Philly Cheesesteak Pasta

You have to try the recipe that’s currently rocking our dinner rotation: this incredible Philly Cheesesteak Pasta! We took all the best parts of that classic sandwich, including the savory beef, sweet caramelized peppers, and gooey, melty cheese, and tossed them all with tender pasta. My family gets so excited whenever this creamy, comforting dish is on the menu, and I know yours will too.

The best part is how unbelievably fast it comes together. This satisfying meal is ready in about the time it takes to boil the pasta, making it perfect for busy weeknights. You get all the bold, delicious flavors of a classic cheesesteak without any of the fuss. If you want an easy dinner that the whole family will love, this is the recipe you’ve been looking for.

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Why You’ll Love This Philly Cheesesteak Pasta

Trust me, this dish is about to become your new weeknight hero. Here’s why:

• Quick & easy: It’s faster than waiting in line at a cheesesteak joint—ready in under 30 minutes!
• Crowd-pleaser: Kids and adults alike go crazy for that creamy cheese and beefy goodness.
• One-pan wonder: Minimal cleanup means more time to enjoy that cheesy pasta bliss.
• Comfort food upgrade: All the classic Philly flavors you love, but in fork-twirlable pasta form.

Seriously, the first time I made this, my husband asked if we could have it every night. (We didn’t… but we could have!)

Ingredients for Philly Cheesesteak Pasta

Here’s everything you’ll need to make this cheesy, beefy masterpiece – and trust me, every ingredient plays a special role in creating that authentic Philly cheesesteak flavor we’re after:

• 1 lb ground beef (80/20 blend): The fat keeps it juicy and flavorful, just like a proper cheesesteak
• 1 green bell pepper, diced: About 1 cup’s worth for that classic Philly crunch
• 1 medium onion, diced: Yellow onions work best for that sweet caramelization
• 3 cloves garlic, minced: Fresh is best here, no jarred stuff!
• 1 tbsp olive oil: For sautéing those veggies to perfection
• 8 oz cream cheese, softened: Leave it on the counter for 30 minutes first
• 1 cup beef broth: Low-sodium so you can control the salt
• 1 cup heavy cream: This makes the sauce luxuriously rich
• 2 cups shredded provolone cheese: The classic Philly choice (buy blocks and shred yourself for best melt!)
• 1 lb pasta (penne or rigatoni): Those ridges hold onto all that saucy goodness
• Salt & pepper to taste: Season as you go for maximum flavor

Pro tip: Have all your ingredients prepped before you start cooking – it makes the process so much smoother when everything comes together quickly!

Ingredient Substitutions

No provolone? No problem! Here are my favorite swaps when I need to adapt this recipe:

• Ground turkey or chicken works instead of beef – it’s leaner but still delicious (add a dash of Worcestershire for extra umami).
• Mozzarella or white cheddar can sub for provolone – you’ll lose that signature sharpness but gain a different cheesy goodness.
• Half-and-half can replace heavy cream in a pinch – the sauce will be slightly thinner but still creamy.
• Mushrooms make a great veggie addition or replacement for peppers if you’re not a fan.

The beauty? This dish is forgiving – adapt it to what’s in your fridge and it’ll still taste amazing!

How to Make Philly Cheesesteak Pasta

Okay, friends – let’s get cooking! This recipe comes together faster than you can say “cheesesteak,” but there are a few key steps to make sure everything turns out perfect. Follow along closely, and you’ll be twirling cheesy, beefy pasta onto your fork in no time.

Step 1: Cook the Pasta

First things first – get that pasta going! Fill a large pot with water (I use about 4 quarts for 1 lb pasta) and salt it generously – it should taste like seawater. Bring it to a rolling boil before adding your penne or rigatoni. Now here’s my secret: cook it just 1 minute less than the package says for perfect al dente texture. It’ll finish cooking in the sauce later.

Drain the pasta when it’s done, but don’t rinse it – you want that starchy surface to help the sauce cling. And here’s a pro move: save about 1 cup of the pasta water! If your sauce gets too thick later, this magic liquid will thin it out perfectly.

Step 2: Sauté Vegetables and Beef

While the pasta cooks, heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Toss in your diced onions and bell peppers – these need about 5 minutes to soften and get those gorgeous caramelized edges. Stir occasionally!

When the veggies are almost done, add the minced garlic. Watch it carefully – garlic burns fast! Just 30 seconds to 1 minute is enough for that flavor to bloom without turning bitter.

Now push everything to the sides and add your ground beef right to the center. Break it up with your spoon as it browns – about 5-7 minutes. Once there’s no pink left, drain off any excess fat (leave about 1 tbsp for flavor).

Step 3: Make the Creamy Cheese Sauce

Here’s where the magic happens! Reduce heat to low before adding ingredients – we don’t want curdled cheese sauce.

Add the cream cheese first – cubed helps it melt faster. Stir constantly until completely smooth. Slowly pour in beef broth and heavy cream, stirring continuously. Let this simmer gently for 2-3 minutes until slightly thickened.

Now the star of the show: shredded provolone! Add it handful by handful, stirring until fully melted before adding more. Keep that heat low – patience makes perfect melted cheese. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

Step 4: Combine and Serve

Add your drained pasta to the cheesy beef mixture and toss everything together thoroughly. I like to use tongs for this – they help coat every nook and cranny of the pasta.

If the sauce seems too thick, add reserved pasta water a splash at a time until it reaches your perfect consistency. Give it a final taste – need more salt? A pinch more pepper?

Serve immediately while piping hot! The cheese stays gooey and stretchy when eaten right away. Watch everyone’s eyes light up as they take that first bite – pure Philly cheesesteak pasta perfection!

Tips for the Best Philly Cheesesteak Pasta

Alright, let me share my hard-earned secrets for making this dish absolutely foolproof:

• Shred your own cheese: Pre-shredded stuff has anti-caking agents that make the sauce grainy. A block of provolone melts like a dream!
• Don’t skip the veggie sauté: Those 5 minutes transform onions and peppers from crunchy to sweet perfection.
• Deglaze like a pro: After browning the beef, scrape up those tasty browned bits with your broth.
• Low and slow for cheese: Melt everything on low heat to avoid that dreaded curdled sauce.
• Pasta water is gold: Saved starchy water fixes too-thick sauce better than anything else.

Follow these tips, and I promise your pasta will taste just like my family’s favorite version, maybe even better!

Serving Suggestions for Philly Cheesesteak Pasta

Oh, you’ve gotta serve this beauty right! I love pairing my Philly cheesesteak pasta with some garlic bread for dunking into that luscious cheese sauce. A simple green salad with tangy vinaigrette cuts through the richness perfectly. For a real Philly experience? Grab some pickled peppers or banana peppers – that vinegary bite takes it over the top!

Storing and Reheating

Got leftovers? Lucky you! Store your Philly Cheesesteak Pasta in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, pop it in a skillet over low heat with a splash of milk or broth to keep it creamy. Freezing works too – just thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating gently on the stove.

Pro tip: avoid the microwave unless you like dry pasta – low and slow is the way to go!

Nutritional Information

Just a quick note – these nutritional estimates can vary based on your specific ingredients and brands. Like any good cheesesteak-inspired dish, this pasta is meant to be enjoyed as an occasional indulgence rather than an everyday meal. (But trust me, you’ll want to make it everyday!)

Philly Cheesesteak Pasta FAQs

More Recipes to Try!

If you love the hearty, cheesy goodness of this pasta dish, then you’ll be excited to try these other comfort food creations. They are packed with flavor and perfect for a satisfying family dinner, transforming classic sandwich ideas into easy and delicious new meals.

• Philly Cheesesteak Stromboli
• Philly Cheesesteak Casserole
• Cheesy Garlic Bread Sloppy Joes
• Italian Beef Sandwiches

The Ultimate Comfort Food Mashup

And there you have it, the best Philly Cheesesteak Pasta you’ll ever make! This recipe delivers all the savory, cheesy flavor of the classic sandwich in a quick and easy weeknight meal that your whole family will love. It’s the perfect dish for when you’re craving something hearty, comforting, and delicious without spending hours in the kitchen.

I can’t wait to hear what you think! If you try this recipe, please leave a comment below. For more amazing meal ideas, don’t forget to follow along on Facebook, Instagram, and Pinterest.

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