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Philly Cheese Steak Pasta

Featured in: Simple and Satisfying Dinners

Philly Cheese Steak Pasta brings the beloved flavors of Philadelphia's famous sandwich into a hearty pasta dish. Thinly sliced steak is quickly seared to tender perfection, then combined with sautéed bell peppers and onions – the classic cheesesteak veggie combo. The magic happens when cream cheese melts into beef broth, creating a rich sauce that coats every piece of pasta. Provolone cheese adds that authentic Philly touch, while a dash of Worcestershire and smoked paprika deepens the flavor profile. This 30-minute meal delivers all the satisfaction of a cheesesteak sandwich but in a comforting pasta form that's perfect for weeknight dinners when you're craving something hearty and flavorful.
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Updated on Sat, 15 Mar 2025 04:47:24 GMT
A bowl of pasta with meat and vegetables. Pin it
A bowl of pasta with meat and vegetables. | tastygusto.com

Philly Cheese Steak Pasta brings together the iconic flavors of Philadelphia's famous sandwich in a satisfying pasta dish everyone will crave. Succulent strips of beef mingle with colorful bell peppers and sweet onions, all enveloped in a rich, creamy cheese sauce that clings to every bite of pasta. The familiar taste of a classic cheese steak sandwich transforms into a comforting, family-friendly meal that delivers maximum flavor with minimal effort in the kitchen.

Last weekend I prepared this for my sister's family visit, and even her teenage boys asked for seconds. The empty dish spoke volumes about its universal appeal across generations.

Essential Components

  • Steak: Sliced paper-thin against the grain ensures tenderness and quick cooking time. Look for meat with good marbling for the most flavor.
  • Bell peppers: Red and green provide sweet crunch and authentic Philly flavor.
  • Onions: Caramelize beautifully, adding natural sweetness.
  • Pasta: Rigatoni, penne, or cavatappi are ideal for capturing the sauce.
  • Provolone cheese: Delivers authentic cheesesteak flavor with its mild tang and melting properties.
  • Cream cheese: Creates luxurious sauce consistency without separating.
  • Beef broth: Forms the savory foundation of the sauce.
  • Garlic and seasonings: Fresh garlic enhances every component with aromatic depth.

Cooking Process

Pasta Preparation:
Bring a large pot of generously salted water to a rolling boil. Add pasta and cook until just shy of al dente. Reserve half a cup of starchy pasta water before draining.
Beef Technique:
Freeze steak for 15-20 minutes before slicing thinly. Heat a skillet over high heat, add oil, and sear beef in batches. Season with salt and pepper and cook until caramelized, then set aside.
Vegetable Sauté:
In the same skillet, cook onions until translucent. Add bell peppers, stirring occasionally, then garlic. Cook for 30-45 seconds.
Sauce Creation:
Lower heat and add beef broth, scraping up browned bits. Add Worcestershire sauce and cubed cream cheese, whisking until smooth. Season with salt, pepper, and smoked paprika. Simmer until thickened.
Final Assembly:
Return beef to the skillet, fold in cooked pasta, and gradually mix in shredded provolone. Stir until smooth, adding pasta water if needed. Optionally, transfer to a baking dish, top with cheese, and broil until golden.
A bowl of pasta with meat and cheese. Pin it
A bowl of pasta with meat and cheese. | tastygusto.com

My grandmother taught me the importance of pasta water as a magical ingredient. The starchy liquid acts as an emulsifier, helping oils and water-based ingredients combine seamlessly while adding silky texture to sauces.

Economical Adaptations

Ground beef works as a budget-friendly alternative to steak. Mushrooms add umami and stretch the dish for larger gatherings. This adaptation maintains the comforting essence while reducing costs.

Dietary Considerations

For low-carb options, use protein-enriched pasta or spiralized zucchini. Plant-based adaptations include replacing beef with seitan or mushrooms. Dairy-free versions swap cream cheese for cashew cream and provolone for nutritional yeast.

Flavorful Pairings

Serve with crusty garlic bread and a simple arugula salad for contrast. Pickled vegetables provide acidity to balance the creamy sauce.

Preservation Methods

Refrigerate leftovers in airtight containers for up to three days. When reheating, add a splash of milk or broth to restore creaminess.

A bowl of pasta with meat and cheese. Pin it
A bowl of pasta with meat and cheese. | tastygusto.com

This dish bridges nostalgic comfort food with sophistication. Transforming cheese steak flavors into pasta form creates a meal greater than the sum of its parts.

Frequently Asked Questions

→ What cut of beef is best for Philly Cheese Steak Pasta?
Thinly sliced ribeye is traditional for Philly cheesesteaks, but flank steak or sirloin work great in this pasta dish. The key is slicing the meat very thin against the grain for maximum tenderness.
→ Can I make Philly Cheese Steak Pasta ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare it up to 2 days ahead and refrigerate. When ready to serve, reheat gently on the stovetop with a splash of beef broth or in the microwave until heated through.
→ What can I substitute for provolone cheese?
Traditional alternatives include white American cheese or Cheez Whiz for an authentic Philly flavor. Alternatively, mild cheddar or Monterey Jack work well as substitutes.
→ What pasta shapes work best for this recipe?
Medium pasta shapes that can hold the sauce work best - penne, rigatoni, rotini, or farfalle (bow ties) are all excellent options. Avoid long, thin pasta like spaghetti.
→ How can I make this recipe lighter?
Use lean beef like sirloin, substitute Neufchâtel for regular cream cheese, use reduced-fat cheese, and increase the vegetables. You can also use whole wheat pasta for added fiber.
→ Can I add mushrooms to my Philly Cheese Steak Pasta?
Absolutely! Sliced mushrooms are a popular addition to many Philly cheesesteak variations. Add them when sautéing the peppers and onions.

Philly Cheese Steak Pasta

This Philly Cheese Steak Pasta combines thinly sliced steak, peppers and onions with a creamy cheese sauce for a comforting dinner option.

Prep Time
15 Minutes
Cook Time
25 Minutes
Total Time
40 Minutes

Category: Dinner Ideas

Difficulty: Intermediate

Cuisine: American-Italian fusion

Yield: 4 Servings

Dietary: ~

Ingredients

→ Pasta & Protein

01 12 oz penne or rigatoni pasta
02 1 lb thinly sliced flank steak or sirloin

→ Vegetables & Aromatics

03 1 green bell pepper, sliced
04 1 onion, sliced
05 2 garlic cloves, minced

→ Sauce & Seasonings

06 1 cup beef broth
07 4 oz softened cream cheese
08 1 cup shredded provolone cheese
09 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese (optional)
10 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
11 1 tbsp olive oil
12 1 tsp salt
13 1/2 tsp black pepper
14 1/2 tsp smoked paprika

Instructions

Step 01

Bring a pot of salted water to a boil and cook the pasta according to package directions until al dente. Drain in a colander and set aside.

Step 02

Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the thinly sliced steak and cook for 2-3 minutes per side until just browned. Transfer to a plate and set aside.

Step 03

Using the same skillet with the steak juices, add the sliced bell peppers and onions. Sauté for 4-5 minutes until they've softened and begun to caramelize. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.

Step 04

Reduce heat to medium and pour in the beef broth and Worcestershire sauce, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan. Add the cream cheese, salt, pepper, and smoked paprika. Stir continuously until the cream cheese has completely melted and the sauce is smooth.

Notes

  1. This Philly Cheese Steak Pasta combines all the classic flavors of a Philly cheesesteak in a hearty, cheesy pasta dish.
  2. For a crispier top, transfer everything to a baking dish, sprinkle with extra cheese, and broil for 2-3 minutes.

Tools You'll Need

  • Large skillet
  • Medium saucepan
  • Cutting board and sharp knife
  • Mixing spoon or spatula
  • Colander
  • Baking dish (optional)

Allergy Information

Please check ingredients for potential allergens and consult a health professional if in doubt.
  • Contains dairy (cream cheese, provolone, mozzarella)
  • Contains wheat (pasta)

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

It is important to consider this information as approximate and not to use it as definitive health advice.
  • Calories: 520
  • Total Fat: 23 g
  • Total Carbohydrate: 42 g
  • Protein: 35 g