Philly Cheesesteak Pasta: A Comforting One-Pot Dinner With Big City Flavor

If you love the savory, melty, meaty goodness of a Philly cheesesteak sandwich, you’re going to fall hard for Philly Cheesesteak Pasta. This delicious, one-pot dinner transforms all the classic flavors of the iconic Philadelphia sandwich into a cozy, cheesy pasta dish the whole family will love.

Packed with tender beef, sautéed peppers and onions, melty cheese, and creamy pasta, this dish is perfect for busy weeknights or casual gatherings. Best of all? It comes together in just one pan — no extra cleanup required.

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Why You’ll Love Philly Cheesesteak Pasta

🥩 Packed with flavorful ground beef or sliced steak
🫑 Loaded with sautéed peppers, onions, and garlic
🧀 Smothered in a creamy, cheesy sauce
🍝 Made with tender pasta that cooks right in the sauce
🕒 Ready in 30 minutes or less — all in one pot!
🥣 Comfort food with a nostalgic twist

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What Is Philly Cheesesteak Pasta?

Philly Cheesesteak Pasta is a creamy, skillet-style pasta dish that combines the key ingredients of a Philly cheesesteak sandwich — beef, onions, peppers, and provolone or American cheese — with pasta for a filling, cheesy twist. It’s the ultimate comfort meal and a great way to feed a crowd with minimal effort.

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Ingredients

This recipe serves 4–6 and can easily be doubled.

Protein:

• 1 lb ground beef (or thinly sliced sirloin/steak)
• Salt and black pepper to taste

Veggies:

• 1 green bell pepper, diced
• 1 red bell pepper, diced (optional for color and sweetness)
• 1 yellow onion, diced
• 2–3 garlic cloves, minced

Pasta and Sauce:

• 8 oz pasta (penne, rotini, or rigatoni work well)
• 2 cups beef broth
• 1 cup milk or heavy cream
• 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
• 1 tbsp olive oil or butter
• ½ tsp paprika (optional)
• ½ tsp onion powder (optional)

Cheese:

• 1½ cups shredded provolone cheese
• ½ cup shredded mozzarella (for stretchiness)
• Optional: 2 slices American cheese or Cheez Whiz for authentic flavor

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Best Pasta Shapes to Use

Choose sturdy shapes that hold sauce well, such as:

• Penne
• Rigatoni
• Rotini
• Shells
• Bowties (farfalle)

Avoid delicate pastas like angel hair or spaghetti.

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How to Make Philly Cheesesteak Pasta

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Step 1: Brown the Beef

In a large skillet or Dutch oven, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and season with salt and pepper. Cook until browned, breaking it apart with a spoon, about 5–7 minutes. Drain excess fat if needed.

✅ Tip: Using thinly sliced ribeye or sirloin? Cook it quickly in oil until just browned, then remove and set aside while cooking the veggies.

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Step 2: Sauté the Vegetables

Add the diced onions and bell peppers to the pan. Sauté for about 5 minutes, or until softened. Stir in garlic and cook another 1 minute until fragrant.

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Step 3: Add Liquid and Pasta

Stir in the:

• Pasta
• Beef broth
• Milk or cream
• Worcestershire sauce
• Paprika and onion powder (if using)

Bring to a gentle boil, then reduce heat to low. Cover and simmer for 12–15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the pasta is tender and most of the liquid is absorbed.

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Step 4: Add the Cheese

Once pasta is fully cooked, turn off the heat. Stir in provolone and mozzarella cheese until melted and creamy. Add American cheese or Cheez Whiz for extra cheesesteak flavor if desired.

👨‍🍳 Tip: If the mixture is too thick, stir in an extra splash of milk or broth.

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Step 5: Serve and Garnish

Spoon the cheesy Philly Cheesesteak Pasta into bowls and serve hot! Garnish with:

• Chopped fresh parsley
• Extra shredded cheese
• Cracked black pepper
• Toasted hoagie crumbs (for a fun nod to the sandwich)

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Make-Ahead & Storage Tips

🧊 To Store:
Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.

🔥 To Reheat:
Reheat on the stovetop or microwave with a splash of milk or broth to keep it creamy.

❄️ To Freeze:
Freeze fully cooled pasta in a freezer-safe bag for up to 2 months. Thaw in fridge overnight and reheat.

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What to Serve With Philly Cheesesteak Pasta

🥗 Green salad with vinaigrette
🧄 Garlic bread or cheese rolls
🥦 Roasted broccoli or green beans
🍷 Cabernet Sauvignon, IPA, or soda for a casual pairing

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Recipe Variations

🍄 Mushroom Philly Cheesesteak Pasta – Add sautéed mushrooms with the peppers
🌶️ Spicy Philly Cheesesteak Pasta – Add crushed red pepper flakes or jalapeños
🍝 Creamier Version – Use heavy cream instead of milk and add extra cheese
🧀 Cheez Whiz Style – Use Velveeta or Cheez Whiz for a nostalgic Philly feel
🍖 Leftover Steak Pasta – Chop up leftover grilled steak and stir in at the end

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Nutrition Information (Approx. per serving)

• Calories: 490
• Fat: 28g
• Carbs: 35g
• Protein: 27g
• Fiber: 2g
• Sodium: 670mg

Nutrition will vary based on cheese and pasta choice.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use a different protein?

Yes! Ground turkey, chicken, or thinly sliced steak all work well.

Can I make it gluten-free?

Use gluten-free pasta and check that your broth and Worcestershire are gluten-free.

What cheese is best for the “authentic” flavor?

Provolone is the traditional cheese for Philly cheesesteak. Add a slice or two of American cheese or Cheez Whiz for more authenticity and melt factor.

Can I cook the pasta separately?

You can, but cooking the pasta in the skillet absorbs more flavor and reduces cleanup. If you do cook separately, reduce the broth and milk by half.

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Why This Recipe Works

✅ Combines the rich, nostalgic taste of a cheesesteak with pasta
✅ Uses one pot — perfect for quick weeknight meals
✅ Ultra creamy and cheesy without needing canned soups
✅ Customizable with veggies, cheese, or spice
✅ Kid- and crowd-approved comfort food

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Final Thoughts: The Best of Both Worlds

Whether you’re craving the beefy, cheesy goodness of a Philly cheesesteak or just want a hearty bowl of pasta, Philly Cheesesteak Pasta delivers both in one comforting dish. It’s easy to make, hard to mess up, and even harder to stop eating. Bookmark this recipe and watch it become a regular part of your dinner rotation.

Perfect for busy nights, game day, or when you just want something that feels like a warm hug in a bowl.

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