Are you craving the delicious flavors of a Philly cheesesteak but don't have the time for a complicated recipe? Then you've come to the right place! This Philly Cheesesteak Pasta recipe, a viral sensation on TikTok, delivers all the cheesy, savory goodness of a classic cheesesteak in a surprisingly simple pasta dish. It's a fantastic example of quick dinner ideas and homemade cooking at its finest – perfect for busy weeknights or a fun weekend meal. This recipe is a delicious and satisfying healthy meal option that everyone will love. Let's dive in!
Ingredients:
- 1 pound pasta (linguine, fettuccine, or your favorite shape)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 large onion, thinly sliced
- 2 bell peppers (any color), thinly sliced
- 1 pound thinly sliced steak (sirloin or ribeye work best)
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 cup beef broth
- 1 cup shredded provolone cheese
- 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- Salt to taste
- Optional: chopped fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions:
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Cook the pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook according to package directions until al dente. Reserve about 1/2 cup of pasta water before draining.
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Sauté the vegetables: While the pasta is cooking, heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the onion and bell peppers and cook until softened, about 5-7 minutes.
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Cook the steak: Add the thinly sliced steak to the skillet and cook until browned and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes, breaking it up with a spoon as it cooks to mimic the cheesesteak texture.
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Add flavor: Stir in the minced garlic, oregano, thyme, and black pepper. Cook for another minute until fragrant.
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Create the sauce: Pour in the beef broth and bring to a simmer. Let it reduce slightly, about 2-3 minutes, thickening the sauce.
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Combine everything: Add the cooked pasta to the skillet with the steak and vegetable mixture. Toss to combine. If the sauce is too thick, add a little of the reserved pasta water until you reach your desired consistency.
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Melt the cheese: Stir in the provolone and mozzarella cheese until melted and creamy.
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Serve: Serve immediately, garnished with fresh parsley if desired.
Cooking Tips for the Best Philly Cheesesteak Pasta:
- Thinly sliced steak: Using thinly sliced steak is key for achieving that authentic cheesesteak texture. If you have thicker steak, you might need to pound it to thin it out before cooking.
- Don't overcook the pasta: Al dente pasta is essential for this recipe. Overcooked pasta will become mushy and ruin the overall texture.
- Adjust seasonings: Feel free to adjust the seasonings to your liking. Add more or less garlic, oregano, or pepper according to your taste preferences.
- Cheese variations: Experiment with different cheeses! Pepper jack, Monterey Jack, or even a blend of cheeses would be delicious.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
This will vary depending on the specific ingredients used, but a general estimate for a single serving is around 500-600 calories, with moderate amounts of protein and fat. For a healthier option, consider using whole wheat pasta and leaner cuts of beef.
Variations:
- Spicy Philly Cheesesteak Pasta: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the skillet for a spicy kick.
- Vegetarian Philly Cheesesteak Pasta: Substitute the steak with sautéed mushrooms, portobello mushrooms, or grilled halloumi cheese for a delicious vegetarian version.
- Creamy Philly Cheesesteak Pasta: Stir in a splash of heavy cream or cream cheese along with the cheeses for an extra creamy and decadent dish.
This easy recipe is perfect for a quick and satisfying weeknight dinner. It's a guaranteed crowd-pleaser that's both delicious and easy to make. Try it out and let us know what you think!