Philly Cheesesteak Pasta: A Comforting Twist on a Classic

The Ultimate Creamy, Cheesy, and Hearty One-Pan Dinner

If you love a classic Philly cheesesteak—with its savory beef, sweet caramelized onions, and melty provolone cheese—then you’re going to adore this Philly Cheesesteak Pasta! This dish combines all the bold flavors of the iconic sandwich with tender pasta in a creamy, cheesy sauce, making it the ultimate comfort food.

Even better? It’s made in just one skillet, meaning less cleanup and more time to enjoy every cheesy, beefy bite. This quick and easy dinner is perfect for busy weeknights when you need something satisfying but don’t want to spend hours in the kitchen.

Let’s get started on this creamy, dreamy Philly cheesesteak-inspired pasta dish!

Step 1: Gather Your Ingredients

Before we begin, let’s take a look at what you’ll need for this cheesy, beefy, one-pan pasta dish.

Main Ingredients:

🥩 1 pound ground beef – Brings in the signature Philly cheesesteak flavor.
🧅 1 yellow or sweet onion, diced – Adds sweetness and depth.
🫑 1 green bell pepper, diced – A must-have for that true Philly cheesesteak taste.
🍝 8 ounces elbow macaroni, uncooked – The perfect pasta to soak up all the cheesy goodness.
🥣 2 tablespoons olive oil – Helps brown the beef and soften the onions.
🧂 Salt and pepper, to taste – Essential for seasoning.

For the Creamy Sauce:

🥫 14.5 ounces beef broth (or 2 cups beef broth) – Infuses the pasta with deep, savory flavor.
💧 1 cup water – Helps cook the pasta evenly.
🥛 1 cup 2% milk – Adds creaminess to the sauce.
🧀 2 ounces cream cheese, cubed – Creates a rich, smooth texture.
🧀 ½ cup mozzarella cheese, shredded – Melts beautifully into the pasta.
🧀 6 to 8 ounces provolone cheese, sliced and torn into pieces – The signature cheese for a Philly cheesesteak.

For Garnish:

🌿 Chopped fresh parsley – Adds a pop of color and freshness.

Step 2: Cook the Beef & Onions

To build the flavor base of this dish, we’ll start by browning the beef and softening the onions.

How to Cook the Beef & Onions:

1️⃣ Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large 12-inch skillet over medium heat.
2️⃣ Add the ground beef and diced onion, breaking up the beef as it cooks.
3️⃣ Cook until the beef is browned and the onions are soft, about 5-7 minutes.
4️⃣ Season with salt and pepper to taste.

At this point, your kitchen will start smelling amazing, with the savory aroma of beef and onions filling the air—just like a classic Philly cheesesteak!

Step 3: Add the Green Bell Peppers & Worcestershire Sauce

Now, let’s add another layer of flavor with green bell peppers and Worcestershire sauce.

How to Enhance the Flavor:

1️⃣ Stir in 2 teaspoons Worcestershire sauce for a deep, umami-rich taste.
2️⃣ Add the diced green bell pepper and cook for another 2-3 minutes, just until slightly softened.

At this stage, the beef, onions, and peppers will be fully combined, creating that classic Philly cheesesteak filling—but we’re about to take it to the next level by turning it into a creamy, cheesy pasta dish!

Now that our savory ground beef, caramelized onions, and green bell peppers are perfectly cooked, it’s time to bring everything together with tender pasta and a rich, creamy cheese sauce. The best part? This all happens in one skillet, making cleanup a breeze!

Let’s turn this into the cheesiest, most flavorful Philly Cheesesteak Pasta ever!

Step 4: Cook the Pasta Right in the Skillet

Instead of cooking the pasta separately, we’ll let it simmer directly in the beef broth and water, soaking up all those delicious flavors.

How to Cook the Pasta in One Pot:

1️⃣ Add the uncooked elbow macaroni directly into the skillet with the beef mixture.
2️⃣ Pour in 1 cup of water and 14.5 ounces of beef broth.
3️⃣ Bring the liquid to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat to a simmer.
4️⃣ Let the pasta cook for about 15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the noodles are tender and most of the liquid is absorbed.

Pro Tip: If the liquid evaporates too quickly before the pasta is fully cooked, add a splash of extra broth or water and continue simmering.

At this stage, the pasta will be infused with all the savory Philly cheesesteak flavors, making it even more delicious!

Step 5: Make It Creamy with Cheese & Milk

Once the pasta is perfectly cooked, it’s time to make the luxuriously creamy cheese sauce that takes this dish to the next level.

How to Create the Cheese Sauce:

1️⃣ Reduce the heat to low and pour in the 1 cup of milk.
2️⃣ Add the cubed cream cheese and stir continuously until it melts completely into the sauce.
3️⃣ Sprinkle in ½ cup shredded mozzarella cheese and stir until everything is smooth, creamy, and well combined.

At this point, the pasta will be coated in a rich, velvety cheese sauce, making it ultra creamy and flavorful—but we’re not done yet!

Step 6: Top with Provolone & Melt to Perfection

The Finishing Touch:

1️⃣ Remove the skillet from heat.
2️⃣ Sprinkle the torn provolone cheese evenly over the top.
3️⃣ Cover the skillet with a lid and let it sit for a few minutes until the provolone melts into a gooey, cheesy layer.

Once you lift the lid, you’ll be greeted with the most beautiful, melty layer of provolone—just like a classic Philly cheesesteak!

Step 7: Garnish & Serve

For the perfect finishing touch, sprinkle chopped fresh parsley over the top for a pop of color and freshness.

How to Serve Philly Cheesesteak Pasta:

🍽 Serve hot and fresh straight from the skillet.
🧄 Pair with garlic bread to soak up every bit of creamy sauce.
🥗 Add a simple side salad to balance the richness.
🌶 Drizzle with hot sauce for an extra kick!

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