Can I use different pasta shapes for this recipe?

Absolutely! While rotini works beautifully because its spirals capture the sauce and small bits of meat, penne, farfalle, or even egg noodles would work well. Just be aware that different pasta shapes may require slightly different cooking times, so start checking for doneness earlier.

How can I make this recipe lighter?

Several simple swaps can reduce calories without sacrificing flavor. Use ground turkey or chicken instead of beef, whole wheat pasta for added fiber, reduced-fat cheese, and increase the bell peppers while slightly reducing the meat portion. You could also add more vegetables like mushrooms or zucchini.

My family doesn't like spicy food. Can I still make this?

Definitely! Simply replace the pepper jack cheese with additional provolone, mozzarella, or mild cheddar. The dish will still have all the delicious Philly cheesesteak flavors without any heat.

Can I prepare any parts of this dish ahead of time?

Yes, you can brown the meat with onions and peppers up to a day ahead and refrigerate. When ready to cook, bring the mixture to a simmer in the skillet, then add the pasta and broth, continuing with the recipe as written. This cuts the active cooking time in half on busy weeknights.

Philly Cheesesteak Pasta Skillet Recipe

Name: Philly Cheesesteak Pasta Skillet Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 40 min
Total time: 50 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 tablespoon olive oil; 1 large yellow onion, halved and sliced 1/2-inch thick; 1 teaspoon kosher salt, divided; 1 medium red bell pepper, halved and sliced 1/2-inch thick; 1 clove garlic, minced; 1 pound ground chuck; 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper; 8 ounces dry rotini pasta; 2 (14.5-ounce) cans low-sodium chicken broth; 1 1/2 cups (4 1/2 ounces) shredded provolone cheese, divided; 1 1/2 cups (4 1/2 ounces) shredded pepper jack cheese, divided

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This Philly Cheesesteak Pasta Skillet transforms the beloved sandwich into a hearty, one-pan dinner that brings together tender pasta, savory ground beef, caramelized onions, and bell peppers under a blanket of gooey, melted cheese. Ready in about 30 minutes, it’s the perfect weeknight solution when you’re craving comfort food but don’t have time for anything complicated.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

One-Pot Wonder: Everything cooks in a single skillet, meaning fewer dishes and less cleanup after dinner.
Family Favorite: The familiar flavors of a Philly cheesesteak in a pasta format make this dish irresistible to kids and adults alike.
Quick Comfort Food: Delivers all the satisfaction of a hearty meal without hours of cooking – perfect for busy weeknights when you need something substantial.
Customizable: Easy to adjust with different proteins, cheese combinations, or add-ins to suit your family’s preferences.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Olive oil: Creates the foundation for sautéing your vegetables and prevents sticking – use a good quality oil for best flavor.
Yellow onion: Provides that classic caramelized sweetness essential to authentic Philly cheesesteak flavor.
Red bell pepper: Adds color, sweetness, and a nutritional boost to balance the richness of the dish.
Garlic: Just a little goes a long way to enhance all the other flavors without overpowering.
Ground chuck: The 80/20 fat ratio is perfect here – enough fat for flavor but not so much that the dish becomes greasy.
Salt and pepper: Simple seasonings that let the main ingredients shine – don’t skimp here!
Rotini pasta: The spiral shape catches the sauce and small bits of meat perfectly in each bite.
Chicken broth: Creates a flavorful cooking liquid for the pasta while forming a light sauce that coats everything beautifully.
Provolone cheese: Brings that authentic Philly cheesesteak flavor and melts into gorgeous, gooey strands.
Pepper jack cheese: Adds a gentle kick of heat and creaminess that elevates the entire dish.

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.

Variations

Protein Swaps

Try using thinly sliced ribeye steak instead of ground beef for a more traditional cheesesteak experience. Alternatively, ground turkey or chicken can create a lighter version.

Vegetable Add-Ins

Mushrooms make an excellent addition – sauté them with the onions and peppers for an earthier flavor profile. For a nutrition boost, stir in some baby spinach just before adding the cheese.

Cheese Options

While provolone is traditional, American cheese or Cheez Whiz can give you that classic South Philly cheesesteak taste. For a sharper flavor, substitute some of the provolone with white cheddar.

Spice Level

Kick up the heat by adding red pepper flakes or a diced jalapeño with the bell peppers. For milder palates, stick with just the provolone cheese and skip the pepper jack.

How to Make Philly Cheesesteak Pasta Skillet

Step 1: Sauté the Vegetables

Heat olive oil in a large, high-sided skillet over medium-high heat. Add sliced onions with half the salt and cook until they begin to brown and soften, about 5 minutes. Add bell peppers and garlic, cooking for another 2-3 minutes until peppers begin to soften and garlic becomes fragrant.

Step 2: Brown the Beef

Add ground chuck, remaining salt, and black pepper to the vegetable mixture. Break the meat into small pieces with a wooden spoon, cooking until thoroughly browned with no pink remaining, about 5-7 minutes.

Step 3: Cook the Pasta

Stir uncooked rotini directly into the beef mixture. Pour in chicken broth, cover the skillet, and bring to a boil. Remove the cover and continue cooking for 20-25 minutes, stirring occasionally, until pasta is tender and most liquid has been absorbed.

Step 4: Add the Cheese

Stir half of both cheeses into the hot pasta until melted and incorporated. Sprinkle the remaining cheese evenly across the top of the skillet.

Step 5: Broil to Perfection

Place the skillet under the broiler for 2-3 minutes, watching carefully, until the cheese on top turns golden-brown and bubbly.

Pro Tips for Making the Recipe

Don’t rush the onions: Those extra minutes caramelizing the onions build incredible depth of flavor that makes this dish special.
Test pasta doneness: Start checking the pasta around the 18-minute mark – different brands may cook faster or slower than others.
Control the liquid: If too much broth remains when pasta is done, increase heat and cook uncovered for a few more minutes. If pasta needs more cooking time but liquid is scarce, add a splash more broth.
Even cheese distribution: When adding the first half of cheese, stir quickly while the pasta is still very hot to create a creamy sauce-like texture throughout.
Keep an eye on the broiler: The difference between perfectly golden cheese and burnt disaster can be less than a minute when broiling.

How to Serve

Main Dish Pairing

This hearty skillet is a complete meal on its own, but pairs beautifully with a simple green salad dressed with vinaigrette to cut through the richness.

Bread Accompaniment

Serve with garlic bread or toasted hoagie rolls on the side for an extra nod to the sandwich inspiration.

Garnish Options

Sprinkle with fresh parsley or sliced green onions for color and a fresh flavor contrast. Some fans of traditional cheesesteaks even like to offer pepperoncini on the side.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Transfer cooled leftovers to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. The flavors actually continue to develop overnight, making this fantastic the next day.

Freezing

While you can freeze portions in airtight containers for up to 2 months, the pasta texture will soften somewhat upon thawing. For best results, slightly undercook the pasta if you know you’ll be freezing portions.

Reheating

Reheat refrigerated leftovers in the microwave with a splash of water or broth to revitalize the sauce. For frozen portions, thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating. For the best texture, reheat covered in a 350°F oven until hot throughout.

FAQs

Can I use different pasta shapes for this recipe?

Absolutely! While rotini works beautifully because its spirals capture the sauce and small bits of meat, penne, farfalle, or even egg noodles would work well. Just be aware that different pasta shapes may require slightly different cooking times, so start checking for doneness earlier.
How can I make this recipe lighter?

Several simple swaps can reduce calories without sacrificing flavor. Use ground turkey or chicken instead of beef, whole wheat pasta for added fiber, reduced-fat cheese, and increase the bell peppers while slightly reducing the meat portion. You could also add more vegetables like mushrooms or zucchini.
My family doesn’t like spicy food. Can I still make this?

Definitely! Simply replace the pepper jack cheese with additional provolone, mozzarella, or mild cheddar. The dish will still have all the delicious Philly cheesesteak flavors without any heat.
Can I prepare any parts of this dish ahead of time?

Yes, you can brown the meat with onions and peppers up to a day ahead and refrigerate. When ready to cook, bring the mixture to a simmer in the skillet, then add the pasta and broth, continuing with the recipe as written. This cuts the active cooking time in half on busy weeknights.

Final Thoughts

This Philly Cheesesteak Pasta Skillet brings together the best of two comfort food worlds – the beloved flavors of a Philadelphia classic and the heartiness of a pasta dinner. It’s the kind of recipe that becomes a regular in your meal rotation because it satisfies cravings while being simple enough for even hectic weeknights. Give it a try the next time you’re seeking something comforting but don’t want to spend hours in the kitchen!