Description
This Philly Cheesesteak Pasta is a creamy, comforting dish that blends the rich flavors of a classic Philly cheesesteak sandwich with tender pasta. Featuring sautéed onions, bell peppers, mushrooms, and lean ground beef, all enveloped in a luscious cream cheese and cheddar sauce, it’s an easy and delicious weeknight meal ready in just 30 minutes.
Ingredients
Pasta
- 8 oz short pasta (fusilli, penne or rigatoni)
Vegetables & 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 & Seasoning
- 1/2 pound lean ground beef
- 2 tablespoons mild chili powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
Cheese & Garnish
- 5 oz light cream cheese
- 1/2 cup low-fat cheddar, grated
- A handful of fresh parsley, roughly chopped
Instructions
- Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of water to a boil and salt it generously. Cook the pasta according to the package directions until just al dente. Before draining, reserve 1 cup of the pasta water for later use.
- Sauté Onions and Bell Pepper: While the pasta cooks, heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the diced onion and sliced bell pepper and fry for about 5 minutes or until they are slightly browned and softened.
- Add Garlic and Mushrooms: Stir in the sliced garlic and cremini mushrooms. Continue to cook for 5 more minutes, stirring often, until the mushrooms are cooked through and any moisture has evaporated.
- Cook the Ground Beef: Add the lean ground beef to the skillet and break it up with a spoon. Cook for approximately 5 minutes, stirring occasionally until the beef is no longer pink and thoroughly cooked.
- Make the Creamy Sauce: Sprinkle in the mild chili powder, salt, and black pepper, stirring to combine. Add the light cream cheese along with half a cup of the reserved pasta water. Stir continuously until the cream cheese melts and forms a smooth, creamy sauce.
- Add Cheese and Combine Pasta: Stir in the grated low-fat cheddar until fully incorporated. Add the cooked pasta directly into the skillet and toss well to coat everything evenly. If the sauce is too thick, add a bit more reserved pasta water to loosen it to your preferred consistency.
- Final Seasoning and Serve: Adjust the seasoning to taste if needed. Finish by sprinkling fresh parsley over the pasta. Serve immediately while warm and creamy.
Notes
- For best results, use short pasta shapes like fusilli, penne, or rigatoni that hold sauce well.
- Reserve some pasta water to help achieve the perfect sauce consistency.
- Feel free to substitute lean ground beef with ground turkey or chicken for a lighter option.
- Adjust the chili powder according to your heat preference or substitute with smoked paprika for a milder flavor.
- Fresh parsley adds a nice brightness; you can also garnish with grated Parmesan if desired.
- Serve with a side salad for a complete meal.
