Philly Cheesesteak Pasta: A Creamy and Flavorful Twist on a Classic
Philly Cheesesteak Pasta combines the classic flavors of the iconic Philly cheesesteak sandwich with the comforting texture of pasta. This recipe offers tender beef, sautéed vegetables, and a creamy, cheesy sauce that is sure to satisfy your cravings. If you love the combination of steak, cheese, and peppers, this dish takes it to the next level in a way that’s easy to prepare and perfect for any occasion.
Why You’ll Love Philly Cheesesteak Pasta
This Philly Cheesesteak Pasta recipe is the ultimate comfort food. It takes all the familiar elements of the classic Philly cheesesteak sandwich — tender beef, caramelized onions, and melted cheese — and combines them with hearty pasta. It’s a complete meal that delivers on flavor, texture, and ease of preparation.
Whether you’re cooking for your family or having friends over, this dish will impress with its rich, creamy sauce, savory beef, and the delightful combination of peppers and onions. And best of all, it’s a one-pan dish that comes together in under 30 minutes, making it the perfect weeknight dinner.
Key Ingredients for Philly Cheesesteak Pasta
Each ingredient in this recipe plays a crucial role in creating the perfect Philly Cheesesteak Pasta. Here’s what you’ll need:
Ingredients for Philly Cheesesteak Pasta
- 1 lb Pasta (Penne or Rigatoni): The pasta is the base of the dish, providing a hearty foundation that soaks up all the creamy sauce and flavors.
- 1 lb Beef Sirloin, Thinly Sliced: Sirloin is tender and flavorful, making it perfect for a Philly cheesesteak-style dish. Thinly slicing the beef ensures it cooks quickly and evenly.
- 2 tbsp Olive Oil: Used to sauté the beef and vegetables, giving them a nice golden color and flavor.
- 1 Large Onion, Thinly Sliced: The onion adds sweetness and depth to the dish as it softens and caramelizes during cooking.
- 1 Green Bell Pepper, Thinly Sliced: Adds crunch and a slight sweetness to balance the richness of the beef and cheese.
- 1 Red Bell Pepper, Thinly Sliced: Red bell peppers bring a touch of sweetness and a pop of color to the dish.
- 2 Cloves Garlic, Minced: Garlic provides a savory depth of flavor that enhances the overall dish.
- 1 Cup Beef Broth: Beef broth adds richness and depth to the sauce, making it savory and flavorful.
- 1 Cup Heavy Cream: The heavy cream creates a rich, creamy sauce that envelops the beef and vegetables.
- 1 tbsp Worcestershire Sauce: Adds a tangy and umami flavor to the sauce, enhancing the beef’s richness.
- 1 Cup Shredded Provolone Cheese: Provolone brings a mild, creamy flavor that’s perfect for melting into the sauce.
- 1 Cup Shredded Mozzarella Cheese: Mozzarella adds a smooth and stretchy texture to the sauce, making it wonderfully cheesy.
- Salt and Pepper, to Taste: These seasonings enhance the overall flavors and balance the richness of the cheese and beef.
- Fresh Parsley, Chopped, for Garnish: Fresh parsley adds a touch of color and brightness to the dish, balancing the richness with a fresh, herbal note.
How to Make Philly Cheesesteak Pasta
This Philly Cheesesteak Pasta comes together in just a few simple steps. Follow this easy guide to prepare this delicious and creamy dish.
Step 1: Cook the Pasta
Begin by boiling a large pot of salted water. Once the water is boiling, add your penne or rigatoni pasta and cook it according to the package instructions until it’s al dente (firm to the bite). Drain the pasta and set it aside. Remember to save a little pasta water in case you need to thin the sauce later.
Step 2: Cook the Beef
Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot, add the thinly sliced beef sirloin to the pan. Cook the beef for about 5-7 minutes, or until it’s browned and no longer pink. Season the beef with salt and pepper to taste. Once the beef is cooked, remove it from the skillet and set it aside.
Step 3: Sauté the Vegetables
In the same skillet, add the remaining 1 tablespoon of olive oil. Add the thinly sliced onion, green bell pepper, and red bell pepper to the pan, and sauté them over medium heat for 5-7 minutes. You want the vegetables to be tender and slightly caramelized, with the onions becoming translucent. Add the minced garlic and sauté for an additional 1-2 minutes, until the garlic is fragrant.
Step 4: Prepare the Sauce
To the skillet with the vegetables, add the beef broth, heavy cream, and Worcestershire sauce. Stir the ingredients together and bring the mixture to a simmer. Let it simmer for a few minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together and the sauce to thicken slightly. If the sauce seems too thick, you can add a bit of the reserved pasta water to achieve your desired consistency.
Step 5: Combine the Beef and Pasta
Return the cooked beef to the skillet and stir to combine with the vegetables and sauce. Add the cooked pasta to the skillet and toss everything together to ensure the pasta is coated with the creamy sauce. Sprinkle in the shredded provolone and mozzarella cheese. Stir until the cheese has melted and the sauce is creamy and smooth.
Step 6: Serve and Garnish
Once everything is well combined and the cheese has melted, taste the dish and adjust the seasoning with additional salt and pepper if necessary. Transfer the Philly Cheesesteak Pasta to serving plates and garnish with chopped fresh parsley. Serve immediately and enjoy!
Why This Recipe Works
- Flavorful and Comforting: This recipe combines the rich flavors of a Philly cheesesteak with the creamy texture of pasta. The result is a hearty, satisfying dish that everyone will love.
- Quick and Easy: With just a few ingredients and a couple of simple steps, you can have a flavorful meal ready in about 30 minutes, making it a perfect choice for busy weeknights.
- Customizable: Feel free to add other ingredients like mushrooms or spinach, or use a different type of cheese to make this recipe your own.
- Family-Friendly: This dish is a hit with kids and adults alike, thanks to its cheesy, savory flavors and the familiar taste of a Philly cheesesteak sandwich.
Tips for the Best Philly Cheesesteak Pasta
- Use Thinly Sliced Beef: For the best texture and flavor, be sure to slice the beef as thinly as possible. If you have trouble slicing it thinly, partially freeze the beef for 20-30 minutes before slicing.
- Cheese Variations: While provolone and mozzarella are classic choices, you can experiment with other cheeses like cheddar, gouda, or fontina for different flavor profiles.
- Make it Spicy: Add some sliced jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce to the dish for an extra kick of spice.
- Add Mushrooms: For a deeper, earthier flavor, sauté some sliced mushrooms along with the vegetables.
Conclusion
Philly Cheesesteak Pasta brings together all the delicious flavors of the classic sandwich in a creamy pasta dish that’s sure to please. With tender beef, sautéed peppers and onions, and melted cheese, this dish is rich, comforting, and easy to make. Whether you’re serving it on a weeknight or for a special occasion, it’s sure to become a favorite in your recipe rotation.