Delicious Philly Cheese Steak Pasta Recipe for Family Dinners: A Comprehensive Guide + Video Tutorial Step by Step

Philly Cheese Steak Pasta is a delicious and hearty dish that combines the classic flavors of a Philly cheesesteak with pasta. This recipe is perfect for family dinners and can be made in one pot, making cleanup easy. Below, I will provide an in-depth, step-by-step guide to preparing this dish, along with FAQs to help you navigate any questions you may have.

Table of Contents

1. Ingredients
2. Equipment Needed
3. Step-by-Step Instructions
   • Preparing the Ingredients
   • Cooking the Pasta
   • Sautéing the Vegetables and Meat
   • Making the Sauce
   • Combining Everything
4. Tips for Success
5. Variations of the Recipe
6. FAQs

Ingredients

To make Philly Cheese Steak Pasta, you will need the following ingredients:

For the Pasta:

• 8 ounces of short pasta (penne, cavatappi, or rotini work well)

For the Meat:

• 1 pound of thinly sliced flank steak or shaved steak (you can also use ground beef)

For the Vegetables:

• 1 cup green bell pepper, thinly sliced (about 1 medium pepper)
• 1 cup onion, thinly sliced (about 1 medium onion)
• 8 ounces mushrooms, sliced (optional)
• 3 cloves garlic, minced

For the Sauce:

• 4 cups beef broth
• ½ cup heavy cream
• 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
• 8 ounces cream cheese, cubed
• ½ cup shredded provolone cheese (or mozzarella)
• ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
• Salt and pepper to taste

Equipment Needed

Before you start cooking, gather the following equipment:

• Large pot or Dutch oven for cooking pasta
• Large skillet for sautéing meat and vegetables
• Cutting board and knife for chopping vegetables
• Measuring cups and spoons for accurate ingredient measurements
• Wooden spoon or spatula for stirring

Step-by-Step Instructions

Preparing the Ingredients

1. Slice the Vegetables:
   • Thinly slice the onion, bell pepper, and mushrooms. Mince the garlic.
2. Prepare the Meat:
   • If using flank steak, slice it thinly against the grain to ensure tenderness. If using ground beef, break it into crumbles.

Cooking the Pasta

3. Cook the Pasta:
   • In a large pot or Dutch oven, bring 4 cups of beef broth and 2 cups of water to a boil over medium-high heat.
   • Add your chosen pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente (usually about 8-10 minutes). Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
   • Once cooked, drain the pasta but reserve about ½ cup of the pasta water for later use.

Sautéing the Vegetables and Meat

4. Sauté the Meat:
   • In a large skillet over medium heat, melt 2 tablespoons of butter.
   • Add the sliced steak (or ground beef) to the skillet. Cook until browned on all sides (about 5 minutes for steak; until no pink remains for ground beef). Remove from skillet and set aside.
5. Cook the Vegetables:
   • In the same skillet, add sliced onions and bell peppers. Sauté until softened (about 5 minutes).
   • Add mushrooms if using and continue cooking until they are tender.
   • Stir in minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.

Making the Sauce

6. Prepare the Creamy Sauce:
   • Return the cooked meat to the skillet with vegetables.
   • Add reserved pasta water, cream cheese, Worcestershire sauce, heavy cream, provolone cheese, Parmesan cheese, salt, and pepper.
   • Stir continuously until cream cheese melts and a creamy sauce forms.

Combining Everything

7. Combine Pasta with Sauce:
   • Add cooked pasta to the skillet with meat and sauce mixture.
   • Toss everything together until well combined. If needed, add more reserved pasta water to achieve your desired sauce consistency.
8. Serve:
   • Remove from heat and serve immediately while hot.
   • Garnish with additional Parmesan cheese if desired.

Tips for Success

• Choosing Your Meat: Ribeye or sirloin steaks are recommended due to their flavor and tenderness when cooked quickly.
• Cooking Time: Avoid overcooking your steak; it should be browned but still tender.
• Pasta Types: Feel free to experiment with different types of pasta; just adjust cooking times as necessary.

Variations of the Recipe

1. Vegetarian Option: Substitute meat with plant-based protein or additional vegetables like zucchini or spinach.
2. Spicy Version: Add red pepper flakes or jalapeños for a spicy kick.
3. Cheese Variations: Experiment with different cheeses like gouda or cheddar for unique flavors.

FAQs

Can I make Philly Cheese Steak Pasta ahead of time?

While it’s best enjoyed fresh due to its creamy texture and tender meat, you can prepare some components ahead of time (like chopping vegetables). However, reheating may alter texture.

Can I freeze leftovers?

Yes! Store leftovers in an airtight container in the freezer for up to three months. Reheat on low heat on a stovetop with a splash of milk or broth to restore creaminess.

What can I serve with this dish?

This dish pairs well with a side salad or garlic bread to complement its rich flavors.

How can I make this dish healthier?

You can use whole grain pasta and reduce cheese quantities or substitute lower-fat options like Greek yogurt instead of cream cheese. By following these detailed steps and tips, you will create a delicious Philly Cheese Steak Pasta that your family will love! Enjoy this comforting meal that brings together all your favorite flavors in one pot!