Philly Cheesesteak Pasta Recipe: A Creamy and Savory Twist on a Classic Dish

Philly cheesesteak, with its savory combination of thinly sliced beef, melted cheese, and sautéed vegetables, has long been a favorite of many. But what if you could take this iconic dish and turn it into a comforting, cheesy pasta dish that’s perfect for any occasion? Enter Philly Cheesesteak Pasta, a deliciously rich and creamy take on the beloved sandwich that brings together the bold flavors of Philly’s finest in a new and exciting way. This dish is ideal for a quick weeknight dinner or a cozy weekend meal, satisfying your craving for a hearty, flavorful meal.

In this article, we’ll dive deep into how to prepare the perfect Philly Cheesesteak Pasta, explore the ingredients in detail, and discuss some tips and variations to make the dish even more unique. Let’s get started!

What is Philly Cheesesteak Pasta?

Philly Cheesesteak Pasta takes all the essential flavors of the classic Philly cheesesteak sandwich—tender beef, sautéed vegetables, and melted provolone cheese—and incorporates them into a creamy, comforting pasta dish. The tender, thinly sliced beef (such as ribeye or sirloin) is sautéed with bell peppers, onions, and mushrooms, then combined with a rich, cheesy sauce made from beef broth, heavy cream, and provolone cheese. The end result is a creamy, savory pasta that tastes like an elevated version of your favorite Philly cheesesteak sandwich.

The beauty of this dish lies in its versatility and simplicity. It’s a hearty and satisfying meal that’s perfect for a family dinner, a special occasion, or a casual weeknight meal. The combination of tender beef, flavorful veggies, and gooey melted cheese is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.

Philly Cheesesteak Pasta: Ingredients Breakdown

To create the perfect Philly Cheesesteak Pasta, it’s essential to use the right ingredients. Each element plays an important role in creating the savory, cheesy, and flavorful dish you’re looking for. Here’s a breakdown of the ingredients that make up this mouthwatering pasta:

Pasta (12 oz penne or rotini pasta)

The foundation of this dish is the pasta itself. Penne and rotini are both great choices because they have a good surface area to hold onto the creamy sauce. You can also use any other pasta you prefer, such as rigatoni or fusilli, to suit your tastes.

Thinly Sliced Beef (1 lb)

The star of any Philly cheesesteak dish is the beef. Ribeye and sirloin are the most common choices for a Philly cheesesteak because of their tenderness and flavor. The thin slices of beef cook quickly and blend seamlessly into the pasta, adding that signature meaty texture and savory taste.

Olive Oil (2 tbsp)

Olive oil is used to sauté the beef and vegetables, adding richness and flavor. You can substitute it with other oils, but olive oil gives the dish a Mediterranean flair that complements the flavors.

Green Bell Pepper (1, diced)

The bell pepper adds color, crunch, and a subtle sweetness to the dish. It’s one of the essential vegetables that gives Philly cheesesteaks their characteristic flavor profile.

Small Onion (1, diced)

Onions bring a touch of sweetness and depth of flavor to the dish. Sautéing the onions with the other vegetables caramelizes them, making them tender and full of flavor.

Mushrooms (8 oz, sliced)

Mushrooms bring an earthy richness that balances out the sweetness of the bell pepper and onion. They also add a savory umami quality to the dish, making it even more satisfying.

Garlic (3 cloves, minced)

Garlic is a must in any savory dish. It adds aromatic depth and enhances the overall flavor of the sauce. Fresh garlic works best, but you can use garlic powder in a pinch.

Butter (2 tbsp)

Butter contributes to the richness of the sauce. It also helps to create a silky-smooth texture when combined with flour, beef broth, and cream.

All-Purpose Flour (2 tbsp)

Flour is essential to thicken the sauce and give it that creamy consistency. When you whisk the flour into the butter, you create a roux that helps bind the sauce together.

Beef Broth (2 cups)

Beef broth brings a rich, savory flavor to the sauce and helps to deglaze the pan after cooking the beef and vegetables. It provides a great base for the creamy sauce.

Heavy Cream (1 cup)

Heavy cream is the secret ingredient that makes the sauce rich and indulgent. It creates a luscious, velvety texture that coats the pasta perfectly.

Shredded Provolone Cheese (1 1/2 cups)

Provolone is the perfect cheese for this dish because it melts beautifully and has a mild, slightly tangy flavor that complements the beef and vegetables. You can also experiment with other cheeses like mozzarella or cheddar if you prefer.

Salt and Pepper (to taste)

Seasoning the dish with salt and pepper enhances all the flavors and ties everything together. Be sure to taste and adjust the seasoning as you go.

Fresh Parsley (for garnish)

Fresh parsley adds a pop of color and freshness to the finished dish. It’s an optional garnish, but it adds a nice contrast to the rich, cheesy pasta.

How to Make Philly Cheesesteak Pasta

Now that we’ve explored the ingredients let’s walk through the steps to make this delicious Philly Cheesesteak Pasta. The process is fairly simple and doesn’t take long, so you can have this hearty dish on the table in under 30 minutes.

Step 1: Cook the Pasta

Start by cooking the pasta according to the package instructions. Be sure to salt the water generously to enhance the flavor of the pasta. Once the pasta is cooked al dente, drain it and set it aside. While the pasta is cooking, you can move on to the next steps.

Step 2: Sauté the Beef

In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the thinly sliced beef, season it with salt and pepper, and cook it until browned and cooked through. Depending on the thickness of the beef slices, this should take around 3-5 minutes. Once the beef is done, remove it from the skillet and set it aside.

Step 3: Sauté the Vegetables

In the same skillet, add the green bell pepper, onion, and mushrooms. Cook the vegetables until they are softened and beginning to caramelize, about 5-7 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant. You’ll notice that the vegetables will release some moisture, which helps to build flavor in the dish.

Step 4: Make the Sauce

Push the vegetables to one side of the skillet. On the empty side, melt the butter. Once melted, sprinkle the flour over the butter and whisk to form a smooth paste (a roux). Gradually pour in the beef broth and heavy cream, stirring constantly to prevent lumps. Continue to cook the sauce over medium heat, stirring frequently, until it thickens and becomes smooth.

Step 5: Add the Cheese

Once the sauce has thickened, add the shredded provolone cheese and stir until it’s fully melted into the sauce. This step gives the sauce its creamy, cheesy texture.

Step 6: Combine the Beef and Pasta

Return the cooked beef to the skillet, followed by the cooked pasta. Toss everything together until the pasta is well coated in the creamy sauce. This is where the magic happens—each piece of pasta will be enveloped in the cheesy goodness, and the beef and vegetables will be evenly distributed.

Step 7: Garnish and Serve

To finish, garnish the Philly Cheesesteak Pasta with freshly chopped parsley. Serve immediately while it’s hot and enjoy!

Tips for Perfect Philly Cheesesteak Pasta

Here are some helpful tips to make sure your Philly Cheesesteak Pasta turns out perfectly every time:

• Use the Right Beef: Ribeye or sirloin are the best cuts for Philly cheesesteak because they’re tender and flavorful. Be sure to slice the beef as thinly as possible for the best texture.
• Adjust the Cheese: While provolone is traditional, you can experiment with other cheeses like mozzarella, cheddar, or even a blend of cheeses for a different flavor.
• Make It Spicy: If you like a little heat, add some crushed red pepper flakes to the sauce or sauté some jalapeños with the vegetables.
• Add More Veggies: Feel free to add other vegetables like spinach, zucchini, or tomatoes to enhance the dish and add more layers of flavor.
• Leftovers: This dish makes great leftovers! Store any extra Philly Cheesesteak Pasta in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat it in the microwave or on the stovetop with a splash of cream to bring it back to life.

FAQs About Philly Cheesesteak Pasta

1. Can I use a different type of pasta?
Yes, you can use any pasta you prefer for this recipe. Penne and rotini work well, but you could also try fusilli, rigatoni, or even spaghetti if that’s what you have on hand.

2. Can I make Philly Cheesesteak Pasta ahead of time?
While it’s best enjoyed fresh, you can prepare the sauce and cook the pasta ahead of time, then combine and heat everything up when you’re ready to serve.

3. Can I use a different cheese?
Yes, you can experiment with other cheeses such as mozzarella, cheddar, or even a mixture of cheeses. Provolone gives the best traditional flavor, but feel free to get creative.

4. Can I make this dish without beef?
Absolutely! You can swap out the beef for chicken, turkey, or even a plant-based protein to make the dish vegetarian.

Conclusion: A Hearty Meal for All

Philly Cheesesteak Pasta combines the best parts of the iconic Philly cheesesteak sandwich with the creamy, comforting texture of pasta. It’s a delicious and filling meal that’s perfect for anyone who loves bold flavors and cheesy goodness. With the right ingredients and a few simple steps, you can enjoy this twist on a classic dish in no time. Whether you’re making it for a weeknight dinner or a special gathering, this recipe will not disappoint.

Enjoy the savory beef, melty cheese, and perfectly sautéed vegetables all in one hearty pasta dish. It’s a surefire way to elevate your pasta game and satisfy your hunger with a dish that tastes just as good as it looks. Try it today and make Philly Cheesesteak Pasta your new favorite comfort food!

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