If you’ve ever wished you could take the flavor of a Philly cheesesteak and turn it into something cozy and spoonable—your wish just came true. Philly Cheesesteak Pasta is the ultimate comfort food dinner, combining tender beef, melty cheese, and pasta swirled in a rich, creamy sauce. Think of it as a mash-up between your favorite sandwich and a creamy beef pasta that hugs every bite with cheesy goodness.
This one-pan wonder is an easy weeknight meal that hits all the right notes: hearty, flavorful, and ready in just 30 minutes. Whether you’re feeding your family or just cooking for one (and planning on some very happy leftovers), this dish delivers pure comfort without complicated steps or extra dishes.
Grab your skillet, your favorite pasta, and a hearty appetite—it’s time to turn the classic Philly cheesesteak into your new favorite pasta night tradition.
Why You’ll Love This Philly Cheesesteak Pasta
This isn’t just another cheesy pasta recipe—it’s a full-on flavor experience. The savory beef, sautéed onions, and peppers give you all the familiar Philly vibes, while the cream cheese and provolone melt together into a dreamy sauce that clings to every noodle.
The best part? It all happens in one skillet (fewer dishes = more joy). It’s perfect for busy weeknights when you want something that feels indulgent but still quick and simple.
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Philly Cheesesteak Pasta
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: Serves 4
- Diet: Halal
Description
Philly Cheesesteak Pasta is a creamy, one-pan comfort food that transforms the classic sandwich into a hearty pasta dish. Juicy beef, sautéed onions, and bell peppers meet a luscious cream cheese and provolone sauce that clings to every bite. It’s rich, cheesy, and ready in just 30 minutes — perfect for a cozy weeknight dinner.
Ingredients
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1 lb (450 g) ground beef or steak strips
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1 green bell pepper, diced
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1 medium onion, diced
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2 cloves garlic, minced
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8 oz (225 g) cream cheese, softened
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1 cup (100 g) shredded provolone cheese
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12 oz (340 g) pasta (penne or rigatoni recommended)
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1 cup (240 ml) beef broth
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1 tbsp (15 ml) olive oil
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Salt and black pepper, to taste
Instructions
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Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add pasta and cook until al dente (8–10 minutes). Drain, drizzle with olive oil, and set aside.
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Sauté the Veggies: In a large skillet over medium heat, heat olive oil. Add bell pepper, onion, and garlic; cook 4–5 minutes until softened and fragrant.
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Cook the Beef: Add ground beef or steak strips and cook 6–8 minutes until browned. Season with salt and pepper.
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Make It Creamy: Lower heat and stir in cream cheese and beef broth. Mix until the cream cheese melts and creates a smooth, creamy sauce.
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Combine Everything: Add cooked pasta to the skillet and toss until evenly coated.
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Add Cheese: Sprinkle provolone over the top. Broil 3–5 minutes until bubbly and golden (optional but recommended).
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Serve: Rest for a minute, garnish with parsley or chives, and serve warm.
Notes
Beef options: Ground beef is easiest, but thinly sliced steak gives a classic Philly flavor.
Cheese choices: Try mozzarella, Monterey Jack, or white American for variation.
Add spice: Red pepper flakes or jalapeños bring a mild kick.
Storage: Refrigerate 4 days or freeze up to 2 months. Add milk or broth when reheating to restore creaminess.
Meal prep: Reheats beautifully for lunches or next-day dinners.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: One-Pan Skillet
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
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1 lb (450 g) ground beef or steak strips
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1 green bell pepper, diced
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1 medium onion, diced
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2 cloves garlic, minced
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8 oz (225 g) cream cheese, softened
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1 cup (100 g) shredded provolone cheese
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12 oz (340 g) pasta (penne or rigatoni recommended)
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1 cup (240 ml) beef broth
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1 tablespoon (15 ml) olive oil
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Salt and black pepper to taste
How to Make Philly Cheesesteak Pasta
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Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add your pasta and cook until al dente (about 8–10 minutes). Drain, drizzle with olive oil, and set aside.
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Sauté the Veggies: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the diced green bell pepper, onion, and garlic. Sauté for 4–5 minutes until softened and fragrant.
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Cook the Beef: Add the ground beef or steak strips. Cook for 6–8 minutes, breaking up the beef as it browns. Season with salt and pepper.
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Make It Creamy: Reduce heat to low. Stir in the softened cream cheese and pour in the beef broth. Mix until the cream cheese melts into a luscious, creamy sauce.
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Combine and Coat: Add the cooked pasta to the skillet. Toss everything together until the pasta is fully coated in that velvety sauce.
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Cheesy Finish: Sprinkle provolone cheese evenly on top. Transfer the skillet to the oven and broil for 3–5 minutes, until bubbly and golden.
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Serve and Savor: Let it rest for a minute, garnish with fresh parsley or chives if you like, and dig in while it’s hot and creamy.
Cooking Tips for the Perfect Skillet Pasta
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Choose your beef wisely: Ground beef is quick and convenient, but thinly sliced steak gives you that authentic Philly flavor.
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Go low and slow with the cheese: Don’t rush melting the cream cheese—it needs a minute to blend smoothly with the broth.
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Broil for that golden finish: It’s optional but adds that drool-worthy, bubbly top that’s worth the extra step.
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Customize your cheese: Provolone is classic, but mozzarella, white American, or even Monterey Jack will work beautifully.
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Make it spicier: Toss in a pinch of red pepper flakes or sliced jalapeños for a little heat.
If your sauce looks a little thin at first—don’t worry. Once the pasta sits in the sauce for a few minutes, it thickens to creamy perfection.
Olivia’s Story: When Philly Met Pasta
This recipe came to life one chilly evening when I couldn’t decide between making cheesesteaks or pasta (and honestly, I didn’t feel like choosing). With leftover beef and a block of cream cheese staring at me from the fridge, I thought—why not both?
One skillet later, I had a bubbling, cheesy masterpiece that made my kitchen smell like heaven. My husband said it was “dangerously good,” and the kids immediately asked for seconds. Since then, it’s become one of our go-to easy weeknight meals—especially when we’re craving something rich and hearty without the extra effort.
What to Serve with Philly Cheesesteak Pasta
This dish is rich and satisfying on its own, but a few sides make it shine even brighter. Pair it with:
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A crisp green salad with balsamic dressing for balance.
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Garlic bread (because extra carbs are always welcome).
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Roasted broccoli or asparagus for a pop of color and freshness.
If you’re serving guests, a glass of red wine—like Cabernet Sauvignon—pairs beautifully with the savory beef and creamy sauce.
How to Store and Reheat
Refrigerate: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
Freeze: This creamy beef pasta freezes surprisingly well. Place cooled portions in freezer-safe containers and store for up to 2 months.
To reheat: Add a splash of milk or broth to loosen the sauce before microwaving or reheating on the stove. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking and restore that creamy texture.
For the best flavor, reheat gently over low heat—trust me, your future self will thank you.
FAQs About Philly Cheesesteak Pasta
Can I use a different pasta shape?
Absolutely! Penne and rigatoni work best, but rotini or shells also hold the creamy sauce beautifully.
Can I skip the cream cheese?
You can, but it won’t be as creamy. Substitute with a splash of heavy cream and a bit of shredded mozzarella for texture.
Do I need to broil it?
Broiling adds that signature golden top, but if you’re short on time, you can melt the provolone right on the stove.
Is it good for meal prep?
Definitely! It reheats wonderfully, making it perfect for next-day lunches or a skillet pasta meal prep win.
A Deliciously Cozy Bite to End With
Every forkful of Philly Cheesesteak Pasta brings the best of both worlds—tender beef, melty cheese, and comforting pasta wrapped in a creamy, flavorful sauce. It’s that rare comfort food dinner that feels indulgent yet comes together in a single skillet, saving both your time and sanity.
So, whether it’s a rainy night, a family dinner, or just a craving for something cheesy and soul-warming, this recipe is guaranteed to hit the spot. Because let’s be real—when Philly meets pasta, everyone wins.
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