Table of Contents
Table of Contents
Imagine the rich, savory flavors of a classic philly cheesesteak transformed into a creamy, comforting pasta dish. If you love the combination of tender beef, sautéed peppers and onions, and melty cheese, this philly cheesesteak pasta is about to become a new favorite in your kitchen.
This one-pot meal brings together everything you crave in a hearty, satisfying dinner without the hassle of multiple dishes. Whether you’re looking for an easy weeknight meal or a crowd-pleasing comfort food, this recipe delivers bold flavors with minimal effort. Plus, you can customize it with your favorite pasta, cheeses, and protein options to make it your own.
Ready to enjoy a delicious fusion of steakhouse flavors and creamy pasta goodness? Let’s dive in.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
If you’re a fan of philly cheesesteak sandwiches, this philly cheesesteak pasta is the ultimate comfort food mash-up you didn’t know you needed. Imagine tender strips of juicy beef, sautéed onions and bell peppers, and a rich, creamy cheese sauce coating every bite of pasta pure magic in a skillet.
Here’s why this recipe stands out:
- Quick and Easy: A one-pan meal that comes together in under 30 minutes, perfect for busy weeknights.
- Loaded with Flavor: The combination of savory beef, melty cheese, and caramelized onions and peppers creates a bold, satisfying taste.
- Customizable: Swap the beef for ground turkey or chicken, switch up the cheese blend, or choose your favorite pasta shape.
- Crowd-Pleaser: Whether you’re feeding a hungry family or meal prepping for the week, this dish is a guaranteed hit.
With simple ingredients and an easy-to-follow process, you’ll have a restaurant-quality meal right at home without the extra effort. Let’s get cooking.
Ingredients
Gathering the right ingredients is key to achieving that classic philly cheesesteak flavor in a rich and creamy pasta dish. You likely already have many of these staples in your kitchen, making this an easy, weeknight-friendly recipe.

For the Pasta:
- 8 ounces pasta (penne, rotini, tagliatelle or rigatoni work best)
- 1 teaspoon salt (for boiling water)
For the Cheesesteak Filling:
- 1 pound ribeye steak or ground beef (thinly sliced or crumbled)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil (for sautéing)
- 1 small onion, thinly sliced
- 1 green bell pepper, sliced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce (for depth of flavor)
- ½ teaspoon salt (or to taste)
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon smoked paprika (optional, for extra richness)
For the Cheese Sauce:
- 1 cup beef broth (to create a flavorful base)
- 4 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup shredded provolone or mozzarella
- ½ cup heavy cream (for a smooth, creamy texture)
With just a handful of ingredients, you can create a hearty, restaurant-quality meal at home. Now that you have everything ready, let’s move on to the step-by-step cooking process.
Directions
Let’s get this philly cheesesteak pasta ready. Follow these straightforward steps to create a dish that’s packed with flavor and comfort.

- Cook the Pasta:
Begin by filling a large pot with salted water and bringing it to a boil. Once boiling, add your pasta and cook according to the package instructions until al dente (about 8-10 minutes). Drain the pasta and set it aside, but be sure to reserve a cup of the pasta water to help with the sauce later. - Prepare the Beef and Veggies:
While your pasta is cooking, heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add your ribeye steak (or ground beef) to the pan and sauté for about 3-5 minutes, until browned. Once the beef is cooked, add the onions and bell peppers to the skillet. Sauté for an additional 4-5 minutes, until the vegetables soften and start to caramelize. Stir in the garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant. Season with Worcestershire sauce, salt, pepper, and smoked paprika. - Make the Creamy Sauce:
Lower the heat to medium-low and pour in the beef broth. Stir it into the beef and veggie mixture. Add the cream cheese, letting it melt and combine with the broth. Once it’s melted, stir in the heavy cream and shredded provolone or your preferred cheese. Let the sauce cook for 3-4 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it becomes creamy and thickens to your liking. - Combine Pasta with Sauce:
Add the cooked pasta to the skillet, mixing well to coat the noodles in the creamy sauce. If the sauce is too thick, add some of the reserved pasta water, a little at a time, until you reach your desired consistency. Toss everything together until the pasta is evenly coated in the cheesy sauce. - Serve and Enjoy:
Give your dish a final taste and adjust the seasoning if needed. Serve the philly cheesesteak pasta hot, and feel free to garnish with extra cheese or fresh herbs like parsley for a finishing touch.
With these simple steps, you’ve transformed the flavors of a classic philly cheesesteak into a creamy, comforting pasta dish everyone will love. Now, dig in and enjoy your homemade masterpiece.
Expert Tips and Variations
This philly cheesesteak pasta is as versatile as it is delicious. Whether you’re looking to tweak the recipe to suit your tastes or add a personal twist, there are plenty of ways to make this dish your own. Here are some expert tips and variations to take your pasta to the next level.
Tips for Perfecting Your philly cheesesteak pasta:
- Choose the Right Meat:
While ribeye steak is the classic choice for a philly cheesesteak, you can swap it for ground beef, ground turkey, or even chicken breast if you prefer a leaner option. Just make sure to season well to keep that rich, savory flavor. - Use Fresh Vegetables:
Fresh onions and bell peppers are key to getting that authentic cheesesteak flavor. For extra richness, you can add mushrooms to the mix. Just sauté them along with the other veggies for a deeper, earthier taste. - Make It Extra Cheesy:
If you love cheese, don’t be shy! Feel free to add extra cheese to the sauce. Shredded mozzarella, cheddar, or even American cheese can be stirred in for more melty goodness. Just be sure to adjust the thickness of the sauce with a little pasta water if needed. - Elevate the Sauce:
For a deeper flavor, try adding a splash of hot sauce or steak seasoning to your cheese sauce. This will give your pasta an extra kick and layer of complexity. If you like it extra creamy, you can increase the amount of cream cheese and heavy cream for a richer texture. - Adjust the Spice:
If you love a bit of heat, toss in some red pepper flakes or jalapeños while cooking the beef. This adds a bold, spicy element that pairs wonderfully with the creamy cheese sauce.
Fun Variations:
- Vegetarian Version:
Swap out the beef for plant-based ground beef or sauté portobello mushrooms for a rich, meaty texture without the meat. Add extra veggies like spinach, zucchini, or eggplant to make the dish even heartier. - Add More Veggies:
You can easily make this dish more veggie-packed by adding spinach, broccoli, or asparagus. Just sauté them with the onions and peppers for a colorful, healthy addition. - Spicy Southwest Twist:
Want to give your pasta a twist? Try adding some chili powder, cumin, or coriander to the sauce, and top it with a dollop of sour cream and a sprinkle of cilantro for a southwestern flair.
No matter how you make it, this philly cheesesteak pasta is a crowd-pleaser that you can customize to suit your taste. So go ahead and get creative. It’s a dish that’s sure to impress every time.
Serving Suggestions
This philly cheesesteak pasta is a comforting, hearty dish that pairs well with a variety of sides and garnishes. Whether you’re serving it for a casual weeknight dinner or a special gathering, there are plenty of ways to enhance your meal and make it even more satisfying. Here are some great ideas for what to serve alongside this delicious pasta:
Side dishes to pair with philly cheesesteak pasta:
- Garlic Bread or Breadsticks:
You can’t go wrong with a warm, crispy loaf of garlic bread. The crunchy exterior and soft, buttery inside are the perfect complement to the creamy pasta. You can also serve breadsticks for dipping into the extra cheese sauce. - Roasted Vegetables:
Roasted broccoli, asparagus, or brussels sprouts add a nice, healthy balance to the rich and cheesy pasta. The slight char on the vegetables brings out their natural sweetness, creating a great contrast with the savory dish. - Sweet Potato Fries:
For a fun twist, pair your pasta with crispy sweet potato fries. The sweetness of the fries pairs wonderfully with the salty, savory notes of the pasta. If you want, you can even dip them in the cheese sauce.
Garnishing your philly cheesesteak pasta:
- Extra Cheese:
If you can’t get enough cheese, top your pasta with more shredded provolone or even parmesan. A quick melt under the broiler gives it a golden, bubbly finish. - Fresh Herbs:
A sprinkle of fresh parsley, basil, or oregano adds a burst of color and a fresh, herby note that contrasts beautifully with the creamy pasta. - Crushed Red Pepper Flakes:
For those who enjoy a bit of heat, finish the dish with a sprinkle of crushed red pepper flakes. This adds just the right amount of spice to balance out the richness of the cheese sauce.
This philly cheesesteak pasta is a filling meal on its own, but pairing it with any of these sides or garnishes will make it even more enjoyable. Whether you’re keeping things simple or going all out with a full meal, these ideas will make your pasta night a hit.
FAQs
Here are some frequently asked questions about making philly cheesesteak pasta. Whether you’re a first-time cook or an experienced chef, these answers should help make your cooking process even easier.
1. Can I use a different type of meat?
Absolutely. While ribeye steak is traditionally used in a philly cheesesteak, you can easily swap it for ground beef, chicken breast, or even turkey if you’re looking for a leaner option. Just adjust the cooking time accordingly. You could also make it vegetarian by using plant-based meat or sautéing some mushrooms for a meaty texture without the meat.
2. What kind of pasta works best for this recipe?
This recipe is versatile, so you can use any type of pasta you prefer. Fettuccine, penne, or even rigatoni work great because they hold the creamy sauce well. Spaghetti is another good option if you want something lighter. Just pick your favorite and enjoy.
3. Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes. Philly cheesesteak pasta makes great leftovers, and you can prepare it ahead of time. Simply make the dish, let it cool, and store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. When you’re ready to serve, just reheat it on the stove over low heat, adding a splash of milk or broth to loosen up the sauce.
4. Can I freeze this pasta dish?
While it’s best enjoyed fresh, you can freeze this dish for later. To freeze, allow the pasta to cool completely, then transfer it into an airtight container or freezer-safe bag. It will keep for about 1-2 months. When reheating, it’s a good idea to add a bit of cream or broth to bring back its creamy consistency.
5. Can I make the sauce spicier?
If you enjoy a bit of heat, you can spice things up by adding red pepper flakes, jalapeños, or even a dash of hot sauce to the sauce. Just remember to start with a small amount and taste-test as you go, adjusting to your desired level of spice.
These answers should help you make the most of your philly cheesesteak pasta experience. Whether you’re adapting the recipe for dietary preferences or just curious about storage and reheating tips, these FAQs are here to guide you.
Recipe Card

Philly cheesesteak pasta
Ingredients
For the Pasta:
- 8 ounces pasta
- 1 teaspoon salt
For the Cheesesteak Filling:
- 1 pound ribeye steak or ground beef
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 small onion, thinly sliced
- 1 green bell pepper, sliced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
For the Cheese Sauce:
- 1 cup beef broth
- 4 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup shredded provolone or mozzarella
- ½ cup heavy cream
Instructions
- Cook the Pasta: Begin by filling a large pot with salted water and bringing it to a boil. Once boiling, add your pasta and cook according to the package instructions until al dente (about 8-10 minutes). Drain the pasta and set it aside, but be sure to reserve a cup of the pasta water to help with the sauce later.
- Prepare the Beef and Veggies: While your pasta is cooking, heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add your ribeye steak (or ground beef) to the pan and sauté for about 3-5 minutes, until browned. Once the beef is cooked, add the onions and bell peppers to the skillet. Sauté for an additional 4-5 minutes, until the vegetables soften and start to caramelize. Stir in the garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant. Season with Worcestershire sauce, salt, pepper, and smoked paprika.
- Make the Creamy Sauce: Lower the heat to medium-low and pour in the beef broth. Stir it into the beef and veggie mixture. Add the cream cheese, letting it melt and combine with the broth. Once it’s melted, stir in the heavy cream and shredded provolone or your preferred cheese. Let the sauce cook for 3-4 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it becomes creamy and thickens to your liking.
- Combine Pasta with Sauce: Add the cooked pasta to the skillet, mixing well to coat the noodles in the creamy sauce. If the sauce is too thick, add some of the reserved pasta water, a little at a time, until you reach your desired consistency. Toss everything together until the pasta is evenly coated in the cheesy sauce.
- Serve and Enjoy: Give your dish a final taste and adjust the seasoning if needed. Serve the philly cheesesteak pasta hot, and feel free to garnish with extra cheese or fresh herbs like parsley for a finishing touch.
Notes
- Calories: ~650
- Total Fat: 35g
- Saturated Fat: 18g
- Cholesterol: 95mg
- Protein: 35g
- Carbohydrates: 50g
- Fiber: 3g
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 750mg
Closing Notes
Congratulations. You’ve just mastered the art of making philly cheesesteak pasta, a comforting, cheesy, and savory dish that’s perfect for a family dinner or a special meal with friends. The combination of rich flavors and creamy textures will have everyone coming back for seconds.
This dish is incredibly versatile, so feel free to get creative with it. Whether you’re using ground beef, swapping in chicken, or experimenting with different pasta types, this recipe is all about making it your own. You can also add extra vegetables, such as mushrooms or spinach, for a boost of flavor and nutrition.
Remember, cooking is about enjoying the process and making something delicious. So don’t be afraid to tweak the recipe to suit your tastes or dietary needs. Philly cheesesteak pasta will still turn out amazing.
Thanks for cooking along with me. I hope this recipe becomes a new favorite in your meal rotation. Whether it’s for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion, this dish is sure to impress.
Happy cooking, and enjoy every bite.