Imagine combining the hearty, savory flavors of a Philly cheesesteak sandwich with the satisfying comfort of pasta. The result? Philly Cheesesteak Pasta—a creamy, cheesy, and incredibly flavorful dish that’s perfect for weeknight dinners or gatherings with family and friends. This recipe packs the iconic taste of juicy beef, sautéed veggies, and melted provolone cheese into every bite. Whether you’re a pasta lover or a Philly cheesesteak fan, this dish is guaranteed to become a household favorite.
Why We Love This Recipe
Philly Cheesesteak Pasta brings together the best of two comfort food worlds—pasta and the iconic Philly cheesesteak sandwich. Here’s why it’s a must-try dish:
- Rich and Creamy Flavor: The sauce is a luxurious blend of cream cheese, heavy cream, and melted provolone, creating a velvety, indulgent base that coats the pasta beautifully.
- Perfectly Savory: The combination of ground beef, sautéed onions, and bell peppers mirrors the classic Philly cheesesteak flavor, offering a hearty and satisfying bite in every forkful.
- Family-Friendly: It’s a dish that everyone at the table will love—from kids to adults—thanks to its familiar flavors and cheesy goodness.
- Quick and Convenient: This recipe comes together in under 40 minutes, making it a go-to option for busy weeknights or last-minute meals.
- Customizable: Whether you want to spice it up with chili flakes, add mushrooms for extra texture, or swap pasta shapes, this dish can be easily adapted to your tastes and preferences.
- Minimal Cleanup: By combining the sauce and pasta in one skillet, cleanup is a breeze, making it perfect for those who want a delicious meal without a kitchen full of dishes.
- Comfort Food at Its Best: Warm, hearty, and packed with flavor, this dish is the epitome of comfort food, perfect for cozy evenings at home.
Philly Cheesesteak Pasta isn’t just a meal; it’s a delicious experience that turns simple ingredients into a dish worth savoring again and again.
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 green bell pepper, diced
- 1 onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 8 oz cream cheese
- 1 cup beef broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 2 cups shredded provolone cheese
- 1 lb pasta (penne or rigatoni)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
How to Make Philly Cheesesteak Pasta
Step 1: Cook the Pasta
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve ½ cup of pasta water, then drain and set aside.
Step 2: Sauté the Vegetables
- Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the diced onion and green bell pepper. Sauté for 4–5 minutes, until softened.
- Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute until fragrant.
Step 3: Brown the Ground Beef
- Push the vegetables to the side of the skillet and add the ground beef. Cook until browned and fully cooked, breaking it into small pieces with a spoon. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Mix the beef with the sautéed vegetables.
Step 4: Make the Sauce
- Lower the heat to medium-low. Add the cream cheese, stirring until it melts and combines with the beef mixture.
- Slowly pour in the beef broth and heavy cream, stirring constantly to create a smooth sauce.
- Gradually add the shredded provolone cheese, stirring until fully melted and creamy.
Step 5: Combine Pasta and Sauce
- Add the cooked pasta to the skillet. Toss everything together to ensure the pasta is fully coated in the cheesy sauce. If the sauce is too thick, add a splash of reserved pasta water to achieve your desired consistency.
Step 6: Serve and Enjoy
- Garnish with additional provolone cheese, freshly cracked black pepper, or parsley if desired. Serve immediately and savor the flavors of this comforting dish.
Success Tips
- Use High-Quality Cheese: Opt for freshly shredded provolone for the best meltability and flavor.
- Don’t Overcook the Pasta: Cook the pasta just until al dente to prevent it from becoming mushy when mixed with the sauce.
- Season Gradually: Taste as you go, adjusting the seasoning to your preference.
- Customize the Veggies: Add mushrooms, red bell peppers, or even spinach for added texture and nutrients.
- Reserve Pasta Water: This starchy water is a secret weapon for creating a silky, cohesive sauce.
Storage
Refrigerating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave, adding a splash of beef broth or cream to revive the sauce.
Freezing
While the pasta can be frozen for up to 2 months, note that the cream-based sauce may slightly change in texture. For best results, freeze the sauce separately from the pasta and combine them when reheating.
Notes
- Provolone Substitutes: If provolone isn’t available, mozzarella or Monterey Jack cheese make excellent substitutes.
- Low-Carb Option: Swap the pasta for zucchini noodles or cauliflower rice to make this dish keto-friendly.
- Make It Spicy: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or diced jalapeños for a fiery kick.
Nutrition
- Calories: ~580
- Protein: 28g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fat: 32g
- Fiber: 3g
- Sodium: 760mg
FAQs
Q: Can I make this recipe vegetarian?
A: Absolutely! Replace the ground beef with plant-based ground meat or lentils for a vegetarian version.
Q: What’s the best type of pasta to use?
A: Penne or rigatoni work best as they hold the sauce well, but feel free to use your favorite pasta shape.
Q: Can I make this dish ahead of time?
A: Yes! Prepare the sauce and pasta separately, then combine and reheat when ready to serve. This prevents the pasta from absorbing too much sauce.
Conclusion
Philly Cheesesteak Pasta combines the hearty, cheesy goodness of a classic cheesesteak sandwich with the comforting appeal of pasta. It’s a quick, one-pot recipe that’s perfect for busy weeknights, gatherings, or whenever you’re craving a hearty meal. With its creamy sauce, tender pasta, and savory beef, this dish is sure to become a favorite in your recipe rotation.
Whether you serve it as a cozy dinner for your family or a crowd-pleasing potluck dish, Philly Cheesesteak Pasta is guaranteed to impress. Give it a try and experience the magic of this ultimate comfort food!