour in the beef broth. Mix well and cook over medium heat until the cream cheese melts completely and the sauce becomes creamy. Add the cooked pasta to the skillet and stir well to evenly coat the pasta with the creamy sauce.
- Top with Cheese and Broil: Sprinkle the shredded provolone cheese evenly over the pasta mixture in the skillet or transfer to an oven-safe dish. Preheat your oven’s broiler and place the dish under the broiler for 2 to 3 minutes until the cheese melts, bubbles, and slightly browns.
- Serve: Remove from the oven and serve the Philly Cheesesteak Pasta hot. Enjoy this creamy, flavorful dish immediately for best taste.
Notes
- For authentic flavor, steak strips resemble traditional Philly cheesesteak more closely than ground beef.
- You can use penne, rigatoni, or any pasta that holds sauce well.
- Keep an eye on the broiler to prevent burning the cheese.
- The recipe can be adjusted by adding mushrooms or hot peppers for extra flavor.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated and reheated in the microwave or skillet.
