Philly Cheesesteak Pasta (Best Creamy Skillet Dinner)

If you love the classic flavors of a Philly cheesesteak but want something warm, creamy, and ultra-comforting, this Philly Cheesesteak Pasta is about to be your new go-to dinner recipe. Picture tender pasta tossed in a velvety, cheesy sauce with juicy beef, sautéed peppers, and sweet onions, all topped with gooey provolone. It’s everything you crave from a cheesesteak — transformed into the most satisfying one-pan pasta dish.

This recipe captures the essence of the iconic sandwich while giving you a hearty pasta dinner that is budget-friendly, fast to prepare, kid-approved, and absolutely delicious. With simple ingredients and just 30 minutes from start to finish, Philly Cheesesteak Pasta is the perfect weeknight meal when you want comfort food without the fuss.

Whether you’re a longtime Philly cheesesteak lover or simply looking to upgrade your pasta night with bold, nostalgic flavor — this dish delivers every time.

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Why You’ll Love This Philly Cheesesteak Pasta

Here are the top reasons this Philly Cheesesteak Pasta belongs on your dinner rotation:

• One-skillet + one pasta pot — minimal cleanup
• Ultra-creamy cheesy sauce that clings beautifully to every bite
• Family-friendly and customizable
• Budget-friendly ingredients you probably already have on hand
• A perfect balance of meat, veggies, and carbs
• Can be made with steak strips or ground beef
• Delicious leftovers — reheats wonderfully
• Freezer-friendly for future meals

This recipe checks all the boxes for convenience, comfort, and flavor.

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What is Philly Cheesesteak Pasta?

Philly cheesesteak pasta is an American comfort food mashup inspired by the iconic Philadelphia cheesesteak sandwich. Instead of serving the beef, bell peppers, and onions in a hoagie roll, we cook them into a creamy sauce and toss with pasta — then top with provolone cheese.

The result is a cozy dish that:
• Retains all the bold savory flavor of a Philly cheesesteak
• Has the rich creaminess of a classic pasta bake
• Is quicker to make than grilling a steak sandwich

It’s the best of both worlds — especially for cheesy pasta lovers.

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Philly Cheesesteak Pasta Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious pasta:

Scale

• 1x | 2x | 3x adaptable

Ingredients List

• 1 lb ground beef (or thinly sliced steak strips)

• 1 green bell pepper, diced

• 1 yellow or white onion, diced

• 2 cloves garlic, minced

• 12 oz pasta (penne, rigatoni, or rotini recommended)

• 8 oz cream cheese, softened

• 1 cup shredded provolone cheese (extra for topping)

• 1 cup beef broth

• 1 tbsp olive oil

• Salt and black pepper to taste

Optional but delicious:

• Mushrooms (like classic steak shops serve)

• Red pepper flakes for a little spice

• Worcestershire or steak seasoning for deeper beef flavor

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Ingredient Breakdown and Substitution Guide

To make this Philly Cheesesteak Pasta perfect for your household, here are some substitutions and additions:

Protein Options

Cheese Options

Provolone is the classic, but these work great too:

• White American cheese (extra creamy)

• Mozzarella (stringy and melty)

• Cheez-Whiz (authentic to many Philly shops)

• Monterey Jack (smooth melt)

• Pepper jack (add a little heat)

Pasta

Choose pasta shapes that hold sauce well:

• Rigatoni

• Penne

• Fusilli

• Ziti

• Cavatappi

Avoid small pasta like macaroni — sauce won’t cling as well.

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How to Make Philly Cheesesteak Pasta

This easy pasta dinner comes together quickly with these simple steps.

Step-By-Step Instructions

1️⃣ Cook the Pasta
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add pasta and cook al dente. Drain and set aside.

2️⃣ Sauté the Vegetables
In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium. Add diced bell pepper, onion, and garlic. Cook 4–5 minutes until softened.

3️⃣ Cook the Beef
Add ground beef or steak strips to the skillet. Cook until browned and fully done, breaking up meat as needed. Season with salt and pepper.

4️⃣ Make the Creamy Sauce
Stir in cream cheese and beef broth. Stir constantly until cream cheese is melted and sauce is smooth.

5️⃣ Add Pasta + Cheese
Stir cooked pasta into the skillet until coated in sauce. Top evenly with provolone cheese.

6️⃣ Melt and Serve
Place the skillet under the broiler for 3–5 minutes until bubbly and golden. Serve hot and enjoy.

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Pro Tips for the Best Philly Cheesesteak Pasta

• Soften cream cheese fully — prevents clumps in your sauce

• Salt your pasta water — enhances flavor throughout

• Broil at the end — essential for that melty Philly cheesesteak vibe

• Add mushrooms — boosts flavor and authenticity

• Use leftover steak — quick and budget-friendly hack

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Variations: Make It Your Own

Here are fun ways to reinvent this recipe:

You can also stir in spinach or peas for added veggies.

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What to Serve with Philly Cheesesteak Pasta

This dish is filling on its own, but pairs well with:

• Garlic bread or cheesy breadsticks

• Side salad with ranch or Caesar dressing

• Roasted broccoli or asparagus

• Sautéed mushrooms

A cold soda or glass of iced tea makes it taste like takeout night at home.

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Storage + Reheating

This Philly Cheesesteak Pasta holds up beautifully.

Provolone may thicken once cooled, so refreshing the sauce with broth keeps it creamy.

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Nutrition Information (Per Serving)

Approximate values (based on 6 servings):

• Calories: 620

• Protein: 32g

• Carbs: 46g

• Fat: 34g

• Fiber: 2g

• Sugars: 5g

Protein-packed, satisfying, and restaurant-quality comfort food.

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Philly Cheesesteak Pasta FAQ

Can I use leftover steak or deli steak?

Yes! Leftover steak sliced thin makes this even easier.

Can I make this ahead for meal prep?

Absolutely. It reheats creamy and delicious.

What’s the best cheese?

Provolone is classic, but mozzarella or white American create a super creamy melt.

Can I skip the broiling step?

Yes — but that bubbly golden cheese topping is highly recommended.

Is this spicy?

No — but you can add hot peppers or crushed red pepper flakes if desired.

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Final Thoughts: Why You’ll Make This Again

Philly Cheesesteak Pasta is the ultimate comfort food. It’s hearty, creamy, cheesy, and packed with nostalgic Philly flavor. With simple pantry staples, you can create a restaurant-worthy skillet meal that makes everyone excited for dinner.

It’s fast.
It’s affordable.
It’s unforgettable.

Whether you’re feeding a crowd, meal-prepping for the week, or craving a cozy pasta dish after a long day, this recipe is guaranteed to satisfy. Once you try it, you’ll want to keep it in your weekly rotation — and maybe even memorize it.

Next time you’re debating between pasta and cheesesteak — now you don’t have to choose. Enjoy both in one dish.