Philly cheesesteak pasta combines the best of two worlds: the iconic, rich flavors of a classic Philly cheesesteak sandwich and the comforting, hearty appeal of pasta. This dish stands out because it takes the core ingredients of the famous sandwich—steak, cheese, onions, and peppers—and infuses them into a creamy, flavorful pasta sauce. The result is a dish that is both filling and indulgent, making it an instant favorite for those who love savory meals.
The combination of tender steak, melted cheese, and sautéed onions complements the soft, absorbing pasta perfectly. Moreover, the versatility of Philly cheesesteak pasta allows for various ingredient substitutions, making it easy to customize according to personal preferences. Whether you’re serving it on a weeknight or at a gathering, this dish offers a unique twist on the classic cheesesteak experience, taking comfort food to the next level.
Key Ingredients for Philly Cheesesteak Pasta
Let’s talk about the ingredients—don’t worry, I’ve got you covered. Most of these are pantry staples or easy to grab from your local grocery store. Here’s what you’ll need:
- 1 lb. beef steak (flank steak or sirloin works great)
- 8 oz. pasta (penne, rigatoni, or any short pasta you like)
- 1 medium onion, thinly sliced
- 1 bell pepper, thinly sliced (I love green or red for this, but go with your fave)
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup beef broth
- 1 ½ cups heavy cream (yep, the good stuff)
- 2 cups shredded provolone cheese (don’t skimp on this, trust me)
- 2 tablespoons butter
- Olive oil (for cooking)
- Salt & pepper, to taste
How to Make Philly Cheesesteak Pasta : Step-by-Step
Making Philly cheesesteak pasta is surprisingly easy. In just a few steps, you can enjoy a hearty, cheesy dish that will become a family favorite.
- Cook the Pasta
First thing’s first—boil your pasta according to the package directions. You know the drill. Once it’s done, drain it, but make sure to save about 1 cup of pasta water (we’ll use that later for the sauce magic). - Cook the Steak
While the pasta’s cooking, get a large skillet or pan on medium-high heat. Add a splash of olive oil and let it get nice and hot. Season your steak with salt and pepper, then throw it in the pan. You’ll want to cook it for about 2-3 minutes on each side, or until it’s browned but still juicy. Once it’s done, remove it from the pan and set it aside. Cut it into thin strips once it’s cool enough to handle. - Sauté the Veggies
In the same skillet, melt the butter and toss in the sliced onions, bell peppers, and garlic. Let it cook for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the veggies are soft and starting to caramelize. The smell? Oh, it’s heavenly. - Make the Sauce
Now, pour in your beef broth and let it simmer for 2-3 minutes to reduce just a bit. Then, add in the heavy cream, stirring constantly. This is where the magic happens. Let the cream and broth blend together to form a creamy sauce. You might need to adjust the heat, but keep it on low, so it doesn’t boil over. - Bring It All Together
Add the cooked steak back into the skillet along with the cooked pasta. Stir everything together, making sure that creamy sauce coats all the pasta. If the sauce feels a little too thick, add a bit of that reserved pasta water to thin it out. You want it just saucy enough to cling to every bite. - Cheese It Up
Here’s where the real Philly cheesesteak vibe comes in: add the shredded provolone cheese and stir until it melts into the sauce. Oh yeah, this is the stuff dreams are made of. Give it a taste and adjust the seasoning with more salt and pepper if needed. - Serve It Up
Now, just dish it out into bowls (or plates if you’re fancy), and serve it hot. I like to sprinkle a little extra cheese on top, just because—who doesn’t want more cheese, right?
Pro Tip: Make It Even Quicker!
If you’re in a serious rush (or if you’re just plain hangry), you can skip the steak cooking part and use pre-sliced deli steak. It cuts down on cook time and still tastes amazing!
Why You’ll Love This Philly Cheesesteak Pasta
Okay, let’s face it—Philly cheesesteaks are delicious, but this pasta version? It might just be the best thing since sliced bread. Here’s why you’ll love it:
- All the flavors you love in a cheesesteak, but with pasta. What’s not to love?
- It’s easy—I mean, who doesn’t want a dish that’s quick, tasty, and doesn’t require a ton of effort?
- You can prep ahead. If you’re meal-prepping for the week, this dish stores great in the fridge and reheats like a champ.
- It’s kid-friendly. The whole family will devour this one, no questions asked.
Healthier Versions of Philly Cheesesteak Pasta
For those looking to enjoy the flavors of Philly cheesesteak pasta without all the calories, there are several ways to make it a healthier option:
- Use Whole Wheat Pasta: Swap regular pasta for whole wheat or zucchini noodles to increase fiber intake and add more nutrients to the dish.
- Lean Meat: Choose lean cuts of meat such as chicken breast or turkey, or opt for sirloin steak, which has less fat than ribeye.
- Low-Fat Dairy: Use low-fat cream cheese, Greek yogurt, or a reduced-fat cheese blend to cut down on fat while still achieving a creamy sauce.
- Increase Veggies: Add more spinach, mushrooms, or broccoli to the dish to boost its nutritional content without sacrificing flavor.
- Light Broth: Instead of using heavy cream, opt for a lighter option like low-fat milk or unsweetened almond milk.
These simple substitutions can significantly reduce the calorie count of your Philly cheesesteak pasta, making it a more health-conscious choice while still retaining its delicious flavor.
Philly Cheesesteak Pasta for Different Occasions
Philly cheesesteak pasta is a versatile dish that works well for a variety of occasions. Here are some ways you can serve it:
- Family Dinner: Philly cheesesteak pasta is a hearty, comforting dish that the whole family will enjoy. It’s easy to make and can be prepared in less than 30 minutes.
- Casual Gatherings: Whether you’re hosting friends or attending a potluck, this dish makes a great crowd-pleaser. You can even prepare it as a pasta bake to serve more people at once.
- Game Day: With its rich and savory flavors, Philly cheesesteak pasta is the perfect comfort food for watching the big game. It’s easy to portion and can be enjoyed with a cold drink on the side.
- Date Night: For a more intimate occasion, serve Philly cheesesteak pasta as the main course. The creamy sauce and tender steak will create a memorable, indulgent dining experience.
No matter the event, Philly cheesesteak pasta adds a touch of comfort and satisfaction to any meal.
FAQs About Philly Cheesesteak Pasta
1. Can I use a different type of meat for Philly Cheesesteak Pasta?
Yes! While traditional Philly cheesesteaks use thinly sliced ribeye or flank steak, you can easily swap it for chicken, turkey, or even ground beef. Just make sure to adjust the cooking time based on the meat you choose!
2. Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Absolutely! This Philly Cheesesteak Pasta stores really well in the fridge for up to 3 days. Just be sure to store it in an airtight container. When you’re ready to eat, reheat it in a skillet or microwave with a splash of milk or cream to bring back that creamy texture.
3. What if I don’t have provolone cheese?
No problem! Provolone is the classic choice for that cheesy melt, but you can use mozzarella, cheddar, or even a blend of cheeses. Just make sure to pick a cheese that melts well for that creamy goodness.
4. Can I make Philly Cheesesteak Pasta spicy?
If you like a little heat, go ahead and add some sliced jalapeños or a pinch of red pepper flakes to the veggies while cooking them. You could also use pepper jack cheese instead of provolone for an extra kick!
5. Is this recipe gluten-free?
To make it gluten-free, simply swap the regular pasta for gluten-free pasta. Everything else in the recipe is naturally gluten-free, so no need to worry!
6. How can I make this recipe dairy-free?
If you’re looking to go dairy-free, swap the heavy cream for coconut cream or a dairy-free heavy cream alternative. For the cheese, you can use a dairy-free cheese blend that melts well.
7. Can I make Philly Cheesesteak Pasta in one pan?
Yes, this recipe can be made in one pan! After cooking the steak and vegetables, you can add the beef broth and cream, then toss the pasta right into the skillet. It’s a great way to cut down on cleanup time.
8. What kind of pasta works best for Philly Cheesesteak Pasta?
Short pastas like penne, rigatoni, or rotini work best because the creamy sauce can get into all the nooks and crannies. But honestly, you can use whatever pasta you have on hand!
9. Can I freeze Philly Cheesesteak Pasta?
Yes, you can freeze Philly Cheesesteak Pasta! Let it cool completely before placing it in a freezer-safe container. It’ll keep for up to 2-3 months. Just reheat it on the stove with a little extra cream or broth to bring it back to life.
10. How do I make this dish even creamier?
If you want to make this pasta extra creamy, just add a bit more heavy cream (or a full-fat alternative). You can also stir in some cream cheese for an extra rich texture!
Conclusion
Philly cheesesteak pasta brings the bold, savory flavors of a classic Philly cheesesteak into the world of pasta, creating a delicious and satisfying dish. By using high-quality ingredients like tender steak, melty cheese, and sautéed veggies, you can easily recreate this flavorful meal at home. Whether you choose to stick with the traditional recipe or experiment with variations, there’s no denying that Philly cheesesteak pasta is a crowd favorite.
With the right tips and tricks, you can perfect your steak grilling skills, avoid common mistakes, and serve up a dish that will impress any guest. Whether you’re looking for a comforting weeknight dinner or a dish to impress at your next gathering, Philly cheesesteak pasta is the perfect choice. For more fantastic comfort food recipes, check out our Creamy Lasagna Soup that will keep you warm all winter long.