Philly Cheesesteak Pasta - beautifully plated pasta dish

Philly Cheesesteak Pasta

Sliced steak, caramelized onions, peppers, and gooey provolone over penne. A Philly classic turned pasta night.

Prep Time

10 min

Cook Time

15 min

Servings

4

Calories

510

Ingredients

  • 400 g pasta (your choice of shape)
  • 2 tbsp extra-virgin olive oil
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 medium onion, diced
  • 0.5 tsp salt
  • 0.25 tsp freshly ground black pepper

Instructions

  1. 1

    Cook the Pasta

    Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Cook pasta according to package directions until al dente. Reserve 1 cup of pasta water before draining.

  2. 2

    Prepare the Base

    While pasta cooks, heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add garlic and cook until fragrant, about 30 seconds.

  3. 3

    Build the Sauce

    Add the main sauce ingredients to the skillet and cook, stirring occasionally, until the flavours meld together, about 3-5 minutes.

  4. 4

    Combine

    Add the drained pasta to the sauce and toss vigorously, adding pasta water as needed to achieve a silky consistency that coats every strand.

  5. 5

    Serve

    Plate immediately and garnish with fresh herbs and freshly grated cheese. Serve hot with crusty bread on the side.

Chef's Notes

I always warm my serving bowls in the oven before plating comfort pasta. Hot food in cold bowls cools too fast.

Chef Luca Bianchi

About This Recipe

This Philly Cheesesteak Pasta takes the beloved sandwich and drops it into a rich, garlicky skillet where tender sliced steak meets sweet caramelized onions and peppers, all bound together with melted provolone. The result is pure comfort food magic — salty, savoury, and deeply satisfying without feeling heavy.

Canadian home cooks love this recipe because it hits all the right notes on busy weeknights: it comes together in under half an hour, uses pantry staples most of us already have, and delivers restaurant-quality flavour at the kitchen table. It's the kind of dish that earns second helpings without anyone asking.

Tips for the Best Philly Cheesesteak Pasta

Pour les meilleurs résultats, utilisez du bœuf finement tranché — l'épaule ou le filet mignon, comme pour les cheesesteaks — afin qu'il cuit rapidement et reste tendre. Ne négligez pas l'eau de cuisson des pâtes réservée ; son amidon est ce qui transforme l'huile et le fromage en une sauce brillante et crémeuse plutôt qu'en un mélange gras.

What to Serve With It

Plate this hot with a side of buttered toast or garlic bread for mopping up every last bit of sauce. A crisp green salad with a sharp vinaigrette cuts through the richness nicely, and a cold Canadian beer — think a crisp lager from Niagara or a local craft pilsner — pairs perfectly with the salty, cheesy depth.

Storage & Reheating

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. Reheat gently in a skillet with a splash of water or broth to loosen the sauce back up — the microwave tends to dry out the cheese and toughen the steak. This dish doesn't freeze well since the provolone breaks down and turns grainy upon thawing.

Nutrition Facts

510

cal

26g

Protein

28g

Fat

57g

Carbs

5g

Fiber

574mg

Sodium

Frequently Asked Questions

What cut of beef works best for this recipe?+

Thinly sliced ribeye or sirloin is ideal — you want the kind sold for cheesesteaks. If you can't find pre-sliced, ask your butcher to slice it paper-thin against the grain.

Can I use a different cheese instead of provolone?+

Yes — mozzarella melts beautifully, American cheese gives that classic diner melt, and white cheddar adds a sharper kick. Provolone is traditional, but any good melting cheese will work.

Is this recipe spicy?+

Not at all — it's savoury and rich, not hot. If you want some heat, add red pepper flakes during cooking or finish with a drizzle of hot sauce.

Can I make this ahead of time?+

It's best served fresh, but you can prep the steak and vegetables ahead and just cook everything together when ready. The sauce won't hold up as well if made entirely in advance.

What pasta shape is best for this dish?+

Penne works great because its tubes catch the sauce, but rigatoni or rotini are excellent alternatives. Avoid long thin pastas like spaghetti — they don't hold up to the chunky mix-ins.

Tips & Tricks

  • Always salt your pasta water generously — it should taste like the sea.
  • Reserve a cup of starchy pasta water before draining. It's liquid gold for emulsifying sauces.
  • Cook pasta 1 minute less than the package says if finishing it in the sauce.

Reviews (3)

Jennifer K.★★★★★

This is now our go-to weeknight dinner. Ready in under 30 minutes and tastes like it took hours. My kids ask for seconds every time.

André G.★★★★★

Comme au restaurant! La sauce est onctueuse et les pâtes parfaitement al dente. Bravo pour cette recette.

Chantal D.★★★★★

Facile à préparer et tellement bon! Même mes enfants difficiles ont vidé leur assiette. Je recommande fortement.