Philly Cheesesteak Pasta Recipe

Are you ready for a hearty, flavor-packed meal that combines the best of two worlds? Philly Cheesesteak Pasta combines the savory, meaty goodness of a classic cheesesteak sandwich with pasta’s comforting, creamy texture. Imagine tender beef, melted cheese, sautéed peppers, and onions, all swirled together in a creamy sauce that hugs each pasta strand. It’s indulgent, yet approachable—a must-try recipe for anyone looking to spice up their weeknight dinners!

Ingredients:

• 1 lb ground beef or thinly sliced steak (ribeye works wonders!)
• 8 oz pasta (penne, rigatoni, or even egg noodles)
• 1 green bell pepper, sliced
• 1 onion, sliced thin
• 1 cup mushrooms (optional, but adds an earthy depth)
• 2 cups shredded provolone or mozzarella cheese
• 1 cup beef broth
• 1/2 cup heavy cream
• 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Cook the pasta: Begin by boiling a large pot of salted water. Once it reaches a rolling boil, toss in your pasta and cook until al dente. Drain and set aside.
2. Sear the meat: While the pasta is cooking, heat up olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef (or steak strips) and cook until browned. If you’re using thin steak slices, give them just a quick sear to keep them tender and juicy. Remove the meat from the pan and set it aside.
3. Sauté the veggies: In the same skillet, add the onions, peppers, and mushrooms. Sauté until soft and slightly caramelized, about 5-7 minutes. The key here is to let the veggies get a bit golden—this gives them that signature cheesesteak flavor.
4. Create the sauce: Lower the heat and deglaze the skillet with beef broth, scraping up any flavorful bits stuck to the bottom of the pan. Stir in the Worcestershire sauce and heavy cream, letting the sauce thicken for a couple of minutes.
5. Combine it all: Return the cooked beef to the skillet, tossing it in the rich sauce along with your cooked pasta. Stir in half of the shredded cheese and mix until it’s melted and gooey.
6. Top and broil: Transfer the mixture to a baking dish (or leave it in the skillet if it’s oven-safe), sprinkle the remaining cheese on top, and broil in the oven until the cheese is bubbly and slightly browned, just a few minutes.
7. Serve hot and enjoy: Dish out this cheesy, meaty pasta extravaganza and garnish with fresh parsley if you want to add a little color.

Why You’ll Love It:

Philly Cheesesteak Pasta isn’t just dinner; it’s an experience! The hearty steak, paired with a creamy, cheesy sauce, gives you all the comfort of pasta, with the bold flavors of a cheese steak. Every bite is a delightful mashup of savory beef, soft pasta, and rich melted cheese, with the slight sweetness of sautéed onions and peppers shining through.

Some meals are good, but this one is unforgettable. It’s perfect for busy weeknights, yet special enough for weekend indulgence. Plus, the best part? Leftovers taste just as incredible (if they last that long!).

Tips for the Best Philly Cheesesteak Pasta:

• Beef choice matters: For a true cheesesteak feel, using thin slices of ribeye will give you that melt-in-your-mouth texture. Ground beef works too for a quicker version.
• Cheese it up: Provolone is the go-to for that classic Philly Cheesesteak flavor, but mozzarella or even American cheese can be swapped in for a gooier finish.
• Get creative with veggies: Peppers and onions are a must, but mushrooms add a nice umami punch. You can also throw in some spinach or even jalapeños for a little heat!

FAQ for Philly Cheesesteak Pasta Recipe

1. Can I use a different type of meat?
Absolutely! While traditional Philly cheesesteaks use ribeye, you can substitute with ground turkey, chicken, or even plant-based meat alternatives for a lighter or vegetarian option.

2. What type of pasta works best for this recipe?
Penne, rigatoni, or egg noodles are excellent choices, as they hold the sauce well. However, you can use any pasta you have on hand.

3. Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare the pasta and the sauce ahead of time. Just combine everything before serving and heat it in the oven until warmed through and the cheese is bubbly.

4. How do I store leftovers?
Store any leftover Philly Cheesesteak Pasta in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave or oven until warmed through.

5. Can I freeze Philly Cheesesteak Pasta?
Yes, this dish freezes well! Just let it cool completely, then transfer it to a freezer-safe container. It can be stored for up to 2 months. To reheat, thaw overnight in the fridge and warm in the oven or microwave.

6. What can I serve with Philly Cheesesteak Pasta?
This dish is hearty on its own but pairs nicely with a simple side salad or garlic bread to soak up any extra sauce.

7. Can I add more vegetables?
Definitely! Feel free to include additional veggies such as spinach, zucchini, or even diced tomatoes to enhance the nutrition and flavor profile of the dish.

8. What if I want a spicier version?
To add some heat, consider including sliced jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce in the sauce. You could also use pepper jack cheese for a spicy kick!

9. Is this recipe kid-friendly?
Yes! Kids typically love the cheesy, comforting combination of pasta and meat. You can adjust the seasonings to suit their taste preferences.

10. How can I make it healthier?
To lighten up the dish, use whole wheat pasta, and lean cuts of meat, and reduce the amount of cheese or substitute with a lighter cheese option. Adding more vegetables is another great way to boost nutrition.