Delicious Philly Cheese Steak Pasta

I combine the bold, savory flavors of a classic Philly cheesesteak with tender pasta to create this comforting and satisfying dish. I cook seasoned beef with sautéed peppers and onions, then toss everything in a creamy, cheesy sauce that coats every bite of pasta beautifully.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

I love how this recipe transforms a sandwich favorite into a hearty pasta meal. It is rich, flavorful, and perfect for busy weeknights when I want something filling but easy to prepare. I only use simple ingredients, and everything comes together in one pan for minimal cleanup. The combination of beef, peppers, onions, and melted cheese makes this dish incredibly comforting.

Ingredients

(Here’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

12 ounces penne or rigatoni pasta
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 pound ground beef or thinly sliced steak
1 small onion, sliced
1 green bell pepper, sliced
1 red bell pepper, sliced
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
1 cup beef broth
1 cup heavy cream
1 1/2 cups shredded provolone or mozzarella cheese
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese

Directions

I start by cooking the pasta according to the package instructions in salted water. I drain it and set it aside, reserving about 1/2 cup of the pasta water.

In a large skillet, I heat olive oil over medium heat. I add the sliced onion and bell peppers and sauté them for about 5–6 minutes until softened and slightly caramelized. I stir in the minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds.

I add the ground beef or sliced steak to the skillet and cook until browned and fully cooked through. If needed, I drain excess grease. I stir in the Worcestershire sauce, salt, and black pepper.

I pour in the beef broth and heavy cream, stirring to combine. I let the mixture simmer for about 5 minutes until it slightly thickens.

I reduce the heat to low and stir in the shredded provolone and grated Parmesan cheese until melted and smooth. If the sauce becomes too thick, I add a splash of the reserved pasta water to loosen it.

I add the cooked pasta to the skillet and toss everything together until well coated in the creamy cheese sauce. I let it cook for another 2–3 minutes so the flavors blend.

Servings and timing

This recipe makes about 4–6 servings.

Prep time: 10 minutes
Cook time: 25 minutes
Total time: 35 minutes

Variations

I sometimes use thinly sliced ribeye instead of ground beef for a more traditional cheesesteak flavor. When I want extra richness, I add a few slices of cream cheese to the sauce. I also like adding sautéed mushrooms for extra depth. For a lighter version, I substitute half-and-half for heavy cream and reduce the cheese slightly.

storage/reheating

I store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. I reheat the pasta gently on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of milk or broth to loosen the sauce. I can also microwave it in short intervals, stirring between each one. If freezing, I store it in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months, though the sauce may need extra stirring when reheated.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of pasta?

I can use any short pasta shape like rotini, fusilli, or shells. I choose shapes that hold the sauce well.

What cheese works best?

I prefer provolone for its classic cheesesteak flavor, but mozzarella or even white American cheese also works well.

Can I make this ahead of time?

I can prepare it a few hours ahead and gently reheat before serving. I add a little liquid when reheating to keep the sauce creamy.

Is this recipe spicy?

This recipe is not spicy, but I can add red pepper flakes or sliced jalapeños if I want some heat.

Can I make it without cream?

I can replace the heavy cream with a mixture of milk and a little extra cheese, though the sauce will be slightly less rich.

Conclusion

I enjoy making this delicious Philly cheese steak pasta because it brings together bold flavors and creamy comfort in one easy dish. I love how it captures the essence of a classic sandwich while turning it into a satisfying pasta meal the whole family can enjoy. It is a recipe I rely on whenever I want something hearty and full of flavor.

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