Philly cheesesteak pasta combines the rich flavors of a classic Philly cheesesteak with comforting pasta. This recipe is a delicious fusion of creamy cheese, tender beef, and sautéed vegetables, all stirred together with hearty pasta. If you’re a fan of the traditional Philly cheesesteak sandwich, this dish brings those classic elements together in a way that’s perfect for a cozy dinner.

Inspired by the origins of the iconic Philly cheesesteak, which was created in Philadelphia with thinly sliced beef, melted cheese, and sautéed peppers and onions, this pasta offers a fresh way to enjoy these flavors at home. While cheesesteaks are typically served on a roll, this recipe uses penne or rigatoni pasta to capture the sauce and cheese, making every bite deliciously creamy. This twist on a beloved sandwich brings a new, comforting layer to the table.

For those who love experimenting in the kitchen, the creamy provolone cheese topping melts beautifully under the broiler, adding a golden, bubbly finish. Whether you’re a pasta lover or a cheesesteak enthusiast, this fusion dish combines the best of both worlds. And with simple, accessible ingredients, this dish is perfect for a weekday dinner or a casual get-together with friends.

2. Ingredient List and Substitutions :

To make this Philly cheesesteak pasta recipe, gather simple, accessible ingredients that blend for rich, comforting flavors. Here’s a breakdown of the primary ingredients, along with a few tips for making substitutions or customizing the dish to suit your preferences.

Main Protein: Choose between ground beef or steak strips. Ground beef is quick to cook and budget-friendly, while steak strips (like ribeye or sirloin) offer a more authentic, steakhouse texture. For an extra boost of flavor, lightly season or marinate the steak before cooking.
Vegetables: Green bell pepper, onion, and garlic are essential for building the classic Philly cheesesteak flavor. The green bell pepper’s slight bitterness balances the sweetness of caramelized onions. If you’re looking for a milder or sweeter taste, consider substituting with red or yellow bell peppers.
Pasta Choices: We recommend penne or rigatoni for their sturdy shape, which holds up well in the creamy sauce. For more pasta options, explore shells, cavatappi, or fettuccine on this list of pasta types.
Cheeses: For that creamy texture, softened cream cheese is a must, while provolone cheese adds the authentic Philly flavor. Provolone melts beautifully and complements the savory flavors in the dish. If you’re unable to find provolone, mozzarella is a decent substitute, as it offers a similar melt and mild flavor.
Broth and Seasoning: Beef broth enriches the sauce, giving it a robust, savory depth. Season with salt and pepper to taste, but don’t hesitate to add spices like red pepper flakes if you enjoy a hint of heat.

These ingredients can be easily adjusted to suit dietary needs. For a lighter dish, swap regular cream cheese with a reduced-fat version and opt for whole-wheat pasta.

3. Equipment Needed :

To prepare this Philly cheesesteak pasta recipe, you’ll need just a few essential pieces of kitchen equipment:

Large Skillet or Sauté Pan: A heavy-bottomed skillet works best for evenly cooking the beef and vegetables.
Pot for Boiling Pasta: Choose a pot that can comfortably hold enough water for the pasta to cook al dente.
Broiler (Optional): For the final, melty cheese topping, use an oven broiler. If you don’t have one, a toaster oven set to a high temperature can achieve a similar effect.

With minimal equipment, this dish is easy to prepare and clean up.

4. Preparing the Pasta :

To start this Philly cheesesteak pasta recipe, cook the pasta to an al dente texture. This ensures the pasta is firm enough to hold up in the creamy sauce and absorb the flavors without becoming too soft.

Boil Water: In a large pot, bring water to a rolling boil and add a generous pinch of salt to enhance the pasta’s flavor.
Cook Pasta: Add penne or rigatoni pasta to the pot and cook according to package instructions until it reaches al dente (about 8-10 minutes for most pasta types).
Drain and Set Aside: Drain the pasta in a colander, but don’t rinse. Setting the pasta aside without rinsing helps the sauce adhere better later.

For alternative pasta shapes or cooking tips, check out this pasta guide.

5. Sautéing the Vegetables :

The next step in making Philly cheesesteak pasta involves creating a flavorful base by sautéing vegetables. This step brings out the natural sweetness of the onions and peppers, complementing the savory meat and cheese.

Heat Oil: In a large skillet, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat until it shimmers.
Add Vegetables: Add the diced green bell pepper, onion, and minced garlic to the skillet.
Sauté Until Softened: Stir occasionally for about 5-7 minutes, or until the vegetables are softened and the onions are translucent. This creates a flavorful, aromatic base for the dish.

For variation, add mushrooms or swap the bell pepper with a sweeter red bell pepper. To learn more about cooking with garlic and onions, check out this guide on garlic.

6. Cooking the Meat :

With the vegetables sautéed, it’s time to cook the meat for the Philly cheesesteak pasta. Whether using ground beef or steak strips, this step adds the signature savory depth to the dish.

Add Meat to Skillet: Place the ground beef or steak strips into the skillet with the cooked vegetables. Break up the ground beef with a spatula if using, or spread the steak strips evenly in the pan.
Cook Until Browned: Allow the meat to cook for about 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally until it’s browned and cooked through. This step adds flavor as the meat browns.
Drain Excess Fat (If Needed): If using ground beef, drain excess fat to avoid an overly greasy sauce.

For tips on choosing the best steak cuts for cooking, check out this steak guide.

7. Creating the Creamy Base :

With the meat cooked and vegetables sautéed, it’s time to make the creamy sauce that brings everything together in this Philly cheesesteak pasta. This sauce combines cream cheese and beef broth, creating a rich and savory base that coats every piece of pasta.

Add Cream Cheese and Broth: Reduce the skillet’s heat to low, then add the softened cream cheese and 1 cup of beef broth. Stir gently as the cream cheese begins to melt.
Stir Until Smooth: Continue stirring the mixture for 3-4 minutes, or until the cream cheese is fully melted and blended with the broth. The sauce should look smooth and creamy, with no lumps.
Adjust Consistency: If the sauce is too thick, add a little more broth, one tablespoon at a time, until you reach your desired consistency.

This creamy base is what makes this dish indulgent and satisfying. To explore more ways to use cream cheese in savory dishes, take a look at this cream cheese guide.

For additional flavor, consider adding a dash of Worcestershire sauce or hot sauce to the sauce for a little kick.

8. Combining Pasta and Sauce :

Now that the creamy sauce is ready, it’s time to combine it with the pasta for a perfectly coated, flavor-packed dish.

Add Pasta to Skillet: Carefully add the cooked penne or rigatoni to the skillet with the sauce, meat, and vegetables.
Mix Well: Gently stir the pasta until each piece is thoroughly coated in the creamy sauce. Ensure that the meat and vegetables are evenly distributed throughout.

This step brings everything together, making each bite a balanced mix of sauce, meat, and veggies.

9. Topping with Cheese and Broiling :

The final touch for Philly cheesesteak pasta is the deliciously melted provolone cheese topping. Broiling the cheese adds a bubbly, golden finish that makes this dish irresistible.

Sprinkle Provolone Cheese: Evenly distribute 1 cup of shredded provolone cheese over the pasta in the skillet. This classic cheese choice brings out the Philly cheesesteak flavor, but mozzarella can work if provolone is unavailable.
Broil Until Melted and Bubbly: Place the skillet under a broiler set to high. Broil for about 3-5 minutes, or until the cheese is fully melted, bubbly, and slightly golden. Watch carefully to avoid over-browning.
Alternative Broiling Methods: If you don’t have a broiler, cover the skillet with a lid and cook on low heat until the cheese melts, or use a toaster oven set to a high temperature.

This broiling step gives the pasta an appealing texture and aroma that’s reminiscent of the original cheesesteak. For more on broiling techniques, visit this broiling guide.

Serve hot, and enjoy the perfect fusion of Philly cheesesteak flavors with creamy pasta.

10. Serving and Presentation :

To serve your Philly cheesesteak pasta, scoop generous portions into bowls or plates while it’s still hot, so the cheese remains melty and creamy. For a fresh pop of color and added flavor, sprinkle chopped parsley over the top or add a dash of hot sauce if you like a little heat.

This pasta pairs well with a simple side salad or crusty bread for a complete meal. The creamy, savory flavors make it a satisfying main dish that’s sure to impress family and friends. Enjoy your cozy, Philly-inspired pasta creation!

FAQs :

1. Can I use a different cheese?
Yes, provolone is recommended for its mild flavor and meltability, but mozzarella or cheddar can work well, too. Each cheese adds a slightly different flavor profile, so feel free to experiment.

2. What type of steak works best?
If using steak strips instead of ground beef, go for tender cuts like ribeye or sirloin. These cuts cook quickly and stay juicy, adding an authentic steakhouse texture to the dish.

3. Is there a way to make this dish lighter?
Absolutely! Substitute regular cream cheese with reduced-fat cream cheese or a Greek yogurt cream cheese alternative. You can also use whole-wheat pasta for added fiber and nutrition.

4. How can I add spice?
For those who enjoy a spicy kick, try adding diced jalapeños, red pepper flakes, or a splash of hot sauce to the sauce or as a garnish.

5. What pasta shapes work well?
Penne and rigatoni are ideal for their shape and ability to hold sauce, but other hearty shapes like cavatappi or shells also work well.

These frequently asked questions provide tips to customize and adjust the recipe for various tastes and dietary preferences.

Philly Cheesesteak Pasta

Author: Alexander
Total Time: 30 minutes

Print Recipe

Description

Indulge in the hearty flavors of a classic Philly cheesesteak with a pasta twist! This creamy, cheesy dish combines savory beef, sautéed peppers, and onions with tender pasta, all topped with melty provolone cheese.

Instructions

1️⃣ Cook Pasta: In a large pot, bring salted water to a boil. Add pasta and cook until al dente according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.

2️⃣ Sauté Vegetables: In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced bell pepper, onion, and garlic, and sauté until the vegetables are soft and fragrant.

3️⃣ Cook Meat: Add the ground beef or steak strips to the skillet. Cook, stirring occasionally, until browned and fully cooked. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

4️⃣ Combine Ingredients: Reduce heat to low and add the softened cream cheese and beef broth to the skillet. Stir until the mixture becomes smooth and creamy. Add the cooked pasta and toss until everything is evenly coated.

5️⃣ Top with Cheese: Sprinkle the shredded provolone cheese on top. Place under the broiler for a few minutes, until the cheese is melted and bubbly.

6️⃣ Serve: Serve immediately while hot, and enjoy this delicious Philly Cheesesteak Pasta twist!

Notes

For Extra Flavor: Add a splash of Worcestershire sauce to the beef for a deeper savory taste.
Vegetable Variations: Red bell pepper can be added or swapped for the green bell pepper to add a bit of sweetness.
Storage: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or microwave, adding a splash of broth if needed to keep it creamy.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes