Philly Cheesesteak Pasta 🍝🧀
Introduction
Imagine the iconic flavors of a Philly cheesesteak — savory beef, sautéed onions and peppers, melty cheese — now wrapped around perfectly cooked penne pasta. That’s exactly what you get with this Philly Cheesesteak Pasta, a hearty, satisfying dish that delivers comfort food vibes in every bite. It’s the perfect way to use up leftover beef or transform a simple weeknight into something crave-worthy.
Why I Love This Recipe
This is the kind of one-skillet dinner that checks all the boxes: minimal cleanup, easy to throw together, and rich in flavor. The provolone melts into the broth, creating a velvety sauce that wraps around each piece of pasta like a warm hug. It’s got the nostalgic feel of a Philly sandwich, without needing a hoagie roll or a trip to the cheesesteak stand.
Ingredients
- 8 oz penne pasta
- 1 cup shredded provolone cheese
- 1 bell pepper, sliced (any color)
- 1 onion, thinly sliced
- 2 cups cooked, sliced beef or a beef substitute
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 cups beef broth (or vegetable broth)
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Ingredient Swaps & Notes
- Cheese: Swap provolone for mozzarella, white American, or even a blend for extra creaminess.
- Protein Options: Use thinly sliced steak, leftover roast, or even plant-based beef-style strips.
- Broth Boost: For more umami, add a splash of Worcestershire sauce or soy sauce.
- Extra Veggies: Mushrooms or spinach blend beautifully into the mix.
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Cook the Pasta: Boil the penne pasta according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
- Sauté the Veggies: In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium. Add sliced onion and bell pepper. Cook for 5–7 minutes, until softened.
- Add Beef & Spices: Stir in your cooked beef, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Cook for 2 minutes until beef is heated through.
- Simmer with Broth: Pour in beef broth and bring to a gentle simmer. Let it cook for 3–4 minutes to meld the flavors.
- Combine Pasta & Cheese: Stir in cooked penne pasta. Gradually add provolone cheese, stirring until it melts and forms a creamy sauce.
- Finish & Serve: Taste, adjust seasoning, and garnish with fresh parsley.
Tips for Success
- Use Freshly Shredded Cheese: Pre-shredded cheese often has anti-caking agents that affect melting. Fresh provolone melts best.
- Simmer, Don’t Boil: A gentle simmer helps flavors infuse without over-reducing the broth.
- Add Cheese Slowly: Incorporating cheese gradually ensures a smooth sauce.
Serving Suggestions & Pairings
This dish is rich and satisfying all on its own, but here are some fun sides and pairings to take it to the next level:
- Dorito Casserole – A crunchy, cheesy sidekick with Tex-Mex flair.
- Chicken Enchiladas – Perfect if you’re feeding a hungry crowd.
- Instant Pot Lasagna – Another pasta favorite with a hearty twist.
- Sheet Pan Quesadillas – Ideal for potlucks or casual dinners.
- Beer Cheese Dip – A cheesy appetizer to kick things off.
Storage & Leftover Tips
- Fridge: Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
- Freezer: Freeze in single-serving portions for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge before reheating.
- Reheat: Add a splash of broth or water when reheating on the stove or microwave to keep the pasta creamy.
More Recipes You’ll Love
- This Dorito Casserole
- These Chicken Enchiladas
- This Instant Pot Lasagna
- These Sheet Pan Quesadillas
- This Beer Cheese Dip
Final Thoughts
Philly Cheesesteak Pasta is everything we love about comfort food — hearty, cheesy, and ridiculously satisfying. Whether you make it for a cozy night in or as a crowd-pleaser for your next get-together, this dish will have everyone asking for seconds.
Tried it? Let us know! Comment below, tag us on Instagram, and don’t forget to follow ChefManiac for more weeknight wins and comfort food classics
