When you think of comfort food, a classic Philly cheesesteak sandwich might come to mind—tender beef, sautéed onions and peppers, and gooey melted cheese all nestled in a soft roll. But what if you could enjoy all those flavors in a single skillet meal that’s both hearty and family-friendly? Enter the Cheesy Philly Cheesesteak Pasta Skillet!
This dish transforms the beloved sandwich into a creamy, cheesy pasta delight. It’s quick enough for a busy weeknight but indulgent enough to feel like a special treat. The combination of tender beef, caramelized vegetables, and a luscious cheese sauce coating every bite of pasta will have everyone coming back for seconds.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- One-Pan Wonder: Except for cooking the pasta, everything happens in one skillet—less cleanup, more convenience!
- Crowd-Pleaser: The creamy, cheesy sauce combined with savory beef and veggies is a flavor combination that appeals to kids and adults alike.
- Customizable: Easily swap out ingredients to suit your tastes or dietary needs.
- Quick and Easy: Ready in about 35 minutes, this dish is perfect for those busy nights when you want something delicious without a ton of effort.
Ingredients You’ll Need
- 12 oz (340g) penne pasta
- 1 lb (450g) ground beef
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 1 green bell pepper, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 2 cups (480ml) beef broth
- 1 cup (240ml) heavy cream
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 8 oz (225g) provolone cheese, shredded
- 4 oz (115g) cream cheese, cubed
How to Make Cheesy Philly Cheesesteak Pasta Skillet
Step 1: Cook the Pasta
Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the penne pasta and cook it until al dente, following the package instructions. This ensures the pasta will hold its shape and texture when mixed with the sauce.
Once cooked, drain the pasta and set it aside. A quick tip: drizzle the drained pasta with a little olive oil to prevent sticking while you prepare the rest of the dish.
Step 2: Sauté the Vegetables
Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Toss in the diced onion and green bell pepper, stirring occasionally until they become tender and slightly caramelized—about 5 minutes.
Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute. The aroma of garlic, onions, and peppers will fill your kitchen with the comforting scent of a classic cheesesteak.
Step 3: Cook the Beef
Push the sautéed vegetables to one side of the skillet to make room for the beef. Add the ground beef to the skillet and cook until it’s browned, breaking it up into small pieces with your spatula.
Season the beef with Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper. Once the beef is cooked through and well-seasoned, mix it with the sautéed vegetables to combine all the flavors.
Step 4: Prepare the Sauce
Now it’s time to build the sauce! Sprinkle the flour evenly over the beef and vegetable mixture. Stir everything together, letting the flour cook for 1–2 minutes to remove any raw flavor.
Gradually pour in the beef broth while stirring to prevent lumps. The mixture will start to thicken into a velvety sauce. Add the heavy cream and Worcestershire sauce, stirring until well incorporated.
Reduce the heat to low and mix in the shredded provolone and cream cheese. Stir continuously until the cheeses melt completely, creating a rich and creamy sauce that clings beautifully to the pasta.
Step 5: Combine and Serve
Finally, add the cooked penne pasta to the skillet. Toss everything together to ensure each piece of pasta is coated in the delicious cheese sauce.
Cook for an additional 2–3 minutes to heat the pasta through and allow the flavors to meld. Serve hot, and if you’re feeling fancy, sprinkle some fresh parsley on top for a pop of color.
Helpful Tips
- Upgrade the Protein: For a more authentic Philly cheesesteak flavor, swap the ground beef with thinly sliced ribeye or sirloin steak. Sear the slices first, then add them back into the skillet after preparing the sauce.
- Add Some Mushrooms: Sautéed mushrooms make a fantastic addition, adding an earthy depth to the dish.
- Make It Lighter: Substitute the heavy cream with half-and-half or a mixture of milk and cream cheese for a lighter version.
- Cheese Variations: While provolone is classic, you can experiment with other cheeses like mozzarella, cheddar, or even pepper jack for a little spice.
Recipe Details
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4–6 servings
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Notes
This recipe is wonderfully flexible! Whether you’re feeding a family or entertaining guests, it’s a dish that feels indulgent yet approachable. The key to its success is layering the flavors, from the sautéed vegetables to the creamy cheese sauce, ensuring every bite delivers the comforting taste of a Philly cheesesteak.
Nutritional Information
Each serving contains approximately:
- Calories: 650 kcal
- Fat: 38g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Protein: 30g
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes! Prepare the dish up to the point of adding the pasta, then store the sauce and cooked pasta separately. When ready to serve, reheat the sauce in a skillet, add the pasta, and toss to coat.
What’s the best pasta to use for this recipe?
Penne works wonderfully because its ridges hold the sauce well, but you can also use rigatoni, rotini, or even farfalle.
Can I freeze leftovers?
Cream-based sauces don’t always freeze well, as they can separate upon reheating. However, if you don’t mind a slight texture change, you can freeze this dish for up to 2 months. Reheat it gently on the stovetop with a splash of milk or broth to restore the sauce’s creaminess.
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Conclusion
This Cheesy Philly Cheesesteak Pasta Skillet is the perfect fusion of two comfort food classics. It’s rich, creamy, and full of hearty flavors, making it a standout dish that will have everyone at the table asking for seconds. Whether you’re whipping it up for a quick weeknight dinner or a weekend indulgence, this recipe is sure to become a staple in your meal rotation!
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Cheesy Philly Cheesesteak Pasta Skillet
Description
When you think of comfort food, a classic Philly cheesesteak sandwich might come to mind—tender beef, sautéed onions and peppers, and gooey melted cheese all nestled in a soft roll. But what if you could enjoy all those flavors in a single skillet meal that’s both hearty and family-friendly? Enter the Cheesy Philly Cheesesteak Pasta Skillet!
This dish transforms the beloved sandwich into a creamy, cheesy pasta delight. It’s quick enough for a busy weeknight but indulgent enough to feel like a special treat. The combination of tender beef, caramelized vegetables, and a luscious cheese sauce coating every bite of pasta will have everyone coming back for seconds.
Ingredients
- 12 oz (340g) penne pasta
- 1 lb (450g) ground beef
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 1 green bell pepper, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 2 cups (480ml) beef broth
- 1 cup (240ml) heavy cream
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 8 oz (225g) provolone cheese, shredded
- 4 oz (115g) cream cheese, cubed
Instructions
Step 1: Cook the Pasta
Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the penne pasta and cook it until al dente, following the package instructions. This ensures the pasta will hold its shape and texture when mixed with the sauce.
Once cooked, drain the pasta and set it aside. A quick tip: drizzle the drained pasta with a little olive oil to prevent sticking while you prepare the rest of the dish.
Step 2: Sauté the Vegetables
Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Toss in the diced onion and green bell pepper, stirring occasionally until they become tender and slightly caramelized—about 5 minutes.
Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute. The aroma of garlic, onions, and peppers will fill your kitchen with the comforting scent of a classic cheesesteak.
Step 3: Cook the Beef
Push the sautéed vegetables to one side of the skillet to make room for the beef. Add the ground beef to the skillet and cook until it’s browned, breaking it up into small pieces with your spatula.
Season the beef with Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper. Once the beef is cooked through and well-seasoned, mix it with the sautéed vegetables to combine all the flavors.
Step 4: Prepare the Sauce
Now it’s time to build the sauce! Sprinkle the flour evenly over the beef and vegetable mixture. Stir everything together, letting the flour cook for 1–2 minutes to remove any raw flavor.
Gradually pour in the beef broth while stirring to prevent lumps. The mixture will start to thicken into a velvety sauce. Add the heavy cream and Worcestershire sauce, stirring until well incorporated.
Reduce the heat to low and mix in the shredded provolone and cream cheese. Stir continuously until the cheeses melt completely, creating a rich and creamy sauce that clings beautifully to the pasta.
Step 5: Combine and Serve
Finally, add the cooked penne pasta to the skillet. Toss everything together to ensure each piece of pasta is coated in the delicious cheese sauce.
Cook for an additional 2–3 minutes to heat the pasta through and allow the flavors to meld. Serve hot, and if you’re feeling fancy, sprinkle some fresh parsley on top for a pop of color.
Notes
This recipe is wonderfully flexible! Whether you’re feeding a family or entertaining guests, it’s a dish that feels indulgent yet approachable. The key to its success is layering the flavors, from the sautéed vegetables to the creamy cheese sauce, ensuring every bite delivers the comforting taste of a Philly cheesesteak.