Savory Philly Cheesesteak Pasta Recipe: A Cheesy Family Hit

Every home cook craves a hearty philly cheesesteak pasta that promises comfort and flavor in one delightful dish.

Robust beef strips mingle with bell peppers and caramelized onions, creating a mouthwatering symphony of textures.

Melted provolone cheese blankets each pasta strand with creamy richness.

Classic sandwich ingredients merge seamlessly into a satisfying meal that feels both familiar and exciting.

Weeknight dinners demand something special, and this recipe delivers with minimal effort.

Pasta lovers will appreciate how quickly this crowd-pleaser comes together.

Savor each bite and watch everyone ask for seconds.

Philly Cheesesteak Pasta Highlights

• Customize Your Comfort: Transform the classic Philly cheesesteak into a delightful pasta dish that brings familiar flavors to your dinner table with a creative twist.
• Master Complex Flavors Easily: Blend savory ground beef, tender vegetables, and creamy cheese sauce into one pot, creating a restaurant-quality meal without professional cooking skills.
• Crowd-Pleasing Dinner Champion: Perfect for family gatherings, weekend meals, or potluck events where everyone craves hearty, satisfying comfort food that appeals to multiple taste preferences.
• Quick Weeknight Meal Solution: Prepare a complete meal in under an hour, combining protein, vegetables, and pasta in a single, delicious recipe that minimizes kitchen cleanup and maximizes flavor.

Ingredients for Philly Cheesesteak Pasta

• Rigatoni Pasta: A hearty, tube-shaped pasta that holds sauce and ingredients perfectly.

• Ground Beef: The primary protein that brings a classic Philly cheesesteak flavor to the dish.

• Mushrooms, Green Bell Pepper, Onion: A trio of vegetables that adds depth, texture, and traditional Philly cheesesteak flavors.
• Garlic: Provides a robust, aromatic base for the vegetable mixture.

• Butter: Creates a rich foundation for the cheese sauce.
• Flour: Helps thicken the sauce and create a smooth texture.
• Whole Milk, Half-and-Half: Provide creaminess and richness to the cheese sauce.
• Provolone Cheese: Delivers the classic cheesy, melty flavor reminiscent of a Philly cheesesteak.

• Salt, Pepper: Essential seasonings that enhance the overall flavor of the dish.
• Parsley: A fresh, green garnish that adds a bright pop of color and subtle herbal note.

How to Make Philly Cheesesteak Pasta

Step 1: Boil Pasta

Cook rigatoni in salted water until perfectly al dente. Drain and set aside, making sure not to overcook the pasta.

Step 2: Brown Ground Beef

Heat skillet over medium-high heat. Crumble ground beef into the pan and cook until completely browned.

Season with salt and pepper during cooking.

Step 3: Sauté Veggie Mix

• Sliced mushrooms
• Chopped green bell pepper
• Diced onions

Cook vegetables until they become soft and slightly caramelized.

Toss in minced garlic and cook for an additional 30 seconds.

Step 4: Create Creamy Cheese Sauce

• Melt butter
• Whisk in flour to create a smooth roux
• Slowly pour in whole milk and half-and-half
• Stir continuously until sauce thickens
• Add provolone cheese, stirring until completely melted

Step 5: Combine All Elements

Gently fold the cheese sauce into the cooked pasta.

Mix in half of the beef and vegetable mixture, ensuring everything is evenly coated.

Step 6: Plate and Garnish

Transfer pasta to serving dish.

Top with remaining beef and vegetable mixture. Sprinkle freshly chopped parsley over the top for a vibrant finish.

Pro Tips for Philly Cheesesteak Pasta

• Perfectly cook pasta al dente by setting a timer and testing a piece before draining to maintain ideal texture.
• Brown ground beef thoroughly to develop rich, deep flavors and eliminate any potential food safety concerns.
• Sauté vegetables quickly to preserve their crispness and prevent them from becoming mushy or losing nutrients.
• Create a smooth cheese sauce by whisking constantly and adding milk gradually to prevent lumps from forming.
• Enhance dish's flavor by adding a pinch of red pepper flakes or using sharp provolone for extra zesty taste.

Variations on Philly Cheesesteak Pasta

• Vegetarian Philly Cheesesteak Pasta: Replace ground beef with plant-based crumbles or sliced portobello mushrooms, maintaining the classic cheesesteak flavor profile while creating a meat-free option.
• Gluten-Free Friendly Version: Swap regular rigatoni with gluten-free pasta and use cornstarch instead of flour for the cheese sauce, ensuring those with gluten sensitivities can enjoy the meal.
• Spicy Southwestern Style: Add diced jalapeños, swap provolone for pepper jack cheese, and incorporate chili powder to transform the classic recipe into a zesty, southwestern-inspired pasta dish.

Pairing Suggestions for Philly Cheesesteak Pasta

• Choose a medium-bodied red wine like Chianti or Zinfandel that complements the rich, meaty flavors of the Philly Cheesesteak pasta, cutting through its creamy cheese sauce while enhancing the overall dining experience.
• Select a hoppy American pale ale or amber ale that balances the dish's robust beef and cheese profile, providing a crisp contrast to the creamy pasta while matching its hearty character.
• Opt for a cold, crisp pilsner or lager that cleanses the palate between bites, cutting through the richness of the cheese and ground beef with its light, bright effervescence.

Storage Guidelines for Philly Cheesesteak Pasta

• Transfer leftover pasta to an airtight container and store in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Seal tightly to prevent moisture loss and prevent absorption of other food odors.
• Pack the pasta in freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags, removing as much air as possible. Freeze for up to 2 months, ensuring the pasta is completely cooled before sealing.
• Place desired portion in a microwave-safe dish, sprinkle a few drops of water or milk to prevent drying. Cover with a microwave-safe lid or damp paper towel, heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each to distribute heat evenly.

FAQs

• What type of pasta works best for this recipe?

Rigatoni is ideal due to its large, ridged shape that helps capture the cheese sauce and hold onto the meat and vegetables effectively.

• Can I use a different type of ground meat?

Yes, ground sirloin or ground turkey can be substituted for ground beef while maintaining a similar flavor profile and texture.

• Is this dish considered spicy?

No, the recipe is not spicy. It features classic Philly cheesesteak flavors with a mild, savory taste that most people will enjoy.

• How do I prevent the cheese sauce from becoming lumpy?

Whisk continuously when adding flour to the melted butter, and gradually incorporate milk while stirring to create a smooth, lump-free roux.

Philly Cheesesteak Pasta Recipe

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4.5 from 13 reviews

• Total Time: 35 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Classic Philly cheesesteak pasta blends iconic sandwich flavors into a comforting one-pot meal. Melted provolone, tender beef, and sautéed peppers create a hearty dish that connects Philadelphia’s culinary heritage with pasta lovers’ cravings.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 1 lb ground beef
• 10 oz (283 g) rigatoni pasta
• 1 cup provolone cheese (diced or shredded)
• 1 cup whole milk
• 1 cup half-and-half
• 1 large onion (finely chopped)
• 1 large green bell pepper (finely chopped)
• 8 oz (226 g) fresh mushrooms (thinly sliced)
• 2 tbsps unsalted butter
• 2 tbsps all-purpose flour
• 2 tsps minced garlic
• 2 tbsps fresh parsley (finely chopped)
• 1 tsp salt
• 1 tsp ground black pepper
• 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)

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Instructions

1. Prepare the rigatoni in a large pot of salted boiling water for 8-10 minutes until achieving a perfectly al dente texture. Drain and set aside.
2. Heat a large skillet over medium-high temperature and brown the ground beef, breaking it into crumbly pieces. Season generously with salt and pepper during cooking.
3. Once the beef is fully cooked, introduce sliced mushrooms, green bell peppers, and onions into the same skillet. Sauté for 5-6 minutes until vegetables become translucent and slightly caramelized.
4. Add minced garlic to the vegetable and meat mixture, stirring quickly for 30 seconds to release aromatic flavors without burning.
5. In a separate saucepan, create a roux by melting butter and whisking in flour until smooth and golden. Gradually pour in whole milk and half-and-half, continuously whisking to prevent lumps.
6. Simmer the sauce for 4-5 minutes until it thickens considerably, then incorporate provolone cheese until melted and silky.
7. Fold the cooked pasta into the cheese sauce, ensuring complete and even coating of each rigatoni piece.
8. Layer the pasta in a serving dish, topping with the remaining beef and vegetable mixture.
9. Sprinkle freshly chopped parsley over the dish for a vibrant, herbaceous finish.

Notes

• Cook rigatoni just shy of package instructions to maintain a slightly firm texture, preventing mushiness when mixed with sauce.
• Use lean ground beef to reduce excess grease, ensuring a cleaner, more concentrated flavor profile in the final dish.
• Swap bell peppers with roasted poblano or jalapeño for an extra kick of heat and deeper complexity in the cheesesteak pasta.
• Replace rigatoni with zucchini noodles or cauliflower rice for a gluten-free and lower-carbohydrate alternative that still delivers bold Philly cheesesteak flavors.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner, Snacks
• Method: Boiling
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 541 kcal
• Sugar: 3 g
• Sodium: 406 mg
• Fat: 29 g
• Saturated Fat: 14 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 13 g
• Trans Fat: 1 g
• Carbohydrates: 38 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 31 g
• Cholesterol: 96 mg