Philly Cheesesteak Pasta

by

Philly Cheesesteak Pasta: A Comforting Twist on a Classic Favorite

Philly cheesesteaks are a beloved American classic known for their savory combination of tender beef, melted cheese, and sautéed onions and peppers, all served on a fresh hoagie roll. Now, imagine taking all those mouthwatering flavors and transforming them into a creamy, hearty pasta dish. That’s exactly what Philly Cheesesteak Pasta delivers — a comforting, cheesy, and satisfying fusion of two favorite comfort foods.

This Philly Cheesesteak Pasta recipe takes everything you love about a Philly cheesesteak and combines it with the soul-soothing qualities of pasta, making it the perfect dish for weeknight dinners, family gatherings, or any time you’re craving something hearty and flavorful. Packed with tender beef, sautéed vegetables, and a creamy, cheesy sauce, this one-pot wonder is sure to become a new family favorite.

Why You’ll Love This Philly Cheesesteak Pasta Recipe

1. A Delicious Fusion of Flavors

This recipe brings together the rich, savory flavors of a Philly cheesesteak with the comforting texture of pasta. The result is a creamy, cheesy dish that’s packed with all the classic Philly cheesesteak elements—beef, peppers, onions, mushrooms, and of course, melted cheese.

2. One-Pot Wonder

This dish is not only quick to make, but it also requires minimal cleanup. With everything cooked in one pot, you’ll be able to enjoy a delicious meal without the hassle of washing a sink full of dishes afterward.

3. Customizable

Whether you’re looking to switch up the type of cheese, add different vegetables, or change the meat, this Philly Cheesesteak Pasta recipe is incredibly versatile. You can adapt it to suit your tastes and dietary preferences.

4. Quick and Easy

Ready in just 30 minutes, this recipe is perfect for busy weeknights when you want a satisfying meal without spending hours in the kitchen.

Ingredients for Philly Cheesesteak Pasta

Before diving into the steps, let’s gather everything you’ll need to make this comfort food masterpiece:

For the Pasta Dish:

  • 1 lb ground beef (or thinly sliced ribeye steak for a more authentic Philly cheesesteak feel)
  • 1 medium onion, diced
  • 1 green bell pepper, diced
  • 1 red bell pepper, diced
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 8 oz mushrooms, sliced (optional, but adds great texture and flavor)
  • 12 oz pasta (penne, rigatoni, or rotini work best for this dish)
  • 3 cups beef broth (for a rich, savory base)
  • 1 cup heavy cream (for a creamy texture)
  • 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce (adds depth and umami)
  • 1 teaspoon paprika (for a smoky note)
  • 1 teaspoon salt (to taste)
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper (to taste)
  • 2 cups shredded provolone cheese (for a classic Philly cheesesteak taste)
  • 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese (for extra creaminess)
  • Optional: Fresh parsley (for garnish)

Step-by-Step Instructions for Philly Cheesesteak Pasta

Step 1: Cook the Beef

In a large skillet or pot, start by browning the ground beef over medium heat. Break up the beef as it cooks, making sure it’s fully browned and no longer pink. Once cooked, drain any excess fat and set the beef aside. If you’re using ribeye steak, make sure it’s thinly sliced against the grain for the best texture.

Step 2: Sauté the Vegetables

In the same skillet, add a drizzle of oil if necessary. Sauté the onion, green bell pepper, red bell pepper, and mushrooms (if using) for about 4-5 minutes, until the vegetables soften and become fragrant. Then, add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until aromatic.

Step 3: Combine and Cook

Return the cooked ground beef to the skillet and stir in the vegetables. Add the pasta, beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, paprika, salt, and black pepper. Stir everything together and bring the mixture to a boil. Once it reaches a boil, reduce the heat to low, cover, and let it simmer for about 10-12 minutes, stirring occasionally. This allows the pasta to cook and soak up all the delicious flavors of the broth.

Step 4: Make It Creamy

Once the pasta is cooked and most of the liquid has been absorbed, stir in the heavy cream for a smooth, creamy texture. Allow it to simmer for another 2-3 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly. Then, gradually add the shredded provolone cheese and mozzarella cheese, stirring until both cheeses melt completely and the sauce becomes rich and creamy.

Step 5: Serve

Remove the skillet from the heat and let the dish sit for a few minutes to thicken up. Garnish with fresh parsley for a pop of color and added freshness. Serve the dish warm, and enjoy every cheesy, savory bite!

Tips for Making Perfect Philly Cheesesteak Pasta

  • Choose the Right Pasta: Short, sturdy pasta like penne, rigatoni, or rotini are ideal because they hold the creamy sauce well and don’t become mushy. These shapes are perfect for soaking up the rich beef broth and cheese sauce.
  • Use Thinly Sliced Steak: If you prefer to use steak instead of ground beef, freeze the ribeye steak for about 30 minutes before slicing it thinly. This will make it easier to cut into the perfect pieces for your Philly Cheesesteak Pasta.
  • Add More Cheese: Don’t hold back on the cheese! Feel free to add extra provolone or mozzarella for a richer, gooier dish.
  • Add Heat: If you like a bit of spice, add a dash of hot sauce or red pepper flakes to give your pasta a spicy kick.
  • Vegetarian Option: For a meatless version, swap out the beef for sautéed mushrooms or a plant-based meat substitute. This will still provide the savory, satisfying flavors of a Philly cheesesteak, but without the meat.

Why This Recipe Works

The beauty of Philly Cheesesteak Pasta lies in its perfect blend of textures and flavors. The savory beef, caramelized vegetables, and creamy cheese sauce come together in a way that’s both familiar and new. The pasta soaks up the rich broth while maintaining a slight bite, creating a comforting, hearty meal that’s both indulgent and satisfying.

The Worcestershire sauce adds a depth of umami, while the paprika brings a hint of smokiness to the dish. The combination of provolone and mozzarella cheese creates a melt-in-your-mouth texture, making each bite irresistible.

Variations on Philly Cheesesteak Pasta

Cheese Variations

  • Cheddar: Swap out the provolone for cheddar for a sharper, tangier taste.
  • Swiss: For a milder, nutty flavor, Swiss cheese is a great choice.
  • Monterey Jack: This cheese melts beautifully and adds a creamy texture.

Meat Variations

  • Steak: Thinly sliced ribeye steak can be used instead of ground beef for a more traditional Philly cheesesteak feel.
  • Chicken: For a lighter version, substitute the beef with chicken breast or thighs.

Add More Veggies

  • Spinach: Stir in a handful of fresh spinach near the end of cooking for a boost of greens.
  • Peas: Frozen peas can be added to enhance the texture and flavor of the dish.

Conclusion

This Philly Cheesesteak Pasta is a comforting, cheesy dish that blends two beloved favorites—Philly cheesesteaks and pasta—into one indulgent meal. Perfect for weeknight dinners or casual gatherings, it’s a meal that will satisfy even the hungriest appetites. With its creamy sauce, tender beef, and savory vegetables, this dish is sure to become a staple in your recipe rotation.

Leave a Comment