Philly Cheesesteak Pasta: A Creamy, Dreamy Comfort Meal

Introduction

Imagine the iconic flavors of a Philly cheesesteak tender steak, melted cheese, and caramelized onions all swirled into a creamy, comforting pasta dish. Philly Cheesesteak Pasta combines the richness of pasta with the goodness of a cheesesteak into the perfect comfort food crossover. This dish has become popular for its versatility and ease, making it a quick go-to for bustling weeknights and family dinners. We will cover all things Philly Cheesesteak Pasta in this guide, from the classic dish to delicious twists and some essential cooking techniques.

For more delicious recipes, check out our Detailed Guide to Focaccia Pizza!

What is Philly Cheesesteak Pasta?

This creamy pasta dish is made to truly taste like a Philly cheesesteak sandwich, so the ingredients are pretty basic. It includes the traditional bell peppers, onions, shaved beef, and cheese.While this dish can be made in one skillet, if you just switch out the ingredients during each stage of cooking. It actually may be a bit easier to just use two skillets. One for the meat and veggies, and one for just the cheese sauce.

What ingredients do you need or how to make Philly Cheesesteak Pasta?

ingredients

• Olive oil – For browning the beef and sauté the veggies.
• Ground beef – For most of my ground beef recipes, my preference is 90% lean ground beef.
• Seasoning/Garlic – A mix of Italian seasoning, garlic pepper, kosher salt, and minced garlic make for some pretty tasty flavor.
• Onion – 1/2 medium yellow onion, cut into very thin slices
• Bell peppers – I used red and yellow bell peppers to have a pretty color contrast. They’re less pungent and sweeter than the green kind and a good way to introduce the little ones to bell peppers. Gently remove the cores and thinly slice them.
• MUSHROOMS — Optional, but definitely recommended! I use cremini mushrooms, trimmed and cut into quarters.
• Pasta – 10 ounces of dry rotini (this is roughly 3 cups) You should get a cheap kitchen scale with a bowl. It is one of my go-to kitchen tools! I use it all the time to weigh out meat, dry pasta, and other things. You could sub another short pasta, like penne or medium shells, but rotini works well here.
• Beef broth — Low sodium beef broth.
• Cheese – We prefer non-spicy shredded pepperjack cheese; just adds a nice kick to your bite. Sliced provolone is another readily available option and offers a very mild slightly distinct yet tasty melt.

Instructions

• Brown the ground beef in olive oil until crumbled and brown. Excess grease is drained and placed on a plate and set aside.
• Sauté the onions with a little salt until softened then stir in the bell pepper, mushrooms, and garlic, and cook, stirring frequently, until bell peppers and mushrooms begin to soften and garlic is fragrant.
• Add the cooked ground beef back into the skillet with more salt, the Italian seasoning, and garlic pepper.
• Add the uncooked pasta to the beef and pepper mixture. Pour in the beef broth.
• Bring the mixture to a boil. Reduce the heat, cover, and cook for 15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the pasta is cooked and most of the liquid is absorbed.
• Stir in the pepper Jack cheese.
• Place the provolone slices in a circle over the top.
• Cover, cook for a few minutes until cheese melts and serve.

Philly Cheesesteak Pasta Recipes

1. Skillet Philly Cheesesteak Pasta

A quick and easy one-pot meal that delivers rich, cheesy flavors with minimal cleanup.

Ingredients:

• 1 lb steak or ground beef
• 1 small onion, sliced
• 1 bell pepper, sliced
• 2 cups pasta (penne or rotini)
• 2 cups beef broth
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1 cup shredded provolone or cheddar cheese
• 2 tbsp butter
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

1. Sauté the onions and bell peppers in butter over medium heat.
2. Add steak or ground beef, cook until browned.
3. Pour in beef broth and bring to a boil. Add pasta and cook until tender.
4. Stir in heavy cream and cheese until melted and creamy.
5. Serve hot and enjoy!

2. Baked Philly Cheesesteak Pasta Casserole

A comforting oven-baked version with a crispy, cheesy top layer. 

Instructions:

1. Prepare the skillet recipe but slightly undercook the pasta.
2. Transfer to a greased baking dish, top with extra cheese.
3. Bake at 375°F for 15-20 minutes until bubbly and golden.

3. Slow Cooker Philly Cheesesteak Pasta

Perfect for busy days let the slow cooker do the work! 

Instructions:

1. Add sliced steak, onions, bell peppers, beef broth, and seasonings to a slow cooker.
2. Cook on low for 6 hours.
3. Stir in cooked pasta and cheese before serving.

4. Instant Pot Philly Cheesesteak Pasta

A quick and effortless pressure cooker method. 

Instructions:

1. Sauté onions, peppers, and beef in the Instant Pot.
2. Add pasta, broth, and seasonings, then pressure cook for 5 minutes.
3. Stir in cheese and cream until melted and smooth.

Variations and Customizations

• Cheese Choices: Swap provolone for cream cheese, cheddar, or mozzarella.
• Pasta Options: Try fettuccine, rigatoni, or even gluten-free pasta.
• Protein Variations: Use chicken for a Philly Chicken Cheesesteak Pasta.
• Vegetable Additions: Enhance nutrition with mushrooms, spinach, or zucchini.
• Healthy Adjustments: Use lean beef, whole wheat pasta, and low-fat cheese.

Tips and Tricks for Perfect Philly Cheesesteak Pasta

• Cooking the Steak: Thinly slice against the grain for tenderness.
• Caramelizing Onions: Cook low and slow for rich, sweet flavor.
• Preventing Mushy Pasta: Slightly undercook before mixing with sauce.
• Creamy Sauce Perfection: Use a mix of broth and cheese for the best texture.
• Storage & Reheating: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Reheat gently with a splash of milk or broth.

Conclusion

Philly Cheesesteak Pasta Recipe is a rich, flavorful, comforting meal that’s easily adapted. Whether you prefer a skillet version, a baked casserole, or a slow-cooker meal, this dish is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. There are many ways to enjoy this creamy, cheesy treat, so try them all and see what you like!

FAQs

Can I use a different type of meat?

Absolutely! Try ground turkey, chicken, or even sausage (Philly Cheesesteak Pasta with Ground Beef).

Can I use a different kind of pasta?

I have discovered penne to be the best but you can swap in any short format of pasta you love. Bowtie, shells, fusilli  will all work.

Can I make this vegetarian?.

Yes, substitute steak with mushrooms, asparagus, zucchini, and more.

How can I make this recipe lighter?

With some slight adjustments, you can turn this into a lighter recipe. Use half and half instead of heavy cream, use less cheese on top, and exchange the ground beef for lean ground turkey.