If you love the classic flavors of a Philly cheesesteak and you’re a pasta enthusiast, you’re in for a treat! This Loaded Philly Cheesesteak Pasta Recipe with a Cheesy Twist combines the best of both worlds—savory steak or ground beef, tender pasta, and a creamy, cheesy sauce that will leave you craving seconds. It’s the perfect comfort food for family dinners, gatherings, or just spoiling yourself on a weeknight.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Ultimate Comfort Food: Creamy, cheesy, and loaded with flavor, it’s the kind of dish that warms your heart.
- Simple Ingredients: You probably already have most of these in your kitchen.
- Customizable: Whether you prefer steak strips, ground beef, or even a vegetarian version, this recipe adapts easily.
- One-Pan Wonder: With just a few steps, you’ll have an impressive meal ready in no time.
Tools You’ll Need
Tool | Purpose |
---|---|
Large pot | For boiling the pasta. |
Large skillet | To cook the meat, vegetables, and sauce. |
Strainer | For draining pasta. |
Wooden spoon or spatula | For stirring and mixing. |
Measuring cups and spoons | Ensures precise ingredient measurements. |
Baking sheet (optional) | For broiling the cheese topping. |
Ingredients for Loaded Philly Cheesesteak Pasta Recipe
Here’s what you’ll need to make this incredible dish:
Ingredient | Quantity | Purpose |
---|---|---|
Ground beef or steak strips | 1 lb | The star protein of the dish. |
Green bell pepper (diced) | 1 | Adds crunch and flavor. |
Onion (diced) | 1 | Provides a savory base. |
Garlic cloves (minced) | 2 | Enhances the dish’s aroma and taste. |
Cream cheese (softened) | 8 oz | Creates a creamy, smooth sauce. |
Shredded provolone cheese | 1 cup | Adds gooey, cheesy goodness. |
Pasta (penne or rigatoni) | 12 oz | Serves as the hearty base. |
Beef broth | 1 cup | Adds depth to the sauce. |
Olive oil | 1 tbsp | For sautéing vegetables. |
Salt and pepper | To taste | Balances and enhances all flavors. |
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Cook the Pasta
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
- Add the pasta and cook until al dente according to package instructions.
- Drain the pasta, set it aside, and reserve about ½ cup of the pasta water for later.
2. Sauté the Vegetables
- Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
- Add the diced green bell pepper, onion, and minced garlic to the skillet.
- Sauté for 4–5 minutes until the vegetables are softened and fragrant.
3. Cook the Meat
- Add the ground beef or steak strips to the skillet with the vegetables.
- Cook until the meat is fully browned or cooked through, breaking it apart as needed.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste, then drain any excess grease if necessary.
4. Make the Creamy Sauce
- Reduce the heat to medium-low.
- Stir the softened cream cheese and beef broth into the skillet with the meat and vegetables.
- Cook, stirring constantly, until the cream cheese is fully melted and the sauce is smooth and creamy.
5. Combine Pasta and Sauce
- Add the cooked pasta to the skillet, tossing it well to coat in the sauce.
- If the sauce feels too thick, add a splash of the reserved pasta water until you reach your desired consistency.
6. Broil with Cheese
- Sprinkle the shredded provolone cheese evenly over the pasta mixture.
- Transfer the skillet to the oven and broil for 3–5 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and golden brown.
7. Serve and Enjoy
- Remove the skillet from the oven and let it cool for a minute or two.
- Serve hot, garnished with fresh parsley if desired.
Tips for Success
- Use Freshly Grated Cheese: Pre-shredded cheese often contains anti-caking agents that prevent smooth melting.
- Pasta Variety: Penne or rigatoni are recommended, but any sturdy pasta works well in this recipe.
- Control the Salt: Since the beef broth and cheese are salty, taste before adding extra salt.
- Add Heat: If you like spice, toss in red pepper flakes or a splash of hot sauce.
Nutritional Information (Per Serving)
Nutrient | Amount |
---|---|
Calories | ~450 |
Protein | 26g |
Total Fat | 20g |
Saturated Fat | 10g |
Carbohydrates | 35g |
Sodium | ~600mg |
FAQs About Loaded Philly Cheesesteak Pasta Recipe
1. Can I use chicken instead of beef?
Absolutely! Thinly sliced chicken breast works well as a leaner alternative to beef.
2. How do I store leftovers?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave.
3. What can I use instead of cream cheese?
You can substitute cream cheese with mascarpone or a combination of heavy cream and a bit of flour for thickness.
4. Can I freeze this dish?
Yes, you can freeze it! Let the dish cool completely, transfer it to a freezer-safe container, and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
5. What other vegetables can I add?
Mushrooms, spinach, or even thinly sliced zucchini are great additions to this dish.
6. Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Yes! Swap regular pasta for gluten-free pasta, and ensure your beef broth and seasonings are gluten-free.
Variations to Try
- Spicy Kick: Add sliced jalapeños or a pinch of cayenne for heat.
- Vegetarian Option: Skip the meat and load up on mushrooms, bell peppers, and zucchini for a veggie-packed version.
- Extra Cheesy: Mix in shredded mozzarella or parmesan with the provolone for added richness.
- Whole-Grain Pasta: Use whole-grain pasta for a healthier twist.
Conclusion
This Loaded Philly Cheesesteak Pasta Recipe with a Cheesy Twist is a delightful fusion of two classic favorites. With its savory meat, tender pasta, and creamy cheese sauce, it’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser for any occasion. Plus, it’s simple enough to whip up on a busy weeknight, making it the perfect addition to your recipe collection.
So, what are you waiting for? Grab your skillet and get ready to indulge in this comforting, cheesy, and oh-so-satisfying dish tonight!
PrintLoaded Philly Cheesesteak Pasta Recipe with a Cheesy Twist
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
Description
This Philly Cheesesteak Pasta combines the iconic flavors of a classic cheesesteak sandwich with the comforting heartiness of pasta. Tender beef, sautéed vegetables, and a rich cheese sauce come together for a dish that’s cheesy, savory, and utterly irresistible.
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef or thinly sliced steak strips
- 1 green bell pepper, diced
- 1 onion, diced
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup shredded provolone cheese
- 12 oz pasta (penne or rigatoni recommended)
- 1 cup beef broth
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Cook the Pasta
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook pasta until al dente according to package instructions.
- Drain and set aside, reserving ½ cup of pasta water.
- Sauté the Vegetables
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
- Add the diced green bell pepper, onion, and minced garlic. Sauté for 4–5 minutes until softened and fragrant.
- Cook the Meat
- Add the ground beef or steak strips to the skillet.
- Cook until browned or cooked through, breaking apart the meat with a wooden spoon. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Drain excess grease if necessary.
- Prepare the Creamy Sauce
- Lower the heat to medium-low. Stir in the softened cream cheese and beef broth.
- Cook, stirring constantly, until the cream cheese melts and the sauce becomes smooth and creamy.
- Combine Pasta and Sauce
- Add the cooked pasta to the skillet and toss to coat in the sauce.
- If the sauce is too thick, add the reserved pasta water, a splash at a time, until the desired consistency is achieved.
- Broil the Cheese Topping (Optional)
- Sprinkle the shredded provolone cheese evenly over the pasta mixture.
- Place the skillet under the broiler for 3–5 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and golden brown.
- Serve and Enjoy
- Remove from the oven and let the dish cool slightly. Serve hot, garnished with fresh parsley if desired.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American