Philly Cheesesteak Pasta combines the savory goodness of a classic Philly cheesesteak sandwich with the heartiness of pasta, creating a delicious, indulgent dish that’s perfect for any night of the week. This hearty, cheesy pasta recipe features tender slices of steak, sautéed onions, and peppers, all smothered in a rich, creamy cheese sauce that mimics the flavors of the iconic Philly cheesesteak, but in pasta form.
Whether you’re craving the flavors of a cheesesteak but want something a bit different, or you’re simply in the mood for a comforting, cheesy pasta dish, this recipe will hit the spot. It’s a great option for a family dinner, a fun twist for a game-day meal, or a weeknight comfort food treat.
Ingredients:
- For the Cheesesteak Filling:
- 1 lb ribeye steak or flank steak, thinly sliced against the grain
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 medium onion, thinly sliced
- 1 bell pepper (green, red, or yellow), thinly sliced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce (optional, for added depth)
- 1 teaspoon steak seasoning or Italian seasoning (optional)
- For the Cheese Sauce:
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 1 1/2 cups whole milk or half-and-half
- 1 cup shredded provolone cheese
- 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder (optional, for extra flavor)
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder (optional, for extra flavor)
- For the Pasta:
- 12 oz penne or rigatoni pasta (or your favorite pasta shape)
- Salt, for pasta water
Instructions:
Step 1: Cook the Pasta
- Cook the pasta: In a large pot, bring salted water to a boil. Cook the pasta according to the package directions until al dente (usually 9-11 minutes). Once cooked, drain the pasta, reserving 1/2 cup of the pasta water for later. Set the pasta aside.
Step 2: Prepare the Cheesesteak Filling
- Cook the steak: While the pasta cooks, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet or pan over medium-high heat. Season the thinly sliced steak with salt and pepper, then add it to the pan in a single layer. Cook for 2-3 minutes, turning occasionally, until the steak is browned but still juicy. Remove the steak from the pan and set it aside.
- Sauté the veggies: In the same skillet, add the remaining tablespoon of olive oil. Add the sliced onions, bell pepper, and garlic. Cook for about 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the veggies are softened and caramelized.
- Combine steak and veggies: Add the cooked steak back into the skillet with the veggies. Stir in the Worcestershire sauce and steak seasoning (if using), and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes to allow the flavors to meld. Remove from heat and set aside.
Step 3: Make the Cheese Sauce
- Make the roux: In a large saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Once melted, whisk in the flour and cook for 1-2 minutes until the mixture becomes a smooth paste (this is called a roux).
- Add milk: Slowly whisk in the milk (or half-and-half), making sure there are no lumps. Bring the mixture to a simmer and cook for 3-4 minutes until it thickens slightly.
- Add the cheese: Stir in the shredded provolone, mozzarella, and Parmesan cheese. Continue stirring until the cheese is melted and the sauce is smooth. Season with garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper to taste. If the sauce is too thick, you can thin it out with a little reserved pasta water.
Step 4: Combine the Pasta, Cheesesteak Filling, and Cheese Sauce
- Combine pasta and filling: Add the cooked pasta to the cheese sauce, stirring to coat the pasta evenly with the creamy sauce.
- Add the steak and veggies: Gently fold in the cooked steak and veggie mixture, ensuring everything is evenly mixed. If the dish seems too thick, you can add a little more reserved pasta water or a splash of milk to achieve the desired consistency.
- Toss and heat through: Stir everything together, ensuring the steak and vegetables are well-distributed throughout the pasta. Allow it to cook for an additional 2-3 minutes over low heat to ensure everything is heated through.
Step 5: Serve and Enjoy
- Serve: Spoon the Philly Cheesesteak Pasta into bowls or plates, and if desired, garnish with extra grated Parmesan cheese or chopped fresh parsley for a pop of color and flavor.
- Enjoy: Serve hot and enjoy the comforting, cheesy goodness of Philly cheesesteak pasta.
Chef’s Tip:
For extra flavor and texture, try adding some sautéed mushrooms to the veggie mix or a few slices of provolone cheese on top for a melty finish. You can also switch up the cheeses based on your preferences—adding sharp cheddar or pepper jack cheese will give the dish a different twist.
FAQ – Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I use a different type of meat instead of steak?
Yes! While ribeye or flank steak is ideal for this recipe, you can use other cuts of beef like sirloin or even ground beef. If you want a leaner version, chicken breast or turkey breast can also be used, though the flavor will be slightly different.
2. Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes, Philly Cheesesteak Pasta can be made ahead of time! You can prepare the entire dish up to the point of combining the pasta, steak, and cheese sauce. Store everything in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. When ready to serve, reheat it gently on the stove, adding a little milk or water to loosen up the sauce if necessary.
3. Can I make this dish spicier?
Definitely! To spice up the dish, you can add sliced jalapeños to the vegetable mixture, or mix in some hot sauce, red pepper flakes, or even a dash of cayenne pepper to the cheese sauce for an extra kick.
4. What kind of pasta is best for this recipe?
While penne, rigatoni, or any sturdy short pasta is ideal to hold the creamy sauce, you can use any pasta shape you prefer. Fusilli, farfalle (bowtie), or even spaghetti can be great alternatives—just make sure the sauce coats the pasta well.
Philly Cheesesteak Pasta is a comforting, cheesy, and flavorful fusion of two American classics that’s sure to satisfy your cravings. With its tender steak, sautéed veggies, and creamy cheese sauce, this dish brings all the delicious flavors of a Philly cheesesteak sandwich into a comforting pasta form. Perfect for busy weeknights or when you’re craving something indulgent, this dish is sure to become a new family favorite. Enjoy!