Easy Philly Cheesesteak Pasta

This hearty Philly Cheesesteak Pasta transforms the beloved sandwich into a comforting, creamy pasta dish that delivers all those classic flavors in every bite. The rich sauce coats each pasta piece with savory beef, sweet peppers, and melty cheese that will transport you straight to the streets of Philadelphia.

I first created this dish when craving a Philly cheesesteak but wanted something that would feed my entire family without the fuss of individual sandwiches. Now it's requested at least twice a month and has become our go to comfort meal when hosting casual dinner gatherings.

Ingredients

• Ground beef: Creates the hearty base choose 80/20 for best flavor
• Green bell pepper: Adds authentic Philly flavor and slight sweetness
• Onion: Provides essential aromatic foundation sweet varieties work best
• Garlic cloves: Enhance savory notes fresh minced gives superior flavor
• Cream cheese: Creates the rich velvety sauce base full fat recommended
• Beef broth: Adds depth and thins the sauce homemade intensifies flavor
• Heavy cream: Provides luxurious mouthfeel no substitutes for authentic results
• Provolone cheese: Authentic Philly choice with perfect melt factor
• Pasta: Penne or rigatoni ideal for trapping sauce in ridges and hollows
• Olive oil: For sautéing extra virgin not necessary here
• Salt and pepper: Crucial for balancing flavors kosher salt works best

How To Make Philly Cheesesteak Pasta

Cook the Pasta:

Bring a large pot of generously salted water to a rolling boil. Add pasta and cook until al dente following package directions but typically 8 to 10 minutes. Test by biting through a piece it should have slight resistance in the center. Drain promptly to prevent overcooking but do not rinse to preserve the starchy exterior that helps sauce adhesion.

Sauté Vegetables:

Heat olive oil in a large deep skillet over medium heat until it shimmers but doesn't smoke. Add diced onion and green bell pepper spreading them evenly across the pan. Cook for 5 minutes stirring occasionally until vegetables soften without browning. They should become translucent and slightly sweet as their natural sugars release.

Add Aromatics:

Sprinkle minced garlic over the softened vegetables distributing evenly. Stir continuously for one minute until fragrant but not browned as garlic becomes bitter when overcooked. The aroma will intensify noticeably when ready.

Brown the Beef:

Add ground beef to the vegetable mixture crumbling it into small pieces with a wooden spoon. Cook for 5 to 7 minutes until no pink remains stirring frequently to ensure even cooking. Tilt the pan and spoon off excess fat which would make the final dish greasy.

Create the Base Sauce:

Reduce heat to low then add cream cheese in small chunks. Stir constantly until completely melted and incorporated with no white streaks remaining. The mixture will look slightly curdled initially but will smooth out with continued stirring approximately 2 to 3 minutes.

Develop the Sauce:

Pour in beef broth and heavy cream in a steady stream while stirring continuously. Allow mixture to come to a gentle simmer not a boil which would cause separation. Continue cooking for 3 to 4 minutes until slightly thickened and able to coat the back of a spoon.

Add the Cheese:

Sprinkle shredded provolone into the sauce a handful at a time stirring between additions until fully melted. This gradual approach prevents clumping and ensures a smooth texture. The sauce will become noticeably thicker and develop a stretchy quality characteristic of Philly cheesesteaks.

Combine and Finish:

Season with salt and pepper tasting and adjusting as needed. Add cooked pasta to the skillet folding gently but thoroughly with tongs or a large spoon until every piece is coated with sauce. Allow to sit for 2 minutes before serving to let pasta absorb some sauce flavors.

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My absolute favorite part of this recipe is how the cream cheese melts into the beef broth creating a silky sauce that clings perfectly to the pasta. It reminds me of Sunday dinners at my grandmother's house where comfort food was an expression of love. She always said a good sauce should coat the back of a spoon and this one definitely meets her high standards.

Storage and Reheating

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. The flavors actually improve overnight as they meld together. When reheating add a small splash of milk or cream to revitalize the sauce which thickens considerably when chilled. Microwave on medium power stirring halfway through or gently reheat on the stovetop over medium low heat stirring frequently to prevent scorching the cream sauce.

Delicious Variations

While this recipe captures the classic Philly cheesesteak experience feel free to customize it to your preferences. Try using thinly sliced steak instead of ground beef for more authentic texture. Mushrooms make a wonderful addition providing earthy depth sauté them with the peppers and onions. For heat lovers add a diced jalapeño or crushed red pepper flakes. You can also experiment with cheese varieties traditional cheesesteaks sometimes use American or Cheez Whiz which creates an even creamier sauce.

Serving Suggestions

Serve this pasta with a simple side salad dressed with vinaigrette to cut through the richness. Garlic bread makes an excellent accompaniment for sopping up extra sauce. For a complete Philly themed meal pair with pickle spears and crispy french fries on the side. This dish is substantial enough to stand alone but can be stretched further with additional vegetable sides when feeding a crowd.

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Frequently Asked Questions

→ What type of pasta works best for this dish?

Penne or rigatoni work best as they hold the creamy sauce well, but you can substitute with your favorite pasta shape.

→ Can I make this dish ahead of time?

Yes, you can make it ahead, but the pasta might absorb some sauce upon refrigeration. Reheat with a little extra cream or broth to refresh the texture.

→ What substitutes can I use for provolone cheese?

You can use mozzarella or Monterey Jack cheese for a similar melty texture and creamy flavor.

→ Is this dish suitable for meal prep?

Yes, it reheats well for meal prep. Store portions in airtight containers and add a splash of water or broth before reheating.

→ Can I make this dish vegetarian?

Yes, swap ground beef with plant-based meat or diced mushrooms for a hearty vegetarian option.

→ What side dishes pair well with this pasta?

A fresh green salad, garlic bread, or roasted vegetables make excellent side dish options to complement the creamy pasta.