One Pot Philly Cheesesteak Pasta

Transform a beloved sandwich into pure comfort food with this One Pot Philly Steak Pasta. Ribbons of tender steak mingle with sweet bell peppers, caramelized onions, and earthy mushrooms, all enveloped in a creamy sauce that clings to every ridge of perfectly cooked penne. This crowd-pleasing dish brings the essence of Philadelphia's famous sandwich to your dinner table in just 35 minutes.

After making this countless times, I've found it's become my family's most requested meal. My youngest especially loves helping me sprinkle the cheese on top, watching it melt into gorgeous golden patches.

Essential Ingredients

• Sirloin or ribeye steak: Choose well-marbled cuts for the juiciest results. Look for bright red meat with minimal gristle
• Bell peppers: A mix of green and red adds both color and flavor complexity - green peppers bring earthiness while red ones add sweetness
• Fresh mushrooms: They should be firm and dry to the touch. Avoid any that feel slimy or show dark spots
• Penne pasta: The tubular shape and ridged exterior create the perfect vessel for catching the rich sauce
• Heavy cream: This creates the luxurious sauce base. Its high fat content prevents curdling during cooking

Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

Step 1:

Heat your olive oil until it shimmers and dances across the pan

Step 2:

Add sliced peppers, stirring until they start to soften around the edges

Step 3:

Incorporate onions, watching as they turn translucent and begin to caramelize

Step 4:

Toss in mushrooms, allowing them to release their moisture and brown

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Perfect the Protein

Step 1:

Scatter the thinly sliced steak across the vegetable mixture

Step 2:

Let it sear undisturbed for 1-2 minutes to develop a beautiful brown crust

Step 3:

Season generously with salt and pepper, stirring occasionally

Step 4:

Cook just until the meat shows hints of pink - it will finish cooking in the sauce

Build the Sauce

Step 1:

Whisk cornstarch into cold beef broth until completely smooth

Step 2:

Pour the mixture into the pan, scraping up all the flavorful browned bits

Step 3:

Add heavy cream and Worcestershire sauce, stirring to combine

Step 4:

Bring to a gentle simmer, watching the sauce begin to thicken

Incorporate the Pasta

Step 1:

Add dry penne directly to the simmering sauce

Step 2:

Stir gently to ensure each piece is submerged

Step 3:

Cover and cook, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking

Step 4:

Test pasta frequently for perfect doneness

Add the Finishing Touch

Step 1:

Once pasta is almost tender, stir in half the mozzarella

Step 2:

Sprinkle remaining cheese over the top

Step 3:

Cover and cook until cheese melts into irresistible golden patches

Step 4:

Let rest for 5 minutes before serving

Growing up, mushrooms were always my least favorite ingredient, but in this dish, they transform into something magical. The way they soak up the savory beef flavors makes them impossible to resist, and now I find myself adding extra every time I make this.

The Art of Temperature Control

When creating one-pot pasta dishes, maintaining the right temperature is crucial. A gentle simmer allows the pasta to cook evenly while the sauce thickens to the perfect consistency. I've learned this through countless attempts - watching the bubbles should remind you of a lazy summer day, not a rolling boil.

The Perfect Timing

Patience plays a key role in achieving the ideal texture. While the cooking time states 35 minutes, I've found that allowing the dish to rest for an additional 5 minutes makes a significant difference. During this time, the sauce continues to thicken, and the flavors meld together beautifully.

Seasonal Variations

This recipe adapts beautifully to seasonal changes. In summer, I love adding sweet cherry tomatoes and fresh basil. Come fall, wild mushroom varieties add earthiness, while winter calls for heartier additions like caramelized root vegetables.

Making It Your Own

The beauty of this dish lies in its versatility. Some nights, I'll add a handful of baby spinach for extra nutrients, or swap the mozzarella for provolone when I'm craving a sharper flavor. Each variation brings its own character to the table.

After years of making this dish, it's become more than just a recipe - it's a testament to how simple ingredients can transform into something extraordinary. The way the creamy sauce coats each piece of pasta, the tender bites of steak, and the sweet-savory balance of the vegetables create a symphony of flavors that never fails to bring comfort to our dinner table. Whether you're cooking for a busy weeknight or a casual gathering, this One Pot Philly Steak Pasta delivers restaurant-quality results with minimal effort.