Philly Cheesesteak Pasta Recipe

Hearty Philly Cheesesteak Pasta Recipe: Family Favorite Fusion

Comfort food reaches new heights with this Philly cheesesteak pasta that blends classic Philly sandwich flavors into a hearty, satisfying meal.

Tender strips of beef mingle with caramelized onions and bell peppers, creating a mouthwatering combination.

Creamy melted cheese coats every strand of pasta, delivering rich, bold taste in each bite.

The recipe captures the essence of Philadelphia’s beloved sandwich with a delightful twist.

Weeknight dinners just became more exciting with this simple yet indulgent dish.

Melted provolone and a hint of zesty seasoning elevate this pasta to restaurant-quality status.

Grab a fork and prepare for a flavor explosion that will have everyone asking for seconds.

Why Cheesesteak Pasta Is the Ultimate Comfort Food

Why Cheesesteak Pasta Is the Ultimate Comfort Food
  • Dive into a creamy, cheesy pasta dish that transforms the classic Philly cheesesteak into a hearty, one-skillet meal that'll make everyone at the table cheer.
  • This recipe requires minimal prep and uses just one skillet, making clean-up a breeze and allowing you to whip up a delicious dinner without spending hours in the kitchen.
  • Swap out ground beef for steak strips, adjust cheese types, or add extra veggies to make this recipe perfectly suited to your taste preferences and what's in your fridge.
  • Combines the beloved flavors of a Philly cheesesteak with pasta, creating a crowd-pleasing dish that appeals to both kids and adults, making mealtime a stress-free experience.

What You’ll Need for Philly Cheesesteak Pasta

Main Ingredients:
  • Pasta: A classic base that captures the essence of a hearty Philly cheesesteak meal.
  • Ground Beef or Steak Strips: The primary protein that brings the signature cheesesteak flavor to the dish.
  • Provolone Cheese: A traditional Philly cheesesteak cheese that melts beautifully and adds rich, tangy flavor.
  • Cream Cheese: Creates a smooth, creamy sauce that binds all the ingredients together.
Vegetable Base:
  • Green Bell Pepper, Onion, Garlic: A classic flavor trio that provides depth and aromatic foundation for the dish.
Liquid and Seasoning Components:
  • Beef Broth: Enhances the meaty flavor and helps create a silky sauce.
  • Olive Oil: Provides a base for sautéing vegetables and adds a subtle richness.
  • Salt, Pepper: Essential seasonings that balance and elevate the overall taste profile.

Easy Steps to Cook Cheesesteak Pasta

Easy Steps to Cook Cheesesteak Pasta

Step 1: Boil Pasta Perfectly

Fill a large pot with water and add a generous pinch of salt.

Bring water to a rolling boil.

Drop pasta into the water and cook until perfectly tender.

Drain pasta, reserving a small cup of pasta water for potential sauce adjustments later.

Step 2: Sauté Vegetables

Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.

Add green bell peppers, onions, and minced garlic.

Stir and cook until vegetables become soft and release their fragrant aroma, about 4-5 minutes.

Step 3: Brown the Meat

Introduce ground beef or steak strips into the skillet with sautéed vegetables.

Break meat into smaller pieces using a wooden spoon.

Season with salt and pepper.

Cook until meat is completely browned and no longer pink.

Step 4: Create Creamy Sauce

Pour beef broth into the skillet.

Add cream cheese and stir continuously until the sauce becomes smooth and fully incorporated.

The mixture will transform from lumpy to silky.

Step 5: Combine and Melt Cheese

Fold cooked pasta into the meat and sauce mixture, ensuring every strand is coated.

Sprinkle provolone cheese generously over the top.

Transfer skillet to broiler and cook until cheese melts and turns golden brown, watching carefully to prevent burning.

Step 6: Serve and Enjoy

Remove skillet from broiler using oven mitts.

Dish out the hot, cheesy pasta immediately.

Watch as your delicious Philly Cheesesteak Pasta disappears in minutes!

Tips for Creamy and Cheesy Pasta

Tips for Creamy and Cheesy Pasta
  • Cook pasta just until al dente to maintain a satisfying bite and prevent mushiness.
  • Keep a cup of starchy pasta water to adjust sauce consistency if needed, ensuring a silky smooth texture.
  • Cook ground beef or steak strips over medium-high heat to develop rich, caramelized flavor and prevent steaming.
  • Stir cream cheese gradually and thoroughly to create a smooth, lump-free sauce that coats pasta evenly.
  • Watch cheese closely under the broiler, rotating skillet for even golden browning without burning.

How to Save and Warm Up Cheesesteak Pasta

  • Transfer leftover pasta to an airtight container and store in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Seal tightly to prevent moisture and odor absorption.
  • Pack pasta in freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags, removing as much air as possible. Freeze for maximum 2 months to maintain best quality and texture.
  • Place pasta in a microwave-safe dish, sprinkle 2-3 tablespoons of water or extra beef broth to prevent drying. Cover with microwave-safe lid or plastic wrap, heat on medium power in 30-second intervals, stirring between each interval until thoroughly warmed.
  • Warm pasta in a skillet over medium-low heat, adding a splash of beef broth or water to refresh the sauce. Stir continuously to prevent sticking and ensure even heating, about 5-7 minutes until heated completely through.

What to Serve with Cheesesteak Pasta

  • Cheese and Wine Matchmaker: Pair this hearty pasta with a bold Cabernet Sauvignon, whose robust tannins cut through the creamy richness and complement the beef's savory profile.
  • Beer Buddy Selection: Choose a crisp amber ale or hoppy IPA, which provides a refreshing contrast to the pasta's heavy texture while enhancing the meaty flavors with its complementary malt undertones.
  • Fresh Side Kick: Serve a crisp arugula salad with lemon vinaigrette, its peppery bite and bright acidity perfectly balancing the dish's decadent, creamy elements and cutting through the richness.
  • Garnish Glory: Top with fresh chopped parsley or green onions, adding a burst of color and a light, fresh note that lifts the entire dish's flavor complexity.

Creative Variations for Cheesesteak Pasta

  • Vegetarian Cheesesteak Pasta: Swap ground beef with plant-based protein like Beyond Meat crumbles or hearty mushrooms like portobello for a meat-free version that maintains the rich, savory flavor profile.
  • Gluten-Free Cheesesteak Pasta: Replace traditional pasta with gluten-free alternatives such as chickpea, rice, or quinoa pasta to make the dish suitable for those with gluten sensitivities.
  • Low-Carb Cauliflower Cheesesteak: Use cauliflower rice or riced cauliflower instead of pasta to create a lower-carbohydrate option that still captures the classic Philly cheesesteak essence.
  • Dairy-Free Adaptation: Substitute dairy cheese with nutritional yeast or dairy-free cheese alternatives like cashew-based cheese sauce, and use coconut cream instead of cream cheese to accommodate dairy-free diets.

FAQs

  • What are the key ingredients for Philly Cheesesteak Pasta?

The key ingredients include ground beef or steak strips, pasta, cream cheese, provolone cheese, green bell pepper, onion, garlic, beef broth, olive oil, salt, and pepper.

  • Can I use different types of meat for this recipe?

Yes, you can substitute ground beef with steak strips or even shredded chicken if you prefer. Just ensure the meat is cooked thoroughly and seasoned well.

  • Is this recipe considered a one-pan meal?

Absolutely! This Philly Cheesesteak Pasta is a complete one-skillet dish that combines pasta, meat, vegetables, and cheese in a single cooking process, making cleanup super easy.

  • How can I make this recipe more spicy?

To add heat, include red pepper flakes while cooking the meat or add a dash of hot sauce when mixing the cream cheese sauce. You can also use a spicy provolone cheese for extra kick.

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Philly Cheesesteak Pasta Recipe

Philly Cheesesteak Pasta Recipe


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4.5 from 17 reviews

  • Total Time: 25 minutes
  • Yield: 4 1x

Description

Hearty Philly cheesesteak pasta delivers classic sandwich flavors in a comforting one-pot meal. Melted provolone, tender beef, and sweet peppers create a crowd-pleasing dinner you’ll crave again and again.


Ingredients

Scale

Main Protein:

  • 1 pound (1 lb) ground beef or steak strips

Vegetables:

  • 1 green bell pepper, diced
  • 1 onion, diced
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced

Dairy and Cheese:

  • 8 ounces (8 oz) cream cheese, softened
  • 1 cup shredded provolone cheese

Pasta and Liquid:

  • 12 ounces (12 oz) pasta (penne or rigatoni recommended)
  • 1 cup beef broth

Seasoning:

  • Salt, to taste
  • Pepper, to taste

Cooking Fat:

  • 1 tablespoon (1 tbsp) olive oil

Instructions

  1. Fill a large pot with water, generously salt it, and bring to a rolling boil. Submerge pasta and cook for approximately 10 minutes until achieving al dente texture. Drain thoroughly, reserving a small portion of pasta water for potential sauce adjustment.
  2. Warm olive oil in a spacious skillet over medium heat. Introduce diced green bell peppers, onions, and minced garlic. Sauté for 4-5 minutes until vegetables soften and release aromatic flavors, stirring consistently.
  3. Incorporate ground beef or steak strips into the vegetable mixture. Crumble meat using a spatula, seasoning with salt and pepper. Cook until meat browns completely and loses its raw appearance, eliminating any excess grease.
  4. Blend softened cream cheese and beef broth into the skillet, stirring continuously until sauce transforms into a smooth, homogeneous consistency. Persist through initial lumpy stages, ensuring complete integration.
  5. Gently fold cooked pasta into the skillet, ensuring thorough sauce coverage. Distribute shredded provolone cheese across the surface. Transfer skillet to broiler, cooking 3-5 minutes until cheese melts and develops a golden, bubbling crust.
  6. Remove skillet carefully, allowing brief cooling. Serve immediately while cheese remains molten and flavors are at peak intensity.

Notes

  • Ensure pasta is perfectly al dente by testing a strand a minute before package instructions suggest, preventing mushy texture and maintaining ideal pasta consistency.
  • Save pasta water as a secret weapon to adjust sauce thickness, creating a silky smooth and perfectly balanced creamy sauce without compromising flavor.
  • Drain excess beef fat completely to prevent greasy dish and maintain clean, rich meaty flavor that complements the creamy cheese base.
  • Use high-quality provolone for maximum melt and golden browning under broiler, creating irresistible crispy cheese top that elevates entire dish’s texture and taste.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 10 minutes
  • Category: Lunch, Dinner
  • Method: Boiling
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 4
  • Calories: 610
  • Sugar: 3 g
  • Sodium: 700 mg
  • Fat: 32 g
  • Saturated Fat: 15 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
  • Trans Fat: 1 g
  • Carbohydrates: 52 g
  • Fiber: 2 g
  • Protein: 30 g
  • Cholesterol: 90 mg
Clara Thompson

Clara Thompson

Recipe Developer & Culinary Educator

Expertise

Developing accessible single-serving recipes, Food writing and content creation, Plant-based and allergen-friendly cooking, Culinary education and workshop facilitation

Education

​Oregon Culinary Institute (Portland, OR)
Diploma in Culinary Arts

Specialized in plant-based cooking and sustainable kitchen practices.​

Portland Community College
Certificate in Food Writing and Media

Focused on recipe writing, food photography, and digital content creation.​


Clara’s food journey began with a curiosity for color, texture, and ingredients pulled straight from the garden. Her background in plant-forward cooking and creative writing gives her a unique edge – she makes healthy, flavorful food feel inviting, not intimidating.
She specializes in meals that work for busy lives and different diets, all without sacrificing taste. Clara’s voice comes through in every recipe she writes – clear, kind, and encouraging.

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