Description
Philly Cheesesteak Pasta
Philly Cheesesteak Pasta takes the iconic Philly sandwich and transforms it into a creamy, comforting dish. Tender beef, sautéed veggies, and a rich cheese sauce come together with pasta for a cozy, satisfying meal. It’s a fusion of the classic flavors you love with the comfort of pasta—perfect for weeknight dinners that are quick yet packed with taste.
1 lb ground beef or steak strips
1 green bell pepper, diced
1 onion, diced
2 cloves garlic, minced
8 oz cream cheese
1 cup shredded provolone cheese
12 oz pasta (penne or rigatoni)
1 cup beef broth
Salt and pepper
1 tbsp olive oil
Directions:
1. Cook pasta in salted water until al dente. Drain and set aside.
2. Sauté bell pepper, onion, and garlic in olive oil until soft.
3. Add beef, cook until browned. Season with salt and pepper.
4. Stir in cream cheese and beef broth, cook until creamy.
5. Add pasta, top with provolone, and broil until golden.
Prep Time: 25 mins
Kcal: 650 kcal per serving
Step-by-Step Guide
Follow these detailed instructions for the perfect Philly Cheesesteak Pasta.
- Prep Ingredients: Dice the bell pepper and onion, mince the garlic, and measure out all cheeses and liquids before you begin cooking.
- Cook Pasta: Bring a large pot of generously salted water to a boil. Cook the pasta until al dente, then drain, reserving 1/2 cup of pasta water.
- Sauté Vegetables: In a large, oven-safe skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced pepper and onion, cooking for 5-7 minutes until softened. Add garlic and cook for 1 more minute.
- Brown the Beef: Increase heat to medium-high. Add the ground beef or steak strips to the skillet. Cook until fully browned, breaking it up as it cooks. Season well with salt and pepper.
- Create the Sauce: Reduce heat to low. Add the cubed cream cheese and beef broth. Stir continuously until the cream cheese is fully melted and a smooth sauce forms, about 3-4 minutes.
- Combine & Finish: Add the drained pasta to the skillet, tossing to coat in the sauce. If the sauce is too thick, add reserved pasta water a tablespoon at a time. Sprinkle shredded provolone evenly over the top. Transfer the skillet to a broiler preheated to high and broil for 2-3 minutes, until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this rich pasta immediately while hot and bubbly. A simple side salad with a tangy vinaigrette helps cut through the dish’s richness. For a classic steakhouse touch, offer garlic bread or crusty rolls on the side. A light, hoppy beer or an iced tea pairs wonderfully.
How-to Summary
In summary, this dish involves cooking pasta, sautéing peppers and onions, browning beef, creating a creamy cheese sauce with cream cheese and broth, combining everything, and finishing under the broiler with a provolone topping.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a different type of cheese? Yes. While provolone is classic, you can substitute with mozzarella for more stretch or a sharp white cheddar for a stronger flavor. A blend works well too.
How do I store and reheat leftovers? Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a skillet with a splash of broth or milk to revive the creamy sauce. The microwave can dry it out.
Can I make this dish ahead of time? You can prepare the meat and vegetable mixture and cook the pasta ahead. Store separately. When ready to serve, reheat the meat mixture, stir in the pasta and cream cheese/broth to make the sauce, then top with cheese and broil.
Is there a way to make this recipe lighter? Use lean ground beef or thinly sliced sirloin, low-fat cream cheese, and reduced-fat provolone. You can also increase the proportion of vegetables.
My sauce is too thick. How can I fix it? Thin it out by gradually stirring in a little extra beef broth, milk, or the reserved pasta cooking water until you reach the desired consistency.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Overcooking the Pasta: Cook only to al dente, as it will continue to soften in the sauce and under the broiler.
- Not Using an Oven-Safe Skillet: This necessitates dirtying an extra dish to transfer everything to a baking sheet for broiling.
- Rushing the Veggies: Sauté the peppers and onions until truly soft and slightly caramelized for the best flavor foundation.
- High Heat with Cream Cheese: Add cream cheese on low heat to prevent it from separating or becoming grainy.
Conclusion
Philly Cheesesteak Pasta is the ultimate comfort food mashup, delivering all the beloved flavors of the sandwich in a creamy, hearty pasta bake. It’s surprisingly simple to make for a weeknight yet impressive enough for casual entertaining. By following this guide and avoiding common pitfalls, you’ll create a consistently delicious, crowd-pleasing meal that’s sure to become a regular in your dinner rotation.