Cheesesteak Pasta Delight Recipe

The Ultimate Cheesesteak Pasta Recipe: A Flavor-Packed Family Hit

Cheesesteak pasta combines two culinary favorites into one mouthwatering dish that refines classic sandwich flavors into a comforting meal.

Bold ingredients dance together, creating a symphony of robust tastes and textures that instantly spark excitement.

Tender strips of beef intermingle with melted cheese and perfectly cooked pasta, promising a dining experience that transcends ordinary recipes.

Familiar comfort food elements merge seamlessly, delivering a hearty sensation that feels both nostalgic and innovative.

Each carefully selected ingredient contributes depth and character to this delectable creation, elevating simple components into something extraordinary.

Home cooks will appreciate the straightforward preparation and crowd-pleasing results that make this recipe a guaranteed hit.

Rich, savory notes promise to tantalize taste buds and satisfy even the most discerning hunger.

Tips for Rich Pasta Flavor

  • Maximize Meat Flavor: Brown the beef or steak thoroughly to develop deep, rich flavors that will elevate the entire dish.
  • Prevent Soggy Shells: Slightly undercook pasta shells before stuffing, as they'll continue cooking in the oven and maintain a perfect al dente texture.
  • Cheese Sauce Smoothness: Whisk constantly when adding milk to the roux to ensure a silky, lump-free cheese sauce that coats the shells beautifully.
  • Filling Distribution: Use a small spoon or piping bag to evenly distribute the cheesesteak filling, ensuring each shell gets maximum flavor.
  • Crispy Top Technique: Remove the foil during the last few minutes of baking to create a golden, slightly crispy cheese surface that adds textural contrast.

Store Cheesesteak Pasta Smartly

  • Refrigerate Leftovers: Transfer any remaining cheesesteak pasta shells to an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Store in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days, keeping the dish sealed tightly to maintain freshness and prevent moisture loss.
  • Freeze for Later: Wrap the baking dish securely with plastic wrap and aluminum foil to preserve the pasta's texture. Freeze for up to 2 months. Place a date label on the container to track storage time and ensure optimal quality.
  • Reheat with Care: Thaw frozen shells in the refrigerator overnight before reheating. Warm individual portions in the microwave for 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway through.

What to Eat with Cheesesteak Pasta

  • Craft a Bold Beer Companion: Select a robust amber ale or hoppy IPA to cut through the rich, creamy cheese sauce and complement the hearty beef flavors. The beer's carbonation will refresh your palate between each savory bite.
  • Elevate with Fresh Salad Pairing: Toss a crisp arugula salad with light vinaigrette dressing to balance the pasta's heaviness. The peppery greens and tangy dressing will provide a refreshing contrast to the cheesy, meaty shells.
  • Create Zesty Wine Match: Opt for a medium-bodied red wine like Zinfandel or Malbec, which can stand up to the intense beef and cheese profile. These wines offer fruity undertones that enhance the dish's complex flavors without overwhelming the palate.
  • Serve with Roasted Vegetable Side: Prepare simple roasted asparagus or Brussels sprouts with garlic and olive oil to add a nutritious and flavorful accompaniment. The caramelized vegetables will introduce a delightful textural element to the meal.

Cheesesteak Pasta Mix-Ins

  • Philly Pepper Popper Pasta: Roast additional jalapeños and mix them into the filling for a spicier cheesesteak experience. Add cream cheese to the sauce for extra richness and heat.
  • Mediterranean Veggie Shells: Swap ground beef with roasted eggplant and zucchini. Include feta cheese and oregano in the filling. Replace some milk with Greek yogurt for a tangy sauce.
  • Smoky Bacon Cheesesteak Shells: Crisp chopped bacon and incorporate into the meat mixture. Use smoked provolone instead of regular. Add a dash of smoked paprika to the cheese sauce for deeper flavor complexity.
  • Low-Carb Cauliflower Version: Replace pasta shells with roasted cauliflower florets. Use thinly sliced steak and keep the cheesy filling. Top with extra cheese and bake until golden and bubbly.

Cheesesteak Pasta Roundup

  • Savor Cheesesteak Fusion: This recipe brilliantly combines the classic Philly cheesesteak flavors with comforting pasta shells, creating a mouthwatering crossover that transforms two beloved dishes into one incredible meal.
  • Creamy Cheese Explosion: The homemade cheese sauce with provolone, cheddar, and Parmesan delivers an ultra-rich, velvety texture that coats each pasta shell with decadent, melty goodness that will make taste buds dance.
  • Effortless Gourmet Experience: Despite looking impressive, this recipe is surprisingly simple to prepare, making it perfect for home cooks who want restaurant-quality flavor without complicated techniques or hours of preparation.
  • Versatile Crowd-Pleaser: Whether you're hosting a casual family dinner or feeding hungry friends, these stuffed cheesesteak pasta shells offer a crowd-pleasing option that satisfies meat lovers and comfort food enthusiasts alike.

What’s in Cheesesteak Pasta

Pasta Base:
  • Jumbo Pasta Shells: Large pasta shells perfect for stuffing with flavorful filling, easy to cook and hold shape well.
Meat and Vegetables:
  • Ground Beef or Sliced Steak: Classic cheesesteak protein that provides rich, meaty flavor and substantial texture.
  • Onion: Adds sweet and aromatic base to the cheesesteak mixture, enhances overall depth of flavor.
  • Bell Pepper: Brings crisp texture and bright color to the filling, traditional cheesesteak vegetable.
  • Garlic: Provides intense, pungent flavor that complements the meat and cheese.
Cheese and Dairy Components:
  • Provolone Cheese: Melty cheese that adds creamy, sharp flavor to the cheesesteak filling.
  • Cheddar Cheese: Sharp cheese that creates a rich, tangy cheese sauce with excellent melting properties.
  • Parmesan Cheese: Adds nutty, salty dimension to the cheese sauce, enhancing overall flavor complexity.
  • Butter: Creates smooth base for cheese sauce, provides rich, creamy texture.
  • Flour: Helps thicken the cheese sauce and create smooth consistency.
  • Milk: Provides liquid base for creating creamy, silky cheese sauce.
Seasoning and Enhancers:
  • Worcestershire Sauce: Adds deep, umami flavor to the meat mixture.
  • Salt: Enhances and balances the overall flavor of the dish.
  • Black Pepper: Provides subtle heat and aromatic seasoning.
  • Olive Oil: Used for cooking meat and vegetables, adds subtle flavor.
  • Parsley or Chives: Optional fresh herb garnish for added color and brightness.

Cook Cheesesteak Pasta Easily

Step 1: Boil Pasta Shells

Grab a large pot and fill it with water. Add a pinch of salt and bring to a rolling boil. Drop in jumbo pasta shells and cook until they’re perfectly tender. Drain and let them cool down for a bit.

Step 2: Craft the Cheesesteak Filling

Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium flame. Toss in ground beef or sliced steak, breaking it up as it sizzles and browns. If there’s extra grease, bid it farewell. Introduce chopped:
  • Onions
  • Bell peppers
  • Garlic

Let these buddies cook until they’re soft and fragrant. Splash in Worcestershire sauce, then sprinkle salt and pepper. Take the skillet off the heat and mix in shredded provolone cheese.

Step 3: Whip Up Creamy Cheese Sauce

In a saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Whisk in flour and let it dance for 1-2 minutes until it turns a light golden color. Slowly pour milk, whisking like a pro to keep things smooth. Cook until the sauce thickens up. Pull it off the heat and stir in:
  • Cheddar cheese
  • Parmesan cheese

Season with salt and pepper to your liking.

Step 4: Prepare for Baking

Crank up the oven to 375°F. Spread a thin layer of cheese sauce in a baking dish to prevent any sticky situations. Stuff each pasta shell generously with the cheesesteak filling, nestling them into the dish.

Step 5: Bake to Perfection

Pour the remaining cheese sauce over the stuffed shells. Cover the dish with aluminum foil and slide it into the oven for 20 minutes. Then, reveal the shells by removing the foil and bake for another 5-10 minutes until the top gets a beautiful golden brown.

Step 6: Serve and Enjoy

Sprinkle some fresh chopped parsley or chives on top for a burst of color. Serve piping hot alongside a crisp salad or some garlic bread. Get ready for a flavor explosion!

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Cheesesteak Pasta Delight Recipe

Cheesesteak Pasta Delight Recipe


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4.8 from 26 reviews

  • Total Time: 55 minutes
  • Yield: 4 to 6 1x

Description

Philly-inspired cheesesteak pasta delivers maximum flavor in one comforting dish. Melted provolone, seared beef strips, and caramelized onions blend seamlessly, inviting you to savor each hearty, nostalgic bite.


Ingredients

Scale

Meat and Pasta:

  • 1216 jumbo pasta shells
  • 1 lb (454 grams) ground beef or thinly sliced steak

Vegetables and Seasonings:

  • 1 small onion, diced
  • 1 small green bell pepper, diced
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • ¼ teaspoon black pepper

Cheese and Sauce:

  • 1 cup shredded provolone cheese or mozzarella
  • 2 tablespoons butter
  • 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
  • 1 ½ cups milk
  • 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
  • ¼ cup shredded Parmesan cheese
  • Salt and pepper, to taste
  • Chopped parsley or fresh chives

Instructions

  1. Prepare a large pot of salted water and cook jumbo pasta shells until perfectly tender, approximately 8-10 minutes. Drain thoroughly and allow shells to cool slightly.
  2. In a spacious skillet, warm olive oil over medium heat. Introduce ground beef or thinly sliced steak, browning thoroughly while breaking meat into small crumbles. Remove any accumulated fat.
  3. Incorporate diced onions, sliced bell peppers, and minced garlic into the meat mixture. Sauté for 3-4 minutes until vegetables become translucent and slightly softened.
  4. Season the meat mixture with Worcestershire sauce, kosher salt, and freshly ground black pepper. Allow mixture to cool momentarily before folding in shredded provolone cheese.
  5. Create a velvety cheese sauce by melting butter in a separate saucepan. Gradually whisk in all-purpose flour, cooking for 1-2 minutes until achieving a light golden hue.
  6. Slowly stream milk into the roux, whisking continuously to prevent lumps. Simmer for 3-4 minutes until sauce thickens to a smooth consistency.
  7. Remove sauce from heat and integrate sharp cheddar and grated Parmesan cheese. Season with additional salt and pepper to enhance flavor profile.
  8. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Spread a thin layer of cheese sauce across bottom of a 9×13 inch baking dish to prevent sticking.
  9. Generously stuff each cooled pasta shell with the prepared cheesesteak filling, arranging carefully in the baking dish.
  10. Cascade remaining cheese sauce evenly over stuffed shells. Cover dish with aluminum foil and bake for 20 minutes.
  11. Remove foil and continue baking for an additional 5-10 minutes to create a golden, slightly crispy surface.
  12. Garnish with finely chopped fresh parsley or chives. Serve immediately alongside a crisp green salad or warm garlic bread.

Notes

  • Elevate your pasta game with this mouthwatering Cheesesteak Pasta Delight that combines the classic Philly cheesesteak flavors with creamy stuffed shells.
  • Opt for high-quality ground beef or thinly sliced steak to ensure maximum flavor and tender meat in your filling.
  • Create a velvety cheese sauce by whisking constantly and adding cheese off the heat to prevent separation and achieve a smooth texture.
  • Prepare the dish ahead of time by assembling the stuffed shells and cheese sauce, then refrigerate until ready to bake for a convenient meal.
  • Use jumbo pasta shells that are slightly firm when cooked to help them hold the rich cheesesteak filling without falling apart.
  • Customize the recipe by adding extra toppings like sliced jalapeños, crispy bacon bits, or a drizzle of hot sauce for an extra flavor kick.
  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 35 minutes
  • Category: Lunch, Dinner
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 4 to 6
  • Calories: 0.17
  • Sugar: 0.01
  • Sodium: 0.20
  • Fat: 0.07
  • Saturated Fat: 0.03
  • Unsaturated Fat: 0.04
  • Trans Fat: 0.001
  • Carbohydrates: 0.03
  • Fiber: 0.002
  • Protein: 0.04
  • Cholesterol: 0.02
Lucas Bennett

Lucas Bennett

Founder & Recipe Creator

Expertise

Simple Everyday Recipes, Sustainable Cooking Practices, Creative Meal Planning, Recipe Testing and Improvement

Education

Fox Valley Technical College, Appleton, Wisconsin

  • Degree: Associate of Applied Science in Culinary Arts
  • Focus: Practical culinary training, fundamental cooking techniques, meal planning, and using fresh, local ingredients.

Lake Superior College, Duluth, Minnesota

  • Program: Certificate in Sustainable Food Systems
  • Focus: Cooking methods that promote sustainability, farm-to-table practices, and eco-friendly meal creation.

Lucas Bennett’s cooking journey started in his parents’ kitchen, where he learned to prepare tasty, no-fuss meals from scratch. His culinary passion led him to Fox Valley Technical College, where he gained practical cooking skills.
He then expanded his focus on sustainability at Lake Superior College. Today, Lucas shares easy, approachable recipes designed to make cooking enjoyable and stress-free for everyone.

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