Philly Cheese Steak Pasta – crispysavors.com

If you love the rich, cheesy, and savory flavors of a classic Philly cheesesteak, you’re going to adore this Philly Cheese Steak Pasta. This dish takes all the best elements of the iconic sandwich—tender beef, caramelized onions, peppers, mushrooms, and melted cheese—and combines them with perfectly cooked pasta for a creamy, satisfying meal.

This one-pot dish is not only easy to make but also incredibly comforting. It’s packed with protein, loaded with flavor, and perfect for weeknight dinners, family gatherings, or meal prepping for the week. Whether you use ribeye for the most authentic Philly cheesesteak experience or opt for a more budget-friendly beef cut, this dish delivers on taste, texture, and indulgence.

Let’s dive into the recipe and create a hearty, cheesy pasta dish that will have everyone coming back for seconds!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

One-Pot Wonder – Everything cooks in one pot, making cleanup easy.
Rich and Creamy – The combination of melted provolone, cream cheese, and beef broth creates a luscious, cheesy sauce.
Full of Flavor – Caramelized onions, sautéed peppers, mushrooms, and well-seasoned beef make this a taste sensation.
Customizable – You can adjust the cheese, pasta type, and even make it spicy with jalapeños or hot sauce.
Great for Meal Prep – This pasta stores well, making it perfect for leftovers and next-day lunches.

Preparation Time and Servings

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 40 minutes
Yield: 6 servings
Serving Size: 1 generous portion

Nutritional Information (Per Serving)

Calories: 520
Carbohydrates: 55g
Protein: 32g
Fat: 20g
Fiber: 4g
Sugar: 5g

Ingredients

For the Pasta:

12 oz penne or rigatoni pasta
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 pound ribeye steak (or flank steak), thinly sliced
1 teaspoon salt
½ teaspoon black pepper
½ teaspoon garlic powder

For the Vegetables:

1 tablespoon butter
1 medium onion, thinly sliced
1 green bell pepper, thinly sliced
1 red bell pepper, thinly sliced
1 cup mushrooms, sliced
2 cloves garlic, minced

For the Sauce:

2 cups beef broth
1 cup heavy cream
4 oz cream cheese, softened
1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
1 teaspoon Dijon mustard (optional)

For the Cheese Topping:

1½ cups shredded provolone cheese
½ cup shredded mozzarella cheese

Optional Garnishes:

Fresh parsley, chopped
Red pepper flakes for heat

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Cook the Pasta

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
Add the pasta and cook according to the package instructions until al dente.
Drain the pasta and set aside.

Step 2: Prepare the Steak

While the pasta is cooking, heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a large skillet or pot over medium-high heat.
Add the thinly sliced steak, season with salt, black pepper, and garlic powder, and cook for 3-4 minutes, stirring occasionally, until browned.
Remove the steak from the skillet and set aside.

Step 3: Sauté the Vegetables

In the same skillet, add 1 tablespoon butter.
Toss in the onions, bell peppers, and mushrooms, cooking until softened (about 5 minutes).
Stir in the minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.

Step 4: Make the Sauce

Pour in the beef broth, heavy cream, Worcestershire sauce, and Dijon mustard. Stir well.
Add the cream cheese, stirring until fully melted and combined.
Let the sauce simmer for 3-4 minutes, allowing it to thicken slightly.

Step 5: Combine Everything

Add the cooked steak back into the pan.
Stir in the drained pasta and mix everything together, ensuring the sauce coats the pasta evenly.

Step 6: Add the Cheese

Sprinkle the provolone and mozzarella cheese over the pasta.
Cover the skillet with a lid for 2-3 minutes until the cheese melts.
Stir gently to mix the melted cheese into the pasta.

Step 7: Serve and Enjoy!

Garnish with fresh parsley or red pepper flakes, if desired.
Serve warm and enjoy the ultimate Philly Cheese Steak Pasta!

Ingredient Background

Why Ribeye Steak?

Ribeye is the traditional choice for Philly cheesesteak because of its rich marbling, which makes it tender and flavorful. However, flank steak or sirloin are excellent alternatives for a more budget-friendly option.

Provolone Cheese – The Classic Choice

Provolone cheese is mild and melts beautifully, creating a smooth, creamy texture. If you prefer a sharper taste, you can mix in some cheddar or use white American cheese, which is also common in Philly cheesesteaks.

Heavy Cream & Cream Cheese – The Secret to Creamy Pasta

Using heavy cream and cream cheese together gives this dish a luscious, velvety texture that enhances the richness of the cheese.

Technique Tips

Slice the Steak Thinly – The thinner the slices, the more tender the steak will be. You can freeze the meat for 15-20 minutes before slicing to make it easier to cut.
Use High Heat for Searing – A quick sear locks in the juices and enhances the beef’s flavor.
Don’t Overcook the Pasta – Slightly undercooking the pasta before adding it to the sauce helps it absorb flavor without becoming mushy.

Alternative Presentation Ideas

Baked Philly Cheese Steak Pasta – Transfer the pasta to a baking dish, top with extra cheese, and bake at 375°F for 10 minutes for a bubbly, cheesy crust.
Stuffed Peppers – Fill bell pepper halves with the pasta mixture and bake until tender.
Low-Carb Version – Swap the pasta for zucchini noodles or cauliflower rice.

Recipe Variations

Spicy Philly Cheese Steak Pasta – Add diced jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce.
Mushroom Lover’s Version – Double the mushrooms for an umami-packed dish.
BBQ Philly Pasta – Add a drizzle of BBQ sauce for a smoky twist.

Freezing and Storage

Refrigeration: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
Freezing: Freeze in portions for up to 3 months. Reheat on the stovetop with a splash of broth or cream to maintain the texture.

Healthier Twist Ideas

Use Whole Wheat Pasta for added fiber.
Swap Heavy Cream for Greek Yogurt to reduce fat.
Increase Veggies by adding spinach or kale for extra nutrients.

Serving Suggestions for Events

Game Night – Serve with garlic bread and a side salad.
Holiday Dinner – Pair with roasted vegetables for a festive meal.
Casual Family Dinner – A hearty dish that pleases kids and adults alike.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I make this dish ahead of time?

Yes! Philly Cheese Steak Pasta is a great make-ahead meal. If you’re preparing it in advance, follow these tips:

Refrigeration: Store the cooked pasta in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
Reheating: To prevent the pasta from drying out, reheat it in a pan over medium heat with a splash of beef broth or cream to bring back its creamy texture. You can also reheat it in the microwave, but stir halfway through to ensure even heating.
Freezing: If you want to freeze it, store portions in freezer-safe containers for up to 3 months. When ready to eat, thaw in the fridge overnight and reheat gently on the stove.

2. What’s the best pasta for this recipe?

Short pasta varieties work best because they hold onto the sauce and ingredients well. The top choices include:

Penne – Classic choice with ridges that grab the sauce.
Rigatoni – Slightly larger than penne, with a chewy texture.
Rotini – Spiral shape captures every bit of cheese and sauce.
Farfalle (Bowtie) – Works well for a fun and unique twist.
Elbow Macaroni – Great for a more kid-friendly version.

If you prefer long pasta, fettuccine or linguine can work, but the texture will be different, and it won’t hold the cheese as well.

3. Can I make this in a slow cooker?

Yes! You can easily adapt this recipe for a slow cooker:

Brown the steak first in a skillet to lock in flavor.
Add the onions, peppers, mushrooms, broth, Worcestershire sauce, and seasonings into the slow cooker.
Cook on low for 4-6 hours or high for 2-3 hours.
In the last 30 minutes, stir in the cream cheese and heavy cream to create the sauce.
Cook the pasta separately and mix it in just before serving to avoid mushy noodles.
Add shredded cheese on top, cover for 5 minutes, then serve.

4. What’s the best cheese substitute?

If you don’t have provolone cheese, you can use:

White American cheese – A common alternative in Philly cheesesteaks, offering a creamy, mild flavor.
Cheddar cheese – Adds a sharper taste but melts beautifully.
Monterey Jack – A good mild alternative that melts well.
Swiss cheese – Brings a nutty, rich flavor for a gourmet touch.
Mozzarella – Works for meltiness but lacks the sharpness of provolone.

A mix of cheeses can create a unique blend that adds depth to the dish.

5. Can I add bacon?

Absolutely! Bacon adds a smoky, salty crunch that pairs wonderfully with the creamy sauce. Here’s how to incorporate it:

Crisp up 4-5 slices of bacon in a pan, then crumble them over the pasta before serving.
Mix chopped bacon into the sauce for extra flavor.
Use bacon grease instead of butter when sautéing the onions and peppers for an extra layer of taste.

6. Can I use ground beef instead of steak?

Yes! If you want a budget-friendly alternative, you can use ground beef instead of steak.

Use 1 pound of ground beef, season it, and brown it in the pan before setting it aside.
Continue with the recipe as usual, adding the cooked ground beef back in before mixing with the pasta.
Ground turkey or chicken can also work, though the flavor will differ from traditional Philly cheesesteak.

7. How can I make this dish spicy?

If you love spice, here are some easy ways to turn up the heat:

Add ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes to the sauce.
Mix in chopped jalapeños with the bell peppers.
Use pepper jack cheese instead of provolone for extra heat.
Drizzle with hot sauce or sriracha before serving.

8. Can I make this a low-carb or keto-friendly dish?

Yes! To reduce the carbs, swap the pasta for:

Zucchini noodles (zoodles) – Light and fresh, but may get watery.
Spaghetti squash – Adds a slightly sweet taste but works well.
Cauliflower rice – A great low-carb alternative.
Shirataki noodles – Virtually carb-free and work well in creamy dishes.

To keep it keto-friendly, reduce the beef broth slightly, as too much liquid can make the dish soupy when using low-carb substitutes.

9. Can I make this in an Instant Pot?

Yes! Here’s how to adapt it for the Instant Pot:

Turn on the Sauté function and brown the steak with olive oil. Remove and set aside.
Add onions, peppers, mushrooms, and garlic, cooking until soft.
Pour in the beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, and seasonings.
Stir in the uncooked pasta, ensuring it’s submerged in the liquid.
Close the lid and set to Pressure Cook on High for 4 minutes.
Quick-release the pressure, stir in cream cheese and heavy cream, then mix in the cooked steak.
Top with cheese and let it melt before serving.

10. What sides go well with this dish?

Since this is a rich and hearty meal, you can pair it with lighter sides:

Garlic bread – Perfect for scooping up extra sauce.
Side salad – A fresh Caesar or garden salad balances the richness.
Steamed broccoli or asparagus – Adds a nutritious, crunchy contrast.
Roasted Brussels sprouts – A caramelized, slightly sweet side that complements the beef.

11. Can I make this dairy-free?

Yes! To make a dairy-free version, try these swaps:

Use coconut cream or cashew cream instead of heavy cream.
Replace cream cheese with dairy-free cream cheese or omit it.
Use vegan cheese alternatives, such as cashew-based cheeses.
Choose olive oil instead of butter for sautéing.

12. Can I serve this as a baked pasta dish?

Yes! To turn this into Philly Cheesesteak Baked Pasta:

Prepare the pasta as directed, stopping before adding the cheese.
Transfer everything into a greased baking dish.
Sprinkle a generous layer of shredded provolone and mozzarella on top.
Bake at 375°F (190°C) for 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown.

Baking creates a delicious crispy cheese topping, making it extra indulgent!

Conclusion

Philly Cheese Steak Pasta is the ultimate comfort food, blending the rich, cheesy flavors of a classic cheesesteak sandwich with creamy, satisfying pasta. Whether you choose to make it on the stove, in a slow cooker, or even baked, this dish is guaranteed to impress.

Its versatility allows for countless variations—you can make it spicy, low-carb, extra cheesy, or even dairy-free! Plus, it’s great for meal prep, making it perfect for busy weeknights, family dinners, or even special occasions.

No matter how you customize it, one thing is for sure—this creamy, cheesy, beefy pasta dish will have everyone coming back for seconds. Try it today and bring the flavors of Philly cheesesteak to your dinner table in a whole new way!