Absolutely! Here’s a long, detailed recipe for Philly Cheesesteak Pasta Delight, a hearty, cheesy comfort dish inspired by the flavors of the classic Philly cheesesteak sandwich. It features tender beef, sautéed peppers and onions, melty provolone and cream cheese, and perfectly cooked pasta—all tossed together into a rich, satisfying casserole or skillet meal.
🧀 Philly Cheesesteak Pasta Delight
Servings: 6–8
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 30–35 minutes
Total Time: ~55 minutes
Difficulty: Moderate
Comfort food meets steakhouse flair in this pasta-based twist on a Philly classic.
🛒 Ingredients
For the Main Dish:
- 12 oz (340g) pasta (penne, rigatoni, rotini, or shells work great)
- 1 ½ lbs thinly sliced beef (ribeye, sirloin, flank, or shaved steak)
- 2 tbsp olive oil (divided)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 green bell pepper, thinly sliced
- 1 red bell pepper, thinly sliced
- 1 large yellow onion, thinly sliced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
For the Creamy Cheese Sauce:
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter
- 2 tbsp all-purpose flour
- 2 cups whole milk (warm)
- 4 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1 ½ cups shredded provolone cheese (or sliced, chopped)
- ½ cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- Optional: ¼ cup Parmesan cheese (for added depth)
- 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
- ½ tsp onion powder
- ½ tsp garlic powder
- Salt & pepper to taste
- Optional: pinch of red pepper flakes
Topping (Optional, for baked version):
- 1 cup shredded provolone or mozzarella
- ¼ cup panko breadcrumbs
- 1 tbsp melted butter
🔪 Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Cook the Pasta
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
- Cook pasta according to package instructions until al dente (firm to the bite).
- Drain and toss lightly with a little olive oil to prevent sticking. Set aside.
🍝 Tip: Slightly undercook the pasta if you’re baking the dish, so it finishes in the oven.
2. Cook the Beef
- Heat 1 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
- Season beef slices with salt and pepper.
- Sear in batches (to avoid steaming), cooking just until browned on both sides (about 1–2 minutes per side).
Remove and set aside in a bowl. Tent loosely with foil to keep warm.
🔥 Optional: Deglaze the pan with a splash of beef broth or red wine after cooking beef to lift browned bits.
3. Sauté Peppers, Onions, and Garlic
- In the same pan, add the remaining 1 tbsp olive oil.
- Sauté sliced peppers and onions over medium heat until soft and caramelized (8–10 minutes).
- Add garlic and cook for 1 more minute until fragrant.
🧅 Upgrade: Add mushrooms for a hearty, umami boost.
4. Make the Creamy Cheese Sauce
- In a saucepan (or use the same large skillet if deep enough), melt 2 tbsp butter over medium heat.
- Whisk in 2 tbsp flour to form a roux. Cook for 1–2 minutes, whisking constantly, until golden.
- Slowly whisk in the warm milk, ensuring no lumps.
- Add cream cheese and whisk until smooth and melted.
- Stir in Worcestershire sauce, onion powder, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
- Reduce heat to low and stir in provolone and mozzarella (and Parmesan, if using), until melted and creamy.
- Taste and adjust seasonings.
🧄 Pro Tip: Add a pinch of smoked paprika or a dash of hot sauce for an extra flavor layer.
5. Combine Everything
- In a large mixing bowl or the same skillet, combine cooked pasta, sautéed veggies, sliced beef, and cheese sauce.
- Gently toss until everything is well coated and evenly distributed.
6. Optional Baked Version (Highly Recommended!)
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Transfer the mixture to a greased 9×13” baking dish.
- Top with 1 cup shredded provolone or mozzarella and sprinkle with buttered panko if using.
- Bake uncovered for 15–20 minutes until bubbly and golden on top.
- Broil for the last 2–3 minutes for a crisp top—watch closely!
🥄 Serve & Garnish
- Let cool for 5 minutes before serving.
- Garnish with chopped parsley, a drizzle of hot sauce, or caramelized onions on top.
🔁 Variations & Upgrades
🧀 Cheese Lovers:
- Add Velveeta or American cheese for a super gooey version.
- Mix in fontina or Gruyère for deeper, nuttier flavor.
🥩 Meaty Variations:
- Use ground beef for a quicker, budget-friendly option.
- Swap beef with sliced rotisserie chicken for a “Chicken Philly” pasta.
- Add chopped bacon for smoky depth.
🥦 Add Veggies:
- Mushrooms, baby spinach, or broccoli florets pair well and add nutrients.
🌶️ Kick It Up:
- Mix in chopped pickled jalapeños or pepperoncini.
- Add a teaspoon of Dijon mustard or horseradish cream to the sauce.
🥡 Storage & Reheating
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
- Reheat in the microwave with a splash of milk, or reheat covered in the oven at 350°F until warmed through.
- Freezing: Freeze unbaked assembled casserole for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight and bake as instructed.
🍷 Wine & Side Pairings
Wine:
- Try a medium-bodied red like Merlot or a Cabernet Sauvignon.
- A crisp beer (lager or amber ale) also pairs beautifully.
Sides:
- Garlic bread or cheesy toast
- Simple arugula or Caesar salad
- Roasted Brussels sprouts or green beans
Would you like a vegetarian version, a one-pot stovetop-only method, or a printable meal-prep guide?