If you love the flavors of a classic Philly cheesesteak, then you’ll be thrilled to try this Quick and Delicious Philly Cheesesteak Pasta. It combines tender slices of seasoned ribeye steak, sautéed onions, and green peppers, all coated in a creamy, cheesy sauce, and tossed with pasta for the ultimate comfort food experience. This dish is perfect for busy weeknights or when you’re craving something hearty and satisfying but don’t want to spend hours in the kitchen.
Ingredients:
- 8 ounces pasta (like penne, fusilli, or elbow macaroni)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 pound ribeye steak, thinly sliced
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 medium onion, sliced
- 1 green bell pepper, sliced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup beef broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon mustard powder
- 1 1/2 cups shredded provolone cheese (or a mix of provolone and mozzarella)
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Step 1: Cook the Pasta
Start by cooking the pasta. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and add your choice of pasta—penne, fusilli, or elbow macaroni all work well in this recipe. Cook the pasta according to the package instructions until it is al dente. Drain the pasta and set it aside, but don’t forget to reserve about 1/2 cup of the pasta water in case you need to thin the sauce later.
Step 2: Prepare the Steak
While the pasta is cooking, focus on preparing the steak. Ribeye steak is ideal for this dish because of its tenderness and rich flavor, but you can also use flank steak, sirloin, or even thin slices of deli roast beef if you’re in a pinch. Thinly slice the steak against the grain, which helps to keep it tender during cooking.
Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Season the steak slices with salt and pepper, then add them to the skillet. Cook for about 2-3 minutes per side, or until the steak is browned and cooked through. Be careful not to overcook the steak, as it can become tough. Once done, remove the steak from the skillet and set it aside on a plate to rest.
Step 3: Sauté the Vegetables
In the same skillet, add a little more olive oil if needed, and then toss in the sliced onion and green bell pepper. These vegetables are essential to the flavor of a classic Philly cheesesteak, as they add sweetness and a slight crunch. Sauté the vegetables for 4-5 minutes, or until they are softened and slightly caramelized.
Once the onions and peppers are soft, add the minced garlic and cook for another 1-2 minutes until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic, as it can become bitter.
Step 4: Make the Sauce
Now it’s time to make the creamy, cheesy sauce that ties the entire dish together. Reduce the heat to medium and add the beef broth, heavy cream, Worcestershire sauce, and mustard powder to the skillet. Stir everything together and bring the mixture to a simmer. The broth adds depth to the flavor, while the cream makes the sauce rich and indulgent. Worcestershire sauce adds a hint of tanginess, balancing the richness of the dish.
Allow the sauce to simmer for 3-4 minutes, letting it thicken slightly. You can adjust the consistency by adding a little of the reserved pasta water if needed.
Step 5: Add the Steak and Cheese
Once the sauce has thickened, return the cooked steak to the skillet, stirring it into the sauce. The steak will absorb the flavors from the sauce, making it even more delicious.
Next, sprinkle the shredded provolone cheese over the top. You can also use a mix of provolone and mozzarella for a gooey, cheesy finish. Stir the cheese into the sauce until it’s fully melted and the sauce is creamy and smooth. The provolone gives the dish that classic cheesesteak flavor, but feel free to experiment with other cheeses like cheddar or Monterey Jack for a twist.
Step 6: Combine with Pasta and Serve
Finally, add the cooked pasta to the skillet, tossing it in the sauce until everything is well coated. Make sure the steak, vegetables, and pasta are evenly distributed throughout the dish. If the sauce becomes too thick, you can add a splash of the reserved pasta water to loosen it up.
Once everything is combined, taste the dish and adjust the seasoning if necessary. You can add more salt, pepper, or even a dash of hot sauce for extra heat.
To finish, garnish the dish with freshly chopped parsley for a pop of color and freshness. Serve the Philly Cheesesteak Pasta hot, straight from the skillet, alongside some garlic bread or a simple green salad.
Cooking Tips and Variations:
- Add Mushrooms: Sautéed mushrooms are a great addition to this dish, adding an earthy flavor that pairs well with the steak and cheese.
- Spice It Up: If you like your meals with a little kick, add some red pepper flakes or jalapeños to the sauce for a spicy version of this dish.
- Meat Substitutions: You can easily swap out the ribeye for a more affordable cut of steak, or even use ground beef for a budget-friendly option.
- Cheese Variations: Provolone is traditional, but you can experiment with other cheeses like Swiss, cheddar, or even Velveeta for a different take on the dish.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Q: Can I make this recipe ahead of time? A: While this dish is best served fresh, you can make the sauce and steak mixture ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. When you’re ready to eat, cook the pasta fresh, then reheat the sauce and combine.
Q: How can I store leftovers? A: Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in a skillet over medium heat, adding a little more cream or broth if the sauce has thickened too much.
Q: Can I freeze this pasta? A: Freezing this dish isn’t recommended because the cream sauce can separate when thawed. However, you can freeze the steak and vegetable mixture, then add the cream and cheese when reheating for a fresher texture.
This Quick and Delicious Philly Cheesesteak Pasta is the ultimate comfort food, combining tender steak, caramelized onions, and peppers with a rich, creamy cheese sauce and pasta. It’s a perfect weeknight dinner that delivers all the flavors of a classic Philly cheesesteak in a fun and unique pasta dish. Easy to make, customizable, and guaranteed to satisfy—give this recipe a try for your next meal!
