Craving the flavors of a Philly cheesesteak but want something a little more filling? This Philly Cheesesteak Pasta combines all the best elements of the beloved sandwich—tender beef, sautéed peppers, onions, and gooey cheese—with hearty pasta to create a dish that’s as satisfying as it is delicious. It’s the perfect weeknight meal, packed with flavor and made in one skillet for easy cleanup.
Imagine twirling creamy, cheesy pasta on your fork, dotted with bites of savory beef and crisp-tender bell peppers, all infused with the irresistible flavors of a classic cheesesteak. Whether you’re feeding a family or looking to indulge in some comfort food, this recipe will quickly become a household favorite.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe:
1. One-Pan Wonder: This recipe requires only one skillet, making cleanup a breeze.
2. Quick and Easy: Ready in under 30 minutes, it’s perfect for busy weeknights.
3. Customizable: You can swap out ingredients to suit your taste or dietary preferences.
4. Crowd-Pleaser: The creamy, cheesy flavor paired with hearty pasta is sure to win over both kids and adults alike.
Ingredients You’ll Need:
• Ground Beef or Steak Strips: The star of the dish, providing a savory and hearty base.
• Rigatoni or Penne Pasta: Holds the creamy sauce perfectly and adds substance to the dish.
• Bell Peppers (Green and Red): Adds sweetness, crunch, and color.
• Onion: Sautéed to add a savory depth of flavor.
• Beef Broth: Enhances the flavor and helps cook the pasta.
• Cream Cheese: Makes the sauce creamy and velvety.
• Provolone Cheese: Melts into the dish for that signature cheesesteak flavor.
• Garlic Powder, Onion Powder, Salt, and Pepper: Simple seasonings that elevate the dish.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Cook the Beef: In a large skillet, brown the ground beef or steak strips over medium heat. Drain any excess fat and set aside.
2. Sauté the Vegetables: In the same skillet, add diced onions and bell peppers. Cook until softened and fragrant.
3. Combine Ingredients: Add the cooked beef back into the skillet with the vegetables. Season with garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper.
4. Add the Pasta and Broth: Pour in the beef broth and stir in the pasta. Cover and cook until the pasta is tender, stirring occasionally.
5. Make it Creamy: Once the pasta is cooked, reduce the heat and stir in the cream cheese until fully melted and combined.
6. Cheesy Finish: Top the dish with provolone cheese slices. Cover the skillet until the cheese is melted and gooey.
7. Serve and Enjoy: Garnish with fresh parsley if desired and serve hot.
Variations:
• Protein Swap: Use chicken or ground turkey for a lighter version.
• Vegetarian Option: Replace beef with sautéed mushrooms and extra vegetables.
• Cheese Options: Try mozzarella, cheddar, or a combination for a different cheesy twist.
• Spicy Kick: Add a dash of red pepper flakes or diced jalapeños for heat.
Storage:
• Refrigerator: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
• Reheating: Warm on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of broth or water to loosen the sauce.
• Freezing: This dish isn’t ideal for freezing due to the cream cheese, which may separate when thawed.
FAQs:
1. Can I use a different type of pasta?
Absolutely! Penne, fusilli, or any short pasta will work just as well.
2. What can I substitute for cream cheese?
You can use heavy cream or even a dollop of sour cream for a similar creamy texture.
3. How do I make this gluten-free?
Use gluten-free pasta and double-check that your broth and seasonings are gluten-free.
This Philly Cheesesteak Pasta is the ultimate comfort food, perfect for busy nights or when you’re in the mood for something indulgent yet simple. Try it out, and let the flavors of this cheesy, beefy dish transport you to comfort food heaven!
Philly Cheesesteak Pasta
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef or steak strips
- 1 green bell pepper diced
- 1 onion diced
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 8 oz cream cheese softened
- 1 cup shredded provolone cheese
- 12 oz pasta penne or rigatoni recommended
- 1 cup beef broth
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 tbsp olive oil
Instructions
Cook the Pasta
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the pasta until al dente according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
Sauté the Vegetables
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the diced green bell pepper, onion, and minced garlic. Sauté until softened and fragrant, about 5 minutes.
Cook the Meat
- Add the ground beef or steak strips to the skillet with the sautéed vegetables. Season with salt and pepper. Cook until the meat is browned and fully cooked through.
Make the Sauce
- Reduce the heat to low. Stir in the softened cream cheese and beef broth, mixing until the sauce is smooth and creamy.
Combine Pasta and Sauce
- Add the cooked pasta to the skillet. Stir well to coat the pasta evenly with the creamy sauce.
Top with Cheese
- Sprinkle shredded provolone cheese over the pasta mixture. Transfer the skillet to the oven and broil on high for 2-3 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Serve and Enjoy
- Remove from the oven, garnish with fresh parsley if desired, and serve hot.
