There's something truly comforting about the bold flavors of a classic Philly cheesesteak, but mixing it up with pasta makes it downright irresistible. This Philly Cheesesteak Pasta Recipe wraps tender strips of steak, sautéed peppers, and onions in a creamy, cheesy sauce that clings perfectly to pappardelle—trust me, it’s a game-changer.
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Why You'll Love This Recipe
I can’t get enough of this Philly Cheesesteak Pasta Recipe because it nails that meaty, cheesy goodness but feels totally new thanks to the creamy sauce and pasta. It’s perfect for nights when you want comfort and a little indulgence without fuss.
- Ultimate Comfort Combo: It blends the best of Philly cheesesteak flavors with pasta, making it both hearty and comforting.
- Quick and Easy: The whole dish comes together in under 30 minutes, great for busy weeknights when you want something special.
- Flexible Ingredients: You can swap the pasta type or pick different cuts of steak, making it easy to customize.
- Cheesy, Creamy Goodness: The mozzarella and cream create a luscious sauce that keeps every bite rich and satisfying.
Ingredients & Why They Work
Every ingredient in this Philly Cheesesteak Pasta Recipe plays a key role to balance rich, savory, and fresh flavors. Picking the right cut of steak and fresh veggies really lifts the whole dish, and the cream brings it all together in a cozy hug.
- Pappardelle pasta: Wide ribbons soak up the creamy sauce beautifully, but tagliatelle or fettuccine work just as well.
- Fillet or ribeye steak: Ribeye adds extra marbling (flavor and tenderness), and you want thin, even strips for quick cooking.
- Neutral oil: Like avocado or rapeseed oil, it handles high heat perfectly without overpowering the steak's flavor.
- Onion and green bell pepper: Classic Philly cheesesteak veggies, they add sweetness and crunch with every bite.
- Garlic: Just a little, to kick up the flavor without stealing the show.
- Double (heavy) cream: It’s what makes the sauce silky and indulgent, elevating this pasta into comfort food territory.
- Worcestershire sauce: Adds that savory umami punch, boosting depth in the creamy sauce.
- Mozzarella cheese: Melts into gooey, stringy goodness, perfectly marrying all the flavors together.
- Salt & black pepper: Essential for seasoning and highlighting the dish’s components.
- Salted butter: Adds richness and helps soften the veggies with a hint of luxurious flavor.
Make It Your Way
One thing I love about this Philly Cheesesteak Pasta Recipe is how easy it is to tweak. Whether you prefer your steak extra rare or you like adding a spicy kick, there’s room to make it truly yours.
- Variation: I sometimes swap ribeye for sirloin to lean it out a bit, and adding a dash of crushed red pepper flakes gives it a wonderful heat that wakes up the dish.
- Dairy-Free Option: Try coconut cream instead of heavy cream and use a dairy-free cheese to enjoy a creamy texture with no dairy.
- Veggie Add-Ons: Mushrooms or even thinly sliced zucchini sneak in great texture without overpowering flavors.
- Pasta Swap: For gluten-free, rice noodles or gluten-free pasta blend nicely with the sauce and steak.
Step-by-Step: How I Make Philly Cheesesteak Pasta Recipe
Step 1: Cook the Pasta Just Right
Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook your pappardelle (or chosen pasta) according to the package, usually about 10-12 minutes until al dente. Don’t forget to save a cup of that starchy pasta water before draining—it’s magic for loosening the sauce later.
Step 2: Sear the Steak for Flavor
While pasta cooks, heat up the neutral oil over high heat in a large pan. When it’s hot, add your steak strips seasoned with salt and pepper. Fry them quickly—3 to 4 minutes is enough to get a nice brown crust without overcooking the inside. Then pop the steak into a bowl to rest. This step locks in juicy flavor and keeps those tender strips perfect.
Step 3: Soften the Veggies and Build Flavor
Lower the heat to medium-high and toss in the butter. Once melted, add your onions and green peppers, cooking for about 3 minutes until they start to soften. Then stir in the minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds, just enough for that enticing aroma without burning.
Step 4: Create the Creamy Sauce
Pour in the double cream and Worcestershire sauce, stirring gently to combine. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer so it thickens slightly and the flavors meld. Then return the rested steak along with any juices back to the pan, lowering the heat to keep everything warm without overcooking.
Step 5: Combine Pasta and Cheese for the Finish
Add your drained pasta right into the pan with the creamy steak and veggies. Toss everything together lovingly, adding a splash of that reserved pasta water if you want to loosen the sauce to your preferred consistency. Taste and tweak seasoning with a bit more salt and pepper if needed. Finally, sprinkle the grated mozzarella over the top and gently stir until molten and gooey. Finish with a fresh grind of black pepper and serve immediately!
Top Tip
Over the years making this Philly Cheesesteak Pasta Recipe, I’ve found a few little hacks that take it from good to unforgettable. These have saved me from dry steak or bland sauce more times than I can count.
- Keep the Steak Rested: After searing, let the steak rest in a bowl. This prevents it from drying out and keeps those juices locked in.
- Don’t Overcook the Veggies: Keep the onions and peppers slightly crisp to add contrast in texture to the creamy sauce.
- Use Reserved Pasta Water: The starchiness is perfect for loosening the sauce without watering it down, plus it helps the sauce cling to the pasta better.
- Mozzarella Timing: Add the cheese off the heat or on very low heat. Overheating can cause it to get rubbery instead of melty.
How to Serve Philly Cheesesteak Pasta Recipe
Garnishes
I like to add a sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley for a pop of color and a little freshness to cut through the richness. A light drizzle of good quality extra virgin olive oil just before serving adds a lovely silkiness too. And don’t skip the fresh crack of black pepper—it really brightens every bite.
Side Dishes
Simple sides work best here. I often serve this Philly Cheesesteak Pasta with a crisp green salad dressed lightly with lemon and olive oil or some garlicky sautéed spinach. Crusty bread is a great option too—it’s perfect for mopping up any leftover sauce.
Creative Ways to Present
For special occasions, I’ve plated this pasta nestled inside a warmed hollowed-out bread bowl. It’s fun, unexpected, and makes for a great presentation. Alternatively, layering it with extra cheese in a casserole dish, then broiling just until golden is a fantastic crowd-pleaser.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
I keep leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. The pasta absorbs more sauce as it sits, so it’s good to add a splash of cream or milk when reheating to keep it creamy and luscious.
Freezing
This Philly Cheesesteak Pasta freezes reasonably well but the texture of the pasta softens a bit. If you want to freeze it, cool it completely, place it in a freezer-safe container, and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating gently.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers slowly in a skillet over low heat, stirring in a splash of cream or reserved pasta water to loosen the sauce. Microwaving works too, just cover to keep moisture in and stir halfway through warming.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Absolutely! While mozzarella is classic for melting and creaminess, provolone or fontina can add a nuttier flavor. Just pick something that melts well to keep the sauce silky.
Ribeye is my favorite because it’s flavorful and tender thanks to the marbling, but fillet or sirloin also work well if you want a leaner option. Just make sure to slice the steak thinly for quick cooking.
You can prepare the steak and veggies a day ahead and store them separately. Combine everything with freshly cooked pasta and cheese just before serving for the best texture and flavor.
Definitely! It reheats well with a bit of moisture added. To keep it fresh, store the sauce and steak separately from the pasta, and reheat gently with a splash of cream or water when ready to eat.
Final Thoughts
This Philly Cheesesteak Pasta Recipe holds a special place in my kitchen rotation. It’s that perfect blend of indulgence and ease that feels like a hug on a plate. I hope you enjoy making it as much as I do—and if you tweak it in your own way, I’d love to hear what you come up with. Grab the ingredients, crank up your favorite playlist, and dive in. You’ve got this!
Print
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, and a creamy mozzarella sauce tossed with pappardelle pasta, creating a rich and satisfying meal inspired by the classic Philly cheesesteak sandwich.
Ingredients
Pasta
- 300 g dried pappardelle pasta
Steak and Vegetables
- 2 tablespoon neutral oil (such as avocado or rapeseed)
- 400 g fillet or ribeye steak, sliced into 1cm thick strips
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 tablespoon salted butter
- 1 onion, peeled and thickly sliced
- 1 green bell pepper, thickly sliced
- 2 cloves garlic, peeled and minced
Sauce
- 240 ml double (heavy) cream
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 100 g ready-grated mozzarella cheese
- Additional black pepper to taste
Instructions
- Cook the pasta: Bring a large pan of salted water to a boil and cook the pappardelle pasta according to the package instructions, about 12 minutes, until al dente. Drain the pasta, reserving 1 cup of the pasta cooking water.
- Cook the steak: Heat the oil in a large frying pan over high heat until hot. Add the steak strips seasoned with salt and pepper. Fry for 3 to 4 minutes until nicely browned. Remove the steak from the pan and set aside in a bowl.
- Sauté the vegetables: Reduce the heat to medium-high and add the butter to the same pan. Once melted, add the sliced onion and green bell pepper. Cook for about 3 minutes until they start to soften.
- Add garlic and make sauce: Stir in the minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds. Pour in the double cream and Worcestershire sauce, bringing the mixture to a gentle simmer.
- Combine steak and sauce: Return the browned steak along with any resting juices back to the pan. Reduce the heat to low to let the flavors meld.
- Toss pasta in sauce: Add the drained pasta to the pan and toss together with the steak, vegetables, and sauce. Add reserved pasta cooking water in small splashes if you want to loosen the sauce. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as needed.
- Finish with cheese: Sprinkle the grated mozzarella over the pasta mixture and stir until the cheese has melted and incorporated. Serve immediately with a good grind of black pepper on top.
Notes
- Use ribeye or fillet steak for tender and flavorful meat strips.
- You can substitute pappardelle with tagliatelle, spaghetti, or fettuccine if preferred.
- Use ready-grated mozzarella for convenience; fresh mozzarella can be used but will result in a different texture.
- If the sauce is too thick, adding reserved pasta water helps loosen it without losing flavor.
- For a less rich version, substitute half the cream with milk or use a lighter cream alternative.
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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