Cooking has always been my favorite way to bring a bit of joy and comfort into everyday life. One chilly evening last fall, I stumbled upon an old recipe card tucked inside a family cookbook, handwritten by my late aunt. It wasn’t a traditional Philly cheesesteak, but a hearty pasta twist that caught my curiosity.
The idea of combining the rich, savory flavors of a cheesesteak sandwich with tender pasta felt like an inspired fusion of comfort foods. I gave it a try, and right away, the kitchen filled with the mouthwatering aroma of caramelized onions, peppers, and melted cheese—just like those classic sandwiches from Pennsylvania, but with a cozy pasta hug.
It quickly became a favorite for weeknight dinners, especially when I wanted something satisfying but easy to prepare. It’s packed with flavor, simple enough for home cooks, and easily adapted to fit a healthier lifestyle.
Every time I make this dish, I feel like I’m sharing a little piece of culinary history with my family. I’m excited to share this recipe with you—one that honors tradition while bringing something fresh and delicious to the table.
Short Description
Philly Cheesesteak Pasta blends tender rotini with ground beef, sautéed onions, peppers, and mushrooms, all coated in a creamy, cheesy sauce made from French onion soup and cream cheese. It’s a comforting, savory meal perfect for busy nights.
Key Ingredients
- 1 lb lean ground beef (90/10)
- 16 oz rotini pasta
- 1 can Campbell’s French Onion Soup (10.5 oz)
- 3 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1 medium yellow onion, diced
- 1 medium green pepper, diced
- 2 cups mushrooms, diced (optional)
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1/4 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 tablespoon onion powder
- 1/2 tablespoon garlic powder
- Black pepper, to taste
- 1/2 teaspoon celery salt
- 1 tablespoon dried parsley
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
Tools Needed
- Large skillet or sauté pan
- Medium pot for boiling pasta
- Wooden spoon or spatula
- Measuring spoons and cups
- Cheese grater (if shredding mozzarella)
- Strainer for pasta
Cooking Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Vegetables
Melt butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add diced onions, green peppers, and mushrooms if using. Cook, stirring occasionally, for 10–15 minutes until the vegetables are golden brown and softened.
Step 2: Add Seasonings and Worcestershire Sauce
Stir in Worcestershire sauce and cook for another 3 minutes to deepen the flavors. Sprinkle paprika, onion powder, garlic powder, celery salt, and black pepper evenly over the mixture. Stir well to combine.
Step 3: Cook the Ground Beef
Add the ground beef to the skillet. Break it apart with a spatula and cook until browned and fully cooked through, about 7–10 minutes. Drain excess fat if needed.
Step 4: Incorporate the Soup and Cream Cheese
Pour the French onion soup into the skillet and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. Cut the softened cream cheese into cubes and stir it in, allowing it to melt completely for a smooth, creamy sauce.
Step 5: Mix in Pasta and Cheese
Cook rotini pasta according to package directions until al dente. Drain and add the pasta to the skillet, stirring to coat evenly with the sauce. Sprinkle in dried parsley and mix well.
Step 6: Add Mozzarella and Rest
Turn off the heat and stir in 2 cups of shredded mozzarella. Sprinkle the remaining mozzarella evenly over the top. Cover the skillet or transfer to a baking dish and let rest for 10 minutes to allow flavors to meld and cheese to melt.
Troubleshooting Tips:
If the sauce is too thick, add a splash of milk to loosen it. If it feels too thin, cook a little longer on low heat to reduce. Watch the cheese carefully to avoid burning or clumping.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
– Comforting and hearty without being heavy
– Combines classic Philly cheesesteak flavors in an easy pasta dish
– Quick weeknight meal that requires minimal prep
– Versatile for adding extra veggies or swapping proteins
– Family-friendly and crowd-pleasing
Mistakes to Avoid & Solutions
Mistake 1: Overcooking the veggies
Sauté until soft and golden—not burnt. Stir occasionally to prevent scorching.
Solution: Lower heat if the pan starts to brown too quickly.
Mistake 2: Using low-fat cream cheese
It won’t melt as smoothly and can make the sauce grainy.
Solution: Stick with full-fat cream cheese for that creamy finish.
Mistake 3: Skipping the resting time
The cheese needs time to bind everything together.
Solution: Always let it sit for 10 minutes after adding cheese.
Serving and Pairing Suggestions
Serve this dish hot as a satisfying main course. Pair it with a crisp green salad dressed lightly with lemon vinaigrette to cut through the richness.
Garlic bread or a warm baguette complements the creamy texture.
For drinks, try a chilled pale ale or a sparkling water with a twist of lime. It works beautifully in family-style settings or as part of a casual buffet.
Storage and Reheating Tips
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Reheat gently on the stove over low heat, adding a splash of milk to refresh the sauce.
Microwaving works, but stir halfway through to heat evenly.
Avoid overheating to prevent drying out or curdling the cheese.
FAQs
1. Can I use a different pasta shape?
Yes, any sturdy pasta like penne or rigatoni works well to hold the sauce.
2. Is it possible to make this dish vegetarian?
Absolutely. Swap ground beef for plant-based crumbles or sauté extra mushrooms and add lentils for protein.
3. Can I prepare this ahead of time?
You can cook and assemble everything, then refrigerate before adding cheese and resting. Bake or warm before serving.
4. How spicy is this recipe?
It’s mild, but you can add crushed red pepper flakes or hot sauce for a kick.
5. What’s the best way to soften cream cheese quickly?
Microwave it in short bursts (10–15 seconds) or leave it at room temperature for 30 minutes before using.
Tips & Tricks
Use lean beef to keep the dish lighter without sacrificing flavor.
Dicing vegetables uniformly helps them cook evenly.
Toast dried parsley slightly in a dry pan before adding to bring out its aroma.
Letting the dish rest after cooking improves flavor melding and texture.
Recipe Variations
Spicy Kick: Add 1 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes with the spices.
Cheesy Swap: Substitute mozzarella with provolone or sharp cheddar for different textures and taste.
Protein Twist: Use thinly sliced steak or shredded chicken instead of ground beef; cook accordingly.
Veggie Boost: Add chopped spinach or kale in Step 3 for a fresh green note.
Final Thoughts
I love how this Philly Cheesesteak Pasta combines the best of two worlds—comforting pasta and bold sandwich flavors. It’s a dish that invites you to slow down, savor the rich sauce, and enjoy the familiar warmth of melted cheese mingling with tender beef and veggies. Every bite feels like a cozy evening in the kitchen, sharing stories and laughter around the table.
The ease of preparation makes it ideal for anyone looking to impress with minimal fuss, while its hearty goodness keeps you coming back for seconds. This recipe has found a special place in my home and heart, and I hope it will in yours, too. It’s a reminder that food can connect generations and spark new traditions, one delicious plate at a time.
Philly Cheesesteak Pasta Dish
Print ThisIngredients
- 1 lb lean ground beef (90/10)
- 16 oz rotini pasta
- 1 can Campbell's French Onion Soup (10.5 oz)
- 3 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1 medium yellow onion, diced
- 1 medium green pepper, diced
- 2 cups mushrooms, diced (optional)
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1/4 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 tablespoon onion powder
- 1/2 tablespoon garlic powder
- Black pepper, to taste
- 1/2 teaspoon celery salt
- 1 tablespoon dried parsley
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Vegetables
In a large skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Add diced onions, green peppers, and optional mushrooms. Cook for 10–15 minutes until softened and golden.
Step 2: Add Seasonings and Worcestershire Sauce
Stir in Worcestershire sauce and cook for 3 minutes. Add paprika, onion powder, garlic powder, celery salt, and black pepper. Mix well.
Step 3: Cook the Ground Beef
Add ground beef and break it into crumbles. Cook for 7–10 minutes until browned. Drain excess fat if needed.
Step 4: Incorporate Soup and Cream Cheese
Pour in French onion soup and bring to a simmer. Add cubed cream cheese and stir until smooth and melted.
Step 5: Mix in Pasta and Cheese
Cook pasta until al dente, then drain. Stir into the skillet with dried parsley until well combined.
Step 6: Add Mozzarella and Rest
Turn off heat. Mix in 2 cups mozzarella, then top with remaining cheese. Cover and let rest 10 minutes for flavors to meld.
