Philly Cheesesteak Pasta

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Philly Cheesesteak Pasta: A Creamy, Cheesy, Comforting Twist on a Classic Favorite

What Is Philly Cheesesteak Pasta?

Philly Cheesesteak Pasta is the ultimate comfort food fusion, marrying the bold, savory flavors of a classic Philly cheesesteak sandwich with the hearty, soul-warming goodness of a creamy pasta bake. With tender ground beef, sweet bell peppers, sautéed onions, and a luscious cheese sauce wrapped around perfectly cooked pasta, this dish delivers big flavor in every single bite. Whether you’re feeding a crowd, preparing a weeknight dinner, or craving something indulgent, this recipe checks all the boxes for an unforgettable meal.

Ingredients for the Ultimate Philly Cheesesteak Pasta

Here’s everything you’ll need to make this rich, cheesy, and absolutely satisfying one-pot wonder:

Meat and Vegetables

  • 1 lb ground beef
  • 1 green bell pepper, diced
  • 1 onion, diced
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil

Sauce

  • 8 oz cream cheese (softened for easier melting)
  • 1 cup beef broth (for a rich, meaty base)
  • 1 cup heavy cream (for silky texture and depth)
  • 2 cups shredded provolone cheese (or a mix of provolone and mozzarella for extra melt)

Pasta

  • 1 lb pasta – penne or rigatoni are ideal for catching the sauce in their grooves

Seasonings

  • Salt and black pepper, to taste

Step-by-Step Instructions: How to Make Philly Cheesesteak Pasta

🔪 Step 1: Cook the Pasta

  • Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
  • Add your pasta and cook according to the package instructions until al dente.
  • Drain and set aside.

Pro Tip: Reserve 1/2 cup of pasta water in case you want to thin out the sauce later.

🍳 Step 2: Brown the Ground Beef

  • Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat.
  • Add the ground beef, breaking it apart as it cooks.
  • Once browned and cooked through, drain any excess fat.

🧅 Step 3: Sauté the Vegetables

  • To the same skillet, add the diced green bell pepper and onion.
  • Cook for 4–5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the veggies are softened and fragrant.
  • Add the minced garlic and cook for another 1 minute, stirring constantly to avoid burning.

🧀 Step 4: Make the Creamy Cheese Sauce

  • Reduce the heat to medium-low.
  • Add the cream cheese, stirring until melted and incorporated with the beef and vegetables.
  • Pour in the beef broth and heavy cream, stirring to combine.
  • Let the mixture simmer for 3–4 minutes until slightly thickened.

Tip: If the sauce looks too thick, add a splash of the reserved pasta water to loosen it up.

  • Stir in 2 cups of shredded provolone cheese until melted and velvety smooth.

🍝 Step 5: Combine Pasta and Sauce

  • Add the cooked pasta to the skillet and stir well to ensure every piece is coated in the creamy, cheesy sauce.
  • Season with salt and pepper to taste.

Optional: For a baked version, transfer the pasta to a casserole dish, sprinkle extra cheese on top, and broil for 2–3 minutes until bubbly and golden.

Serving Suggestions

Philly Cheesesteak Pasta is rich, creamy, and filling all on its own, but you can pair it with:

  • A crisp garden salad with vinaigrette to balance the richness
  • Garlic bread or toasted baguette for scooping up the cheesy sauce
  • Sautéed greens like spinach or kale for a nutritious side

Serve hot, garnished with a sprinkle of fresh parsley or a touch of crushed red pepper flakes for extra flavor.

Why This Recipe Works

✅ Bold Flavor Inspired by a Classic Sandwich

Everything you love about a Philly cheesesteak—juicy beef, sweet peppers, sautéed onions, and melty cheese—is packed into this pasta dish with an added creamy twist.

✅ One-Pot Friendly and Weeknight Ready

This is a family-friendly, easy-to-make dish that comes together in under 45 minutes and requires only a few dishes. Cleanup is minimal, and satisfaction is guaranteed.

✅ Customizable to Your Taste

Want more protein? Use shaved steak or sliced ribeye instead of ground beef.
Want more veggies? Add mushrooms, red peppers, or spinach.
Prefer a lighter version? Use low-fat cream cheese and milk instead of heavy cream.

Storage and Reheating Tips

  • Refrigerator: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
  • Freezer: This pasta can be frozen for up to 2 months. Reheat in a covered baking dish at 350°F until warmed through.
  • Reheat: Add a splash of milk or broth before microwaving or reheating on the stove to keep the sauce creamy.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use a different cheese?
Yes! While provolone is traditional, mozzarella, cheddar, or even white American cheese can work well.

Can I make this vegetarian?
Absolutely. Skip the beef and use plant-based ground or bulk up on sautéed mushrooms and bell peppers.

Is this recipe gluten-free?
It can be! Use gluten-free pasta and make sure your broth and cream cheese are labeled gluten-free.

Conclusion: The Ultimate Fusion Comfort Food

Philly Cheesesteak Pasta takes the bold, beefy flavor of the classic Philly sandwich and gives it a decadent, creamy pasta twist. It’s easy to make, deeply satisfying, and perfect for when you’re craving something indulgent. Whether you’re cooking for family, hosting friends, or meal-prepping for the week, this dish will become a staple in your rotation.

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