A Philly cheesesteak is a classic dish that brings comfort and flavor to the dinner table. This Philly cheesesteak pasta recipe offers a delightful twist on the traditional sandwich, combining savory beef, vibrant peppers, and creamy provolone cheese with pasta for a hearty meal. Perfect for family dinners or gatherings, this dish showcases bold flavors and satisfying textures that everyone will enjoy.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and Easy: With just 30 minutes of prep and cooking time, this recipe fits well into your busy schedule.
- Flavorful Combination: The mix of creamy cheese, seasoned beef, and fresh veggies creates a rich taste experience that delights the palate.
- Versatile Dish: Serve it as a main course for dinner or as a comforting side at gatherings—this dish works for any occasion.
- Crowd-Pleaser: Whether you’re cooking for your family or friends, this hearty meal is sure to please even the pickiest eaters.
- One-Pot Wonder: Less cleanup is needed since everything cooks in one skillet—easy preparation and minimal hassle!
Tools and Preparation
Before diving into the cooking process, make sure you have the right tools on hand to make your Philly cheesesteak pasta effortlessly delicious.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Skillet
- Pot for boiling pasta
- Measuring cups
- Cutting board
- Knife
Importance of Each Tool
- Skillet: A good skillet ensures even cooking and allows you to sauté vegetables perfectly.
- Pot for boiling pasta: Using a pot designed for boiling helps maintain consistent heat for perfect pasta texture.
Ingredients
For this delicious fusion of Philly cheesesteak and pasta, you’ll need the following ingredients:
Protein
- 1 lb ground beef or steak strips
Vegetables
- 1 green bell pepper, diced
- 1 onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
Dairy
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup shredded provolone cheese
Pasta
- 12 oz pasta (penne or rigatoni recommended)
Liquid
- 1 cup beef broth
Seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 tbsp olive oil
How to Make Philly Cheesesteak
Follow these simple steps to create your own Philly cheesesteak pasta.
Step 1: Boil the Pasta
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
- Add the pasta and cook until al dente according to package instructions.
- Drain the pasta and set it aside.
Step 2: Cook the Vegetables
- In a large skillet over medium heat, add olive oil.
- Once hot, add the diced green bell pepper, onion, and garlic.
- Sauté until they are softened, about 5 minutes.
Step 3: Brown the Meat
- Add the ground beef or steak strips to the skillet.
- Cook until browned and fully cooked through, about 6-8 minutes.
Step 4: Create the Sauce
- Lower the heat and stir in the cream cheese and beef broth. Mix until creamy.
- Add in the cooked pasta and toss well to combine all ingredients.
Step 5: Broil with Cheese
- Sprinkle shredded provolone cheese on top of the mixture.
- Broil in the oven until melted and bubbly—about 3-5 minutes.
- Serve hot and enjoy your delicious Philly cheesesteak pasta!
How to Serve Philly Cheesesteak
Serving Philly cheesesteak pasta can be both fun and delicious. This hearty dish is perfect for any occasion, whether it’s a family dinner or a casual get-together with friends. Here are some great ways to serve it.
Classic Plating
- Use a large serving bowl to present the pasta. This allows guests to help themselves and enjoy the creamy, cheesy goodness.
Garnish with Fresh Herbs
- Sprinkle chopped parsley or basil on top before serving. This adds a fresh flavor and enhances the visual appeal of the dish.
Pair with Garlic Bread
- Serve slices of warm garlic bread on the side. The buttery, garlicky flavors complement the rich pasta perfectly.
Create a Salad Bar
- Offer a variety of salads as side options. A simple green salad or Caesar salad can balance out the richness of the pasta.
Include Extra Cheese
- Provide additional provolone cheese for those who love extra cheesiness. Melt some on top for an even creamier experience.
How to Perfect Philly Cheesesteak
To get the best flavor and texture from your Philly cheesesteak pasta, follow these helpful tips.
- Choose Quality Meat: Opt for lean ground beef or high-quality steak strips for better taste.
- Sauté Vegetables Well: Make sure your peppers and onions are cooked until soft; this enhances their sweetness.
- Use Fresh Garlic: Freshly minced garlic brings out a stronger flavor than pre-minced options.
- Don’t Overcook Pasta: Cook your pasta just to al dente; it will continue cooking when mixed with hot ingredients.
- Broil for Best Texture: Broiling at the end gives your cheese that perfect bubbly finish.
- Season Generously: Don’t forget to add salt and pepper during cooking; it makes all the difference in flavor!
Best Side Dishes for Philly Cheesesteak
Pairing side dishes with your Philly cheesesteak pasta can elevate your meal. Here’s a list of excellent sides to consider:
- Garlic Bread: Crispy, buttery bread infused with garlic is always a favorite.
- Caesar Salad: Crunchy romaine lettuce tossed with Caesar dressing offers a refreshing contrast.
- Roasted Vegetables: Seasonal veggies roasted until caramelized provide added nutrition and flavor.
- French Fries: Crispy fries are comfort food that complements any pasta dish beautifully.
- Coleslaw: A tangy coleslaw adds crunch and balances out the richness of the pasta.
- Corn on the Cob: Sweet corn served warm is a delightful addition to any summer table.
- Stuffed Mushrooms: These bite-sized treats filled with cheese and herbs make a great appetizer or side.
- Potato Wedges: Seasoned potato wedges baked until crispy are perfect for dipping!
Common Mistakes to Avoid
When making Philly cheesesteak pasta, avoiding common mistakes can significantly enhance your dish.
- Skipping the seasoning – Failing to season your beef and vegetables properly can lead to bland flavor. Always add salt and pepper to taste during cooking.
- Overcooking the pasta – Cooking the pasta too long will make it mushy. Aim for al dente for the best texture in your dish.
- Using cold cream cheese – Adding cold cream cheese can cause clumps in your sauce. Make sure it’s softened at room temperature before use.
- Not broiling long enough – If you don’t broil the cheese until bubbly, it won’t have that delicious gooey texture. Keep a close eye on it while broiling.
- Neglecting to mix well – Forgetting to mix all ingredients thoroughly can result in uneven flavors. Stir everything together until well combined.
Refrigerator Storage
- Store in an airtight container.
- Can last up to 3-4 days in the refrigerator.
Freezing Philly Cheesesteak
- Use freezer-safe containers or bags.
- Will maintain quality for up to 2 months in the freezer.
Reheating Philly Cheesesteak
- Oven – Preheat to 350°F, cover with foil, and heat for about 20 minutes until warmed through.
- Microwave – Place in a microwave-safe dish, cover, and microwave on medium power for 2-3 minutes, stirring halfway through.
- Stovetop – Heat over medium-low heat in a skillet, stirring occasionally until heated through.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Philly cheesesteak pasta?
Philly cheesesteak pasta is a delicious fusion of classic Philly cheesesteak flavors with pasta. It includes beef, peppers, onions, cream cheese, and provolone cheese.
Can I use chicken instead of beef?
Yes! You can substitute ground chicken or shredded rotisserie chicken for the beef if you prefer a lighter option.
How do I customize my Philly cheesesteak?
You can customize by adding different vegetables like mushrooms or spinach or using different types of cheese such as cheddar or mozzarella.
Is this recipe freezer-friendly?
Absolutely! You can freeze the prepared Philly cheesesteak pasta for up to 2 months without losing flavor or texture.
What side dishes pair well with this meal?
Serve with garlic bread or a simple green salad for a balanced meal that complements the rich flavors of Philly cheesesteak pasta.
Final Thoughts
This Philly cheesesteak pasta recipe offers a hearty and comforting dinner option that is both easy to prepare and packed with flavor. Its versatility allows you to customize ingredients based on your preferences. Whether you’re feeding a family or enjoying a cozy night in, give this recipe a try!
Philly Cheesesteak Pasta
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: Serves 4
Description
Savor the comforting flavors of a classic Philly cheesesteak with this delightful pasta dish! This Philly cheesesteak pasta combines savory beef, vibrant bell peppers, and creamy provolone cheese, transforming traditional sandwich ingredients into a hearty meal. Ready in just 30 minutes, it’s perfect for busy weeknights or casual gatherings. With each bite, enjoy the rich taste and satisfying textures that everyone will love. This one-pot wonder not only minimizes cleanup but also ensures a quick and delicious dinner option for families or friends.
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 penne or rigatoni pasta
- 1 cup beef broth
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 tbsp olive oil
Instructions
- Boil the pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- In a skillet over medium heat, sauté olive oil, bell pepper, onion, and garlic until soft.
- Add ground beef or steak strips to the skillet and cook until browned.
- Lower heat; stir in cream cheese and beef broth until creamy.
- Combine cooked pasta with the sauce mixture and toss well.
- Top with provolone cheese and broil until melted and bubbly.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main
- Method: Skillet
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 plate (300g)
- Calories: 610
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 640mg
- Fat: 32g
- Saturated Fat: 15g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 53g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 32g
- Cholesterol: 100mg
