Philly Cheesesteak Pasta with Creamy

Yields: 6-8 generous servings
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 50 minutes

Recipe Intensity: Medium – This recipe involves coordinating a few components (cooking pasta, searing steak, making a sauce) but uses simple techniques. It’s perfect for a cook with some basic kitchen confidence.

Ingredients

For the Pasta & Steak:

1 pound (16 oz) penne, rigatoni, or cavatappi pasta
1.5 pounds ribeye steak, thinly sliced (see Pro-Tip)
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
Salt and black pepper, to taste

For the Veggies:

2 tablespoons unsalted butter
1 large yellow onion, thinly sliced
2 large green bell peppers, thinly sliced
8 oz cremini mushrooms, sliced (optional, but classic)
2 cloves garlic, minced

For the Creamy Cheese Sauce:

4 tablespoons unsalted butter
¼ cup all-purpose flour
3 cups whole milk, warmed
1 teaspoon garlic powder
½ teaspoon onion powder
1 cup provolone cheese, shredded
1 cup white American cheese, shredded (or additional provolone)
½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
Salt and white pepper, to taste

For Garnish:

Fresh chopped parsley

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare and Sear the Steak

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil for the pasta. Cook the pasta according to package directions until al dente. Before draining, reserve 1 cup of the starchy pasta water. Drain the pasta and set it aside.

While the water heats, pat the thinly sliced ribeye steak very dry and season generously with salt and black pepper. Heat the olive oil in a large, heavy-bottomed skillet or Dutch oven over high heat. Working in batches to avoid overcrowding, sear the steak for 1-2 minutes per side, just until browned. It will finish cooking later. Remove the steak from the skillet and set it aside. Drizzle the Worcestershire sauce over the cooked steak.

Step 2: Sauté the Classic Veggie Trinity

Reduce the heat to medium and add the 2 tablespoons of butter to the same skillet. Add the sliced onions and bell peppers (and mushrooms, if using). Sauté for 10-12 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables are soft, sweet, and have some caramelized edges.

Add the minced garlic and cook for one more minute until fragrant. Remove the vegetable mixture from the skillet and set it aside with the steak.

Step 3: Build the Creamy Cheese Sauce Foundation

In the same now-empty skillet, melt the 4 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Whisk in the flour to create a paste (a roux). Cook for 1-2 minutes, whisking constantly, until the roux is bubbly and has a light golden color.

Gradually pour in the warmed milk, whisking constantly to prevent any lumps from forming. Continue to cook, whisking frequently, until the sauce thickens and coats the back of a spoon, about 5-7 minutes.

Pro-Tip: Warming the milk before adding it to the roux helps it incorporate more smoothly and thicken faster.

Step 4: Create the Cheesy Bliss

Reduce the heat to low. Whisk in the garlic powder and onion powder. Begin adding the cheeses a handful at a time, whisking until each addition is completely melted and smooth before adding the next. Start with the provolone and American cheese, finishing with the Parmesan.

Once the sauce is smooth and creamy, season to taste with salt and a pinch of white pepper (which is milder than black pepper and won’t show up as specks in your sauce).

Step 5: The Grand Unification

Add the drained, cooked pasta to the creamy cheese sauce, followed by the reserved steak (with any accumulated juices) and the vegetable mixture. Gently toss everything together until the pasta, steak, and veggies are evenly coated in the luxurious sauce.

If the sauce is too thick, add a splash of the reserved pasta water, a few tablespoons at a time, until it reaches your desired consistency. The starch in the water will help the sauce cling perfectly to the pasta.

Step 6: Serve Immediately

Let the pasta heat through for 2-3 minutes on low heat, then serve immediately, garnished generously with fresh chopped parsley. The contrast of the creamy pasta, the savory steak, and the sweet, tender vegetables is nothing short of spectacular.

Nutrition Information

Please note: The following is an estimate based on the ingredients used and can vary significantly based on specific brands and portion sizes. It is provided for informational purposes only.

Serving Size: 1 ½ cups
Calories: ~720
Total Fat: 32g

Saturated Fat: 17g
Trans Fat: 1g
Cholesterol: 115mg
Sodium: 650mg
Total Carbohydrates: 65g
Dietary Fiber: 3g
Sugars: 10g
Protein: 42g

Dietary Considerations: This is a rich, indulgent dish. For a lighter version, use a lower-fat milk, reduce the butter by 1-2 tablespoons, and use leaner sirloin steak instead of ribeye. You can also add more vegetables like spinach. To make it gluten-free, use your favorite gluten-free pasta and a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend for the roux.

Storing, Reheating, and Pro-Tips

Storing Leftovers: Allow the pasta to cool completely before storing it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Reheating for Best Results: Reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of milk or broth to loosen the sauce back to a creamy consistency. The microwave will work, but stir frequently and add liquid to prevent it from drying out.
The Steak Secret: For easy, paper-thin slicing, place the ribeye steak in the freezer for 20-30 minutes until it’s firm but not frozen solid. This makes slicing against the grain a breeze.
Cheese is Key: White American cheese is a classic Philly cheesesteak ingredient because it melts into an ultra-smooth, creamy sauce. Provolone provides the authentic flavor. For the best meltability, always shred your own cheese from a block.
Don’t Overcook the Steak: The steak will continue to cook when added back to the pasta, so just a quick sear to brown the outside is all it needs to stay tender.

This Philly Cheesesteak Pasta is more than a meal; it’s an experience. It captures the soul-warming, savory goodness of the original sandwich and reimagines it in a form that’s perfect for sharing, scooping, and savoring. It’s the ultimate comfort food hybrid that is sure to become an instant classic in your home.