If you adore the bold, melty flavors of a Philly cheesesteak but want to shake things up, this Crispy Philly Cheesesteak Pasta Recipe is going to be your new weeknight hero. Imagine tender ribeye, sautéed veggies, and gooey cheese mingling with cavatappi pasta for ultimate comfort in one pot!

The image shows a close-up of a white pan filled with pasta in a creamy, melted cheese sauce. The pasta is light beige with smooth and slightly curled edges, covered in a thick layer of melted cheese that stretches as it is lifted with a spoon. There are pieces of brown mushrooms mixed in, adding texture to the creamy cheese and pasta. Small green parsley bits are scattered on top, adding color contrast. The background has a red and white checkered cloth and some blurred green vegetables on a white marbled surface. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Jump to:

Why You'll Love This Recipe
Ingredients & Why They Work
Make It Your Way
Step-by-Step: How I Make Crispy Philly Cheesesteak Pasta Recipe
Top Tip
How to Serve Crispy Philly Cheesesteak Pasta Recipe
Make Ahead and Storage
Frequently Asked Questions:
Final Thoughts
Crispy Philly Cheesesteak Pasta Recipe

Why You'll Love This Recipe

I’ve made this Crispy Philly Cheesesteak Pasta recipe more times than I can count, and every time it hits the spot. It’s simple, crowd-pleasing, and packs all those classic sandwich flavors in a creamy, cheesy dinner that everyone will rave about.

One-pot convenience: You get all those iconic Philly cheesesteak flavors without juggling multiple pans or dishes.
Perfectly creamy: The heavy cream and cheese melt into a luscious sauce that clings to every bite of cavatappi pasta.
Steak and veggies combo: Tender ribeye meets sautéed mushrooms, onions, and bell peppers for a hearty, flavorful bite.
Broiled cheesy topping: That final broil with provolone on top gives a melty, bubbly finish that’s irresistibly crispy around the edges.

Ingredients & Why They Work

Shopping for this recipe is a breeze if you focus on the freshest ingredients. Quality ribeye steak is key for tender bites, and grabbing a good beef broth sets a rich base. I like to keep my pantry stocked with smoked paprika and Worcestershire sauce—they’re small touches that amp up the flavor big time.

Flat lay of a small white ceramic bowl of golden olive oil, a pile of thinly sliced raw ribeye steak, a cluster of fresh baby bella mushrooms sliced, a diced yellow onion, a diced green bell pepper, four peeled garlic cloves, a small white bowl of dark Worcestershire sauce, a small white bowl containing smoked paprika powder, a small white bowl with onion powder, a small white bowl of garlic powder, a small white bowl of salt, a small white bowl of black pepper, a simple white ceramic bowl filled with rich beef broth, a small white bowl of heavy cream, a small heap of uncooked cavatappi pasta, several slices of pale provolone cheese arranged neatly, a small mound of shredded mozzarella cheese, a few pats of unsalted butter, and a small pile of chopped fresh parsley, all placed on a clean white marble surface, soft natural light, photo taken with an iPhone, professional food photography style, fresh ingredients, white ceramic bowls, no bottles, no duplicates, no utensils, no packaging --ar 2:3 --v 7 --p m7354615311229779997

Olive oil: For searing the steak and sautéing the veggies, adding subtle fruity notes.
Ribeye steak: The star of the dish, offering rich marbling and tender texture.
Baby bella mushrooms: They soak up flavor and add a meaty, earthy depth.
Yellow onion: Adds sweetness and balances the savory notes.
Green bell pepper: For that classic Philly crunch and freshness.
Garlic: Keeps things aromatic and flavorful.
Worcestershire sauce: A secret weapon to deepen the beefy flavors.
Smoked paprika: Adds a smoky warmth that complements the steak perfectly.
Onion powder & garlic powder: Boost the savory profile without overpowering.
Salt and black pepper: Essential seasoning to bring it all together.
Beef broth: Creates a rich, flavorful cooking liquid for the pasta.
Heavy cream: Gives the sauce its decadently creamy texture.
Cavatappi pasta: The perfect twisty shape to capture all that sauce.
Provolone cheese: Half chopped into the sauce, half sliced on top for broiling.
Mozzarella cheese: Melts beautifully for that gooey cheesiness.
Unsalted butter: Rounds out the sauce with richness and silky smoothness.
Fresh parsley: Optional, but adds a bright, fresh finish.

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Note: You'll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Make It Your Way

One of the best things about the Crispy Philly Cheesesteak Pasta Recipe is how easy it is to customize. Whether you want to switch up the meat, add some heat, or make it a bit lighter, there’s plenty of room to make this dish truly your own.

Steak Swap: I’ve tried using sirloin instead of ribeye when I wanted a leaner cut, and it still turned out wonderfully tender with great flavor.
Vegetarian Twist: For a meatless option, sauté extra mushrooms, bell peppers, and onions, then add a touch of smoked tempeh or plant-based beef to keep that smoky, savory depth.
Cheesy Upgrade: Mixing in a bit of sharp cheddar with the mozzarella adds a lovely tang that pairs perfectly with the steak and spices.
Spicy Kick: If you love a little heat, stirring in some crushed red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce right when you add the spices really wakes up the flavors.
Pasta Alternatives: If cavatappi isn’t on hand, elbow macaroni or penne pasta works just as well for soaking up that creamy sauce.

Step-by-Step: How I Make Crispy Philly Cheesesteak Pasta Recipe

A white round plate holds a creamy macaroni dish with 3 main layers: at the base are soft, slightly yellow macaroni piles, mixed with sliced brown mushrooms spread evenly; on top is a thick layer of creamy, light beige sauce coating the pasta and mushrooms, making them shiny and smooth; scattered green parsley pieces are sprinkled over the dish, adding small fresh color spots. To the top left, a close-up of a white oval baking dish shows the same macaroni mixture with a golden brown melted cheese crust on one side, bubbly and slightly toasted. The whole scene is set on a white marbled surface with raw mushrooms, green herbs, a garlic bulb, and a red-checkered cloth nearby. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Step 1: Sear the Steak to Perfection

Start by heating 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large oven-safe deep pan or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add your thinly sliced ribeye steak and cook until beautifully browned — about 3 to 4 minutes is perfect. You want to get nice caramelization on the edges without overcooking. Once done, remove the steak and set it aside, keeping all those flavorful drippings in the pan to build your sauce.

Step 2: Sauté the Vegetables Until Tender

In the same pan, toss in your sliced baby bella mushrooms, diced yellow onion, and green bell pepper. Cook them for about 5 to 7 minutes until they soften and start to release their delicious aromas. Then, stir in the minced garlic and cook another minute—just long enough to gently toast the garlic and bring out its flavor.

Step 3: Load Up on Flavor with Seasonings

Now it’s time to transform these veggies into the rich base of your dish. Add Worcestershire sauce, smoked paprika, onion powder, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. Stir everything thoroughly so the vegetables are evenly coated with those savory, smoky spices. This step is key for capturing that iconic Philly cheesesteak taste.

Step 4: Cook the Pasta Right in the Sauce

Pour in 4 cups of beef broth and 1 cup of heavy cream, stirring to combine. Bring this mixture up to a rolling boil, then stir in 12 ounces of cavatappi pasta. Reduce the heat to medium-low, cover the pan, and let it simmer gently for 12 minutes. Be sure to stir occasionally so the pasta cooks evenly and absorbs all those wonderful flavors. The result is tender, flavorful pasta swimming in a creamy sauce.

Step 5: Bring It All Together with Steak and Cheese

Turn the heat down low, and stir the cooked ribeye back into the pot. Add half of your chopped provolone cheese along with 1 cup of shredded mozzarella. Stir gently until the cheeses melt into the sauce, making it irresistibly creamy and cheesy. This harmony of melted cheese and tender steak is the heart of the dish.

Step 6: Enrich with Butter and Prepare for Broiling

Stir in 2 tablespoons of unsalted butter until it’s fully incorporated and the sauce feels luxuriously smooth. Then, spread the pasta mixture evenly in your pan. Lay the remaining sliced provolone cheese across the top, covering the surface for that golden, bubbly finish.

Step 7: Broil for that Perfect Crispy Cheese Finish

Place your pan under a broiler set to high and broil for 2 to 3 minutes. Keep a close eye—the cheese will bubble up beautifully and get golden quickly. Remove as soon as the cheese looks melted and lightly browned. This step adds the signature crispy texture that makes this recipe stand out.

Step 8: Let It Rest, Garnish, and Serve

Let your Crispy Philly Cheesesteak Pasta rest for 5 minutes before serving—this allows the flavors to meld beautifully and the sauce to thicken slightly. Sprinkle with freshly chopped parsley if you like a fresh, bright touch. Then, dig in and enjoy the comforting, cheesy goodness you've created!

Top Tip

Mastering the Crispy Philly Cheesesteak Pasta Recipe is all about balancing flavors and textures. These tips will help you get that perfect creamy, cheesy pasta with tender steak and a bubbly, golden cheese crust every time.

Choose the Right Steak: Using ribeye steak makes a world of difference. Its marbling keeps the meat juicy and tender even after quick searing.
Don’t Skip the Smoked Paprika: This adds a subtle smoky depth that perfectly complements the beef and makes the dish sing.
Broil with Care: When broiling the cheese topping, watch it closely—the cheese melts fast and can burn in seconds.
Use an Oven-Safe Pan: Cooking and broiling in the same pot saves cleanup and keeps all those tasty bits right in the dish.

How to Serve Crispy Philly Cheesesteak Pasta Recipe

A round cast iron skillet filled with elbow macaroni pasta mixed with pieces of cooked meat in a creamy sauce, topped with seven evenly placed round slices of pale yellow cheese covering the surface. The skillet is placed on a gray surface with a white marbled texture, surrounded by a bulb of garlic, a whole onion, a green bell pepper, and a small wooden board holding pink salt and mixed peppercorns in white round containers. A red and white checkered cloth is partially visible on the lower right edge of the image. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Garnishes

Fresh parsley is a fantastic garnish because it adds a pop of color and a hint of brightness that cuts through the richness. You might also try a sprinkle of crushed red pepper flakes for a touch of heat, or some finely grated Parmesan if you love extra cheese flavor on top.

Side Dishes

This hearty pasta dish goes great with something light and fresh. A crisp green salad with a tangy vinaigrette or roasted Brussels sprouts with a hint of lemon works beautifully. For a cozy meal, garlic bread or warm soft rolls make perfect dippers for that creamy sauce.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store leftover Crispy Philly Cheesesteak Pasta in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will keep well for up to 3 days, retaining its creamy texture and flavors—just make sure to cool it before sealing.

Freezing

You can freeze this pasta, but the texture of the cheese might change slightly. To freeze, place cooled pasta in a freezer-safe container or bag, removing as much air as possible. It’s best consumed within 1-2 months for optimal flavor and texture.

Reheating

Reheat leftovers gently on the stovetop over low heat, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking, until warmed through. Alternatively, the microwave works well—heat in short bursts and stir between intervals to keep the sauce creamy and avoid overheating.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use a different cut of steak for this recipe?

Absolutely! Ribeye is ideal because of its tenderness and flavor, but you can substitute sirloin or flank steak. Just be sure to slice it thinly for quick cooking and tenderness.

What can I substitute if I don’t have cavatappi pasta?

Elbow macaroni or penne pasta are great alternatives. They both hold sauce well and provide a similar texture to cavatappi.

Is it necessary to use an oven-safe pan for broiling?

While an oven-safe pan is convenient, if you don’t have one, simply transfer the pasta to a baking dish before broiling the cheese topping. This prevents any damage to your cookware.

How do I prevent the cheese from burning under the broiler?

Keep a close eye on the pasta while broiling, as the cheese melts and bubbles quickly. Set a timer for 2 minutes and watch continuously to pull it out as soon as the cheese is bubbly and golden.

Final Thoughts

The Crispy Philly Cheesesteak Pasta Recipe is such a warm hug on a plate, combining all the best parts of the classic sandwich into a creamy, comforting dinner you can make in one pot. It’s perfect for family weeknights or impressing guests with minimal fuss. I hope you enjoy every cheesy, savory bite and find as much joy in making it as I do sharing it with you!