There’s something downright comforting about a meal that’s both creamy and packed with bold flavors. This Philly Cheesesteak Pasta Recipe marries tender strips of steak, sweet peppers, and onions with a luscious creamy sauce—all tossed with your favorite pasta. It’s the perfect weeknight dinner that feels a little special without any fuss.
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Why You'll Love This Recipe
I’m honestly pretty smitten with this Philly Cheesesteak Pasta Recipe and find myself making it whenever I want something hearty and satisfying that’s still quick. It’s got that perfect balance of juicy steak with melty cheese and a creamy sauce that clings to every ribbon of pasta—comfort food but with a bit of an upscale twist.
- Simple Ingredients: Uses pantry staples and fresh produce for a recipe you can whip up without hunting down anything exotic.
- Quick to Make: From start to finish, it takes about 25 minutes—ideal when you want dinner on the table fast.
- Steak Lovers Rejoice: It features tender, seared steak slices that soak up the creamy sauce beautifully.
- Comfort Food Upgrade: Think classic Philly cheesesteak flavors reimagined with pasta for an irresistible twist.
Ingredients & Why They Work
The magic in this Philly Cheesesteak Pasta Recipe comes from mixing simple yet flavorful ingredients that complement each other perfectly. Choosing the right cut of steak and fresh bell peppers makes a big difference here, as does the creamy sauce that brings it all together.
- Pappardelle pasta: Its wide, ribbon shape holds the creamy sauce wonderfully, but feel free to swap in tagliatelle or fettuccine if you prefer.
- Fillet or ribeye steak: Tender cuts that sear quickly and stay juicy—ribeye adds more flavor from marbling, fillet keeps it lean.
- Green bell pepper: Adds sweetness and a bit of crunch that balances the richness of the sauce.
- Onion: Thick slices give mild sweetness when sautéed, perfect with the steak flavor.
- Garlic: A quick burst adds that vital aromatic punch without overpowering.
- Double (heavy) cream: Creates the ultra-rick, silky sauce that coats the pasta and steak.
- Worcestershire sauce: A little umami boost that deepens the flavor, reminiscent of the classic Philly cheesesteak.
- Mozzarella cheese: Melts beautifully to give you that gooey cheesiness.
- Neutral oil (avocado or rapeseed): Great for a high-heat cook to sear the steak without burning.
- Butter: Adds richness when cooking vegetables and helps create a luscious sauce base.
- Salt & black pepper: Enhance all the flavors and season perfectly as you go.
Make It Your Way
One of the things I love about this Philly Cheesesteak Pasta Recipe is how easy it is to tweak. Whether you want it spicier, lighter, or packed with even more veggies, it’s a great base to experiment from.
- Variation: Sometimes I swap out the green pepper for red or orange bell peppers for a sweeter, slightly different flavor profile that’s just as delicious.
- Vegetarian swap: Use sautéed mushrooms or seitan strips instead of steak to make this dish meat-free but still hearty.
- Cheese options: Try provolone or even a sharp cheddar for a twist on the melty cheese element.
- Spice it up: Add a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes with the garlic to bring a subtle heat that wakes up the creaminess.
Step-by-Step: How I Make Philly Cheesesteak Pasta Recipe
Step 1: Cook Your Pasta Just Right
I like to bring a large pot of salted water to boil and cook the pappardelle until it’s perfectly al dente—usually about 10-12 minutes per the package. Don’t forget to save a cup of that starchy pasta water; it’s a secret weapon for loosening the sauce later if needed.
Step 2: Sear the Steak for Maximum Flavor
Heat up your neutral oil on high until it’s just starting to shimmer. Toss in the steak strips seasoned with salt and pepper, and let them brown for about 3-4 minutes without crowding the pan. This quick sear locks in flavor and juiciness. Then, set the steak aside so it can rest while you cook the veggies.
Step 3: Sauté Onions and Peppers
Turn the heat down to medium-high and melt butter in the pan. Add in your sliced onion and green bell pepper, cooking for around 3 minutes until they start softening and get that slight caramelized edge. Then stir in the minced garlic for just 30 seconds—you want it fragrant, not burnt.
Step 4: Make the Creamy Sauce and Bring It All Together
Pour in the double cream and add Worcestershire sauce, stirring so the sauce comes to a gentle simmer. Slide the steak strips plus any juices back into the pan and lower the heat. Now add your drained pasta in and toss everything together—if it looks too thick, splash in some reserved pasta water to get that perfect silky coating.
Step 5: Melt the Cheese and Serve Hot
Sprinkle the grated mozzarella over the whole pan and stir until the cheese melts into creamy goodness. A fresh crack of black pepper on top finishes the dish beautifully. Serve immediately for that perfect melty-cheesy-savoury experience.
Top Tip
Over the years, I’ve learned a few small things that really elevate this Philly Cheesesteak Pasta Recipe. A handful of these tips can take your dish from good to unforgettable.
- High Heat Sear: Don’t crowd the pan when cooking steak strips; otherwise, they steam instead of sear. Cook in batches if necessary for that perfect browned crust.
- Reserve Pasta Water: Adding that starchy water helps loosen the sauce gently while clinging to every pasta strand, ensuring a luscious finish.
- Use Freshly Grated Cheese: Pre-grated cheese often has anti-caking agents that prevent it from melting as smoothly—go fresh if you can!
- Rest Steak Briefly: Setting the seared steak aside lets it stay tender and redistributes juices so each bite is juicy and flavorful.
How to Serve Philly Cheesesteak Pasta Recipe
Garnishes
I usually finish with a few twists of fresh cracked black pepper—gives a nice aromatic punch and balances the creaminess. Sometimes, I sprinkle chopped fresh parsley or chives if I want a pop of color and brightness.
Side Dishes
My go-to sides with this are simple: a crisp green salad with a tangy vinaigrette or some roasted garlic broccoli. The freshness and crunch contrast beautifully with the creamy pasta.
Creative Ways to Present
For a special dinner, I’ve served this pasta in individual shallow bowls topped with extra melted mozzarella and even a drizzle of balsamic glaze. It turns the dish into a cozy, pretty dinner party star without extra effort.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
I like to cool leftover Philly Cheesesteak Pasta quickly, then store it in an airtight container in the fridge. It keeps well for up to 3 days—just make sure to reheat gently to avoid drying out the sauce.
Freezing
While freezing is possible, I usually skip it because the cream sauce can separate after thawing. If you freeze it, thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat slowly with a splash of cream or milk to bring back creaminess.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers gently in a skillet over low heat with a little splash of cream or pasta water. Stir frequently to keep the sauce smooth and prevent the cheese from clumping.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Absolutely! While pappardelle is perfect because its wide ribbons hold the sauce well, tagliatelle, fettuccine, or even spaghetti can work just fine.
I recommend tender cuts like ribeye or fillet because they cook quickly and stay juicy when sliced thinly. Skirt or flank steak could work but might be a bit tougher.
Yes, you can prepare elements ahead such as slicing steak and veggies. The fully cooked dish stores well for up to 3 days refrigerated, but best enjoyed fresh for peak texture.
Absolutely! Portion it into single servings and refrigerate. Just reheat gently with a little added liquid to keep the sauce creamy. It makes for a satisfying lunch or dinner throughout the week.
Final Thoughts
This Philly Cheesesteak Pasta Recipe holds a special place in my weeknight rotation—it’s quick, indulgent, and feels like a hug on a plate. I can’t recommend it enough when you want something that satisfies your craving for steak and cheese but with a cozy pasta comfort food vibe. Give it a try, and I promise it’ll become one of your go-to dinners too!
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Philly Cheesesteak Pasta Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: American
Description
Philly Cheesesteak Pasta combines tender strips of steak, sautéed onions, and green bell peppers with pappardelle pasta in a rich, creamy, and cheesy sauce, delivering a comforting and hearty meal inspired by the classic Philly cheesesteak sandwich.
Ingredients
Pasta
- 300 g dried pappardelle pasta (or tagliatelle, spaghetti, fettuccine)
Meat and Vegetables
- 400 g fillet or ribeye steak, sliced into 1 cm thick strips
- 1 onion, peeled and thickly sliced
- 1 green bell pepper, thickly sliced
- 2 cloves garlic, peeled and minced
Other Ingredients
- 2 tablespoon neutral oil (such as avocado or rapeseed)
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 tablespoon salted butter
- 240 ml (1 cup) double (heavy) cream
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 100 g ready-grated mozzarella cheese
Instructions
- Cook Pasta: Cook the pappardelle in a large pan of salted boiling water according to the package instructions, usually about 12 minutes. Drain the pasta, reserving 1 cup of the cooking water for later use.
- Brown Steak: Heat the oil in a large frying pan over high heat until hot. Add the steak strips, sprinkle with salt and black pepper, and fry for 3 to 4 minutes until browned. Remove the steak from the pan and place it in a bowl.
- Sauté Vegetables: Reduce the heat to medium-high and add the butter to the pan. Once melted, add the sliced onion and green bell pepper. Cook for 3 minutes until they start to soften.
- Add Garlic and Cream: Stir in the minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds. Then pour in the double cream and Worcestershire sauce, stirring to combine.
- Simmer Sauce with Steak: Allow the sauce to come to a gentle simmer, then return the browned steak along with any resting juices back into the pan. Lower the heat to low.
- Toss Pasta with Sauce: Add the drained pasta to the pan with the sauce, vegetables, and steak. Toss everything together well. Add reserved pasta cooking water in splashes if you want to loosen the sauce. Taste and adjust seasoning with extra salt and black pepper if needed.
- Add Cheese and Serve: Sprinkle the grated mozzarella cheese over the pasta and stir until it melts into the sauce. Serve immediately, topped with a good grind of black pepper.
Notes
- Use ribeye or fillet steak for tender and flavorful strips.
- If you prefer, substitute pappardelle with tagliatelle, spaghetti, or fettuccine.
- The reserved pasta water helps loosen the sauce and enhances its creaminess.
- Ready-grated mozzarella is convenient; fresh mozzarella can be chopped and used instead.
- For a slightly tangier flavor, add a splash more Worcestershire sauce to taste.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 802 kcal
- Sugar: 6 g
- Sodium: 605 mg
- Fat: 43 g
- Saturated Fat: 21 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 18 g
- Trans Fat: 0.1 g
- Carbohydrates: 63 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 40 g
- Cholesterol: 156 mg
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