Oh my gosh, let me tell you about one of my absolute favorite comfort food recipes: Philly Cheesesteak Pasta! This dish is like a warm hug on a plate—full of flavor, cheesiness, and just the right amount of heartiness. I stumbled upon this recipe during a rainy Sunday when I was craving a cheesesteak but wanted something a little different. Trust me, it was a game-changer! The combination of savory beef, gooey cheese, and al dente pasta is just perfect. Plus, it’s an easy way to elevate a classic that everyone loves.
Every time I make this dish, it brings me back to the cozy nights spent with friends, slurping up pasta while sharing the latest gossip or binge-watching our favorite shows. The aroma wafts through the house, and I can practically see everyone coming in to check out what’s cooking. Honestly, you’re going to want to make this often, and I’m here to guide you through it!
What’s in Philly Cheesesteak Pasta?
Penne Pasta: A wonderful choice for this recipe! Penne holds onto the creamy sauce beautifully, giving every bite a perfect balance of flavors.
Ground Beef or Steak: I typically lean towards *ground beef*, but if you’re feeling fancy, thinly sliced steak is a great option for that classic cheesesteak experience.
Olive Oil: Just a tablespoon to sauté those veggies! I prefer using high-quality extra virgin olive oil for its rich flavor.
Onion: A medium *onion*, diced—it’s the base flavor that adds sweetness and depth to the dish.
Green Bell Pepper: Bright and crunchy, this vegetable adds freshness to the mix. You can swap it out for a red or yellow pepper if you fancy a little sweetness instead!
Garlic: *Two cloves of minced garlic* provide that unmistakable aromatic touch that makes everything better.
Black Pepper & Salt: Just a sprinkle of each to season the beef and veggies! You can always adjust to your taste.
Worcestershire Sauce: Adds a depth of umami flavor that really ties the dish together. Don’t skip this one!
Beef Broth: One cup of this savory goodness makes everything juicy and bursting with flavor. Homemade is best, but store-bought works just fine too.
Provolone Cheese (or Mozzarella Cheese): We’re talking about *two cups* of shredded cheese that is going to melt into a gooey dream. Provolone is classic, but mozzarella gives that stretchy cheesiness we all love!
Cream Cheese: A delightful addition that offers creaminess and richness to the dish. Just make sure it’s softened so it blends easier!
Chopped Parsley (optional): For a pop of color and a fresh touch at the end, though it’s completely optional!
Is Philly Cheesesteak Pasta Good for You?
Okay, let’s keep it real—this isn’t exactly a salad, but there are some perks!
Beef: It’s a great source of protein and can be enriched with iron that supports healthy blood. If you’re watching your health, you might want to choose lean ground beef.
Pasta: Whole wheat or legume-based penne can amp up the fiber content, making it more filling and beneficial for digestion.
Veggies: The onion and bell pepper add vitamins A and C, plus they make you feel good knowing you’re getting some nutrients in!
**However**, with the cream cheese and lots of cheese involved, you might want to consider portion sizes if you’re keeping an eye on fat and calories. This dish is perfect for an occasional treat or a family gathering where you want to impress!
Ingredients:
– 12 oz penne pasta
– 1 lb ground beef or steak, thinly sliced
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
– 1 medium onion, diced
– 1 green bell pepper, diced
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 teaspoon black pepper
– 1 teaspoon salt
– 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
– 1 cup beef broth
– 2 cups shredded provolone cheese (or mozzarella cheese)
– 1/2 cup cream cheese, softened
– Optional: chopped parsley for garnish
*Servings: 6*
How to Make Philly Cheesesteak Pasta?
1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Cook the *penne pasta* according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
3. In a large skillet, heat the *olive oil* over medium heat. Add the *diced onion* and *green bell pepper*, and sauté until softened, about 5-7 minutes.
4. Add *minced garlic*, *ground beef*, *black pepper*, and *salt* to the skillet. Cook until the meat is browned, breaking it up as it cooks.
5. Stir in the *Worcestershire sauce* and *beef broth*; let it simmer for about 5 minutes to combine flavors.
6. Remove the skillet from heat and mix in the *cream cheese* until it’s melted and well incorporated.
7. Combine the cooked *penne* with the meat mixture and stir until fully mixed. Transfer everything into a greased baking dish.
8. Top the pasta with *shredded provolone cheese* evenly.
9. Bake in the preheated oven for about 15-20 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden.
10. Optional: Garnish with *chopped parsley* before serving.
Tips to Take Your Philly Cheesesteak Pasta to the Next Level!
– **Add Spice:** If you’re a fan of heat, toss in some sliced jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce for a little kick!
– **Veggie Power:** Feel free to mix in other veggies like mushrooms or zucchini for added texture and nutrition.
– **Make Ahead:** You can prepare this dish ahead of time and pop it in the oven when you’re ready to eat! It also reheats well, so don’t worry if you have leftovers!
– **Serving Suggestions:** Pair it with a light salad or garlic bread to soak up the extra cheesy goodness!
Seriously, you’re going to love making this Philly Cheesesteak Pasta! I can’t wait for you to try it, and I’m optimistic you’ll find it just as comforting as I do. When you do whip this up, drop me a note with how it turned out—I love hearing your stories in the kitchen!
