There are certain meals that instantly transport you back to a cozy kitchen filled with the irresistible aroma of melted cheese and sizzling beef. Delicious Philly Cheese Steak Pasta Recipe is one of those meals for me. I first made it on a chilly evening when I was craving something hearty but didn’t want the hassle of crafting individual sandwiches.
What resulted was a creamy, flavor-packed pasta dish that even my most kitchen-shy friends have since mastered. If you’re new to cooking, this recipe is your perfect starting point. It is simple, efficient, packed with comforting flavors, and offers a healthier spin on the traditional cheesesteak with its blend of beef, vegetables, and a luscious homemade sauce.

Why This Recipe is Special
Philly Cheesesteak Pasta takes all the iconic flavors of a Philadelphia cheesesteak sandwich and transforms them into an easy, one-pan pasta dish. Instead of dealing with hoagie rolls and messy assembly, everything comes together in a comforting, cheesy sauce that clings to perfectly cooked pasta. This recipe is a dream for busy weeknights because it’s quick to prepare, requires basic kitchen tools, and offers a nutritional boost with the addition of vegetables. Plus, it’s highly adaptable to suit different dietary needs, making it an ideal choice for beginner cooks eager to impress.
Ingredients and Preparation
Beef
The heart of the dish, beef provides rich, savory depth. You can use ground beef for quick cooking and easy blending, or steak strips like ribeye for a juicier, more traditional flavor. Ground turkey or plant-based alternatives also work beautifully for a lighter or vegetarian version.
Green Bell Peppers
These add a slight bitterness and vibrant color, balancing the richness of the cheese sauce. Red or yellow peppers can be used if you prefer a sweeter flavor.
Onions
Sautéed onions bring a touch of sweetness and aromatic warmth. They’re essential for creating the authentic cheesesteak taste.
Garlic
Fresh minced garlic deepens the overall flavor profile. If fresh isn’t available, garlic powder can be a quick substitute.
Cream Cheese
This is the key to the dish’s creamy texture. It melts into the beef broth to create a velvety sauce. Reduced-fat cream cheese can be used for a lighter option.
Provolone Cheese
Classic provolone melts beautifully and offers mild tanginess. Mozzarella provides a milder taste, and sharp cheddar adds a bold kick if you want to experiment.
Pasta
Penne or rigatoni are ideal because they trap the sauce in their ridges and hollow centers. Whole wheat or gluten-free versions can be swapped in based on dietary needs.
Beef Broth
This enhances the savory base of the sauce. Chicken or vegetable broth can be used in a pinch, though they will slightly alter the flavor.
Olive Oil, Salt, and Pepper
Basic but essential for cooking the vegetables and seasoning the dish.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1 Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Add the pasta and cook until al dente, according to package instructions. Drain and set aside without rinsing to help the sauce cling better later.
Step 2 While the pasta is cooking, heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add diced green bell peppers and onions, sautéing for about 4-5 minutes until softened and fragrant. Add minced garlic in the last minute of cooking to avoid burning.
Step 3 Add ground beef or steak strips to the skillet. Cook until the meat is fully browned and no pink remains, breaking it up with a spatula if using ground beef. Season generously with salt, pepper, and a touch of garlic powder or Worcestershire sauce for deeper flavor.
Step 4 Lower the heat and stir in the softened cream cheese until it begins to melt. Slowly pour in the beef broth, stirring constantly, to form a smooth, creamy sauce. Simmer gently to thicken slightly, adding more broth if needed to achieve your desired consistency.
Step 5 Stir the drained pasta directly into the sauce, tossing to coat every piece evenly. Sprinkle shredded provolone cheese over the top and place the skillet under a broiler for 3-5 minutes, just until the cheese melts and turns golden brown.
Step 6 Carefully remove from the oven, let it rest for a minute, and serve hot with a sprinkle of fresh parsley or grated parmesan if desired.

Beginner Tips and Notes
If your vegetables overcook and become too soft, don’t worry; the dish will still be delicious, though slightly less textured. If your beef starts browning too quickly, lower the heat slightly and keep stirring to prevent burning. For efficient prepping, chop all vegetables before you start cooking, and set out all your ingredients within arm’s reach. If you don’t have a broiler, simply cover the skillet with a lid after adding the cheese and let it melt on the stovetop.
Serving Suggestions
Serve Philly Cheesesteak Pasta with a crisp green salad dressed in a simple vinaigrette to balance the richness. Warm garlic bread or toasted baguette slices also make excellent sides. Leftovers keep beautifully—store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. Reheat gently on the stove with a splash of broth or water to revive the creamy sauce.
Conclusion
Philly Cheesesteak Pasta is a fantastic choice for beginner cooks looking to build their confidence with quick and healthy meals. This easy sheet pan dinner alternative combines the best parts of the famous sandwich into a hearty, comforting pasta that’s sure to please a crowd. I would love to hear how your version turns out—feel free to share your experience or any creative twists you try in the comments. Cooking is a journey, and every dish is a step closer to mastering it.
FAQ About Delicious Philly Cheese Steak Pasta Recipe
1. Can I use a different type of pasta for Philly Cheesesteak Pasta?
Yes, you can use other short pasta types like fusilli, ziti, or farfalle. These shapes capture the creamy sauce well, just like penne or rigatoni.
2. How do I make this recipe healthier?
To lighten the dish, use ground turkey or chicken instead of beef, light cream cheese, and whole wheat or gluten-free pasta. Adding extra vegetables also boosts nutrition.
3. What cheeses can I substitute for provolone?
Mozzarella offers a mild alternative, cheddar adds a sharper taste, and even American cheese gives a nostalgic, creamy texture. Feel free to mix and match.
More Relevant Recipes
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Delicious Philly Cheese Steak Pasta Recipe
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Halal
Description
This easy Philly Cheesesteak Pasta recipe combines tender beef, sautéed peppers and onions, and a creamy cheese sauce for a quick and hearty dinner perfect for beginners.
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
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook until al dente according to package instructions. Drain and set aside without rinsing.
- While pasta cooks, heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add diced green bell pepper and onion; sauté for 4-5 minutes until softened. Add minced garlic and cook for 1 more minute.
- Add ground beef or steak strips to the skillet. Cook until the meat is fully browned, breaking it up as needed. Season with salt, pepper, and optional garlic powder or Worcestershire sauce.
- Lower the heat and stir in softened cream cheese. Once it starts melting, slowly add beef broth, stirring constantly until a smooth, creamy sauce forms.
- Add the drained pasta to the skillet and toss until evenly coated. Sprinkle shredded provolone cheese over the top and broil for 3-5 minutes until the cheese is bubbly and golden.
- Remove from oven, let rest briefly, and serve hot with optional fresh parsley or parmesan garnish.
Notes
- Use ground turkey or chicken for a lighter version.
- Swap green bell pepper for red or yellow for a sweeter flavor.
- For a spicier dish, add jalapeños or red pepper flakes while cooking the vegetables.
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Reheat gently with a splash of broth to refresh the sauce.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop and Broiler
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 650
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 35g
- Saturated Fat: 18g
- Unsaturated Fat: 14g
- Trans Fat: 1g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 32g
- Cholesterol: 110mg