Philly Cheesesteak Pasta is a rich, creamy, and hearty twist on the iconic Philadelphia cheesesteak sandwich. Instead of serving the classic combo of tender beef, onions, peppers, and gooey cheese in a hoagie roll, this recipe transforms those flavors into a comforting pasta dish that’s perfect for weeknight dinners.
With savory beef, sautéed peppers and onions, and a luscious cheese sauce coating tender pasta, this dish has all the flavors of a cheesesteak in fork-friendly form. It’s quick to prepare, customizable, and guaranteed to satisfy both cheesesteak lovers and pasta fans alike.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
✔️ All the flavors of a Philly cheesesteak in pasta form
✔️ Creamy, cheesy, and ultra-comforting
✔️ Easy to customize with different meats, cheeses, or veggies
✔️ Family-friendly and perfect for weeknight dinners
✔️ Ready in about 30 minutes
Ingredients Breakdown
Beef
- Ground beef is convenient, cooks quickly, and blends easily into the sauce.
- Steak strips (ribeye or sirloin) give a more authentic cheesesteak flavor and a heartier bite.
Season with salt, pepper, garlic powder, or Worcestershire sauce to enhance the savory depth.
Vegetables
- Green bell peppers and onions are staples, adding sweetness, crunch, and a bit of earthy bitterness.
- Optional add-ins: mushrooms for a meaty texture or red bell peppers for extra sweetness and color.
Cheese & Sauce
- Provolone cheese delivers that classic gooey cheesesteak finish.
- Cream cheese melts into a velvety base that coats the pasta.
- Optional swaps: mozzarella for mildness, cheddar for tang, or a blend for extra richness.
Pasta
- Short pastas like penne or rigatoni work best, holding onto the creamy sauce in every bite.
- Whole wheat or gluten-free pasta can be used as alternatives.
Flavor Booster
- Beef broth enriches the sauce, balancing out the cream cheese and tying the flavors together.
Step-by-Step Instructions
1️⃣ Cook the Pasta
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook pasta (penne or rigatoni) until al dente. Drain and set aside.
2️⃣ Sauté the Vegetables
Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add diced onion and bell pepper; cook 4–5 minutes until softened. Add garlic in the last minute to avoid burning.
3️⃣ Cook the Meat
Add ground beef or steak strips. Cook until browned (6–8 minutes for beef, 4–5 minutes for steak strips). Season with salt, pepper, and Worcestershire sauce if desired.
4️⃣ Make the Sauce
Stir in softened cream cheese and beef broth. Cook until smooth, creamy, and well combined with the meat and vegetables.
5️⃣ Combine & Broil
Toss the cooked pasta into the sauce. Top with shredded provolone cheese. Place skillet under the broiler for 3–5 minutes until bubbly and golden.
6️⃣ Serve & Enjoy
Remove from the oven, let cool for 1–2 minutes, then garnish with parsley. Serve hot with garlic bread or a crisp green salad.
Customization Ideas
- Vegetarian: Swap beef for mushrooms or plant-based meat.
- Spicy: Add jalapeños or red pepper flakes.
- Cheesy: Mix in mozzarella or cheddar for extra richness.
- Lighter: Use ground turkey or chicken and light cream cheese.
Storage & Reheating
- Refrigerator: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Reheat: Warm gently on the stove with a splash of broth or in the microwave in short intervals.
- Freezer: Freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Philly Cheesesteak Pasta Recipe
Author: Munil
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
Servings: 4–6
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef or steak strips
- 1 green bell pepper, diced
- 1 onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup provolone cheese, shredded
- 12 oz penne or rigatoni pasta
- 1 cup beef broth
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- Salt & pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Cook pasta until al dente; drain and set aside.
- In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Sauté onion and bell pepper for 4–5 minutes. Add garlic and cook 1 more minute.
- Add beef or steak strips. Cook until browned and season with salt and pepper.
- Stir in cream cheese and beef broth, mixing until smooth and creamy.
- Add pasta and toss to coat. Top with provolone cheese.
- Broil 3–5 minutes until cheese is melted and bubbly. Serve warm.
Final Thoughts
Philly Cheesesteak Pasta is the perfect balance of classic sandwich flavors and pasta comfort. With its creamy, cheesy sauce, tender beef, and sautéed vegetables, it’s a cozy dinner the whole family will crave again and again. Plus, it’s flexible—make it cheesy, spicy, meaty, or vegetarian to suit your mood.