Philly Cheesesteak Pasta brings the flavors of the classic sandwich into a cozy pasta dish. Imagine tender beef, melted cheese, and colorful peppers all mixed with your favorite noodles!
This meal is a true winner on busy nights as it comes together quickly. I love topping it with extra cheese—who can resist an extra cheesy bite? Just don’t forget your stretchy pants! 😄
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Penne Pasta: This is perfect for holding the creamy sauce. You could swap it for other shapes like rigatoni or fusilli if you prefer. Gluten-free pasta also works if you’re avoiding gluten.
Sirloin Steak: I love sirloin for its tenderness, but you can substitute with flank steak or even grilled chicken for a lighter option. If you’re feeling vegetarian, try using mushrooms or hearty veggies!
Olive Oil: A great choice for sautéing, but you can also use vegetable oil or butter. If you want a flavor boost, try adding a bit of sesame oil.
Heavy Cream: This gives the dish a rich texture. If you want to lighten it up, use half-and-half or a dairy-free alternative like coconut cream. Just be aware that flavors will slightly change.
Provolone Cheese: It’s the star of the show! If you can’t find it, mozzarella or even cheddar can be used instead, but you’ll miss that nice melty texture.
How Can I Get the Steak Just Right?
Cooking steak quickly and at a high temperature is key to keeping it tender. Overcooking can make it tough and chewy. Here’s how to nail it:
- Make sure your skillet is hot before adding the meat. A quick sear locks in those juices!
- Don’t overcrowd the pan; this helps to get a nice browning. You can cook in batches if needed.
- After cooking, let the steak rest for a few minutes before slicing. This keeps it juicy.
What’s the Best Way to Make a Creamy Sauce?
The creamy sauce takes this dish up a notch! Here’s how to achieve that silky texture:
- After sautéing the veggies, reduce the heat before adding the cream. This prevents it from boiling, which can make it curdle.
- Constantly stir as it simmers to blend in the flavors. This step is essential!
- Once the cheese is added, mix until fully melted for a smooth sauce. If it looks too thick, a splash of pasta water can help loosen it.
How to Make Philly Cheesesteak Pasta
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Pasta:
- 8 oz penne pasta
For the Steak and Vegetables:
- 1 lb sirloin steak, thinly sliced
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 onion, sliced
- 1 bell pepper (preferably green or red), sliced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
For the Sauce:
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 1/2 cups shredded provolone cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Salt and pepper to taste
For Garnish:
- Fresh parsley, chopped
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious Philly Cheesesteak Pasta takes about 10 minutes to prep and 20 minutes to cook, totaling about 30 minutes from start to finish. Perfect for a quick and hearty meal!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Cook the Pasta:
Start by cooking the penne pasta according to the package instructions. Once it’s al dente, drain the pasta and set it aside. This will be the base for your delicious dish!
2. Sear the Steak:
In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the thinly sliced sirloin steak and sprinkle with a little salt and pepper. Cook for about 3-4 minutes or until the steak is nicely browned. Once done, take the steak out of the skillet and set it aside for later.
3. Sauté the Vegetables:
In the same skillet where you cooked the steak, add the sliced onion and bell pepper. Sauté them for about 5-7 minutes until the onion turns translucent and the peppers are tender. This will add a lot of flavor!
4. Add Garlic:
Now it’s time to amp up the flavor! Add the minced garlic to your veggies and cook for another minute until it smells amazing. Make sure to stir it so it doesn’t burn.
5. Make the Cream Sauce:
Reduce the heat to medium and pour in the heavy cream. Stir everything together and let it simmer for about 2-3 minutes. This will create a rich and creamy sauce that brings the dish together.
6. Combine Everything:
Add the cooked penne pasta into the skillet and toss it around to coat in that yummy cream sauce. Then, stir in the cooked steak, provolone cheese, and half of the grated Parmesan cheese. Mix everything until the cheese melts and combines beautifully with the pasta. Taste it, and you can add more salt or pepper if you like!
7. Serve and Garnish:
Transfer your Philly Cheesesteak Pasta to a serving dish. Sprinkle the remaining Parmesan cheese on top for added flavor. Finally, garnish with chopped fresh parsley to make the dish look fantastic. Serve hot and enjoy your delicious creation!
Can I Use Any Other Type of Pasta?
Absolutely! While penne works great, you can substitute it with your favorite pasta, such as rigatoni, fusilli, or even fettuccine. Just make sure to adjust the cooking time according to the pasta type and thickness you choose.
What Can I Substitute for Sirloin Steak?
If you’re looking for a substitute, flank steak or ribeye also works well in this recipe. For a lighter option, you could even use chicken breast or turkey; just slice it thinly and adjust the cooking time accordingly until fully cooked through.
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, you can warm it gently in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of cream or water to help bring back the creamy consistency. You could also microwave it briefly, stirring halfway through.
