How to Make the Best Philly Cheese Steak Pasta in Just 40 Minutes 2025
If you’ve ever wished you could enjoy the flavors of a Philly cheesesteak without the bread—and with the comforting richness of pasta—this is the dish for you. Philly Cheese Steak Pasta is a warm, hearty, and flavor-packed dinner that brings together the juicy tenderness of seared beef, the mellow sweetness of caramelized onions, the crunch of sautéed peppers, and a velvety cheese sauce that clings to every pasta piece.
In this article, you’ll get everything: the recipe, expert tips, nutrition insights, make-ahead strategies, serving suggestions, and variations to suit every dietary need. Whether you’re planning a weeknight meal or a cozy weekend family dinner, this recipe delivers on all fronts—flavor, simplicity, satisfaction, and even Instagram-worthy cheesiness.
🔥 Why You’ll Love This Philly Cheese Steak Pasta
- One-Skillet Convenience – Less mess, more flavor.
- Family-Friendly – A dish that even picky eaters will request again.
- Customizable – Make it spicy, vegetarian, or gluten-free with ease.
- Meal-Prep Approved – Reheats beautifully for lunch or dinner.
- Nostalgic Comfort – Tastes like your favorite sandwich and pasta got married.
🍝 Ingredients You’ll Need
Let’s start with fresh, high-quality ingredients for the most flavorful results.
🥩 Meat:
- 1 lb ribeye steak or sirloin, thinly sliced (for that authentic cheesesteak feel)
🧂 Pantry:
- 12 oz penne pasta (or substitute with rigatoni, ziti, or rotini)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tablespoon steak seasoning or salt and pepper to taste
- 1 cup beef broth (low sodium recommended)
🧅 Vegetables:
- 1 small yellow onion, thinly sliced
- 1 red bell pepper, sliced
- 1 green bell pepper, sliced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
🧀 Dairy:
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1½ cups shredded provolone cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
🌿 Garnish:
- Chopped fresh parsley
🥘 Step-by-Step Instructions
🔪 Step 1: Prepare the Pasta
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the penne pasta and cook until al dente, according to the package directions. Drain and set aside. Toss with a splash of olive oil to prevent sticking.
🥩 Step 2: Sear the Steak
In a large, deep skillet, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium-high heat. Add your thinly sliced steak and season with steak seasoning or salt and pepper. Sear each side for 2-3 minutes until browned but not overcooked. Remove from skillet and keep warm.
🧅 Step 3: Sauté the Vegetables
In the same skillet, melt 1 tablespoon butter and the remaining olive oil. Add the sliced onions and bell peppers. Cook for 6-8 minutes until soft and slightly caramelized. Stir in the garlic and sauté for an additional 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
🍲 Step 4: Build the Sauce
Pour in the Worcestershire sauce and beef broth to deglaze the skillet. Scrape up the flavorful browned bits with a wooden spoon. Let it simmer for 2 minutes. Stir in the heavy cream and cook on medium heat for 4-5 minutes, letting the sauce thicken slightly.
🧀 Step 5: Combine & Melt
Return the steak and cooked pasta to the skillet. Toss to coat evenly in the sauce. Gradually stir in the provolone and mozzarella until melted and gooey. Reduce heat to low to allow everything to marry together for another 2-3 minutes.
🌿 Step 6: Garnish & Serve
Sprinkle chopped parsley over the top and serve immediately. If you like a golden cheesy crust, broil the skillet for 2 minutes before serving.
📸 Serving Suggestions
Philly Cheese Steak Pasta is a meal on its own, but these pairings take it over the top:
- Fresh green salad with a balsamic glaze
- Garlic knots or crusty bread for sauce-dipping
- Roasted broccoli or asparagus for a healthy balance
- A glass of red wine or sweet iced tea
🧊 Storage & Reheating Tips
Refrigerator:
Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or microwave with a splash of milk or cream.
Freezer:
Let cool completely before transferring to freezer-safe containers. Freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight before reheating.
🍽️ Nutrition Information (Per Serving – Approx. 6 Servings)
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 560 |
| Protein | 32g |
| Fat | 32g |
| Saturated Fat | 15g |
| Carbohydrates | 38g |
| Sugar | 4g |
| Fiber | 2g |
| Sodium | 620mg |
Note: These values are approximate. Adjust according to specific brands or swaps used.
🧠 Expert Tips & Tricks
- Slice the steak thinly—freezing it for 15 minutes helps make slicing easier.
- Don’t overcook the steak—it will continue to cook once added back into the hot pasta.
- Want extra flavor? Add mushrooms or swap in smoked gouda or fontina cheese.
- Cream sauce too thick? Loosen with a splash of milk or pasta water.
🧂 Recipe Variations
🌶️ Make It Spicy
Add crushed red pepper flakes or diced jalapeños during the sauté phase.
🌱 Vegetarian Option
Use sliced portobello mushrooms or plant-based beef alternatives. Vegetable broth can replace beef broth.
🧀 Dairy-Free Version
Use plant-based cheeses and coconut cream in place of dairy.
🍝 Low-Carb Swap
Use zucchini noodles, cauliflower gnocchi, or shirataki noodles instead of traditional pasta.
🥩 Other Meat Options
Ground beef, leftover roast beef, or even shredded rotisserie chicken can work well in a pinch.
🧾 Frequently Asked Questions
❓ What kind of steak is best?
Ribeye is the most flavorful, but sirloin, flank, or flat iron are great alternatives.
❓ Can I use other pasta shapes?
Absolutely! Rigatoni, rotini, or elbow macaroni all work beautifully.
❓ Is this a good meal for kids?
Yes! The creamy texture and cheesy flavor are usually kid-approved. Just omit any spice if needed.
❓ Can I double the recipe?
Yes! Use a larger skillet or Dutch oven to avoid overcrowding.
❓ How do I meal prep this?
Cook everything except the final cheese melt. Store in containers and reheat with cheese before serving.
💬 What Readers Are Saying
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“My kids said this was better than actual cheesesteaks! So creamy and full of flavor.” – Ashley D.
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“Easy to make and totally comforting. I added mushrooms and it was perfect.” – Mark T.
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“Great idea for leftover steak. I’ll try with chicken next time too.” – Rina B.
📌 Save This Recipe
Don’t forget to save this Philly Cheese Steak Pasta recipe to your:
- 📍Pinterest Boards
- 💬 WhatsApp Groups
- 📘 Facebook Feeds
- 📱 Meal Planning Apps
It’s a one-skillet wonder that’s just too good not to share.
🏁 Final Thoughts: Why This Dish Is a Must-Try
There’s something magical about recipes that combine comfort food and creativity. This Philly Cheese Steak Pasta is more than a dinner—it’s a culinary experience that’s rich, savory, and satisfying. Whether you’re cooking for your family, friends, or just yourself, it’s a meal that brings people together around the table.
Try it once, and it’ll earn a spot on your weekly rotation. Bold enough for steak lovers, comforting enough for pasta fans, and easy enough for weeknight cooks—what more could you want?
