Name: Philly Cheesesteak Pasta: A Creamy, Cheesy Comfort Dish
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 40 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 lb Ground beef; 12 oz Pasta (penne, rigatoni, or rotini); 1 Green bell pepper (sliced); 1 Red bell pepper (sliced); 1 Medium onion (sliced); 2 cloves Garlic (minced); 2 cups Beef broth; 4 oz Cream cheese (softened); 6 slices Provolone cheese; ½ cup Heavy cream; 2 tbsp Olive oil; Salt and Pepper (to taste)

Print Recipe

Craving the flavors of a classic Philly cheesesteak but looking for a twist? This Philly Cheesesteak Pasta is the perfect comfort food mashup! Packed with tender beef, sautéed peppers and onions, creamy cheese sauce, and pasta, it’s a one-pan meal the whole family will love. Whether you’re looking for a hearty weeknight dinner or a dish to impress guests, this recipe is an easy, delicious way to satisfy your cravings.

Ingredients Overview

Key Ingredients for Philly Cheesesteak Pasta

Ground Beef (1 lb): Lean ground beef adds protein and flavor. You can also use thinly sliced steak for a more authentic Philly cheesesteak experience.
Pasta (12 oz): Penne, rigatoni, or rotini work well to soak up the creamy cheese sauce.
Bell Peppers (1 green, 1 red): Add color, crunch, and a sweet balance to the savory flavors.
Onion (1 medium): Provides a classic Philly cheesesteak flavor base.
Garlic (2 cloves, minced): Enhances the savory depth of the dish.
Beef Broth (2 cups): Adds richness to the sauce and helps cook the pasta in the same pan.
Cream Cheese (4 oz): Gives the sauce its creamy texture.
Provolone Cheese (6 slices): Melts into the dish for that authentic cheesesteak taste.
Heavy Cream (1/2 cup): Adds a rich, velvety consistency to the sauce.
Olive Oil (2 tbsp): For sautéing the vegetables.
Salt and Pepper (to taste): Essential for seasoning.

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Cook the Pasta

Bring a pot of salted water to a boil and cook the pasta until al dente according to package instructions. Reserve 1/2 cup of pasta water, then drain and set aside.

2. Sauté the Vegetables

In a large skillet, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat.
Add the sliced bell peppers and onion, cooking for 5–7 minutes until softened. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another 1–2 minutes. Remove the vegetables from the skillet and set aside.

3. Cook the Ground Beef

In the same skillet, add the ground beef and cook over medium heat until browned and cooked through, breaking it apart with a wooden spoon. Drain any excess grease. Season with salt and pepper.

4. Create the Cheese Sauce

Reduce the heat to low and stir in the cream cheese, allowing it to melt into the beef.
Pour in the beef broth and heavy cream, stirring until the mixture is smooth and creamy.
Add the sautéed vegetables back into the skillet, along with the cooked pasta. Toss to combine.

5. Melt the Provolone

Lay the slices of provolone cheese evenly over the pasta mixture. Cover the skillet and let it sit for 2–3 minutes, or until the cheese is fully melted. Gently stir the melted cheese into the pasta.

6. Serve and Enjoy

Garnish with chopped parsley or red pepper flakes for an extra touch of flavor. Serve hot and enjoy the creamy, cheesy, and savory goodness!

Tips and Tricks

Customizing the Recipe

Use Steak Instead of Ground Beef: Swap ground beef for thinly sliced ribeye or sirloin for a more traditional Philly cheesesteak experience.
Add Mushrooms: Sauté sliced mushrooms with the peppers and onions for added texture and flavor.
Spicy Twist: Add jalapeños or red pepper flakes for a little heat.

One-Pan Option

Skip boiling the pasta separately and cook it directly in the skillet with the beef broth. Increase the broth to 3 cups and simmer the uncooked pasta in the sauce until tender.

Perfectly Creamy Sauce

Use room-temperature cream cheese for easy melting.
Adjust the sauce consistency by adding a splash of reserved pasta water if it’s too thick.

Serving Suggestions

Philly Cheesesteak Pasta is a hearty dish that pairs perfectly with lighter sides:

Garlic Bread: A crusty slice is perfect for scooping up the creamy sauce.
Side Salad: A crisp green salad with a tangy vinaigrette balances the richness of the pasta.
Steamed Vegetables: Broccoli, green beans, or asparagus add a fresh touch to the meal.

Storage and Leftovers

Refrigeration:

Store leftover pasta in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Reheating Tips:

Stovetop: Reheat in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of beef broth or cream to loosen the sauce.
Microwave: Heat in short intervals, stirring between each, to avoid drying out.

Freezing:

While pasta dishes with cream-based sauces don’t freeze as well, you can freeze leftovers in an airtight container for up to 1 month. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight and reheat gently.

FAQs

Q: Can I use a different type of cheese?
A: Absolutely! While provolone is traditional, you can use mozzarella, cheddar, or even a mix of cheeses for a different flavor profile.

Q: Can I make this dish gluten-free?
A: Yes! Use gluten-free pasta and check that the beef broth and other ingredients are gluten-free.

Q: What type of pasta works best?
A: Short pasta shapes like penne, rigatoni, or rotini are ideal for holding the sauce, but any pasta you have on hand will work.

Conclusion

This Philly Cheesesteak Pasta combines the best of two comfort food classics into one delicious dish. With tender beef, creamy cheese sauce, and flavorful vegetables, it’s a meal that’s easy to make and impossible to resist. Whether you’re cooking for your family or just treating yourself, this hearty pasta will quickly become a favorite in your recipe rotation.

Give this recipe a try and let us know how it turned out! Don’t forget to share your creations and tag them with #PhillyCheesesteakPasta. Happy cooking!