If you love the bold flavors of a classic Philly cheesesteak but crave the heartiness and comfort of a creamy pasta, this Philly Cheesesteak Pasta is going to be your new weeknight obsession. Tender bites of beef, sautéed peppers, onions, and mushrooms all swirled together with gooey provolone cheese and perfectly cooked noodles — every forkful is a comforting hug that brings your favorite sandwich right into a cheesy, dreamy pasta dish. With simple pantry staples and a quick 30-minute cook time, you can easily treat yourself to the best of both worlds, any night of the week.
Ingredients You’ll Need
You’ll be amazed at how just a handful of straightforward ingredients can deliver that crave-worthy cheesesteak flavor in a fun, family-friendly pasta dish. Each addition brings something special, whether it’s a punch of savory flavor or a silky richness, making every bite truly memorable.
- 12 ounces penne or rotini pasta: These shapes hold up beautifully to the sauce and catch all those tasty bits of beef and cheese.
- 1 tablespoon olive oil: Helps brown the meat and brings out the sweetness in the veggies.
- 1 pound ground beef or thinly sliced sirloin steak: Use beef for classic flavor, or steak slices for a more authentic cheesesteak vibe.
- 1 small onion, diced: Adds a gentle sweetness and depth that rounds out the flavors.
- 1 green bell pepper, diced: Brings a subtle crunch and signature Philly color to the mix.
- 1 cup sliced mushrooms: Earthy mushrooms soak up the sauce for extra deliciousness.
- 2 cloves garlic, minced: Lends bold, aromatic heartiness to the dish.
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour: Thickens the sauce and coats the meat and veggies for a silky finish.
- 2 cups beef broth: Gives the sauce that irresistible, meaty backbone.
- 1 cup milk: Adds creaminess and balances out the rich flavors.
- 1½ cups shredded provolone cheese (or mozzarella): Melts into the silkiest, stretchiest layer of cheese imaginable.
- ½ teaspoon salt: Brightens and enhances every ingredient.
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper: Gives a touch of warmth and that Philly bite.
- Chopped parsley for garnish (optional): Freshens things up with color and a hint of brightness.
How to Make Philly Cheesesteak Pasta
Step 1: Cook the Pasta
Start by bringing a generous pot of salted water to a boil. Add your chosen pasta (penne or rotini), and cook according to package directions until al dente. Drain well and set aside, ready to soak up all that luscious Philly cheesesteak pasta sauce.
Step 2: Brown the Meat
In a large skillet over medium heat, warm up the olive oil. Add ground beef or thinly sliced sirloin steak, breaking it up and cooking until beautifully browned and cooked through. If you see extra grease in the pan, feel free to carefully drain it — you want enough fat for flavor, but not so much that the sauce feels heavy.
Step 3: Sauté the Veggies
Time to build those classic cheesesteak flavors! Toss the diced onion, green bell pepper, mushrooms, and minced garlic in with the meat. Sauté everything for about 5 to 6 minutes, stirring often, until the vegetables are softened and smelling downright irresistible.
Step 4: Build that Dreamy Sauce
Sprinkle the all-purpose flour over the meat and veggies, stirring well so everything gets nicely coated. This will help your sauce thicken up in the next step. Slowly pour in the beef broth and milk, stirring constantly to avoid lumps. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer and cook for 3 to 4 minutes, watching as it transforms into a rich, creamy sauce.
Step 5: Melt the Cheese and Combine
Reduce the heat to low and add the shredded provolone (or mozzarella) cheese. Stir until fully melted and the sauce is glossy and smooth. Now, add your cooked pasta back in and toss everything together. Every piece should be generously coated in cheesy, beefy goodness. Season with salt and black pepper, giving it a final quick toss before serving.
How to Serve Philly Cheesesteak Pasta
Garnishes
For that final flourish, sprinkle chopped fresh parsley on top or even a little extra cheese if you like things extra gooey. The fresh green pops against all that melty, golden cheese, making your Philly Cheesesteak Pasta irresistibly inviting.
Side Dishes
This pasta is comforting enough to steal the show, but it pairs wonderfully with a crisp green salad or garlicky breadsticks. If you’re aiming for balance, serve with roasted or steamed veggies. That way, you get a little crunch and freshness with every cheesy bite!
Creative Ways to Present
Try scooping your Philly Cheesesteak Pasta into mini cast iron pans for an individual, restaurant-worthy touch. You can also broil it briefly under the oven for a bubbly, golden top, or serve it inside a hollowed-out bread bowl for a fun nod to the original sandwich. It’s all about having fun with the flavors you love!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Place any leftover Philly Cheesesteak Pasta in an airtight container and store it in the fridge for up to 3 days. The pasta absorbs even more flavor as it sits — just be sure to reheat gently to maintain that creamy, cheesy texture.
Freezing
You can freeze Philly Cheesesteak Pasta in a tightly sealed container for up to 2 months. For best results, thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating. Keep in mind that the sauce may separate slightly after freezing, but stirring it over low heat usually brings it back together.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers over medium-low heat on the stovetop, adding a splash of milk or broth to loosen the sauce if needed. Stir frequently until warmed through and creamy again. The microwave works too, just use shorter intervals and stir between each one for even heating.
FAQs
Can I make Philly Cheesesteak Pasta ahead of time for meal prep?
Absolutely! This pasta is a star in meal prep rotations. Simply cook as directed, let it cool completely, then portion into containers for easy grab-and-go lunches or quick dinners throughout the week.
What’s the best way to make this pasta extra cheesy?
If you want an even cheesier bite, stir in some extra provolone or sprinkle more cheese on top, then broil for two to three minutes until bubbly and golden. This adds both flavor and visual wow to your Philly Cheesesteak Pasta.
Can I use a different type Main Course
Of course! Penne and rotini are great for catching the sauce and beef, but shells or spaghetti work too. Just use your favorite pasta shape and adjust cooking time as needed.
What’s the most authentic cheese for Philly Cheesesteak Pasta?
Traditionally, Philly cheesesteaks use provolone, white American, or even Cheez Whiz. For the best pasta translation, stick with provolone for meltiness and flavor, but feel free to mix in a little white American for even more classic taste.
Can I add other veggies or use a different bell pepper color?
Definitely! While green bell peppers are the Philly classic, red or yellow peppers add sweetness and color. You can toss in extra mushrooms, baby spinach, or even jalapeños for some heat — it’s all about making your Philly Cheesesteak Pasta just the way you like it.
Final Thoughts
Few dishes are as comforting and crowd-pleasing as Philly Cheesesteak Pasta — it’s pure joy in a bowl and guaranteed to win over anyone who loves cheesy, savory dinners. Give it a try and let it become a new favorite in your weeknight rotation!
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Philly Cheesesteak Pasta Recipe
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in the flavors of a classic Philly cheesesteak in pasta form with this easy-to-make and delicious Philly Cheesesteak Pasta recipe. Tender pasta coated in a creamy, cheesy sauce with savory beef, peppers, and onions.
Ingredients
Pasta:
- 12 ounces penne or rotini pasta
Beef:
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 pound ground beef or thinly sliced sirloin steak
Vegetables:
- 1 small onion, diced
- 1 green bell pepper, diced
- 1 cup sliced mushrooms
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
Sauce:
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 2 cups beef broth
- 1 cup milk
- 1½ cups shredded provolone cheese (or mozzarella)
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
Garnish:
- Chopped parsley for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Cook the pasta: Boil pasta according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
- Sauté beef and vegetables: Brown beef in a skillet. Add onion, pepper, mushrooms, and garlic. Sauté until softened.
- Make the sauce: Sprinkle flour, add broth and milk. Simmer until thickened.
- Add cheese and pasta: Stir in cheese until melted. Combine with pasta. Season with salt and pepper.
- Serve: Garnish with parsley and serve hot.
Notes
- Use a mix of provolone and white American cheese for an authentic flavor.
- You can broil the pasta with extra cheese for a bubbly finish.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1½ cups
- Calories: 480
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 470mg
- Fat: 24g
- Saturated Fat: 11g
- Unsaturated Fat: 11g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 28g
- Cholesterol: 85mg
