Ultimate Philly Cheesesteak Pasta: A Flavorful Recipe Guide

From the busy streets of Philadelphia comes a sandwich that’s more than just lunch—it’s a piece of Philly itself. The Philly cheesesteak mixes tender steak, gooey cheese and sautéed onions inside a warm hoagie roll. It’s simple, it’s rich, and for generations it’s been something locals and visitors both crave. Even if you’ve never been to Philly, just tasting one of these sandwiches feels like a hug from the inside.

But what if we took all that good stuff and tossed it with pasta? Enter Philly Cheesesteak Pasta, where your favorite sandwich meets your favorite noodle. You still get that savory steak, melted cheese and sautéed veggies, only now it’s all in a big bowl of pasta. It’s an easy, fun twist that lets you enjoy two great foods at once.

In this guide, we’ll dive into Philly Cheesesteak Pasta—what you need, how to cook it step by step, and even some ways to switch it up. Whether you’re just starting out in the kitchen or you’ve cooked plenty, you’ll pick up tips that’ll make this fusion dish shine. So grab your apron and let’s get cooking!

What is Philly Cheesesteak Pasta?

Philly Cheesesteak Pasta is exactly what it sounds like—a mash-up of the classic Philly cheesesteak and your favorite pasta. You take the same basic ingredients—thin slices of steak, cheese that melts nice, and sautéed onions and peppers—and you stir them all into pasta. The result is a bowl that’s both filling and fun to eat.

Instead of holding the sandwich in your hand, you scoop up forkfuls of pasta loaded with those familiar cheesesteak flavors. You get the umami from the steak, the creaminess from the cheese, and the little crunch of veggies, all mixed together in one dish. It’s a nice change if you love sandwiches but want something different.

The Origins of the Philly Cheesesteak

The Philly cheesesteak began in the 1930s when Pat Olivieri, a hot dog vendor, decided to grill some beef and put it on an Italian roll. People walked by and smelled it and they stopped for a taste. Pretty soon that sandwich became a staple in Philadelphia, and over time folks added cheese and onions to make it even better.

Pasta has been around longer in America, used in all kinds of dishes. When chefs wanted to mix things up, they combined those Italian-style noodles with other flavors, like the cheesesteak. That’s how Philly Cheesesteak Pasta was born—kind of a best-of-both-worlds, and now a favorite for anyone who likes creative cooking.

Key Ingredients in Philly Cheesesteak Pasta

Every great Philly Cheesesteak Pasta needs good stuff. Here’s what you really want:

• Meat Options: Ribeye or sirloin works best for that juicy cheesesteak taste. They cook fast and stay tender. You can also use chicken breast or even seitan if you want a plant-based twist.
• Pasta Variations: Penne or fettuccine are top picks because they hold sauce nicely. Just cook it al dente so it doesn’t get mushy when you mix in the other ingredients.
• Cheese Selection: Classic cheesesteaks use Cheez Whiz or provolone. For pasta, you could mix those or go with mozzarella or cream cheese for extra creaminess.
• Vegetables and Seasonings: Bell peppers, onions and mushrooms give you that real cheesesteak vibe. A bit of parsley or Italian seasoning can take it up a notch.

Recipe for Philly Cheesesteak Pasta

Ingredients

• 8 ounces of pasta (penne or fettuccine)
• 1 pound ribeye or sirloin steak, thinly sliced
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 medium onion, sliced
• 1 bell pepper, sliced (any color)
• 1 cup mushrooms, sliced
• 2 cups Cheez Whiz or provolone cheese, shredded
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish (optional)

Directions

Follow these steps to make a bowl of easy, tasty Philly Cheesesteak Pasta:

1. Cook the pasta following the package instructions until it’s al dente. Keep about a cup of the pasta water, then drain and set aside.
2. Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the steak, season with salt and pepper, and cook until it’s nicely browned. Take the steak out and set it aside.
3. In the same skillet, toss in the onions, bell peppers and mushrooms. Sauté until they soften, about 5–7 minutes.
4. Put the steak back in the skillet. Add the cooked pasta and pour in some of the reserved pasta water. Stir to mix everything.
5. Sprinkle in the cheese and stir until it’s melted and creamy. If it’s too thick, add a bit more pasta water until it looks right.
6. Serve hot, with a little chopped parsley on top if you like.

Cooking Advice and Tips

• Slice the steak as thin as you can so it cooks quick.
• Mix in other veggies or spices you like, for extra flavor.
• If you want heat, throw in some jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce.

Variations of Philly Cheesesteak Pasta

One of the best things about this dish is how easy it is to change up. Try these ideas:

• Vegetarian Options: Swap the meat for portobello mushrooms or your favorite plant protein.
• Spicy Twist: Add jalapeños or mix in a spicy pasta sauce for a kick.
• Low-Carb Version: Use zucchini noodles or spaghetti squash instead of pasta.

Serving Suggestions

To make a meal out of it, you could:

• Serve with warm garlic bread for that classic combo.
• Add a fresh garden salad for crunch and brightness.
• Top with extra cheese or red pepper flakes if you want more flavor.

Storage and Reheating Tips

• Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
• When reheating, add a splash of water or broth and warm it slowly on the stove so it doesn’t dry out.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

• What is the best cheese for Philly Cheesesteak Pasta? Cheez Whiz and provolone are the classics, but mozzarella or cream cheese works too.
• Can I use a different type of meat? Sure! Chicken or plant-based proteins both work great.
• How can I make Philly Cheesesteak Pasta creamy? Just add extra cheese or a splash of heavy cream.
• Is there a gluten-free version? Yes—use gluten-free pasta or veggie noodles instead.
• Can I prepare this dish ahead of time? You can mix it up early and bake it later, but it’s best fresh for that perfect texture.

Conclusion

Philly Cheesesteak Pasta is a fun way to bring two favorites together in one bowl. The mix of flavors and textures makes it a go-to for any night you want something different but still comforting.

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Philly Cheesesteak Pasta

This Philly Cheesesteak Pasta combines the delicious flavors of the classic Philly cheesesteak sandwich with the heartiness of pasta. It’s a creamy, cheesy dish that will satisfy your cravings while being quick and easy to prepare.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Cook Time 20 minutes mins

Total Time 35 minutes mins

Course Main Course

Cuisine American

Servings 4 People

Calories 540 kcal

Equipment

• 1 Large pot
• 1 Large skillet
• 1 Wooden spoon or spatula
• 1 Measuring cups
• 1 Measuring spoons
• 1 Colander for draining pasta

Ingredients

  

• 12 oz penne pasta
• 1 lb ribeye steak, sliced thinly
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 medium onion, sliced
• 1 bell pepper red or green, sliced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
• 1 cup beef broth
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 2 cups provolone cheese, shredded
• to taste salt and pepper to taste
• for garnish fresh parsley, chopped

Instructions

 

• Cook the penne pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
• In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the sliced ribeye steak, season with salt and pepper, and cook until browned, about 4-5 minutes. Remove the steak from the skillet and set aside.
• In the same skillet, add the sliced onion and bell pepper. Sauté for about 5 minutes until softened. Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional 1 minute.
• Return the cooked steak to the skillet and add Worcestershire sauce, beef broth, and heavy cream. Stir to combine and bring to a simmer.
• Once the mixture is simmering, reduce heat to low and stir in the provolone cheese until melted and creamy.
• Add the drained penne pasta to the skillet and toss to coat evenly in the cheese sauce. Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes to heat through.
• Taste and adjust seasoning with more salt and pepper if needed. Garnish with fresh parsley before serving.

Notes

For added flavor, consider using different types of cheese like cheddar or mozzarella.

You can customize the vegetables by adding mushrooms or zucchini if you prefer.