If you’re like me, there’s something about a hearty, comforting meal that just feels right at the end of a long day. And let me tell you—Philly Cheesesteak Pasta is just that meal. It’s the perfect combination of cheesy, creamy, and savory goodness that’ll make you feel like you’ve just wrapped yourself up in a warm blanket. The best part? It’s so easy to make and ready in under 30 minutes. Whether it’s for a weeknight dinner or a cozy weekend meal, this dish is guaranteed to satisfy.
Let me walk you through the steps for making this Philly Cheesesteak Pasta, as well as a few tips and tricks I’ve picked up over the years to ensure you get the best results possible. Trust me, once you try this recipe, it’ll be one you make over and over again!
Ingredients You’ll Need
Before we jump into the cooking, let’s make sure we have everything ready. Having the right ingredients is key to getting this recipe just right, so here’s everything you’ll need to make Philly Cheesesteak Pasta:
- 1 lb. lean beef steak (sirloin or flank steak works best), thinly sliced
- 12 oz. pasta (I love using penne, but rigatoni works great, too!)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 medium onion, thinly sliced
- 1 bell pepper, thinly sliced (I usually go for green, but you can pick your favorite!)
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup beef broth (for that savory depth of flavor)
- 1 cup heavy cream (this is what gives the sauce that creamy, luxurious texture)
- 1 ½ cups provolone cheese, shredded (mozzarella also works if you prefer)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Chopped parsley, for garnish (optional, but adds a nice pop of color!)
I always recommend using fresh, quality ingredients, especially when it comes to the beef. The better the beef, the more tender and flavorful the dish will be. Also, don’t skimp on the cheese—provolone really makes this dish what it is.
How to Make Philly Cheesesteak Pasta
Now that we’ve got everything lined up, let’s jump into the cooking! The great thing about this recipe is that it’s quick, easy, and uses just one skillet. No complicated steps here—just delicious, comforting food that’s perfect for any night of the week.
Step 1: Cook the Pasta
Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil. This helps the pasta cook evenly. Add the pasta and cook according to the package instructions until it’s al dente. It’s important not to overcook the pasta, so make sure to check it a minute or two before the suggested cooking time.
Once the pasta is done, drain it and set it aside. Here’s a little pro tip: save about a cup of the pasta water before draining it. You can use this later to adjust the sauce if it gets too thick, and trust me, it’ll make your life a lot easier when you’re getting everything to come together!
Step 2: Cook the Steak
While the pasta is cooking, it’s time to work on the steak. Heat up your skillet over medium-high heat and add the olive oil. Once the oil is hot, add the thinly sliced steak. The key here is to cook the steak quickly so it gets nice and browned but stays juicy. Stir the steak occasionally to make sure it cooks evenly. This should only take about 4-5 minutes.
When the steak is cooked through, remove it from the skillet and set it aside. You can cover it with some foil to keep it warm while you prepare the veggies.
Step 3: Sauté the Veggies
In the same skillet, add the thinly sliced onions and bell peppers. You want to cook them for about 5-7 minutes until they’re soft and starting to caramelize. This is where all the flavor starts to build up, and those caramelized bits left in the pan are going to make your dish extra special.
Once the onions and peppers are softened, add the minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds. You’ll know it’s ready when the kitchen starts to smell amazing!
Step 4: Make the Creamy Sauce
Now, it’s time to make the sauce! Add the beef broth to the skillet, stirring to loosen up any browned bits stuck to the pan. Bring the broth to a simmer, and then pour in the heavy cream. This is where the magic happens—turning everything creamy and dreamy!
Let the sauce cook for a few minutes until it thickens slightly. You can always add some of that reserved pasta water if the sauce seems too thick. Just a little bit at a time, and keep stirring until you reach the perfect consistency.
Once the sauce is ready, stir in the shredded provolone cheese. Let the cheese melt into the sauce, creating that rich, velvety texture we’re all after. At this point, taste the sauce and season it with salt and pepper to your liking.
Step 5: Bring Everything Together
Now comes the fun part! Add the cooked steak back into the skillet and give everything a good stir. Then, add the cooked pasta and toss it all together, making sure the pasta gets fully coated in that delicious cheesy sauce. If you feel like the sauce needs a little more thinning, just add more of the reserved pasta water, a little at a time.
Taste it again, and if it needs a little more seasoning, don’t hesitate to add more salt and pepper. Once everything is perfectly seasoned, you’re almost done!
Step 6: Serve and Enjoy!
Finally, serve your Philly Cheesesteak Pasta hot and garnish it with some fresh chopped parsley, if you like. It adds a nice, fresh contrast to the rich, cheesy pasta. You can serve this dish with a simple green salad or some garlic bread on the side for the ultimate comfort meal.
Why This Philly Cheesesteak Pasta Will Become Your New Favorite Recipe
I can’t say enough how much I love this recipe. It’s one of those meals that’s so simple to make, but it feels like you’re treating yourself to something extra special. Here’s why you’ll love it too:
- Quick & Easy: It takes less than 30 minutes from start to finish, making it perfect for busy weeknights. And with just one pan to clean, you’ll be out of the kitchen and onto the couch in no time.
- Comfort Food at Its Best: The creamy, cheesy sauce combined with tender beef and perfectly cooked pasta is nothing short of comfort food perfection. It’s hearty, filling, and just downright satisfying.
- Customizable: Feel free to make this recipe your own! Swap out the bell peppers for mushrooms, add some sautéed spinach, or experiment with different cheeses like mozzarella or cheddar. The possibilities are endless!
- Family-Friendly: Everyone in your family will love this one, even the picky eaters. It’s packed with familiar, comforting flavors that are sure to please everyone around the dinner table.
Helpful Tips for the Best Philly Cheesesteak Pasta
- Use Lean Beef: While you can use any beef, I highly recommend using lean cuts like flank or sirloin steak. They cook quickly and stay tender, which is exactly what you want in this dish.
- Get Creative with Cheese: While provolone is the classic choice, don’t be afraid to experiment with different types of cheese. Mozzarella, gouda, or even a bit of cheddar would work wonderfully!
- Add Veggies: Want to sneak in a few more veggies? Toss in some mushrooms, spinach, or even some zucchini. The sauce is so creamy that it will pair well with just about anything.
- Leftovers: If you have any leftovers (which I highly doubt will happen, but just in case!), store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Simply reheat in a pan over low heat and add a splash of milk or cream to loosen the sauce back up.
Final Thoughts
I hope you give this Philly Cheesesteak Pasta recipe a try! It’s one of those meals that I find myself making over and over because it’s quick, comforting, and always hits the spot. Plus, it’s a great dish to share with family and friends—it’s sure to be a hit every time.
So, what are you waiting for? Grab your ingredients and make this amazing dish tonight. Your taste buds (and your stomach) will thank you!
Happy cooking, friends!
Philly Cheesesteak Pasta Recipe: Comfort in Every Bite
Ingredients
- 1 lb. lean beef steak sirloin or flank steak works best, thinly sliced
- 12 oz. pasta I love using penne, but rigatoni works great, too!
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 medium onion thinly sliced
- 1 bell pepper thinly sliced (I usually go for green, but you can pick your favorite!)
- 3 cloves garlic minced
- 1 cup beef broth for that savory depth of flavor
- 1 cup heavy cream this is what gives the sauce that creamy, luxurious texture
- 1 ½ cups provolone cheese shredded (mozzarella also works if you prefer)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Chopped parsley for garnish (optional, but adds a nice pop of color!)
Instructions
Step 1: Cook the Pasta
- Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil. This helps the pasta cook evenly. Add the pasta and cook according to the package instructions until it’s al dente. It’s important not to overcook the pasta, so make sure to check it a minute or two before the suggested cooking time.
- Once the pasta is done, drain it and set it aside. Here’s a little pro tip: save about a cup of the pasta water before draining it. You can use this later to adjust the sauce if it gets too thick, and trust me, it’ll make your life a lot easier when you’re getting everything to come together!
Step 2: Cook the Steak
- While the pasta is cooking, it’s time to work on the steak. Heat up your skillet over medium-high heat and add the olive oil. Once the oil is hot, add the thinly sliced steak. The key here is to cook the steak quickly so it gets nice and browned but stays juicy. Stir the steak occasionally to make sure it cooks evenly. This should only take about 4-5 minutes.
- When the steak is cooked through, remove it from the skillet and set it aside. You can cover it with some foil to keep it warm while you prepare the veggies.
Step 3: Sauté the Veggies
- In the same skillet, add the thinly sliced onions and bell peppers. You want to cook them for about 5-7 minutes until they’re soft and starting to caramelize. This is where all the flavor starts to build up, and those caramelized bits left in the pan are going to make your dish extra special.
- Once the onions and peppers are softened, add the minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds. You’ll know it’s ready when the kitchen starts to smell amazing!
Step 4: Make the Creamy Sauce
- Now, it’s time to make the sauce! Add the beef broth to the skillet, stirring to loosen up any browned bits stuck to the pan. Bring the broth to a simmer, and then pour in the heavy cream. This is where the magic happens—turning everything creamy and dreamy!
- Let the sauce cook for a few minutes until it thickens slightly. You can always add some of that reserved pasta water if the sauce seems too thick. Just a little bit at a time, and keep stirring until you reach the perfect consistency.
- Once the sauce is ready, stir in the shredded provolone cheese. Let the cheese melt into the sauce, creating that rich, velvety texture we’re all after. At this point, taste the sauce and season it with salt and pepper to your liking.
Step 5: Bring Everything Together
- Now comes the fun part! Add the cooked steak back into the skillet and give everything a good stir. Then, add the cooked pasta and toss it all together, making sure the pasta gets fully coated in that delicious cheesy sauce. If you feel like the sauce needs a little more thinning, just add more of the reserved pasta water, a little at a time.
- Taste it again, and if it needs a little more seasoning, don’t hesitate to add more salt and pepper. Once everything is perfectly seasoned, you’re almost done!
Step 6: Serve and Enjoy!
- Finally, serve your Philly Cheesesteak Pasta hot and garnish it with some fresh chopped parsley, if you like. It adds a nice, fresh contrast to the rich, cheesy pasta. You can serve this dish with a simple green salad or some garlic bread on the side for the ultimate comfort meal.