Philly Cheesesteak Pasta

The fusion of Philly cheesesteak and creamy pasta brings two comfort classics into one irresistible dish. With tender shaved beef, sautéed peppers and onions, and a luxuriously cheesy sauce, this meal hits all the right notes for a cozy dinner or a weekend indulgence.

Perfect for busy weeknights or a satisfying family meal, this skillet pasta combines bold flavor with convenience. The melty provolone and mozzarella create a rich, velvety coating over every bite, making this recipe an easy go-to when you’re craving hearty and delicious comfort food.

Full Recipe:

Ingredients:

• 8 oz rotini pasta

• 1 tablespoon olive oil

• 1 small yellow onion, thinly sliced

• 1 green bell pepper, thinly sliced

• 1/2 lb shaved beef steak

• 1 teaspoon garlic powder

• 1 teaspoon onion powder

• Salt and pepper, to taste

• 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour

• 1 1/2 cups beef broth

• 1 cup whole milk

• 1 cup shredded provolone cheese

• 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese

• 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley (optional for garnish)

Directions:

1. Cook pasta according to package directions. Drain and set aside.

2. In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Add sliced onion and green bell pepper. Sauté for 3–4 minutes until tender.

3. Add the shaved beef steak to the skillet. Cook until browned, about 4–5 minutes. Season with garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper.

4. Sprinkle the flour over the beef and vegetables. Stir and cook for 1 minute to eliminate the raw flour taste.

5. Gradually whisk in beef broth and milk. Bring to a gentle simmer, stirring constantly until the mixture thickens, about 3–5 minutes.

6. Reduce heat to low and stir in provolone and mozzarella cheese until melted and creamy.

7. Add the cooked pasta to the skillet and toss to coat evenly in the sauce.

8. Garnish with chopped parsley if desired and serve immediately.

Prep Time: 10 minutes | Cooking Time: 20 minutes | Total Time: 30 minutes
Kcal: 540 kcal | Servings: 4 servings

Philly Cheesesteak Pasta: A Comfort Food Classic With A Twist

Philly cheesesteak lovers, meet your new favorite dish Philly Cheesesteak Pasta. This hearty, creamy, cheesy pasta bake takes all the bold, savory flavors of the iconic sandwich and blends them into a rich and satisfying one-pot comfort meal. It’s the kind of recipe that hits all the right notes tender pasta, juicy steak, sautéed peppers and onions, and plenty of gooey cheese, all brought together in a luscious creamy sauce.

This fusion dish has rapidly gained popularity not just among pasta lovers but with fans of classic American flavors. It’s a weeknight hero that delivers the comfort of a homemade meal without being overly complicated or time-consuming. The result? A cheesy, beefy, flavor-packed pasta dish that will have your family asking for seconds and thirds.

The Origins of Philly Cheesesteak Pasta

Philly Cheesesteak Pasta is a creative adaptation inspired by the traditional Philadelphia cheesesteak sandwich. Originating in the early 20th century, the classic cheesesteak was first served at a hot dog stand owned by Pat Olivieri in South Philadelphia. What started as a simple combination of sliced beef and grilled onions in a roll evolved into a beloved American staple especially when cheese was introduced to the mix.

Now, in the age of culinary experimentation, chefs and home cooks alike have begun to reinterpret the original cheesesteak in various forms pizza, sliders, egg rolls, stuffed peppers, and yes, pasta. Philly Cheesesteak Pasta is not only an exciting way to repurpose a familiar flavor profile, but it also elevates it into a creamy, baked dish suitable for both casual dinners and social gatherings.

What Makes This Recipe Special?

Unlike some pasta dishes that can feel overly heavy or monotonous, Philly Cheesesteak Pasta achieves a perfect balance of flavor and texture. It’s indulgent, but not overwhelming. It’s rich, but layered. The tender beef contrasts beautifully with the crisp-tender peppers and onions, while the creamy cheese sauce envelops each bite with savory goodness.

The use of provolone and cream cheese (or sometimes mozzarella) gives the dish a luscious, velvety texture. Meanwhile, the pasta traditionally rotini or penne soaks up all the juices from the steak and the sauce, making every forkful flavorful and fulfilling. And let’s not forget: the cheese topping, melted and slightly golden from the oven, provides a comforting finish that makes this dish downright irresistible.

Choosing The Right Cut of Beef

A great Philly Cheesesteak Pasta starts with great beef. Ribeye is traditionally used in cheesesteak sandwiches for its tenderness and flavor, but it’s also on the pricier side. For home cooks on a budget, flank steak or even thinly sliced sirloin can be excellent alternatives. The key is to slice the beef thinly against the grain, ensuring a tender bite in every forkful. A quick sear over medium-high heat brings out the steak’s natural flavors while locking in juices.

For a more accessible and quicker version, ground beef is often used as a substitute. While it changes the texture slightly, it still captures the essence of the original cheesesteak flavors and makes the preparation much faster.

Vegetables That Add Flavor and Color

Bell peppers and onions are essential components of both traditional cheesesteaks and this pasta variation. They not only add sweetness and a bit of crunch but also help break through the richness of the meat and cheese. Green bell peppers are commonly used, but feel free to mix in red or yellow peppers for a slightly sweeter note and a more colorful presentation.

The vegetables are typically sautéed until just softened, allowing them to retain a bit of bite while absorbing the flavors of the beef drippings and seasoning.

The Creamy Cheese Sauce Where the Magic Happens

What truly sets Philly Cheesesteak Pasta apart is the cheese sauce. Made from a combination of cream cheese, provolone, and sometimes mozzarella or cheddar, the sauce ties the entire dish together. It’s important to whisk the ingredients thoroughly to create a smooth, cohesive mixture that coats the pasta evenly.

Some versions add a bit of beef broth or pasta water to loosen the sauce and enhance its depth of flavor. A dash of Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, or even a touch of hot sauce can bring a deeper umami element and elevate the flavor profile.

The Pasta: More Than Just a Base

The type of pasta you choose can change the experience of the dish. Rotini, penne, or rigatoni are ideal options because their ridges and tubes hold onto the sauce better than smoother noodles. Cook the pasta just shy of al dente, as it will continue to cook in the oven while baking with the sauce and cheese.

This slight undercooking ensures that your final dish isn’t mushy but has just the right amount of bite known as “toothsome” in culinary terms.

Baking for the Perfect Finish

Once the pasta, beef, vegetables, and sauce are combined, they’re transferred to a baking dish and topped with a generous layer of shredded cheese. Baking not only melts the cheese topping into a golden, bubbly crown but also helps meld all the flavors together. If you want a little extra texture, you can sprinkle breadcrumbs or crushed fried onions on top before baking.

The result is a pasta bake that’s creamy inside, with a beautiful, cheesy crust on top comfort food perfection.

How to Serve and Store

Philly Cheesesteak Pasta is best served hot straight from the oven. It pairs beautifully with a light green salad, garlic bread, or steamed vegetables to balance out the richness of the dish.

As for leftovers, this pasta holds up well in the refrigerator for up to 3–4 days. Simply reheat in the microwave or in a covered dish in the oven. If the sauce thickens too much, a splash of milk or broth can help loosen it up.

This recipe also freezes well. To freeze, let it cool completely, transfer it to a freezer-safe container, and store for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Customization Ideas

One of the best aspects of Philly Cheesesteak Pasta is how customizable it is. Here are a few ways to make it your own:

• Spice it up: Add sliced jalapeños or red pepper flakes for heat.

• Add mushrooms: Sautéed mushrooms complement the beef and cheese beautifully.

• Go low-carb: Swap the pasta for zucchini noodles or cauliflower for a lighter version.

• Use different cheeses: Try Swiss, American, or smoked gouda for a flavor twist.

• Add a topping: Sprinkle with crispy bacon bits, fried onions, or breadcrumbs before baking.

Conclusion:

Philly Cheesesteak Pasta is a delicious, crowd-pleasing recipe that brings together the best elements of two beloved comfort foods. It’s rich and indulgent, yet easy enough to whip up on a weeknight. Whether you’re feeding a hungry family, entertaining friends, or simply treating yourself, this dish delivers satisfaction with every bite.

By incorporating tender beef, vibrant veggies, perfectly cooked pasta, and a dreamy cheese sauce, this recipe captures the heart and soul of the Philly cheesesteak in a new and exciting way. Once you make it, it’s bound to become a regular in your dinner rotation.

Looking for your next comfort food classic? Look no further Philly Cheesesteak Pasta is where creamy, cheesy magic happens.