If you love the hearty, cheesiness of a classic Philly cheesesteak but want a fun twist on the beloved sandwich, then you are going to fall head over heels for this Philly Cheesesteak Pasta. This dish takes all the best parts of the original—savory beef, tender sautéed peppers and onions, and velvety provolone cheese—and marries them with perfectly cooked pasta in a creamy sauce. The result is like comfort food magic in a single bowl that comes together quickly, making it perfect for those busy weeknights when you want a satisfying meal without any fuss.

Philly Cheesesteak Pasta Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of this Philly Cheesesteak Pasta lies in how straightforward the ingredients are, yet each plays an essential role in building layers of flavor and texture. From the tender beef to the creamy cheeses and fresh veggies, everything works together to create a dish that’s both cozy and exciting.

1 lb ground beef or steak strips: Choose ground beef for ease or steak strips for a richer, more authentic steakhouse feel.

1 green bell pepper, diced: Adds a subtle crunch and fresh, slightly bitter contrast to balance the richness.
1 onion, diced: Sweetness and warmth come from these perfectly softened onions.

2 cloves garlic, minced: Garlic gives the dish a subtle zing that perks up every bite.
8 oz cream cheese, softened: This is what makes the sauce decadently creamy and smooth.

1 cup shredded provolone cheese: Melts beautifully on top for that gooey, golden crust.
12 oz pasta (penne or rigatoni recommended): The sturdy shapes hold sauce well and add satisfying bite.
1 cup beef broth: Enhances the meaty flavor and keeps everything nice and saucy.

Salt and pepper to taste: Essential for seasoning and bringing out all the flavors.
1 tbsp olive oil: For sautéing the veggies and giving a lovely base flavor.

How to Make Philly Cheesesteak Pasta

Step 1: Cook the Pasta

Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add your pasta of choice—penne or rigatoni work beautifully here—and cook it until just al dente, following the package instructions. Drain well and set aside, so it’s ready to soak up all those tasty flavors later on.

Step 2: Sauté the Vegetables

While the pasta cooks, heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Toss in the diced green bell pepper, onion, and minced garlic. Sauté for about 4 to 5 minutes until these veggies are tender and fragrant—this step builds an aromatic foundation essential to the dish’s savory character.

Step 3: Cook the Meat

Next, add your ground beef or steak strips into the skillet with the softened veggies. Cook the meat thoroughly, breaking up the ground beef as it browns or letting steak strips sear to perfection. Season with salt and pepper to your liking—this seasoning will pump up the classic Philly cheesesteak flavor.

Step 4: Combine Ingredients

Now for the magic moment: stir in the softened cream cheese and beef broth directly into the skillet. Keep stirring gently until the cream cheese melts completely and everything blends into a gorgeous, creamy sauce clinging to the meat and veggies. This luscious sauce is what elevates the dish from simple pasta to true indulgence.

Step 5: Top with Cheese and Broil

Mix the cooked pasta into the creamy mixture, tossing until every piece is coated in that cheesy goodness. Sprinkle an even layer of shredded provolone cheese on top, then pop the skillet under a broiler for 3 to 5 minutes. Watch as the cheese bubbles, melts, and browns into an irresistibly gooey crust.

Step 6: Serve

Once that cheesy top has reached golden perfection, carefully remove from the oven and serve immediately. This Philly Cheesesteak Pasta is best enjoyed warm, with every bite delivering a perfect balance of savory beef, tender veggies, and melty cheese comfort.

How to Serve Philly Cheesesteak Pasta

Garnishes

To elevate your Philly Cheesesteak Pasta, consider adding a sprinkle of fresh parsley or chopped chives to add a pop of color and freshness that cuts through the richness. A dash of crushed red pepper flakes can also bring a little heat and excitement to the plate, perfect for spice lovers.

Side Dishes

Since this dish is rich and filling, pairing it with a crisp green salad or steamed broccoli can provide a refreshing contrast. Garlic bread or a crunchy baguette also pairs wonderfully, giving an extra vehicle for scooping up any leftover cheesy sauce.

Creative Ways to Present

If you want to impress guests or just switch up your usual dinner routine, try serving the Philly Cheesesteak Pasta in individual oven-safe ramekins for personal cheesy casseroles. You could also layer it into a baking dish and add some extra cheese on top for a baked pasta casserole feel that’s ideal for sharing.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover Philly Cheesesteak Pasta is fantastic! Store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors continue to meld and deepen overnight, making for an even tastier meal the next day.

Freezing

This pasta freezes well too. Portion it into freezer-safe containers and freeze for up to 2 months. When you’re ready to enjoy, thaw it in the fridge overnight for best texture and flavor retention.

Reheating

Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave. If the sauce has thickened too much in the fridge, stir in a splash of beef broth or water to loosen it up during reheating. For an extra melty finish, sprinkle some provolone cheese on top and briefly broil to revive that golden bubbly crust.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of cheese for the Philly Cheesesteak Pasta?

Absolutely! While provolone is traditional and melts beautifully, you can try mozzarella for extra stretchiness or even cheddar for a sharper flavor. Just choose a cheese that melts well and complements the beef and veggies.

Is it better to use ground beef or steak strips?

Both options work wonderfully. Ground beef makes the dish quicker and more budget-friendly, while steak strips offer a more authentic, steakhouse texture and flavor. It just depends on what you prefer or have on hand.

Can this recipe be made vegetarian?

Yes! Substitute the beef with sautéed mushrooms or a plant-based meat alternative. The creamy cheese sauce and sautéed veggies will still deliver plenty of flavor and comfort.

What pasta shapes work best in this recipe?

Penne and rigatoni are recommended because their ridges and tubular shapes catch the sauce so well, but feel free to use other medium-sized pasta like rotini or ziti. Avoid very thin pasta like spaghetti, which won’t hold the sauce as effectively.

How spicy is Philly Cheesesteak Pasta?

This dish is generally mild, perfect for all palates, but you can easily add crushed red pepper flakes or hot sauce to taste if you like a little kick. The creamy cheese sauce helps balance any heat beautifully.

Final Thoughts

If you’re craving something comforting, full of flavor, and just a little bit different, the Philly Cheesesteak Pasta is your new best friend in the kitchen. It’s got that nostalgic cheesesteak vibe you love with the cozy twist of a pasta dinner. Give it a go—you’ll be amazed at how fast it comes together and how quickly it disappears from the plate!

Philly Cheesesteak Pasta Recipe

★★★★★

4.7 from 6 reviews

Author: Lila
Total Time: 35 minutes

Yield: 4 servings 1x
Diet: Low Salt

Print Recipe

Description

Philly Cheesesteak Pasta is a hearty and creamy beef pasta dish bursting with savory flavors. Combining tender ground beef or steak strips, sautéed bell peppers, onions, garlic, and a luscious cream cheese sauce, it’s all topped with melted provolone for a gooey, comforting finish. Perfect for a quick weeknight meal that satisfies your craving for classic Philly cheesesteak flavors in a pasta form.

Instructions

Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook until al dente according to the package instructions. Drain well and set aside.
Sauté the Vegetables: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add diced green bell pepper, onion, and minced garlic. Sauté for 4-5 minutes until vegetables are softened and fragrant.

Cook the Meat: Add the ground beef or steak strips to the skillet with the vegetables. Cook thoroughly, breaking up the ground beef if used, until meat is fully browned. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Combine Ingredients: Stir in softened cream cheese and beef broth into the skillet. Cook while stirring until cream cheese melts completely and the sauce is smooth and creamy.
Top with Cheese and Broil: Mix the cooked pasta into the sauce until fully coated. Evenly sprinkle shredded provolone cheese over the top. Place skillet under the broiler for 3-5 minutes until cheese is melted, bubbly, and golden brown.

Serve: Remove from the oven and serve the pasta hot. Enjoy this rich, cheesy, and savory dish immediately.

Notes

For a richer flavor and texture, use steak strips instead of ground beef.
Swap the green bell pepper for red or yellow bell pepper to add a sweeter taste.

This dish makes excellent leftovers. Store in an airtight container and reheat in the oven or microwave.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes

Category: Main Course
Method: Boiling, Sautéing, Broiling
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 serving (about 1/4 of recipe)
Calories: 550 kcal
Sugar: 4 g

Sodium: 480 mg
Fat: 28 g
Saturated Fat: 14 g

Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
Trans Fat: 0.3 g
Carbohydrates: 45 g

Fiber: 3 g
Protein: 30 g
Cholesterol: 95 mg

Keywords: Philly cheesesteak pasta, creamy beef pasta, comfort food, easy dinner, cheesy pasta, ground beef recipe, steak pasta recipe