If you’re a fan of the classic Philly cheesesteak sandwich, then you’re going to love this Philly Cheese Steak Pasta! This family-friendly dinner combines tender pasta, juicy beef, sautéed peppers and onions, and a creamy, cheesy sauce that brings all the flavors of a cheesesteak straight to your plate.

It’s hearty, comforting, and perfect for busy weeknights when you need a one-pot meal that everyone will devour. Let’s jump into this cheesy, savory goodness!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy One-Pot Meal: Fewer dishes mean less cleanup, making it perfect for busy evenings.
• Family-Friendly: Kids and adults alike love this pasta dish with its rich and cheesy flavor.
• Cheesesteak-Inspired: Brings the iconic Philly cheesesteak flavors into a creative pasta dish.
• Customizable: You can easily adjust the ingredients to suit your taste.

What Does Philly Cheese Steak Pasta Taste Like?

This dish is the ultimate comfort food! It’s rich, cheesy, and savory, with tender beef and pasta smothered in a creamy cheese sauce. The sautéed peppers and onions add a hint of sweetness and crunch, while the melty provolone or mozzarella cheese ties everything together for a dish that’s bold, hearty, and delicious.

Ingredients

For the Pasta:

• Ground beef or thinly sliced steak (1 lb)
• Pasta (12 oz, such as penne, rigatoni, or rotini)
• Olive oil (1 tablespoon)
• Green bell pepper (1, diced)

• Red bell pepper (1, diced)
• Onion (1 medium, sliced or diced)
• Garlic (2 cloves, minced)
• Beef broth (3 cups)
• Milk (1 cup)
• Salt and pepper (to taste)
• Worcestershire sauce (1 tablespoon)

For the Cheese Sauce:

• Provolone cheese (1½ cups, shredded or sliced)
• Cream cheese (4 oz, softened)
• Cheddar cheese (½ cup, shredded, optional for extra cheesiness)
• Parsley (for garnish, optional)

Tools You’ll Need

• Large skillet or Dutch oven (for cooking the pasta and sauce in one pot).
• Wooden spoon or spatula (for stirring).
• Knife and cutting board (for prepping the vegetables).
• Ladle (for serving).

How to Make Philly Cheese Steak Pasta

Step 1: Cook the Beef

1. Heat a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium heat.
2. Add the ground beef or sliced steak and cook until browned, breaking it up into crumbles if using ground beef (about 5-7 minutes).
3. Season with salt, pepper, and Worcestershire sauce. Remove the beef from the skillet and set it aside.

Step 2: Sauté the Vegetables

1. In the same skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat.
2. Add the diced green and red bell peppers, along with the onion. Sauté for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables are softened and slightly caramelized.
3. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for 1 minute, until fragrant.

Step 3: Cook the Pasta in the Sauce

1. Return the cooked beef to the skillet with the sautéed vegetables.
2. Pour in the beef broth and milk, stirring to combine. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil.
3. Add the uncooked pasta and stir to ensure it’s submerged in the liquid. Reduce the heat to low, cover, and simmer for 12-15 minutes, or until the pasta is tender and most of the liquid is absorbed. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.

Step 4: Add the Cheese

1. Once the pasta is cooked, reduce the heat to low and stir in the cream cheese until fully melted and combined.
2. Add the shredded provolone (and cheddar, if using) in small handfuls, stirring until melted and creamy.

Step 5: Serve

1. Remove the skillet from the heat and garnish the pasta with fresh parsley, if desired.
2. Serve the Philly Cheese Steak Pasta hot, with crusty bread or a green salad on the side.

Tips for Perfect Philly Cheese Steak Pasta

• Use High-Quality Cheese: Provolone is key to the classic cheesesteak flavor, but you can mix in mozzarella or cheddar for extra cheesiness.
• Choose the Right Pasta: Short pasta like penne, rigatoni, or rotini works best to hold the creamy sauce.
• Don’t Overcook the Pasta: Cook it just until tender (al dente) so it doesn’t get mushy in the sauce.
• Make It Spicy: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or sliced jalapeños for a spicy kick.
• Use Leftover Steak: If you have leftover steak, slice it thinly and add it toward the end of cooking to avoid overcooking.

Variations

• Chicken Philly Pasta: Swap the beef for diced chicken breast or thighs for a lighter option.
• Vegetarian Option: Omit the beef and add mushrooms, zucchini, or spinach for a veggie-loaded version.
• Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free pasta and ensure your broth is gluten-free.
• Creamier Sauce: Add a splash of heavy cream or half-and-half to make the sauce even richer.

What to Serve with Philly Cheese Steak Pasta

This pasta is a hearty meal on its own, but here are a few sides to make it extra special:

• Garlic Bread: Perfect for soaking up the creamy sauce.
• Green Salad: A light side salad with a tangy vinaigrette balances the richness of the pasta.
• Roasted Vegetables: Try roasted broccoli, asparagus, or Brussels sprouts for a healthy side.

Storage Instructions

• Refrigerate: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
• Reheat: Warm the pasta on the stovetop over low heat, stirring in a splash of milk or broth to loosen the sauce.
• Freeze: This pasta isn’t ideal for freezing because of the cheese sauce, but if needed, freeze portions in airtight containers and thaw in the fridge before reheating.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Can I make this dish ahead of time?

Yes! Prepare the pasta up to the point of adding the cheese. Cool and refrigerate, then reheat on the stovetop and stir in the cheese before serving.

What type of beef works best?

Ground beef is convenient, but thinly sliced ribeye or sirloin is traditional for Philly cheesesteak flavors.

Can I make this dish lighter?

For a lighter version, use ground turkey or chicken, reduced-fat cheese, and low-fat milk.

Can I add more veggies?

Absolutely! Sliced mushrooms, zucchini, or spinach make great additions to this pasta dish.

Conclusion

There you have it—Philly Cheese Steak Pasta, a cheesy, savory twist on a classic sandwich that’s perfect for family dinners. This dish is simple to make, packed with flavor, and sure to become a go-to comfort food in your home.

If you give this recipe a try, I’d love to hear how it turned out! Leave a comment below or share your photos on Pinterest. And if you’re looking for more hearty pasta recipes, check out my creamy chicken Alfredo or baked ziti—you’ll love them too!

Nutritional Information (Per Serving, Approximate)

• Calories: 480
• Carbohydrates: 42g
• Protein: 28g
• Fat: 20g
• Fiber: 4g
• Sugar: 5g

Enjoy every cheesy, savory bite of this Philly Cheese Steak Pasta—it’s comfort food at its finest! 🧀🍝✨