Introduction
I recently tried this Philly Cheesesteak Pasta recipe, and I have to say, it was a total hit with my family. We all love a good cheesesteak, and combining it with pasta made it even better. The creamy sauce, flavorful meat, and tender pasta all came together so perfectly. My kids couldn’t stop asking for seconds, and my husband, who’s a big fan of Philly cheesesteaks, declared it was a recipe worth keeping. This dish is a great twist on the classic Philly cheesesteak, and it’s much easier to make, especially when you don’t have time for a long prep. Whether you’re craving comfort food or just want to try something different, this recipe is sure to become a family favorite.
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef or steak strips
- 1 green bell pepper, diced
- 1 onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup shredded provolone cheese
- 12 oz pasta (penne or rigatoni recommended)
- 1 cup beef broth
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 tbsp olive oil
Instructions
- Cook the Pasta:
Start by boiling the pasta according to the package instructions until it reaches an al dente texture. Once done, drain the pasta and set it aside. - Sauté the Vegetables:
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the diced green bell pepper, onion, and minced garlic. Sauté for about 5-7 minutes, or until the vegetables have softened and become fragrant. - Cook the Meat:
Add your choice of ground beef or steak strips to the skillet. Cook the meat until it’s browned and fully cooked through, breaking up the ground beef into crumbles if needed. Season with salt and pepper to taste. - Combine Ingredients:
Once the meat is cooked, stir in the softened cream cheese and beef broth. Mix everything until the cream cheese melts into the sauce, creating a creamy and rich mixture. - Add Pasta and Cheese:
Add the cooked pasta into the skillet and stir everything to combine well. Once the pasta is well coated in the creamy sauce, sprinkle the shredded provolone cheese on top. Place the skillet under the broiler for a few minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly. - Serve and Enjoy:
Once the cheese is perfectly melted, remove the skillet from the oven and serve hot. Enjoy your Philly Cheesesteak Pasta with a side of your favorite veggies or a simple salad.
Nutrition Facts
- Servings: 4
- Calories per serving: 600 kcal (approx.)
Total Fat: 33g
Saturated Fat: 15g
Trans Fat: 1g
Cholesterol: 85mg
Sodium: 900mg
Total Carbohydrates: 47g
Dietary Fiber: 3g
Sugars: 4g
Protein: 33g
Preparation Time
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
How to Serve
- Garnish with fresh herbs: Adding a sprinkle of chopped parsley or basil can elevate the dish, adding both color and a burst of flavor.
- Serve with extra cheese: For an even cheesier experience, sprinkle extra provolone cheese or even parmesan on top before broiling.
- Pair with a side salad: A crisp green salad with a tangy vinaigrette complements the richness of the pasta and balances out the flavors.
- Serve with garlic bread: Nothing goes better with creamy pasta than a warm, crispy slice of garlic bread to soak up the delicious sauce.
- Serve family-style: For a fun and casual meal, serve the Philly cheesesteak pasta in a large bowl where everyone can help themselves.
Additional Tips
- Use a combination of cheeses: While provolone works wonderfully, you can use a mix of provolone and mozzarella for extra creaminess and flavor.
- Make it spicier: Add some hot sauce or red pepper flakes to give your Philly Cheesesteak Pasta a spicy kick.
- Add mushrooms: For a more authentic Philly cheesesteak taste, sauté some mushrooms along with the bell pepper and onions.
- Use leaner meat: If you’re looking for a lighter option, use lean ground beef or even ground turkey instead of regular ground beef.
- Double the recipe: If you have a large family or want leftovers, doubling the recipe works perfectly. It also stores and reheats well.
Recipe Variations
- Vegetarian Option: You can make a vegetarian version by replacing the beef with sautéed portobello mushrooms or plant-based meat.
- Chicken Philly Cheesesteak Pasta: Swap the beef for sliced chicken breast for a lighter alternative.
- Add extra veggies: Try adding sliced mushrooms, spinach, or even zucchini for added nutrients and color.
- Make it spicy: Add jalapeños or a dash of sriracha sauce to the sauce for an extra level of heat.
- Use a different cheese: While provolone is the classic choice, you can experiment with other cheeses like gouda or Swiss for different flavor profiles.
Serving Suggestions
- Pair with a crisp white wine: A glass of Chardonnay or Sauvignon Blanc pairs beautifully with the richness of this creamy pasta dish.
- Serve with roasted vegetables: Roasted broccoli or Brussels sprouts are excellent side dishes that add texture and complement the flavors of the pasta.
- Enjoy with a side of fries: For a true Philly cheesesteak experience, serve the pasta alongside crispy French fries.
- Pair with a simple soup starter: A light soup like a classic tomato basil or a creamy potato leek soup works as a great appetizer to start the meal.
- Top with pickled vegetables: If you like a little acidity, try adding some pickled onions or pickles as a topping for a delightful contrast to the creamy pasta.
Freezing and Storage
- Freezing: Philly Cheesesteak Pasta freezes quite well. To freeze, allow the pasta to cool completely, then transfer it to an airtight container. Store it in the freezer for up to 3 months. When ready to eat, reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop, adding a splash of beef broth or cream if needed to restore the creamy consistency.
- Storage: Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat on the stovetop over low heat, adding a little liquid if necessary to prevent it from becoming too dry.
FAQ Section
- Can I use a different type of pasta?
Yes, you can substitute the penne or rigatoni with other types of pasta such as rotini or fusilli. - Can I use chicken instead of beef?
Absolutely! You can swap the beef for chicken breast or even ground turkey for a lighter version. - Can I use a non-dairy cream cheese?
Yes, if you want to make this dish dairy-free, you can use a non-dairy cream cheese substitute. - How do I make this spicier?
Add a few dashes of hot sauce, red pepper flakes, or jalapeños to increase the heat level. - Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the entire dish in advance, refrigerate it, and reheat it when you’re ready to serve. - Can I freeze this recipe?
Yes, this recipe freezes well. Just make sure to cool it completely before transferring it to a container for freezing. - Can I make this recipe without cream cheese?
Yes, you can substitute cream cheese with heavy cream or sour cream for a different creamy texture. - What kind of cheese can I use instead of provolone?
If you don’t have provolone, you can use mozzarella, Swiss cheese, or a blend of your favorite cheeses. - Can I add more vegetables to this dish?
Definitely! Feel free to add mushrooms, spinach, or any of your favorite vegetables to enhance the flavor and nutrition. - How do I prevent the pasta from becoming too mushy?
Be sure to cook the pasta al dente as per the package instructions and avoid overcooking it when mixing with the sauce.
Conclusion
Philly Cheesesteak Pasta is a perfect combination of two beloved comfort foods. The creamy, cheesy sauce pairs beautifully with the savory beef, bell pepper, and onion. Whether you’re feeding a hungry family or making dinner for yourself, this recipe delivers both flavor and ease. With just a few simple ingredients, you can recreate the essence of a Philly cheesesteak in pasta form. The combination of melted cheese, tender pasta, and savory meat will have everyone asking for seconds. Plus, it’s a great dish to make ahead or freeze for future meals, making it as convenient as it is delicious. Enjoy this comforting dish on a busy weeknight or any time you’re craving something hearty and satisfying!