If you’re a fan of the iconic Philly Cheesesteak sandwich, you’re going to love this hearty, creamy pasta dish inspired by the flavors of this classic comfort food. Loaded with tender beef, savory vegetables, creamy sauce, and gooey provolone cheese, Philly Cheesesteak Pasta is a one-skillet wonder that’s perfect for busy weeknights or indulgent weekend dinners.
Ingredients
For the Pasta
- 10 ounces rigatoni pasta (or substitute penne or ziti)
- 1 teaspoon salt (for boiling water)
For the Beef and Vegetables
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 pound ground beef (or thinly sliced steak, like ribeye, for a more authentic touch)
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon ground black pepper
- 8 ounces fresh mushrooms, thinly sliced (optional but highly recommended)
- 1 green bell pepper, diced
- 1 yellow onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 teaspoons steak seasoning (adjust to taste; optional)
For the Sauce
- 1 cup beef broth (low-sodium recommended)
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce (for a touch of umami)
For the Cheese
- 1 cup shredded provolone cheese (or a blend of provolone and mozzarella)
- Additional shredded cheese for topping, if desired
Garnish
- Fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
Directions
Step 1: Cook the Pasta
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the rigatoni and cook according to the package instructions until al dente (firm to the bite).
- Drain the pasta and set it aside. Reserve ½ cup of the pasta water to adjust the sauce later, if needed.
Step 2: Cook the Beef
- Heat the olive oil in a large skillet or deep sauté pan over medium heat.
- Add the ground beef and season with salt and black pepper. Cook, breaking the beef into crumbles with a wooden spoon, until browned and fully cooked. This should take about 5-7 minutes.
- Once cooked, drain excess fat from the skillet to avoid a greasy sauce.
Step 3: Sauté the Vegetables
- Add the sliced mushrooms, diced green bell pepper, and diced onion to the skillet with the cooked beef.
- Sauté the vegetables for 5-7 minutes, stirring frequently, until they are softened and beginning to caramelize.
- Stir in the minced garlic and steak seasoning, cooking for an additional 1-2 minutes until the garlic is fragrant.
Step 4: Make the Creamy Sauce
- Pour in the beef broth and Worcestershire sauce, stirring to combine. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer.
- Reduce the heat to medium-low and stir in the heavy cream. Let the sauce cook for 2-3 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it begins to thicken slightly.
Step 5: Combine Pasta and Sauce
- Add the cooked pasta to the skillet with the beef and vegetable mixture. Toss everything together to ensure the pasta is fully coated in the creamy sauce.
- If the sauce is too thick, add a splash of the reserved pasta water to loosen it.
Step 6: Add the Cheese
- Sprinkle the shredded provolone cheese evenly over the pasta mixture. Stir gently until the cheese melts and creates a creamy, gooey sauce.
- If desired, top with an extra handful of shredded cheese and cover the skillet for 1-2 minutes to let the cheese melt completely.
Step 7: Serve and Garnish
- Remove the skillet from the heat. Garnish the Philly Cheesesteak Pasta with freshly chopped parsley for a burst of color and freshness.
- Serve hot and enjoy this decadent, cheesy dish with your favorite side salad or garlic bread.
Pro Tips
- For a more traditional Philly Cheesesteak flavor, use thinly sliced ribeye steak instead of ground beef. Cook the steak slices briefly in the skillet before adding the vegetables.
- Add a little heat by including sliced jalapeños or a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in a skillet with a splash of cream or beef broth to refresh the sauce.
Nutritional Information
- ⏰ Prep Time: 10 minutes
- ⏰ Cooking Time: 20 minutes
- ⏰ Total Time: 30 minutes
- 🔥 Calories: Approximately 650 kcal per serving
- 🍽️ Servings: 4