Philly Cheesesteak Pasta Recipe

If you’re a fan of the classic Philly cheesesteak but craving a comforting pasta twist, this Philly Cheesesteak Pasta is exactly what you need. It combines all those beloved flavors—savory ground beef, tender mushrooms, vibrant green peppers, and melty provolone and mozzarella cheese—into a creamy, saucy pasta bake that’s both hearty and irresistible. This dish is a fantastic way to enjoy everything that makes a Philly cheesesteak great, but in a cozy, family-friendly format that everyone will devour with smiles.

Ingredients You’ll Need

This recipe is all about simplicity and flavor, using everyday ingredients that come together to create perfectly balanced taste, texture, and color. Each component plays a vital role—from the tender crunch of the green bell peppers to the rich, savory notes of the French onion soup that ties everything together.

• 8 oz penne pasta: The perfect sturdy shape to hold all those delicious flavors and sauce.
• 1¼ lbs ground beef: Provides hearty protein and the classic cheesesteak base flavor.
• 10 oz white button mushrooms (sliced) or cremini mushrooms: Adds an earthy depth and tender texture.
• 1 medium onion (chopped): Brings sweetness and aroma to the dish as it softens.
• 1 green bell pepper (chopped): For a fresh, slightly crisp contrast and that signature cheesesteak veggie kick.
• 1 can (10.5 oz) condensed French onion soup: The secret sauce ingredient that infuses rich, caramelized onion flavor.
• 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce: Enhances savory depth with a subtle tangy umami punch.
• ½ cup cold water: Used to help thicken the sauce with cornstarch.
• 1 tbsp cornstarch: Thickens the sauce into a creamy, clingy consistency perfect for coating pasta.
• 2 cups shredded provolone and mozzarella cheese: Melts beautifully to create that gooey, cheesy finish.
• Kosher salt (to taste): Balances and enhances all the savory elements.
• Freshly ground black pepper (to taste): Adds just the right hint of spice.

How to Make Philly Cheesesteak Pasta

Step 1: Prep and Cook the Pasta

Start by preheating your oven to 375°F to get it ready for that final baking step. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil, then cook the penne pasta until it’s al dente—tender but still with a little bite. Drain it well and set it aside. The perfectly cooked pasta will absorb the flavors of the sauce without turning mushy.

Step 2: Brown the Beef and Sauté the Veggies

While your pasta is cooking, grab a large ovenproof skillet and heat it over medium. Add the ground beef and start browning it, breaking it apart as it cooks. About one-third into cooking, toss in the sliced mushrooms, chopped onions, and green bell pepper. The veggies will soften and mingle with the beef, building a fragrant and savory base reminiscent of the classic Philly cheesesteak flavor profile.

Step 3: Create the Creamy Sauce

Turn the heat down to medium-low and stir in the condensed French onion soup and Worcestershire sauce—this combo adds luscious onion depth and rich umami to the dish. Next, whisk the cold water and cornstarch in a small bowl until combined, then pour it into the skillet. Let the mixture simmer gently for about 5 minutes until it thickens into a creamy sauce that’s ready to hug every penne piece.

Step 4: Combine Pasta and Cheese, Then Bake

Add your cooked pasta directly into the skillet and stir well so every bit gets coated in the flavorful sauce. Generously top everything with the shredded provolone and mozzarella blend, then pop the skillet into the preheated oven. Bake for around 15 minutes until the cheese melts into a golden, bubbly crown perfectly complementing the saucy pasta underneath.

How to Serve Philly Cheesesteak Pasta

Garnishes

Serving your Philly Cheesesteak Pasta with a sprinkle of fresh parsley or thinly sliced green onions can add a burst of color and a subtle herbaceous note. If you love a bit of heat, some crushed red pepper flakes on top bring a lovely kick that brightens the dish.

Side Dishes

Since this pasta is rich and satisfying on its own, pairing it with something light and crisp is ideal. A simple green salad with a tangy vinaigrette or steamed green beans provide a refreshing balance. Garlic bread or a crunchy baguette also works wonderfully to mop up any leftover sauce.

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun twist, try serving the Philly Cheesesteak Pasta in individual ovenproof ramekins for a personal touch perfect for dinner parties or family meals. You can also top it with sautéed peppers and onions as a nod to the traditional sandwich, making it visually inviting and deeply flavorful from the first glance.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover Philly Cheesesteak Pasta keeps beautifully in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. The flavors meld even more after resting, making it an excellent choice for next-day lunches or quick dinners.

Freezing

If you want to save a portion for later, freeze the baked pasta in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. Just make sure it’s completely cooled before freezing to maintain the best texture and flavor upon reheating.

Reheating

Reheat leftovers gently in the oven at 350°F until warmed through to keep the cheese melty and fresh. Alternatively, a microwave reheats faster, but add a small splash of water beforehand to prevent dryness and stir halfway through for even heating.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of pasta for the Philly Cheesesteak Pasta?

Absolutely! While penne works great due to its shape and firmness, rigatoni, rotini, or even fusilli can be excellent substitutes as they all hold sauce nicely without getting mushy.

Is it possible to make Philly Cheesesteak Pasta vegetarian?

Yes! Swap the ground beef for a plant-based meat alternative or use extra mushrooms and veggies to keep that hearty texture and flavor. You can also add some smoked paprika or liquid smoke to mimic that charred, savory note.

Can I use pre-shredded cheese for this recipe?

Of course! Pre-shredded provolone and mozzarella are convenient and melt well. Just be mindful that pre-shredded cheeses often contain anti-caking agents which might slightly affect meltiness but won’t compromise flavor.

Do I need an ovenproof skillet to make this recipe?

Using an ovenproof skillet is ideal for baking the cheese directly on the stovetop-to-oven transition. If you don’t have one, simply transfer the mixture to a greased baking dish before topping with cheese and baking.

Can I prepare the sauce ahead of time?

You can cook the beef and veggies and prepare the sauce in advance, then refrigerate it before combining with pasta and baking. Just add pasta and cheese when you’re ready to bake for the best texture.

Final Thoughts

Philly Cheesesteak Pasta is one of those rare dishes that feels like a warm hug on a plate—a wonderful mix of familiar Philly flavors reinvented in a comforting pasta bake. It’s perfect for busy weeknights or when you want to impress friends with something both unique and utterly satisfying. Once you try this recipe, I’m sure it will become a beloved staple in your kitchen just like it has in mine!

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