Philly Cheesesteak Pasta

Craving the flavors of a classic Philly cheesesteak but looking for something a little different? This Philly Cheesesteak Pasta combines all the savory goodness of the iconic sandwich with the comfort of a hearty pasta dish. With tender ground beef, sautéed peppers and onions, and a creamy, cheesy sauce, this recipe is sure to become a favorite in your household. Perfect for a weeknight dinner or a casual gathering, it’s an easy and satisfying meal that everyone will love.

Ingredients:

• 1 lb ground beef
• 1 green bell pepper, diced
• 1 onion, diced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 8 oz cream cheese
• 1 cup beef broth
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 2 cups shredded provolone cheese
• 1 lb pasta (penne or rigatoni)
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1 tablespoon olive oil

Directions:

1. Cook the Pasta: Begin by cooking the pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside while you prepare the sauce.
2. Sauté the Vegetables: In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion and bell pepper, cooking until the vegetables are soft and slightly caramelized, about 5 minutes.
3. Cook the Garlic: Add the minced garlic to the skillet and cook for another minute until fragrant.
4. Brown the Ground Beef: Add the ground beef to the skillet and cook until browned, breaking it up as it cooks. Once browned, drain any excess fat from the skillet.
5. Make the Creamy Sauce: Reduce the heat to low and stir in the cream cheese until melted and fully combined with the beef and vegetables.
6. Add the Liquids: Pour in the beef broth and heavy cream, stirring until the mixture is smooth and heated through.
7. Incorporate the Cheese: Gradually add the shredded provolone cheese, stirring until it melts and blends into the sauce.
8. Season and Combine: Season the sauce with salt and pepper to taste. Add the cooked pasta to the skillet, tossing to coat the pasta evenly with the sauce.
9. Serve and Enjoy: Serve the Philly Cheesesteak Pasta immediately while it’s hot and creamy. Enjoy the delicious combination of flavors in every bite!

Serving Tips

• Garnish for Extra Flavor: Sprinkle freshly chopped parsley or green onions over the Philly Cheesesteak Pasta before serving to add a pop of color and a fresh, herbaceous flavor.
• Pair with a Side: Serve this rich pasta dish with a light side salad or steamed vegetables to balance out the meal. A crisp Caesar salad or roasted asparagus would complement the creamy pasta nicely.
• Make It a Complete Meal: For added texture and flavor, consider topping the pasta with crispy fried onions or crushed croutons. You can also add sautéed mushrooms for an extra savory element.
• Bread on the Side: Serve with warm garlic bread or a crusty baguette to soak up any leftover sauce. The combination of the cheesy pasta and garlic bread is irresistibly delicious.

Storage Tips

• Refrigeration: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors will continue to meld, making the dish even more delicious the next day.
• Reheating: To reheat, warm the pasta gently on the stove over low heat, stirring occasionally to prevent the sauce from separating. You may need to add a splash of milk or beef broth to loosen the sauce if it has thickened too much.
• Microwave Option: You can also reheat individual portions in the microwave. Place the pasta in a microwave-safe dish, cover it with a damp paper towel, and heat in 30-second intervals, stirring in between until warmed through.
• Freezing: While the pasta is best enjoyed fresh, you can freeze it for up to 2 months. Store it in a freezer-safe container, and when ready to eat, thaw it in the refrigerator overnight before reheating. Note that the texture of the sauce may change slightly after freezing.

These serving and storage tips will help you make the most of your Philly Cheesesteak Pasta, whether you’re enjoying it fresh off the stove or saving it for later.

Variations:

1. Chicken Philly Cheesesteak Pasta

• Ingredient Swap: Substitute the ground beef with 1 lb of boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces.
• Flavor Profile: The chicken offers a leaner protein option while still delivering that classic Philly cheesesteak flavor. Add a bit of Worcestershire sauce for an extra savory kick.

2. Vegetarian Philly Cheesesteak Pasta

• Ingredient Swap: Replace the ground beef with 1 lb of diced mushrooms (such as portobello, cremini, or button mushrooms) or a plant-based meat substitute.
• Flavor Profile: Mushrooms provide a meaty texture and deep umami flavor, making this a hearty and satisfying vegetarian option. You can also add more vegetables like zucchini or spinach for extra nutrients.

3. Spicy Philly Cheesesteak Pasta

• Spice It Up: Add 1-2 teaspoons of crushed red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the sauce while cooking.
• Flavor Profile: This variation adds a fiery kick to the dish, perfect for those who enjoy a bit of heat. Pair it with pepper jack cheese instead of provolone for an extra spicy touch.

4. Philly Cheesesteak Pasta Bake

• Baked Version: After combining the pasta with the sauce, transfer it to a baking dish, top with an additional cup of shredded provolone or mozzarella cheese, and bake at 375°F (190°C) for 15-20 minutes, or until the top is bubbly and golden brown.
• Flavor Profile: Baking the pasta adds a crispy, cheesy top layer, making this dish even more indulgent and comforting.

5. Low-Carb Philly Cheesesteak Pasta

• Low-Carb Swap: Replace the pasta with low-carb alternatives like zucchini noodles (zoodles) or cauliflower florets.
• Flavor Profile: This version offers the same rich, cheesy flavors while keeping the dish low in carbohydrates. It’s a great option for those following a keto or low-carb diet.

6. Philly Cheesesteak Mac and Cheese

• Cheesy Twist: Use elbow macaroni instead of penne or rigatoni, and add 1/2 cup of cheddar cheese to the sauce for a richer, creamier texture.
• Flavor Profile: This variation combines the best of both worlds – the comforting creaminess of mac and cheese with the savory flavors of a Philly cheesesteak.

7. Philly Cheesesteak Pasta with White Sauce

• White Sauce Variation: Instead of using beef broth and heavy cream, make a white sauce with 2 cups of milk and 2 tablespoons of flour whisked into the melted cream cheese.
• Flavor Profile: This creates a milder, creamier sauce that pairs well with the savory beef and vegetables, offering a lighter alternative to the original recipe.

8. Deluxe Philly Cheesesteak Pasta

• Add Extra Toppings: Enhance the dish by adding sautéed mushrooms, caramelized onions, and roasted red peppers to the pasta.
• Flavor Profile: These extra ingredients elevate the dish, adding depth and complexity. The caramelized onions and roasted peppers bring sweetness and a slight smokiness, making this version truly decadent.

9. Philly Cheesesteak Pasta with Blue Cheese

• Cheese Swap: Replace the provolone cheese with crumbled blue cheese for a bold, tangy flavor.
• Flavor Profile: The blue cheese adds a sharp contrast to the savory beef and creamy sauce, creating a unique and sophisticated variation.

FAQs:

1. Can I use a different type of pasta?
   • Yes, you can use any type of pasta you prefer. Penne and rigatoni work well because their shape holds the sauce, but other options like fusilli, ziti, or even spaghetti can be used. Adjust the cooking time according to the pasta type.
2. Can I make this dish ahead of time?
   • Absolutely! You can prepare the Philly Cheesesteak Pasta ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat it gently on the stove or in the microwave before serving.
3. What can I use instead of provolone cheese?
   • If you don’t have provolone, mozzarella is a great substitute that will give you a similar melty texture. You can also try using cheddar, Swiss, or a combination of cheeses for a different flavor profile.
4. Can I freeze Philly Cheesesteak Pasta?
   • Yes, you can freeze this dish. Place the pasta in a freezer-safe container and store it for up to 2 months. When ready to eat, thaw it in the refrigerator overnight and reheat it on the stove or in the microwave.
5. How can I make this dish lighter?
   • To lighten the dish, you can use ground turkey or chicken instead of beef, replace the heavy cream with milk or a light cream, and reduce the amount of cheese. You can also add more vegetables like spinach or zucchini to increase the fiber content.
6. Can I make this dish vegetarian?
   • Yes, to make a vegetarian version, replace the ground beef with a plant-based meat substitute or use diced mushrooms for a meaty texture. The rest of the recipe remains the same.