Struggling to find one meal the entire family will eat without a single complaint? I feel you in my soul. Some nights, it feels like a culinary hostage negotiation just to get a vegetable past the lips of a tiny critic.
That’s why I’m so excited to share this recipe for Philly Cheesesteak Creamy Pasta with you. It’s my secret weapon. It takes all the hearty, comforting flavors we love from the classic sandwich and turns them into a cozy, kid-friendly pasta dish. If you love easy, creamy dinners, you should definitely try our Creamy Slow Cooker Chicken Florentine Pasta for another hands-off favorite. It’s the kind of meal that gets quiet at the table, and that’s the best review of all.
I know how tough weeknight dinners can be. You want something delicious, but you also need it to be a guaranteed win. This dish is exactly that. Let’s make dinner fun again.
Recipe Overview
- Cuisine: American Fusion
- Category: Main Course
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Servings: 6
Why Even My Picky Eaters Love This!
My kids went from suspicious to asking for seconds. Here’s the magic trick. The flavors are familiar and comforting—creamy pasta, savory meat, melted cheese. But it’s all mixed together in a new, exciting way.
The steak strips are tender and easy to chew, not tough or scary. The green peppers and onions soften and sweeten as they cook, blending right into the creamy sauce. And that sauce? It’s rich, cheesy, and coats every single noodle. There are no weird textures or separate components for them to pick apart. It’s just one big, happy, delicious bowl of yes.
Our Family-Friendly Ingredient List
I keep things simple. You probably have most of this in your pantry or can grab it in one quick trip. No fancy, hard-to-find items here!
- 1 lb fettuccine or penne pasta
- 1 lb thinly sliced sirloin or ribeye (often sold as “steak strips” or “cheesesteak meat”)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 medium green bell pepper, thinly sliced
- 1 medium onion, thinly sliced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 2 cups beef broth
- 1 cup heavy cream or whole milk for a lighter option
- 2 cups shredded provolone cheese
- Salt and black pepper to taste
How to Get the Kids Involved in Cooking This
Cooking together is a great way to get kids interested in their food. For this recipe, I have two perfect jobs.
First, let them measure and shred the provolone cheese. A box grater with a handle is safe with supervision. Second, they can be in charge of stirring the pasta as it cooks (with a long-handled spoon, away from the steam). It makes them feel proud and invested in the meal.
The Full Step-by-Step Instructions
Don’t worry, it comes together fast. I’ve broken it down so you can move through it without stress.
Philly Cheesesteak Creamy Pasta Recipe
Our Family-Friendly Ingredient List
The Full Step-by-Step Instructions
Notes
Enjoy your homemade Philly Cheesesteak Creamy Pasta Recipe!
Nutrition Information
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the pasta according to package directions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- While the pasta cooks, heat the olive oil in a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add the steak strips in a single layer. Cook for 2-3 minutes per side until browned. Remove the steak to a plate.
- In the same skillet, add the sliced green pepper and onion. Cook for 5-7 minutes, stirring often, until they are soft and starting to caramelize. Add the garlic and cook for 1 more minute until fragrant.
- Push the veggies to the side of the skillet. Add the butter to the empty space and let it melt. Sprinkle the flour over the butter and whisk to form a paste. Cook for 1 minute.
- Slowly pour in the beef broth while whisking constantly to avoid lumps. Then whisk in the heavy cream. Let the sauce simmer for 3-4 minutes until it thickens slightly.
- Reduce the heat to low. Gradually stir in the shredded provolone cheese until it’s completely melted and the sauce is smooth.
- Season the sauce with salt and pepper. Add the cooked steak strips and any juices back into the skillet. Stir to combine.
- Add the drained pasta to the skillet. Gently toss everything together until the pasta is beautifully coated in the creamy onion sauce and everything is heated through. Serve immediately!
Fun Twists for Different Tastes
Every family is different. Here’s how to make this dish work for your crew’s unique tastes.
For super sensitive kids, you can serve the creamy sauce on the side and let them dip their plain pasta and steak. Want to sneak in more veggies? Add sliced mushrooms when you cook the peppers. For the adults, a dash of Worcestershire sauce in the cheese sauce adds a fantastic depth of flavor. If you’re a fan of seafood, our luxurious Creamy Shrimp Scampi Risotto offers a similar creamy indulgence. And if you really want to treat yourself, crispy chopped bacon on top is a game-changer.
Storing & Reheating (Perfect for Busy Nights)
This is a fantastic make-ahead meal for those crazy busy nights. Let it cool completely, then store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
To reheat, add a splash of broth or milk to a saucepan with the leftovers. Warm it over medium-low heat, stirring often, until it’s hot and creamy again. The microwave works too—just use a lower power setting and stir every 30 seconds.
Nutrition Notes
- This is a balanced, filling meal with protein, carbs, and veggies all in one bowl.
- Using whole wheat pasta adds fiber.
- The provolone cheese provides calcium and protein.
- You can use leaner cuts of beef or even chicken for the steak strips.
- For a lighter sauce, swap the heavy cream for whole milk.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Can I use a different type of cheese?
Absolutely! While provolone cheese gives that authentic Philly flavor, white cheddar, Monterey Jack, or even a mozzarella-provolone blend work great. Avoid pre-shredded cheese if you can, as it often doesn’t melt as smoothly.
My steak strips came out tough. What did I do wrong?
The key is high heat and not overcrowding the pan. Cook the meat in batches if you need to. Also, make sure you’re using meat labeled for “cheesesteak” or “stir-fry,” as it’s cut thinly against the grain, which makes it tender.
Can I make this in a slow cooker?
You can, but I recommend a hybrid method. Brown the meat and veggies on the stove first for the best flavor. Then add everything except the pasta and cheese to the slow cooker on low for 4 hours. Stir in the cheese and cooked pasta right before serving. For another fantastic set-it-and-forget-it option, our Creamy Spinach and Chicken Slow Cooker Pasta is always a winner.
There you have it—my family’s new favorite way to turn a classic sandwich into a dinner table triumph. It’s cheesy, satisfying, and has this magical way of pleasing everyone from the littlest eater to the grown-ups.
I truly hope this recipe brings a little peace and a lot of yummy noises to your kitchen. It’s a reminder that we can win the dinner battle, one creamy, delicious bite at a time.
I’d love to know if this was a hit with your family! Please leave a comment and rating below!
