Print

Philly Cheesesteak Pasta Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.1 from 7 reviews

This Philly Cheesesteak Pasta is a creamy, flavorful twist on the classic sandwich, combining tender ground beef, sautéed vegetables, and a cheesy sauce tossed with your favorite short pasta. Ready in just 30 minutes, it’s an easy and satisfying weeknight meal that perfectly blends hearty Philly flavors with comforting pasta.

Ingredients

Pasta

  • 8 oz short pasta (fusilli, penne or rigatoni)

Vegetables and aromatics

  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 medium onion, diced
  • 1 medium red bell pepper, sliced
  • 2 garlic cloves, sliced
  • 1/2 pound cremini mushrooms

Protein and seasoning

  • 1/2 pound lean ground beef
  • 2 tablespoons mild chili powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper

Dairy and finishing

  • 5 oz light cream cheese
  • 1/2 cup low-fat cheddar, grated
  • A handful of fresh parsley, roughly chopped

Instructions

  1. Cook pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the pasta according to package directions until just al dente. Reserve 1 cup of the pasta cooking water before draining.
  2. Sauté onions and bell pepper: While pasta cooks, heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the diced onion and sliced red bell pepper, frying for about 5 minutes until slightly browned and softened.
  3. Cook garlic and mushrooms: Add sliced garlic and cremini mushrooms to the skillet. Stir frequently and cook for an additional 5 minutes, until mushrooms are tender and fully cooked through.
  4. Brown the ground beef: Add the lean ground beef to the skillet. Break it up with a spoon and cook for 5 minutes or until no longer pink and browned evenly.
  5. Add seasoning and cream cheese: Stir in the mild chili powder, salt, and black pepper. Then add the light cream cheese and half a cup of the reserved pasta water. Stir well to create a creamy sauce with the cheese fully melted.
  6. Incorporate cheddar and pasta: Mix in the grated low-fat cheddar until melted and combined. Add the cooked pasta to the skillet and toss well to coat everything in the creamy sauce. Add additional pasta water as needed to reach desired consistency.
  7. Season and garnish: Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary. Sprinkle freshly chopped parsley over the pasta and serve immediately for best flavor and texture.

Notes

  • Reserve pasta water as it helps to loosen and thicken the sauce naturally.
  • Use lean ground beef to reduce fat content while maintaining flavor.
  • Short pasta shapes like fusilli or penne hold the sauce well.
  • Feel free to substitute light cream cheese with regular cream cheese or mascarpone for extra richness.
  • Fresh parsley adds a nice bright herbal finish that complements the creamy sauce.