Philly Cheesesteak Pasta: The Ultimate One-Pan Comfort Meal

What happens when you take the bold, meaty flavor of a Philly cheesesteak sandwich and pair it with tender pasta in a creamy, cheesy sauce? You get the mouthwatering, soul-warming masterpiece that is Philly Cheesesteak Pasta.

This dish is like a hug in a bowl: it’s creamy, beefy, and ultra-satisfying — a fusion of your favorite sub shop flavors with the cozy ease of pasta. With melty cheese, seasoned ground beef, tender penne (or any pasta), and sautéed peppers and onions, this one-pan meal is easy enough for a weeknight dinner but indulgent enough to make it feel like a treat.

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Why You’ll Love Philly Cheesesteak Pasta

✔️ All the flavors of a Philly cheesesteak in pasta form
✔️ One-pan (or one-pot) cooking = fewer dishes
✔️ Ready in under 30 minutes
✔️ Great for picky eaters and big eaters alike
✔️ Customizable with real-deal flavors

If you’re craving comfort food with flavor, this cheesy skillet dish is your answer.

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What Is Philly Cheesesteak Pasta?

Philly cheesesteak pasta combines all the components of a classic cheesesteak sandwich — seasoned beef, sautéed onions and peppers, and gooey melted cheese — but turns them into a hearty, cheesy pasta dinner.

Most versions use ground beef instead of shaved steak for simplicity, and the result is just as satisfying. The cheese sauce mimics the gooey factor of provolone or even Cheez Whiz (if you’re a Philly purist), and the pasta soaks up all that flavor beautifully.

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Ingredients You’ll Need

This recipe uses simple, easy-to-find ingredients:

• 1 lb ground beef (or shaved steak)
• 1 medium onion, thinly sliced
• 1 bell pepper (green or red), sliced or diced
• 2–3 cloves garlic, minced
• 8 oz uncooked pasta (penne, rotini, or elbows)
• 2 cups beef broth
• 1 cup milk or half-and-half
• 2 tbsp cream cheese (optional, for creaminess)
• 1 cup shredded provolone or mozzarella cheese
• 1 cup shredded cheddar (optional)
• 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
• Salt & black pepper, to taste
• Olive oil, for sautéing
• Fresh parsley, for garnish (optional)

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Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Cook the Pasta

In a large pot, cook pasta in salted boiling water until al dente. Drain and set aside.

2. Brown the Beef

In a large skillet, heat a splash of olive oil over medium heat. Add ground beef, season with salt and pepper, and cook until browned. Drain excess grease if necessary.

3. Sauté the Veggies

Add sliced onions, bell peppers, and garlic to the beef. Sauté until vegetables are tender and slightly caramelized (about 6–8 minutes).

4. Build the Sauce

Add Worcestershire sauce, beef broth, and milk to the skillet. Stir in cream cheese (if using) and let it melt. Simmer for 2–3 minutes to thicken slightly.

5. Add Pasta & Cheese

Stir in cooked pasta, then add shredded cheeses. Stir until melted and creamy. Taste and adjust salt and pepper.

6. Broil or Bake (Optional)

For a bubbly finish, transfer to a baking dish, top with extra cheese, and broil for 2–3 minutes until golden and bubbly.

7. Garnish & Serve

Top with chopped parsley or extra cheese. Serve hot with garlic bread or salad.

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Pro Tips for the Best Philly Cheesesteak Pasta

• Use shaved steak if you want to go full Philly-style
• Sear beef in batches to avoid steaming and get better flavor
• Don’t overcook the pasta — you want it firm enough to hold up to the sauce
• Cream cheese gives it a luxurious texture without needing heavy cream
• Melt cheese slowly to avoid clumping or curdling

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Variations and Add-Ins

🎯 Spicy – Add diced jalapeños, crushed red pepper, or pepper jack cheese
🥩 Protein Switch – Try sliced steak, rotisserie chicken, or ground turkey
🧀 Cheesier – Use Velveeta or American cheese for ultra gooey texture
🥦 Veggie Boost – Add sautéed mushrooms or spinach
🥖 Philly Authentic – Serve with toasted hoagie roll slices on the side!

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What to Serve With Philly Cheesesteak Pasta

Because this pasta is rich and cheesy, a fresh or acidic side pairs beautifully. Try:

• Garlic bread or cheesy breadsticks
• Caesar or arugula salad
• Steamed broccoli or green beans
• Pickled veggies for contrast
• Sweet iced tea or sparkling water with lemon

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Storage and Reheating

• Fridge: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days
• Freezer: Freeze for up to 2 months in a freezer-safe bag
• Reheat: Microwave with a splash of broth/milk or reheat gently in a skillet with lid on low

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FAQ

❓Can I make this gluten-free?

Yes! Just swap in gluten-free pasta and ensure your broth is certified gluten-free.

❓Can I prep this ahead of time?

Absolutely. Assemble the pasta and sauce ahead, refrigerate, and bake when ready.

❓Can I make it low-carb?

Try using zucchini noodles or cauliflower rice for a low-carb option — the sauce works well either way.

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Why This Recipe Works

Philly Cheesesteak Pasta combines two comfort food legends — pasta and cheesesteak — into a dish that’s:

• Fast
• Family-friendly
• Satisfyingly cheesy
• Perfect for leftovers

It’s the kind of meal that brings everyone to the table, and disappears in minutes.

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