Philly Cheesesteak Pasta: A Comforting Twist on a Classic Favorite

If you love the savory, cheesy goodness of a classic Philly cheesesteak, you’re going to adore this Philly Cheesesteak Pasta. Combining all the iconic flavors of a traditional cheesesteak with hearty pasta, this dish is a comforting, creamy, and delicious one-pot meal. Whether you’re cooking for a weeknight dinner or looking for a satisfying dish to serve a crowd, this recipe has you covered.

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick and Easy: This recipe takes the essence of a cheesesteak sandwich and transforms it into a comforting pasta dish that can be made in under 30 minutes.
• Rich and Creamy: With a smooth, cheesy sauce made from provolone, cream cheese, and heavy cream, every bite is decadent and satisfying.
• Versatile: You can easily switch up the type of pasta or even swap out the ground beef for ground turkey or chicken for a lighter version.

Let’s dive into how to make this cheesy, comforting pasta dish that will quickly become a family favorite.

Ingredients You’ll Need:

• 1 lb ground beef: This adds heartiness to the dish, echoing the traditional beef in a Philly cheesesteak.
• 1 green bell pepper, diced: Green bell pepper is a staple ingredient in cheesesteaks, adding a slight sweetness and crunch.
• 1 onion, diced: Onion adds a subtle sweetness and depth of flavor to the dish.
• 3 cloves garlic, minced: Garlic gives the dish an aromatic boost.
• 8 oz cream cheese: Cream cheese creates a rich, creamy base for the sauce.
• 1 cup beef broth: Adds depth and richness to the sauce, enhancing the beefy flavor.
• 1 cup heavy cream: Makes the sauce extra creamy and smooth.
• 2 cups shredded provolone cheese: Provolone is the classic cheese for a cheesesteak, giving the dish a distinct cheesiness.
• 1 lb pasta (penne or rigatoni): Pasta acts as the perfect vehicle for soaking up the creamy sauce.
• Salt and pepper to taste: Essential for seasoning and bringing out all the flavors.
• 1 tablespoon olive oil: Used for sautéing the vegetables.

Step-by-Step Instructions:

1. Cook the Pasta:

Start by cooking your pasta according to the package instructions. Choose a sturdy pasta like penne or rigatoni that can hold up to the creamy sauce. Cook until al dente, then drain and set the pasta aside while you prepare the rest of the dish.

2. Sauté the Vegetables:

In a large skillet, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. Once the oil is hot, add the diced onion and green bell pepper to the skillet. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables are soft and fragrant—this should take about 5 minutes. The onion should become translucent, and the bell pepper will start to soften, releasing its natural sweetness.

Next, add the minced garlic to the skillet and cook for another minute. Be careful not to burn the garlic; you want it to release its aroma without becoming bitter.

3. Cook the Ground Beef:

Once the vegetables are softened, add 1 pound of ground beef to the skillet. Cook the beef, breaking it up with a spoon or spatula as it browns. Continue cooking until the beef is fully cooked through and no pink remains. If there is any excess fat in the skillet, drain it off before moving on to the next step.

4. Create the Creamy Cheese Sauce:

Reduce the heat to low and add 8 oz of cream cheese to the skillet with the cooked beef and vegetables. Stir constantly until the cream cheese melts and fully combines with the beef and vegetables. The cream cheese creates a rich base for the sauce that will coat every piece of pasta.

Next, pour in 1 cup of beef broth and 1 cup of heavy cream. Stir everything together until the mixture is smooth and heated through. This creates a luxurious, creamy sauce that will make your pasta extra indulgent.

Now, it’s time to add the star of the show: 2 cups of shredded provolone cheese. Stir the cheese into the sauce until it’s melted and fully incorporated. The provolone adds that signature cheesesteak flavor that will make this pasta dish irresistible.

5. Season and Combine:

Once your sauce is ready, season it with salt and pepper to taste. The beef broth and cheese add plenty of flavor, but a little extra seasoning can make all the difference. Taste the sauce and adjust the seasoning to your preference.

Now, it’s time to bring it all together. Add the cooked pasta to the skillet, tossing it in the creamy sauce until each piece of pasta is well coated. Make sure the pasta and sauce are fully combined for the best eating experience.

6. Serve and Enjoy:

Your Philly Cheesesteak Pasta is ready to serve! Ladle it into bowls or plates, and if you’d like, top it with some extra shredded provolone or a sprinkle of fresh parsley for garnish. Serve immediately while the dish is still hot and the cheese is gooey.

Tips for Success:

• Choose the Right Pasta: Penne or rigatoni work well because their shape holds onto the creamy sauce, but you can experiment with other pasta shapes too.
• Don’t Skimp on the Cheese: The combination of provolone and cream cheese is what gives this dish its signature flavor. If you want an extra cheesy experience, feel free to add more provolone.
• Make it Spicy: If you like a bit of heat, add some red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the sauce for a spicy kick.

Conclusion:

Philly Cheesesteak Pasta is the ultimate comfort food, combining the best parts of a Philly cheesesteak with the coziness of a pasta dish. The rich, cheesy sauce clings to every piece of pasta, while the beef, bell peppers, and onions give you that authentic cheesesteak experience. This dish is perfect for feeding a hungry family or enjoying as leftovers the next day (if you’re lucky enough to have any left!).

Pair it with a simple green salad or garlic bread, and you’ve got a complete meal that’s sure to satisfy even the biggest appetites.