If you’re a fan of comfort food with a twist, Philly Cheesesteak Pasta will absolutely win you over! Imagine everything you adore about a classic Philly cheesesteak—the juicy beef, sweet onions, peppers, gooey cheese, and that irresistible savory sauce—but tossed with perfectly cooked pasta for a satisfying dinner mashup. This recipe is family-friendly, super easy, and comes together in just about 30 minutes, so you can bring some serious flavor to your table even on busy weeknights.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of Philly Cheesesteak Pasta lies in a handful of everyday ingredients that, together, deliver bold flavor and a mouthwatering creamy texture. Don’t skip any of them—each adds something special, from golden veggies to melty cheese.
- Pasta (12 oz penne or rigatoni): These shapes soak up every bit of the luscious sauce and hold up beautifully in the skillet.
- Olive oil (1 tablespoon): Just a drizzle to get the beef browning and the veggies glistening.
- Ground beef (1 lb): The heart of the dish, providing savory richness and lots of satisfying bite.
- Yellow onion (1 small, sliced): Essential for that signature cheesesteak flavor and delicious sweetness.
- Green bell pepper (1, sliced): Adds crunch and a pop of color that brings the whole skillet alive.
- Mushrooms (1 cup, sliced, optional): Earthy and meaty, these add depth if you’re a mushroom lover.
- Garlic (2 cloves, minced): Just enough to lift the whole dish without overpowering the other flavors.
- Worcestershire sauce (1 tablespoon): For that irresistible umami, this is your secret flavor booster.
- Salt (½ teaspoon): Simple, but irreplaceable for balancing the flavors.
- Black pepper (½ teaspoon): Adds zing and gentle spice that blends right in.
- Cream cheese (4 oz, softened): Makes the sauce rich, creamy, and completely luscious.
- Beef broth (1 cup): Helps create a savory sauce reminiscent of a cheesesteak’s juicy drippings.
- Shredded provolone or mozzarella cheese (1 cup): Melts into gorgeous, gooey pockets throughout the pasta.
- Chopped parsley (for garnish): A fresh, herby pop that brightens up every bite.
How to Make Philly Cheesesteak Pasta
Step 1: Cook the Pasta
Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil and cook your penne or rigatoni according to package instructions, stopping when it’s al dente so it stays nice and toothsome once tossed with the sauce. Drain the pasta, but don’t rinse—you want those little bits of starch to help everything cling together.
Step 2: Brown the Beef
Set a large skillet or sauté pan over medium-high heat, drizzle in the olive oil, and add the ground beef. Break it up with a spoon as it sizzles, cooking until it’s beautifully browned with some crispy edges. If there’s a lot of grease, go ahead and drain off the excess for a lighter dish.
Step 3: Sauté the Veggies
Pop in the sliced onion, bell pepper, and mushrooms if you’re using them, along with the minced garlic. Let everything cook for about 4 to 5 minutes, stirring now and then, until the vegetables are tender and sweet but still vibrant.
Step 4: Season and Make It Creamy
Sprinkle in the Worcestershire sauce, salt, and black pepper, giving everything a good toss. Lower the heat to medium-low and add the softened cream cheese and beef broth. Stir patiently as the cream cheese melts and transforms into a silky, glossy sauce—this is where your Philly Cheesesteak Pasta becomes next-level comforting!
Step 5: Bring It All Together
Add the cooked pasta straight into the skillet and stir gently to coat every piece in that dreamy sauce. Sprinkle shredded provolone or mozzarella across the top, pop on a lid, and let everything sit for 2 or 3 minutes while the cheese melts into gooey perfection. Finish with a shower of chopped parsley for color and a fresh flavor boost.
How to Serve Philly Cheesesteak Pasta
Garnishes
A pop of greenery can make your skillet look as wonderful as it tastes! A sprinkle of chopped fresh parsley not only brightens the dish visually but also provides a burst of freshness. For an extra punch, a little cracked black pepper or even a touch of grated Parmesan can add the perfect final flourish.
Side Dishes
Since Philly Cheesesteak Pasta is rich and hearty on its own, something crisp and light pairs perfectly. Serve it alongside a simple green salad with a tangy vinaigrette, steamed broccoli, or roasted asparagus. If you want to lean into comfort, a slice of warm garlic bread is always a hit to mop up any leftover sauce.
Creative Ways to Present
You can serve Philly Cheesesteak Pasta straight from the skillet for a family-style meal, or try spooning it into oven-safe ramekins and broiling for a couple of minutes to get a bubbly, golden cheese crust. For parties, portion it into small bowls or even serve in toasted bread bowls for an unforgettable twist!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Philly Cheesesteak Pasta keeps really well, so if you’ve got leftovers, just let them cool completely, then transfer to an airtight container and refrigerate. The flavors only get more delicious as they meld together, and you can enjoy it for up to three days.
Freezing
This pasta is totally freezer-friendly. Scoop portions into freezer-safe containers or zip-top bags, making sure to squeeze out as much air as possible. It will keep in the freezer for up to two months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating for the best texture.
Reheating
To reheat, place your Philly Cheesesteak Pasta in a covered skillet over low heat, adding a splash of beef broth or water to loosen the sauce if needed. You can also microwave individual portions, stirring halfway through to ensure even heating. Top with extra cheese before reheating for maximum gooeyness!
FAQs
Can I use a different type Main Course
Absolutely! Penne and rigatoni cling to the sauce beautifully, but you can use shells, rotini, or any short pasta you like for your Philly Cheesesteak Pasta.
Is there a way to make this dish lighter?
Yes! Swap ground beef for lean ground turkey or chicken, use reduced-fat cream cheese and cheese, and pack in extra veggies like spinach or roasted zucchini without sacrificing comfort.
Can I prep anything in advance?
You sure can. Slice the onions, peppers, and mushrooms and store them in the fridge, and pre-cook the pasta if you’re in a real time crunch. Just toss everything together and reheat to serve.
What can I use instead of provolone or mozzarella?
If you want a sharper flavor, swap in shredded cheddar, Monterey Jack, or even Swiss—whatever melty cheese you love will work in this recipe!
How do I make this more like an authentic Philly cheesesteak?
For the most classic flavor, use thinly sliced steak (like ribeye), sear it quickly, then proceed with the recipe. You can also broil the finished dish for a couple minutes to get that bubbly, browned cheese effect.
Final Thoughts
Philly Cheesesteak Pasta is one of those meals you’ll crave again and again—it’s fun, filling, and endlessly customizable. If you’ve never tried this mashup before, I promise you’ll love how fast it comes together and how much everyone enjoys it. Gather your ingredients and get ready for some seriously satisfying comfort food!
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Philly Cheesesteak Pasta Recipe
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4–6 servings 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in the rich flavors of a classic Philly Cheesesteak in pasta form with this easy-to-make and delicious Philly Cheesesteak Pasta recipe. Tender pasta coated in a creamy sauce, savory ground beef, and melted cheese, this dish is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser!
Ingredients
Pasta:
- 12 oz penne or rigatoni pasta
Beef Mixture:
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 small yellow onion (sliced)
- 1 green bell pepper (sliced)
- 1 cup mushrooms (sliced, optional)
- 2 cloves garlic (minced)
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
Cheese Sauce:
- 4 oz cream cheese (softened)
- 1 cup beef broth
- 1 cup shredded provolone or mozzarella cheese
Garnish:
- Chopped parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Cook the Pasta: Cook pasta in salted boiling water until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Prepare the Beef Mixture: In a skillet, cook ground beef in olive oil until browned. Add onions, bell pepper, mushrooms, and garlic. Cook until vegetables are softened. Stir in Worcestershire sauce, salt, and pepper.
- Make the Cheese Sauce: Reduce heat, add cream cheese and beef broth. Stir until creamy. Add cooked pasta and combine. Top with shredded cheese, cover, and let it melt.
- Garnish and Serve: Garnish with parsley before serving.
Notes
- For a more traditional flavor, use thinly sliced steak instead of ground beef.
- You can broil the dish briefly to brown the cheese topping.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 ½ cups
- Calories: 560
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 590mg
- Fat: 29g
- Saturated Fat: 15g
- Unsaturated Fat: 11g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 44g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 31g
- Cholesterol: 95mg
