Indulge in a creamy Philly Cheesesteak pasta, featuring ground beef, mushrooms, green peppers, onions, and rigatoni, all smothered in a luscious provolone cheese sauce. A delightful twist on the classic Philly Cheesesteak sandwich!
Whenever I reminisce about the bustling streets of Philadelphia, the sizzling sounds and irresistible aroma of Philly Cheesesteaks come to mind. Living far from Philly now, I longed to recreate that comfort in a dish that would bring those vibrant city memories to my rural kitchen table. One serendipitous evening, as I tinkered with some provolone and leftover beef, inspiration struck—why not merge the iconic sandwich with hearty pasta?
That’s how this Philly Cheesesteak pasta was born, a dish that marries city zest with country comfort. It’s become more than just a meal; it’s a delicious bridge to my cherished city memories, shared with loved ones around our cozy dinner table.
Why You’ll Love This Philly Cheesesteak pasta
This Philly Cheesesteak pasta isn’t just another pasta dish; it’s an innovative culinary fusion that brings the best of two worlds into your bowl!
- Firstly, it transforms the beloved flavors of a classic Philly Cheesesteak sandwich into a comforting pasta format—perfect for those chilly evenings when comfort food is a must.
- Secondly, it offers an exquisite blend of textures, from the tender bite of rigatoni to the juicy crunch of green peppers and onions, topped with the smooth, creamy richness of melted provolone cheese.
- Lastly, it’s remarkably versatile; whether you’re looking to impress guests or just spice up your mid-week meal routine, this dish delivers satisfaction in every forkful.
Ingredients Notes:
Crafting the Philly Cheesesteak pasta begins with selecting quality ingredients that bring out the rich flavors and textures of this delightful dish. Here are some tips to ensure your pasta is a hit!
- Rigatoni Pasta: Choose rigatoni for its ability to hold sauces well, ensuring every bite is infused with cheesy goodness.
- Ground Beef: Opt for lean ground beef for a lighter dish, or go with a higher fat content for more juiciness and flavor.
- Provolone Cheese: Provolone is the star of this sauce; pick a good quality cheese that melts well to achieve that smooth, velvety texture.
- Vegetables: Freshness is key! Fresh mushrooms, green peppers, and onions will add a crisp texture and vibrant flavor to the dish.
- Seasonings: Don’t shy away from the salt, pepper, and optional red pepper flakes. They are essential to enhancing the beef and veggies, giving that authentic Philly Cheesesteak kick!
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How To Make Philly Cheesesteak pasta
Get ready to bring a touch of Philadelphia to your dinner table with this Philly Cheesesteak pasta! Here’s how to whip up this hearty meal, broken down into manageable steps.
- Pasta Preparation: Begin by cooking the rigatoni pasta as per the package instructions. Aim for al dente, which means the pasta should be tender yet firm to the bite.
- Cook the Beef: In a large skillet, season the ground beef with salt and pepper, and cook until it’s nicely browned. This not only builds the foundation of flavor but ensures each piece of beef is deliciously seasoned.
- Sauté the Vegetables: To the same skillet, add mushrooms, green pepper, and onion, cooking until they are tender and flavorful. The garlic adds an aromatic lift that’s crucial for that signature cheesesteak essence.
- Make the Cheese Sauce: In a separate skillet, melt butter and whisk in flour to create a roux, which will help thicken your cheese sauce. Gradually add milk and half-and-half, stirring until the sauce is creamy and thick.
- Combine and Serve: Fold the cheese into the sauce until melted, then toss with the cooked pasta and half of the beef mixture. Top the pasta with the remaining beef and a sprinkle of fresh parsley for a fresh, herby finish.
Storage Options:
Philly Cheesesteak pasta tastes best when served fresh, but it also offers flexible storage options. It can be refrigerated in an airtight container for up to three days, making it a fantastic choice for meal prep or next-day lunches. For longer storage, freeze it in suitable containers for up to a month. Reheat on the stove or in the microwave, adding a splash of milk to loosen up the sauce and restore its creamy texture.
Variations and Substitutions:
Whether you’re accommodating dietary preferences or just experimenting with what’s in your pantry, here are some easy swaps and variations for your Philly Cheesesteak pasta.
- Pasta Choices: Swap rigatoni with penne, fusilli, or even gluten-free pasta to suit your dietary needs.
- Cheese Varieties: While provolone is traditional, feel free to use mozzarella, cheddar, or a blend of cheeses for different flavors and textures.
- Meat Alternatives: Not a beef fan? Try sliced chicken breast, ground turkey, or even plant-based crumbles for a vegetarian twist.
- Additional Vegetables: Boost the nutritional value by adding spinach, diced tomatoes, or other vegetables you have on hand.
- Spice Levels: Adjust the red pepper flakes according to your heat preference, or add a splash of hot sauce for an extra kick.
This Philly Cheesesteak pasta recipe offers a playful twist on a classic, bringing a taste of Philadelphia right to your kitchen with every flavorful and hearty bite.
Philly Cheesesteak pasta
Ingredients
- 10 ounces of Rigatoni pasta
- 1 pound of ground beef
- 1 teaspoon of salt
- 1 teaspoon of ground black pepper
- 8 ounces of fresh mushrooms thinly sliced
- 1 large green bell pepper finely chopped
- 1 large onion finely chopped
- 2 teaspoons of minced garlic
- 1/2 teaspoon of red pepper flakes optional
- 2 tablespoons of unsalted butter
- 2 tablespoons of all-purpose flour
- 1 cup of whole milk
- 1 cup of half-and-half
- 1 cup of provolone cheese either diced or shredded
- 2 tablespoons of fresh parsley finely chopped
Instructions
- Pasta Preparation: Begin by boiling the rigatoni pasta according to the directions provided on its packaging. Aim to cook the pasta to an al dente texture, ensuring it retains a firm bite.
- Meat Preparation: Place a large skillet over medium heat and add the ground beef, seasoned with salt and pepper. Cook the beef thoroughly until it is well-browned and no pink remains. This step is crucial for developing a deep, savory flavor in the dish.
- Vegetable Sauté: Into the same skillet, incorporate the sliced mushrooms, chopped green bell pepper, and onion. Continue to cook over medium heat until the vegetables are softened and have released their moisture. At this point, add the minced garlic and cook for an additional 30 seconds, just until fragrant, then remove the skillet from the heat and set aside.
- Cheese Sauce Preparation: In a separate skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Sprinkle in the flour while whisking continuously to form a smooth roux. This mixture should be cooked for about one minute to eliminate any raw flour taste. Gradually whisk in the whole milk and half-and-half, continuing to stir frequently. Allow the sauce to simmer gently for 4-6 minutes or until it has thickened substantially.
- Combining Ingredients: Remove the cheese sauce from heat and stir in the provolone cheese until it is completely melted and the sauce is smooth. Combine the cooked pasta and half of the beef and vegetable mixture with this cheese sauce, ensuring that the pasta is evenly coated.
- Final Assembly: Transfer the pasta to a serving dish. Top with the remaining half of the beef and vegetable mixture. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley to add a burst of color and fresh flavor to the dish.
