Philly Cheesesteak Pasta Recipe

Philly Cheesesteak Pasta Recipe for Family Dinners

A mouth-watering philly cheesesteak pasta promises comfort and excitement on every forkful.

Melted cheese, tender strips of beef, and caramelized onions create an irresistible combination.

Philadelphia’s iconic sandwich meets hearty pasta in this incredible culinary mashup.

Savory ingredients blend perfectly with al dente noodles for maximum flavor impact.

Rich provolone and juicy steak pieces weave through each delectable bite.

Weeknight dinners just got a serious upgrade with this crowd-pleasing recipe.

Fall in love with this simple yet spectacular dish that brings serious restaurant-quality flavors straight to your kitchen.

Why Philly Cheesesteak Pasta Is Pure Comfort Food

  • Transform your classic Philly cheesesteak into a hearty pasta dish that comes together in under 30 minutes, perfect for busy families craving comfort food.
  • Minimize kitchen cleanup with this simple recipe that combines protein, pasta, and rich flavors in a single skillet, making dinner prep and washing dishes a breeze.
  • Kids and adults alike will love this playful twist on a traditional sandwich, offering familiar cheesy, meaty goodness in an easy-to-eat pasta format that appeals to all ages.
  • Easily adapt the recipe by swapping meat types, adding extra vegetables, or adjusting cheese varieties to suit individual taste preferences and dietary needs.

What Goes into Philly Cheesesteak Pasta

Pasta Base:
  • Penne Pasta, Fettuccine: Classic pasta shapes that hold sauce well and provide a hearty base for the cheesesteak-inspired dish.
Meat and Protein:
  • Ribeye Steak, Sirloin Steak: Premium beef cuts with rich flavor, tender texture, and ideal for authentic Philly cheesesteak character.
  • Provolone Cheese, Cheez Whiz: Melty cheese options that create classic cheesesteak flavor and creamy texture.
Flavor Enhancers:
  • Yellow Onions, Green Bell Peppers: Traditional Philly cheesesteak vegetables that add sweetness, crunch, and aromatic depth.
  • Garlic, Salt, Black Pepper: Essential seasonings for building robust, savory flavor profile.
  • Olive Oil: Helps sauté ingredients and prevents sticking while adding subtle richness.

How to Make This, Meaty Pasta Dish

Step 1: Boil Pasta

Fill a large pot with water and add a generous pinch of salt. Bring the water to a rolling boil. Add pasta and cook according to package directions until tender but still firm to the bite. Once cooked, drain the pasta in a colander and set aside.

Step 2: Slice And Prepare Steak

Trim any excess fat from the steak and slice it into thin, bite-sized strips. Season the steak strips with salt, black pepper, and a touch of garlic powder for extra flavor.

Step 3: Sauté Steak

Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add a splash of olive oil to the pan. Once the oil is shimmering, carefully add the seasoned steak strips. Cook quickly, stirring occasionally, until the meat is browned and slightly crispy on the edges.

Step 4: Caramelize Onions And Peppers

In the same skillet, add:
  • Sliced onions
  • Sliced bell peppers

Cook until the vegetables become soft and caramelized, with a golden-brown color.

Step 5: Create Creamy Cheese Sauce

Lower the heat and add:
  • Cream cheese
  • Beef broth
  • Provolone cheese

Stir continuously until the cheeses melt and create a smooth, creamy sauce.

Step 6: Combine Pasta And Steak Mixture

Add the cooked pasta to the skillet. Gently toss everything together, ensuring the pasta is evenly coated with the creamy cheese sauce and mixed with the steak and vegetables.

Step 7: Finish And Serve

Sprinkle with fresh chopped parsley. Serve hot, directly from the skillet for a rustic, comforting meal that brings the classic Philly cheesesteak flavors into a hearty pasta dish.

Tips That Bring Out the Cheesesteak Flavor

  • Salting the Water Smartly: Add plenty of salt to your boiling water to enhance the pasta's flavor from the inside out, creating a more delicious base for your cheesesteak pasta.
  • Perfectly Cook Pasta: Aim for al dente texture by testing a strand a minute before the package instructions suggest, ensuring it's tender but still has a slight bite.
  • Slice Beef Thin and Right: Use a sharp knife to cut ribeye or sirloin against the grain into ultra-thin slices, which helps the meat cook quickly and remain tender in the dish.
  • Manage Cheese for Creamy Perfection: Mix provolone and cream cheese for a luxurious, melty sauce that coats the pasta evenly and mimics the classic Philly cheesesteak flavor profile.
  • Quick Sautéing Technique: Cook beef and vegetables over high heat for minimal time to maintain their texture and prevent overcooking, preserving the authentic cheesesteak experience.

Reheating This Pasta Without Losing Its Richness

  • Store leftover Philly Cheesesteak Pasta in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking, keeping it fresh in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
  • Warm the pasta in a skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of beef broth or water to prevent drying out and restore moisture to the dish.
  • Place pasta in a microwave-safe dish, cover with a damp paper towel, and heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each to distribute heat evenly.
  • Properly sealed pasta can be frozen for up to 2 months, thawing overnight in the refrigerator before reheating for the best texture and flavor.

What to Serve Alongside Philly Cheesesteak Pasta

  • Rich Philly cheesesteak pasta calls for a robust beer like amber ale or brown ale that complements the meaty, cheesy flavors with its malty undertones.
  • Prepare a light arugula salad with fresh lemon vinaigrette to balance the pasta's richness and provide a zesty, peppery contrast.
  • Select a medium-bodied red wine like Merlot or Cabernet Sauvignon that stands up to the hearty beef and melted cheese, enhancing the overall dining experience.
  • Offer toasted garlic bread to soak up extra sauce and provide a crunchy texture that perfectly complements the creamy, tender pasta dish.

Ways to Switch Up This Crowd-Pleasing

  • Gluten-Free Option: Swap regular pasta with gluten-free penne or rotini made from rice or chickpea flour, ensuring the same comforting texture for those avoiding wheat.
  • Vegetarian Transformation: Replace beef with sliced portobello mushrooms or plant-based steak strips, maintaining the rich, savory flavor profile while creating a meat-free version.
  • Low-Carb Alternative: Use zucchini noodles or spaghetti squash instead of traditional pasta, cutting down on carbohydrates while keeping the classic Philly cheesesteak taste intact.
  • Protein Power Boost: Incorporate grilled chicken or turkey strips as a leaner protein option, adding extra nutrition without compromising the dish's signature taste.

Your Philly Cheesesteak Pasta FAQs

  • What's the best type of pasta to use for this recipe?

Penne or rigatoni work great because their tube-like shape helps capture the cheesy sauce and meat bits perfectly.

  • Can I use a different type of meat instead of beef?

Yes, you can substitute with ground turkey or chicken for a leaner option, though the traditional flavor will be slightly different.

  • How spicy does this dish get?

The recipe is mild, but you can add red pepper flakes or hot sauce if you prefer more heat. Most people enjoy it with a mild, savory flavor profile.

  • Is this dish kid-friendly?

Absolutely! Kids typically love cheesy pasta with meat, and this recipe has familiar, comforting ingredients that most children enjoy eating.

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Philly Cheesesteak Pasta Recipe

Philly Cheesesteak Pasta Recipe


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4.5 from 19 reviews

  • Total Time: 40 minutes
  • Yield: 4 1x

Description

Hearty Philly cheesesteak pasta brings classic sandwich flavors into a comforting dinner experience. Melted provolone, tender beef strips, and caramelized peppers create a robust pasta dish that delivers pure Philadelphian culinary magic with every satisfying bite.


Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients:

  • 1 lb (450 g) thinly sliced steak (ribeye, sirloin, or shaved beef)
  • 12 oz (340 g) penne or rigatoni pasta
  • 1 cup provolone cheese, shredded
  • ½ cup mozzarella cheese, shredded

Vegetables and Aromatics:

  • 1 medium onion, thinly sliced
  • 1 green bell pepper, thinly sliced
  • 1 red bell pepper, thinly sliced
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced

Liquid and Seasoning Ingredients:

  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
  • 2 cups beef broth
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
  • ½ teaspoon smoked paprika (optional)
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Fresh parsley (optional, for garnish)

Instructions

  1. Pour water into a generously sized pot, season with salt, and bring to a rolling boil. Immerse pasta and cook until perfectly tender yet firm, following package guidelines.
  2. Carefully drain pasta in a colander, allowing excess water to escape, and reserve the cooked pasta for later assembly.
  3. Select a robust skillet and heat it over medium-high temperature, preparing to transform ground beef into a flavorful foundation.
  4. Introduce ground beef to the hot skillet, breaking it into crumbly fragments with a sturdy wooden spatula, allowing each morsel to develop a rich, caramelized exterior.
  5. Incorporate diced bell peppers and sliced onions into the sizzling beef, stirring continuously to ensure even cooking and maximum flavor integration.
  6. Season the meat and vegetable mixture with robust spices, creating a savory profile that echoes traditional Philly cheesesteak characteristics.
  7. Once vegetables have softened and beef achieves a perfect golden-brown appearance, reduce heat and introduce cream cheese, stirring until a luxurious, creamy sauce envelops the ingredients.
  8. Gently fold the reserved pasta into the skillet, ensuring each strand becomes completely coated with the decadent beef and cheese mixture.
  9. Sprinkle shredded provolone across the top, allowing residual heat to melt the cheese into a gooey, irresistible blanket.
  10. Remove from heat, let the dish rest momentarily, then serve immediately, garnishing with optional fresh herbs for an elevated presentation.

Notes

  • Opt for a sturdy pasta shape like penne or rigatoni to hold the rich, meaty sauce effectively.
  • Slice beef against the grain for maximum tenderness and easier chewing during each bite.
  • Use a cast-iron skillet or heavy-bottomed pan to achieve perfect caramelization on the meat and vegetables.
  • Consider using provolone cheese instead of traditional Cheez Whiz for a more authentic, gourmet flavor profile that melts smoothly into the pasta.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 25 minutes
  • Category: Lunch, Dinner
  • Method: Boiling
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 4
  • Calories: 730
  • Sugar: 4 g
  • Sodium: 950 mg
  • Fat: 42 g
  • Saturated Fat: 18 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 22 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 56 g
  • Fiber: 3 g
  • Protein: 34 g
  • Cholesterol: 105 mg
Jamie Granger

Jamie Granger

Recipe Developer & Food Writer

Expertise

  • Fusion Cuisine Development
  • Recipe Development and Food Styling
  • Culinary Writing and Content Creation
  • Nutrition and Healthy Cooking​

Education

Culinary Institute of America

  • Degree: Associate in Culinary Arts
  • Focus: Emphasis on flavor development, classic and contemporary culinary techniques, menu design, and global cuisine preparation; combined with food-service management, communication, and finance training; and immersive hands‑on restaurant operations through paid industry internships.

Jamie Granger turns ingredients into memories. With her recipes, she brings a fusion-forward flair to every creation. 

Her dishes reflect the places she’s explored, the chefs she’s learned from, and the deep connection she has to food as a form of expression. 

At Pass and Provision, Jamie develops recipes that balance flavor, health, and beauty, meals that don’t just satisfy your appetite but speak to your curiosity.

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