Irresistible Philly Cheesesteak Pasta Recipe – Comfort on a Plate

My latest culinary adventure combines the hearty philly cheesesteak with a comforting pasta twist that’ll make you swoon.

Savory slices of beef mingle with perfectly cooked noodles in a dish that screams pure comfort.

Melted cheese creates a luxurious sauce coating each strand with rich, meaty goodness.

Philadelphia’s iconic sandwich meets pasta in a match made in kitchen heaven.

Sharp provolone and tender strips of steak promise an explosion of flavor in every single bite.

Pasta enthusiasts and sandwich lovers will find this recipe absolutely irresistible.

You might want to clear your evening schedule because once you start cooking, nothing else will matter.

Why You’ll Crave Cheesesteak Pasta

  • Quick Kitchen Triumph: Transforms classic Philly cheesesteak flavors into a hearty, comforting pasta dish that's perfect for satisfying hungry families in minutes.
  • Simplified Cooking Process: Requires minimal culinary skills with straightforward steps, making it an excellent recipe for home cooks of all experience levels who want delicious results without complicated techniques.
  • Versatile Meal Solution: Easily adaptable for different protein preferences by swapping ground beef with steak strips or even plant-based alternatives, ensuring everyone can enjoy this crowd-pleasing dish.
  • One-Pan Dish: Minimizes kitchen cleanup with a single skillet cooking method, allowing busy individuals to create a restaurant-inspired meal without generating excessive dirty dishes.

Ingredients for Cheesesteak Pasta

Main Ingredients:
  • Pasta: Classic pasta shape perfect for holding creamy sauce.
  • Ground Beef or Steak Strips: Classic protein for traditional Philly cheesesteak flavor.
  • Provolone Cheese: Smooth and melty cheese that defines the cheesesteak experience.
Vegetables and Aromatics:
  • Bell Pepper: Sweet and colorful vegetable for added crunch.
  • Onion, Garlic: Classic flavor boosters for depth and aroma.
Sauce and Binding Ingredients:
  • Cream Cheese: Creamy element that helps bind the sauce.
  • Beef Broth: Rich liquid for enhancing sauce consistency and flavor.
  • Olive Oil: Standard cooking oil for sautéing vegetables and meat.

Step-by-Step Cheesesteak Pasta

Step 1: Prepare Pasta Base

Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil.

Drop in your pasta and cook until it reaches that perfect al dente texture.

Once done, carefully drain the pasta and set it aside, ready for the flavor adventure.

Step 2: Awaken the Vegetables

Heat a generous splash of olive oil in a spacious skillet.

Toss in diced bell peppers, chopped onions, and minced garlic.

Let these ingredients dance and sizzle, softening and releasing their aromatic magic until they become tender and translucent.

Step 3: Introduce the Protein

Add ground beef or thinly sliced steak strips to the vegetable party.

Brown the meat thoroughly, breaking it into delicious crumbles.

Ensure every piece is cooked completely, developing a rich, golden color that promises incredible flavor.

Step 4: Create the Creamy Sauce

Transform your skillet into a creamy wonderland:
  • Cream cheese
  • Beef broth

Stir these ingredients until they meld into a smooth, luxurious sauce that coats everything beautifully.

Step 5: Combine and Coat

Gently fold the cooked pasta into the meaty, creamy mixture.

Ensure every strand is lovingly embraced by the sauce, creating a harmonious blend of textures and flavors.

Step 6: Cheese Finale

Generously scatter provolone cheese across the top of the pasta.

Slide the skillet under the broiler and watch as the cheese transforms into a molten, bubbling golden blanket.

Remove when it reaches peak melty perfection.

Step 7: Serve and Enjoy

Scoop the steaming Philly Cheesesteak Pasta directly from the skillet onto plates.

The aroma will make mouths water instantly.

Dig in while it’s hot and savor every decadent bite!

Tips to Nail Cheesesteak Pasta

  • Choose ribeye or sirloin for authentic Philly cheesesteak flavor and melt-in-your-mouth texture.
  • Keep pasta slightly firm when boiling to maintain perfect al dente consistency and prevent mushiness during final mixing.
  • Deglaze the skillet with a splash of Worcestershire sauce or beef broth to capture all the delicious browned meat bits and enhance overall taste.
  • Swap provolone with classic Cheez Whiz or mix multiple cheese types like mozzarella and provolone for a richer, more complex cheese profile.
  • If sauce seems too thick, gradually add extra beef broth to achieve desired creamy consistency without making the dish watery.

Save & Serve Pasta Again

  • Store leftover Philly Cheesesteak Pasta in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Keep refrigerated for up to 3-4 days.
  • Warm pasta in a skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of beef broth to prevent drying. Stir occasionally until heated through and creamy.
  • Place pasta in a microwave-safe dish, cover with a damp paper towel. Heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each interval to ensure even warming.
  • Transfer cooled pasta to a freezer-safe container. Freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

What to Pair with Cheesesteak Pasta

  • Pair with Bold Cabernet Sauvignon: Rich red wine complements the hearty beef and creamy cheese, enhancing the pasta's robust flavors with its full-bodied profile.
  • Create Crisp Pickle Side Salad: Tangy, crunchy pickled vegetables cut through the richness, adding brightness and balancing the heavy pasta's creamy texture.
  • Match with Craft Beer Amber Ale: Malty, slightly hoppy beer provides a perfect counterpoint to the savory meat and melted cheese, refreshing the palate between bites.
  • Serve with Garlic Parmesan Bread: Crusty, buttery bread with garlic and parmesan creates a delicious accompaniment, perfect for soaking up extra sauce and adding textural contrast.

Cheesesteak Pasta Twists & Takes

  • Vegetarian Cheesesteak Pasta: Replace ground beef with plant-based crumbles or sliced portobello mushrooms for a meat-free version that maintains the classic flavor profile.
  • Gluten-Free Option: Use gluten-free pasta and ensure all other ingredients are certified gluten-free to accommodate those with wheat sensitivities.
  • Low-Carb Alternative: Swap traditional pasta with zucchini noodles or cauliflower rice to reduce carbohydrate content while keeping the cheesesteak essence intact.
  • Spicy Southwest Remix: Add diced jalapeños, swap provolone for pepper jack cheese, and include a dash of chili powder to give the dish a southwestern kick.

FAQs

  • What type of meat works best for this Philly Cheesesteak Pasta?

Thinly sliced ribeye or sirloin steak are ideal, but ground beef is a great convenient alternative that still provides excellent flavor and texture.

  • Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Yes, simply substitute regular pasta with gluten-free pasta options like brown rice pasta or chickpea pasta to make the dish gluten-free while maintaining the same delicious taste.

  • How can I make this dish spicier?

Add red pepper flakes during cooking or include diced jalapeños when sautéing vegetables to give the pasta a spicy kick that complements the cheesy, meaty flavors.

  • Is this recipe budget-friendly?

Absolutely! Using ground beef instead of steak strips reduces cost, and most ingredients are common pantry staples, making this a wallet-friendly meal that doesn’t compromise on taste.

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Philly Cheesesteak Pasta Recipe


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4.8 from 35 reviews

  • Total Time: 45 minutes
  • Yield: 4 1x

Description

Hearty Philly cheesesteak pasta brings classic sandwich flavors into a comforting one-pot meal that blends tender beef, melted cheese, and perfectly cooked noodles. Smooth, savory combinations invite you to savor this delicious twist on a Philadelphia street food favorite.


Ingredients

Scale

Primary Protein:

  • 1 pound ground beef or steak strips

Vegetables:

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

Cheese and Dairy:

  • 8 ounces (226 grams) cream cheese, softened
  • 1 cup shredded provolone cheese

Liquid and Seasoning:

  • 1 cup beef broth
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • Salt to taste
  • Pepper to taste

Pasta:

  • 12 ounces (340 grams) pasta (penne or rigatoni recommended)

Instructions

  1. Prepare a large pot of salted water and cook the pasta until it reaches a tender yet firm consistency, ensuring it maintains a slight bite. Drain thoroughly and set aside.
  2. Heat olive oil in a spacious skillet over medium-high temperature. Add finely chopped bell peppers, onions, and minced garlic, sautéing until the vegetables become translucent and slightly caramelized.
  3. Introduce the beef or steak strips into the vegetable mixture, breaking it down and cooking until the meat develops a rich, golden-brown exterior and is completely cooked through.
  4. Reduce the heat and incorporate cream cheese and beef broth, stirring continuously to create a smooth, velvety sauce that coats the ingredients evenly.
  5. Gently fold the drained pasta into the meat and sauce mixture, ensuring each strand is thoroughly coated and integrated with the flavorful components.
  6. Transfer the pasta to an oven-safe dish and generously distribute provolone cheese across the surface, creating a complete coverage.
  7. Position the dish under the broiler, watching carefully until the cheese melts completely and develops a slightly bubbling, golden-brown surface. Serve immediately while hot and at peak flavor.

Notes

  • Customize your pasta choice for better texture, using robust cuts like penne or rigatoni that hold sauce effectively.
  • Drain meat thoroughly to prevent watery sauce, ensuring a rich and concentrated flavor profile.
  • Experiment with cheese varieties like sharp cheddar or Swiss for unique taste variations that complement the classic Philly cheesesteak profile.
  • Consider using lean ground beef or thinly sliced sirloin to reduce overall fat content while maintaining authentic meaty flavor.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 30 minutes
  • Category: Lunch, Dinner
  • Method: Sautéing
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 4
  • Calories: 480
  • Sugar: 3 g
  • Sodium: 780 mg
  • Fat: 25 g
  • Saturated Fat: 12 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
  • Trans Fat: 1 g
  • Carbohydrates: 40 g
  • Fiber: 2 g
  • Protein: 28 g
  • Cholesterol: 80 mg
James Hambly

James Hambly

Founder & Recipe Creator

Expertise

Recipe Development, Culinary Education, Farm-to-Table Cooking, Southern Cuisine

Education

Asheville-Buncombe Technical Community College
Certificate in Culinary Arts
Focus: Hands-on training in professional cooking techniques, emphasizing farm-to-table practices and Southern cuisine.

The Chef’s Academy
Associate Degree in Culinary Arts
Focus: Comprehensive culinary education covering global cuisines, kitchen management, and food safety.​


James grew up surrounded by the smells of cast-iron skillets and slow-cooked Southern meals in Asheville, North Carolina.
He sharpened his skills with a Certificate in Culinary Arts from Asheville-Buncombe Technical Community College, and later leveled up with an Associate Degree from The Chef’s Academy.
James’s philosophy is simple: the best meals don’t need fancy tricks, just fresh ingredients, a hot pan, and a little bit of heart. His favorite days are spent testing one-pan wonders, chasing bold flavors, and creating recipes that feel easy, even on a busy night.

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