Philly Cheesesteak Pasta

Imagine the creamy, cheesy goodness of your favorite pasta dish colliding head-on with the savory, meaty perfection of a Philly cheesesteak. That’s exactly what you get with this Philly cheesesteak pasta. It’s a simple, satisfying meal that brings together two beloved classics into one unforgettable dish. As a busy mom, I’m always on the lookout for meals that are quick, easy, and a guaranteed hit with the whole family. And trust me, this recipe has everything you’re looking for.

I first came up with this recipe when I was trying to figure out a way to use up some leftover steak from a family barbecue. My daughter Sophia, who’s my toughest food critic, was craving pasta, and my husband, well, he’s always up for a good cheesesteak. So, I thought, why not combine the two? The result was a surprisingly delicious and incredibly easy meal that has since become a staple in our household. It’s now a regular on our dinner rotation. It’s one of those top-quality, easy-to-make recipes that bring families together, whether it’s a quick weeknight dinner, a nostalgic comfort meal, or a dish that feels fancy but is actually simple.

What makes this dish truly special is how it captures the essence of a classic Philly cheesesteak – the tender steak, the melted cheese, the caramelized onions and peppers – all wrapped up in a creamy pasta sauce. It’s comfort food at its finest, and it’s perfect for those nights when you need something hearty and satisfying without spending hours in the kitchen.

Why This Philly Cheesesteak Pasta Will Become Your New Go-To

Let’s be real, we all have those nights when the thought of cooking an elaborate meal is enough to send us running for the takeout menus. But what if I told you that you could have a restaurant-worthy meal on the table in under 30 minutes, with minimal effort? That’s the beauty of this Philly cheesesteak pasta.

• Quick and Easy: From start to finish, this dish comes together in about 30 minutes. Perfect for busy weeknights when time is of the essence.
• Family-Friendly: Kids and adults alike will devour this flavorful pasta dish.Even the fussiest eaters won’t be able to resist this one—it’s always a hit!
• Customizable: Don’t like peppers? Leave them out! Want to add mushrooms? Go for it! This recipe is incredibly versatile and can be easily adapted to suit your family’s preferences.
• Comfort Food at Its Best: There’s something undeniably comforting about a big bowl of creamy, cheesy pasta. This dish is like a warm hug on a plate, perfect for those cozy nights in.
• Budget-Friendly: Using simple, affordable ingredients, this meal won’t break the bank. It’s a great way to feed your family without sacrificing flavor or quality.

Plus, let’s be honest, who can resist the allure of a Philly cheesesteak? Taking the flavors of that iconic sandwich and turning it into a pasta dish? It’s genius, if I do say so myself!

Key Ingredients for the Best Philly Cheesesteak Pasta

• Pasta: I prefer using tortellini for this dish because the cheese filling adds an extra layer of flavor and creaminess. But feel free to use any pasta shape you like – penne, rotini, or even spaghetti would work well.
• Steak: Thinly sliced steak is essential for capturing the authentic cheesesteak experience. I typically use ribeye or sirloin, but you can also use shaved steak if you’re short on time.
• Cheese: Provolone is the classic choice for a Philly cheesesteak, and it works beautifully in this pasta dish. However, you can also use mozzarella, white cheddar, or even a combination of cheeses for a richer flavor.
• Onions and Peppers: These are the quintessential veggies that make a Philly cheesesteak complete. I like to use yellow onions and green bell peppers, but you can also add red peppers or even mushrooms for extra flavor.
• Cream Sauce: A simple cream sauce made with heavy cream, butter, and garlic is the perfect complement to the savory steak and veggies. You can also add a touch of Parmesan cheese for extra richness.
• Seasonings: A blend of salt, pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder is all you need to season the steak and veggies. Feel free to add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a little kick.

Step-by-Step Guide to Making Philly Cheesesteak Pasta

Alright, let’s get cooking! This recipe is so easy, even beginner cooks can nail it on the first try. Here’s a simple, step-by-step guide to making Philly cheesesteak pasta:

1. Cook the pasta: Cook the pasta according to package directions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
2. Prepare the steak and veggies: While the pasta is cooking, heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Toss in the sliced steak and sear it until it’s beautifully browned on all sides.Take the steak out of the pan and keep it aside for later. Add the sliced onions and peppers to the skillet and cook until softened, about 5-7 minutes.
3. Make the cream sauce: In the same skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Stir in the garlic and let it cook until its aroma fills the kitchen, about a minute. Pour in the heavy cream and bring to a simmer. Reduce heat and simmer for 5-7 minutes, or until the sauce has thickened slightly. Stir in the Parmesan cheese, salt, pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder.
4. Combine everything: Add the cooked pasta, steak, onions, and peppers to the skillet with the cream sauce. Toss to combine.
5. Melt the cheese: Top the pasta with slices of provolone cheese. Cover the skillet and cook until the cheese is melted, about 2-3 minutes.
6. Serve and enjoy: Serve the Philly cheesesteak pasta immediately, garnished with fresh parsley, if desired.

Storing and Reheating Your Philly Cheesesteak Pasta

Got leftovers? No problem! This Philly cheesesteak pasta tastes just as good the next day (if not better!). Here’s how to store and reheat it:

• Allow the pasta to cool fully before storing: it in an airtight container to maintain its freshness.. Store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
• To Reheat: Reheat the pasta in the microwave or in a skillet over medium heat. If reheating in the microwave, add a splash of milk or cream to prevent the pasta from drying out. If reheating in a skillet, add a little butter or oil to prevent sticking.

Pro tip: Leftover Philly cheesesteak pasta makes a great lunch for work or school. Just pack it in a container and reheat it in the microwave when you’re ready to eat.

Whether it’s breakfast, dinner, or dessert, every recipe on this blog is tested in my own kitchen and, more importantly, approved by my family. If it’s not simple, delicious, and worth making again, it doesn’t make it onto the site.

What to Serve with Your Philly Cheesesteak Pasta

While this Philly cheesesteak pasta is a complete meal on its own, it’s always nice to have a few side dishes to round out the meal. Here are a few suggestions:

• Garlic Bread: A classic pairing with pasta, garlic bread is perfect for soaking up all that delicious cream sauce.
• Side Salad: A simple green salad with a light vinaigrette dressing adds a refreshing contrast to the richness of the pasta.
• Roasted Vegetables: Roasted broccoli, asparagus, or Brussels sprouts are a healthy and flavorful addition to the meal.
• Coleslaw: Creamy coleslaw adds a cool and crunchy element to the meal that complements the savory pasta perfectly.
• French Fries: For the ultimate comfort food experience, serve your Philly cheesesteak pasta with a side of crispy french fries.

Variations and Substitutions to Make It Your Own

One of the best things about this Philly cheesesteak pasta is how easily it can be customized to suit your taste. Want to switch things up? Try these creative variations and substitutions!

• Add Mushrooms: Sauté sliced mushrooms along with the onions and peppers for an earthy flavor.
• Use Different Cheese: Experiment with different types of cheese, such as mozzarella, white cheddar, or even pepper jack for a spicier kick.
• Add a Splash of Wine: Deglaze the skillet with a splash of white wine after cooking the veggies for a richer, more complex flavor.
• Make it Vegetarian: Substitute the steak with sliced portobello mushrooms for a vegetarian-friendly version.
• Use Different Pasta: Feel free to use any pasta shape you like, such as penne, rotini, or even spaghetti.
• Add a Cream Cheese Swirl: For an extra creamy and decadent twist, swirl in a dollop of cream cheese just before serving.

If you love boxed cake mix, store-bought pie crust, or seasoning things “until it feels right,” we will get along just fine. Cooking should be fun, not stressful.

Frequently Asked Questions About Philly Cheesesteak Pasta

Got questions? I’ve got answers! Here are some of the most frequently asked questions about making Philly cheesesteak pasta:

Can I make this dish ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the pasta and sauce separately and store them in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. When ready to serve, simply combine the pasta and sauce in a skillet, top with cheese, and heat until the cheese is melted.

Can I freeze this dish?

While you can freeze this dish, the texture of the pasta may change slightly after thawing. If you do freeze it, be sure to store it in an airtight container and thaw it completely before reheating.

Can I use a different type of steak?

Yes, you can use any type of steak you like, but I recommend using a tender cut such as ribeye or sirloin for the best results. Shaved steak is also a great option for convenience.

Can I add other vegetables?

Absolutely! Enhance the dish by tossing in veggies like mushrooms, bell peppers, or zucchini.

Can I make this dish spicier?

Yes, you can add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauce or use pepper jack cheese for a spicier kick.

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