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Delicious Philly Cheesesteak Pasta in a Cast Iron Skillet

Philly Cheesesteak Pasta Recipe

Rebecca Blumer
Philly Cheesesteak Pasta: Your favorite sandwich meets pasta in this one-pot recipe! Easy, delicious, and perfect for dinner. Discover the recipe now!
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 40 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine American
Servings 6 People
Calories 480 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 1 to 1½ pounds steak ribeye or sirloin, thinly sliced
  • 16 ounces pasta penne, rigatoni, or medium shells
  • 2 medium-sized bell peppers green, red, or yellow, sliced
  • 1 large onion sliced into half-moons
  • 1 cup mushrooms optional, sliced
  • 2 to 3 garlic cloves minced
  • 2 cups beef broth low sodium preferred
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 4 ounces cream cheese cubed
  • 2 cups shredded Provolone or Cheddar cheese
  • 2 tablespoons butter or oil for sautéing
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Optional garnishes: chopped parsley or scallions

Instructions
 

Step 1: Prepare and Slice the Beef

  • Select the Right Cut: Ribeye offers a tender bite that matches the classic sandwich. Sirloin is often more budget-friendly and still works well.
  • Slice with Care: Partially freeze the beef before slicing to ensure thin, uniform pieces. Aim for strips about 1 to 2 inches in length.

Step 2: Chop the Vegetables

  • Peppers: Seed and slice the bell peppers into strips. Keep them somewhat thin so they cook quickly and incorporate well.
  • Onions: Slice onions into half-moons or strips. They should match the peppers in thickness for even cooking.
  • Mushrooms (Optional): Rinse quickly under cold water, then pat dry. Slice to a similar thickness as the peppers and onions if you choose to include them.

Step 3: Sauté the Beef

  • Heat the Pan: Add about 1 tablespoon of oil or butter to a large skillet over medium-high heat.
  • Cook in Batches: If the skillet is crowded, the steak will steam instead of browning. Work in smaller portions to get a good sear. Sprinkle with salt and pepper. Stir occasionally to ensure all sides cook evenly. Transfer browned strips to a plate and set aside.

Step 4: Cook the Vegetables

  • Using the Same Skillet: The leftover drippings from the beef add flavor. You can add another tablespoon of oil or butter if needed.
  • Add Onions and Peppers: Place onions and peppers in the skillet. Stir regularly to prevent sticking, but allow them to soften. Season with salt and pepper.
  • Include Mushrooms (Optional): If using mushrooms, add them once onions and peppers have softened a bit. Mushrooms release water, so be patient until they cook down.
  • Garlic: Stir in minced garlic near the end. Garlic can burn quickly, so give it about 30 seconds to 1 minute in the pan.

Step 5: Combine Beef and Vegetables

  • Reintroduce the Steak: Once vegetables reach the desired tenderness, return the cooked beef to the skillet. Stir to unite flavors.
  • Taste and Adjust: Add more salt, pepper, or other seasonings if you prefer. Some folks like a dash of Worcestershire sauce. Others might add red pepper flakes for mild warmth.

Step 6: Craft the Sauce

  • Pour in Beef Broth: Deglaze the skillet by pouring in beef broth. This process helps loosen any flavorful bits stuck to the bottom.
  • Blend in Heavy Cream: Stir gently to mix in the cream, letting it warm and combine with the broth.
  • Cream Cheese: Lower the heat to medium. Add cream cheese in small chunks, whisking until it fully melts. This step gives the sauce a velvety texture.
  • Incorporate Shredded Cheese: Whether you choose Provolone, Cheddar, or a combination, sprinkle it in gradually. Stir so it melts evenly and creates a cohesive sauce.

Step 7: Cook the Pasta Separately

  • Boil Pasta: Fill a large pot with water and bring it to a boil. Add salt to the water for flavor.
  • Follow Package Directions: Cook pasta until it’s just shy of al dente (a slight bite remains). This approach keeps the pasta from becoming mushy once mixed with the sauce.
  • Drain: Reserve a small amount of pasta water (about half a cup) in case you want to thin the sauce later. Then drain the pasta thoroughly.

Step 8: Merge Pasta and Sauce:

  • Add Pasta to the Sauce: Transfer the cooked pasta into the skillet with the steak, peppers, onions, and sauce. Stir gently to coat every piece of pasta.
  • Adjust Consistency: If the sauce feels too thick, add a splash of the reserved pasta water. If it’s too thin, let it simmer a bit longer to reduce.
  • Taste Once More: Give it one final taste test. Add salt, pepper, or a sprinkle of cheese to fine-tune.

Notes

Nutrition Information (Per Serving)
  • Calories: 480 kcal
  • Total Fat: 21g
  • Saturated Fat: 10g
  • Cholesterol: 70mg
  • Sodium: 580mg
  • Total Carbohydrates: 43g
  • Dietary Fiber: 2g
  • Sugars: 4g
  • Protein: 25g
 
Disclaimer:  The nutrition information provided is estimated based on automated calculations and should be viewed as an approximation. These values are offered as a helpful reference and may vary depending on specific ingredients and brands used. For the most accurate results, please consult your own nutritional data or preferred brand values.