Philly Cheesesteak Pasta

A Cozy Night In: Philly Cheesesteak Pasta Recipe Comforts
There’s something about the aroma of sizzling steak and caramelizing onions that instantly makes me think of laughter echoing in the kitchen and cozy nights at home. The first time I tried a Philly Cheesesteak Pasta recipe, it wasn’t in Philadelphia or a fancy restaurant—it was a chilly evening, curled up on the couch with my family and a single skillet doing all the heavy lifting. The forkfuls were creamy, cheesy, and packed with the savory notes you love from a traditional Philly cheesesteak…just all tangled up in comforting pasta. If you’re looking for an easy yet utterly satisfying weeknight dinner, this Philly Cheesesteak Pasta brings all those classic flavors home—in a way even the pickiest eaters can’t resist.
Why You’ll Adore This Philly Cheesesteak Pasta Recipe
Let me count the ways this cheesy pasta will win your heart:
- It’s the best of both worlds: Tender steak and melty cheeses meet hearty pasta for a meal that feels like a hug in every bite. Craving a Philly cheesesteak and creamy pasta? You don’t have to choose!
- Ridiculously easy: One skillet (plus a pot for pasta), minimal prep, and no complicated steps. Perfect for parents, students, or honestly…anyone who’s hungry.
- Crowd-pleaser: I’ve made this for picky kids and discerning adults alike—never a noodle left behind. Everyone loves this pasta twist on a classic sandwich.
- Customizable: You can play with the ingredients (hello, extra veggies or different cuts of steak) or dial up the cheese factor as much as you want.
Ingredients You’ll Need for Philly Cheesesteak Pasta
Here’s your shopping list (and my tips for each ingredient so your Philly Cheesesteak Pasta turns out extra delicious):
- 1 lb ribeye or sirloin steak, thinly sliced: Ribeye brings richness, while sirloin is a little leaner. Ask your butcher to slice it thin, or pop it in the freezer for 20 minutes to make slicing a breeze.
- 10 oz penne or rigatoni pasta: These tube shapes are perfect for soaking up all that cheesy sauce (and holding those little steak bits!).
- 1 green bell pepper, sliced: Go for firm, glossy peppers—adds crunch and color.
- 1 medium yellow onion, sliced: The classic base, caramelizing sweetly as it cooks.
- 2 cloves garlic, minced: Fresh garlic gives the sauce a real depth. Don’t skimp!
- 1 cup beef broth: Choose low-sodium if you want more control over saltiness.
- 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce: Trust me, this brings in that signature Philly flavor.
- 1 cup provolone cheese, shredded: Mild and extra melty, just like the sandwich.
- 1 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded: For that gooey, stretchy cheese pull.
- 2 tbsp olive oil: Helps everything crisp and cook without sticking.
- Salt and pepper, to taste: Always taste at the end and adjust.
Step-by-Step Guide: Making the Perfect Philly Cheesesteak Pasta
Ready? Let’s walk through it together.
- Sear the steak: Heat up 1 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Lay the steak slices in a single layer so they brown nicely—about 1–2 minutes per side. Don’t overcrowd the pan! Once done, set the steak aside.
- Sauté your veggies: In the same skillet, add the remaining olive oil. Toss in the bell pepper and onion, sprinkling with a bit of salt. Sauté 5–7 minutes, stirring frequently, until everything’s softened and golden. (This is when your kitchen starts to smell heavenly.)
- Add garlic & deglaze: Stir in the minced garlic—just a minute, so it doesn’t burn. Then pour in your beef broth and Worcestershire sauce. Simmer a couple of minutes, scraping up any tasty brown bits from the bottom.
- Cook the pasta: While the peppers and onions are working their magic, cook your pasta in well-salted water until just al dente (usually a minute less than the package says).
- Combine & make it creamy: Drain the pasta and add it directly into the skillet. Return your steak, reduce the heat, then scatter over the shredded provolone and mozzarella. Stir until the cheese melts into a silky, creamy sauce (don’t be afraid to add a splash more broth if needed).
- Finish & serve: Taste and adjust salt and pepper. Garnish with fresh parsley or chives if you’re feeling fancy, and serve warm. Warning: second helpings are basically guaranteed.
My Secret Tips and Tricks for Philly Cheesesteak Pasta Success
- Freeze to slice: Put your steak in the freezer for 20–30 minutes—makes thin slicing so much easier (and those delicate strips cook like a dream).
- Don’t skip the deglaze: Scraping up the browned bits after the beef broth hits the pan adds crazy flavor depth to your sauce—don’t rush it!
- Cheese matters: Use block cheese and shred it yourself for max meltiness. Pre-shredded has anti-caking agents that can make the sauce less silky.
- Reserve some pasta water: In case your sauce is too thick, a splash of pasta water brings it all together. (Old pasta trick—trust me.)
- Taste, taste, taste: The beef broth and cheese bring salt, so always taste before adding more.
Creative Variations and Ingredient Swaps
Want to make this Philly Cheesesteak Pasta recipe your own? Here are some tasty ideas:
- Swap the steak: Try thinly sliced chicken breast or even leftover roast beef for a twist.
- Cheesy twist: Love it extra cheesy? Add in a handful of shredded cheddar or even a few slices of classic American cheese for that true sandwich vibe.
- Veggie lovers: Toss in mushrooms, red bell pepper, or even spinach for extra color and nutrients (and all the classic Philly flavors).
- Gluten-free: Use your favorite gluten-free pasta and double-check the broth and Worcestershire.
- Low-carb: Sub in cooked spaghetti squash or zucchini noodles for a lighter version.
How to Serve and Store Your Philly Cheesesteak Pasta
This is comfort food at its finest—pile it into big bowls and scatter a little extra cheese or chopped parsley on top (hello, Instagram-worthy!). Serve it with a leafy green salad and crusty bread if you like to mop up sauce.
Leftovers? No problem! Store any extra Philly Cheesesteak Pasta in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove (with a splash of beef broth or water to loosen the sauce) or in the microwave. Honestly…I think it tastes even better the next day!
FAQs: Your Top Questions About Philly Cheesesteak Pasta Answered
Q: Can I prep Philly Cheesesteak Pasta ahead of time?
A: Absolutely! You can chop the veggies and slice the steak in advance. The whole dish reheats beautifully, so it’s fantastic for meal prep.
Q: What’s the best cut of beef for cheesesteak pasta?
A: Ribeye is ultra-tender and flavorful, while sirloin is leaner but still works great. Just slice it super thin for best results.
Q: Can I use a different type of cheese?
A: Of course! Provolone and mozzarella are classic, but you could swap in Swiss, cheddar, or even a bit of cream cheese for a creamier texture. Just trust your cheese-loving instincts.
Q: My sauce is too thick! Help!
A: No worries—just add a splash of reserved pasta water or more beef broth and stir gently until it loosens up to your liking.
Q: Do I have to use penne or rigatoni?
A: Nope! Any short pasta like ziti, fusilli, or even macaroni will do. Use what you have (because pantry flexibility is the best).
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I hope this Philly Cheesesteak Pasta recipe brings as much happiness to your table as it does to mine. Let me know in the comments if you try it—or if you’ve got a tasty twist to share! Here’s to cheesy, crave-able dinners and cozy nights in.