Philly Pasta Recipe

Creamy Philly Pasta Recipe: A Cozy Comfort Food Classic

Philly pasta combines culinary creativity with comfort food magic, changeing ordinary ingredients into an extraordinary dining experience.

Creamy textures and bold flavors dance together, promising a meal that surprises and delights hungry diners.

Regional ingredients speak volumes about cultural heritage and traditional cooking techniques.

Restaurants and home kitchens alike celebrate this remarkable dish’s ability to satisfy diverse palates.

Smooth cheese and tender proteins create a symphony of taste that feels both familiar and innovative.

Rich, hearty components blend seamlessly, elevating simple pasta to a gourmet masterpiece.

The magic happens when skilled cooks change basic elements into something truly spectacular.

Philly Pasta That Packs Comfort and Bold Flavor

  • Savor Quick Flavor Fusion: This Philly Pasta masterfully combines classic Philly cheesesteak elements with comforting tortellini, delivering a mouthwatering meal that merges two beloved dishes in one skillet.
  • Enjoy Effortless Cooking Technique: The recipe uses a single-pan method that maximizes flavor development while minimizing cleanup, making it perfect for busy home cooks wanting delicious results without complicated steps.
  • Celebrate Texture Harmony: Tender beef, soft tortellini, and melted provolone cheese create a delightful interplay of textures that provides satisfying bites with every forkful, ensuring a rich and engaging eating experience.

Ingredients for a Philly-Inspired Pasta Dish

Pasta Base:
  • Cheese Tortellini: Soft, cheese-filled pasta that adds a creamy texture to the dish, pre-cooked for easy integration.
Protein:
  • Beef Steak: Tender, thinly sliced meat for a hearty protein, best with marbling for extra flavor.
  • Beef Broth: Rich liquid that enhances the meat's savory profile and adds depth to the sauce.
Vegetables:
  • Bell Pepper, Onion, Mushrooms: Colorful mix of vegetables that provide crunch, sweetness, and earthy undertones.
  • Garlic: Aromatic ingredient that adds a robust and pungent flavor to the dish.
Seasoning and Sauce Enhancers:
  • Salt, Black Pepper: Basic seasonings for balancing and intensifying overall taste.
  • Worcestershire Sauce, Soy Sauce: Umami-rich condiments that add complexity and depth to the sauce.
Cheese Topping:
  • Provolone Cheese: Sharp, melty cheese that creates a creamy and indulgent finish.
  • Fresh Parsley: Optional green herb for garnishing and adding a fresh, bright note.
Cooking Fat:
  • Olive Oil: Smooth cooking oil for sautéing and adding a subtle richness to the dish.

Instructions to Cook Creamy Philly Pasta at Home

Step 1: Prepare Tortellini

Boil water in a large pot. Add cheese tortellini and cook according to package directions. Drain and set aside in a bowl.

Step 2: Sear Beef

Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add beef steak slices and cook until golden brown:
  • Sear first side for 2-3 minutes
  • Flip and cook opposite side for 2-3 minutes

Remove beef and place on a separate plate.

Step 3: Sauté Vegetables

In the same skillet, add:
  • Sliced bell peppers
  • Chopped onions
  • Sliced mushrooms
  • Minced garlic

Sprinkle with salt and black pepper. Cook while stirring occasionally until vegetables become tender, about 5-7 minutes.

Step 4: Combine Protein and Vegetables

Return seared beef to the skillet with cooked vegetables.

Step 5: Create Flavor Base

Pour into skillet:
  • Beef broth
  • Worcestershire sauce
  • Soy sauce

Simmer mixture for 2-3 minutes to blend flavors.

Step 6: Add Tortellini

Toss cooked tortellini into skillet, mixing thoroughly with beef and vegetables.

Step 7: Melt Cheese

Sprinkle shredded provolone cheese over pasta mixture. Cover skillet and cook until cheese melts completely, about 2-3 minutes.

Step 8: Garnish and Serve

Remove skillet from heat. Optional: Scatter fresh chopped parsley on top. Serve immediately while hot.

Tips for Extra Rich and Creamy Philly Pasta

  • Slice Steak Strategically: Cut the beef against the grain for maximum tenderness and easier chewing.
  • Sear with Precision: Use high heat when browning the steak to lock in juices and create a delicious golden crust.
  • Veggie Timing Matters: Add mushrooms last when sautéing to prevent releasing too much moisture and maintain their texture.
  • Cheese Melting Hack: Let provolone sit for a minute after removing from heat to create those irresistible cheese pulls.
  • Flavor Boosting Tip: Let the broth simmer briefly to concentrate the rich, savory flavors and create a more intense sauce.

Philly Pasta Storage and Reheat Tips That Work

  • Refrigerate: Transfer the pasta to an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Store in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
  • Microwave: Reheat individual portions on medium power for 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway through to ensure even heating. Add a splash of beef broth to prevent dryness.
  • Stovetop: Warm the pasta in a skillet over medium-low heat, stirring gently and adding a bit of broth or water to maintain moisture. Heat until the internal temperature reaches 165°F.

What to Serve With Philly Pasta for a Full Plate

  • Boost Flavor with Bold Red Wine: Pair this hearty Philly pasta with a robust cabernet sauvignon or zinfandel to complement the rich beef and provolone cheese flavors.
  • Cool and Crisp Salad Companion: Serve a light mixed green salad with a tangy vinaigrette to balance the dish's richness and add a fresh, bright contrast.
  • Crusty Bread Sidekick: Add warm garlic bread or a crusty French baguette to soak up the delicious sauce and provide a satisfying textural crunch alongside the pasta.
  • Creamy Dessert Finale: Follow the meal with a smooth cheesecake or tiramisu to continue the Philadelphia-inspired culinary theme and end on a sweet note.

Pasta Variations With a Philly Twist

  • Spicy Southwestern Pasta: Replace bell peppers with roasted poblano peppers and add chili powder, cumin, and cayenne for a fiery kick. Top with pepper jack cheese instead of provolone for extra heat.
  • Mediterranean Herb Pasta: Swap beef with lamb, incorporate oregano and thyme, and use feta cheese. Add sun-dried tomatoes and kalamata olives for authentic Mediterranean flavors.
  • Mushroom Lover's Pasta: Double the mushroom variety by adding shiitake and oyster mushrooms. Replace beef broth with red wine for deeper umami flavor. Sprinkle with truffle-infused parmesan cheese for a gourmet touch.
  • Creamy Stroganoff Style: Transform the dish by adding sour cream and cream cheese to create a richer sauce. Use button mushrooms and consider adding a splash of white wine for complexity.
Print
clock clock iconcutlery cutlery iconflag flag iconfolder folder iconinstagram instagram iconpinterest pinterest iconfacebook facebook iconprint print iconsquares squares iconheart heart iconheart solid heart solid icon
Philly Pasta Recipe

Philly Pasta Recipe


5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.8 from 14 reviews

  • Total Time: 30 minutes
  • Yield: 4 1x

Description

Creamy Philly pasta brings Philadelphia’s iconic cheesesteak flavors into a comforting noodle experience. Rich beef, melted provolone, and caramelized onions dance together in this hearty dish you’ll crave again and again.


Ingredients

Scale

Main Protein:

  • 1 lb beef steak (such as sirloin or ribeye), thinly sliced
  • 1 lb cheese tortellini

Vegetables and Aromatics:

  • 1 green bell pepper, thinly sliced
  • 1 onion, thinly sliced
  • 8 ounces (226 grams) mushrooms, sliced
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced

Sauces, Seasonings, and Cheese:

  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 cup beef broth
  • 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
  • 1 tablespoon soy sauce
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 2 cups shredded provolone cheese
  • Chopped fresh parsley for garnish (optional)

Instructions

  1. Prepare cheese tortellini according to package guidelines, then drain and reserve.
  2. Sear thinly sliced beef steak in a skillet with olive oil over high heat until golden brown, approximately 2-3 minutes per side. Transfer meat to a separate plate.
  3. Using the same skillet, sauté sliced bell pepper, onion, mushrooms, and minced garlic with salt and pepper until vegetables become tender and slightly caramelized.
  4. Reintroduce the seared beef into the vegetable mixture.
  5. Pour beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, and soy sauce into the skillet, creating a rich, savory liquid. Allow the sauce to simmer and reduce slightly, concentrating the flavors.
  6. Gently fold the cooked tortellini into the beef and vegetable mixture, ensuring each pasta piece is evenly coated with the aromatic sauce.
  7. Generously sprinkle provolone cheese over the top of the pasta, then cover the skillet. Let the cheese melt completely, creating a creamy, luxurious coating.
  8. Remove from heat once the cheese is fully melted and glossy.
  9. Optional: Garnish with freshly chopped parsley for a vibrant, herbaceous finish before serving hot.

Notes

  • Quick and hearty one-skillet meal bursting with robust flavors and protein-packed ingredients.
  • Elevate the dish by choosing high-quality beef steak with good marbling for tender, juicy results.
  • Sautéing vegetables first develops deeper flavor profiles before adding meat and broth.
  • Provolone cheese creates a creamy, melty finish that blankets the entire pasta mixture.
  • Worcestershire and soy sauce combination adds complex umami undertones to the overall taste.
  • Fresh parsley provides a bright, herbaceous garnish that cuts through the richness of the dish.
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 20 minutes
  • Category: Lunch, Dinner
  • Method: Sautéing
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 4
  • Calories: 650
  • Sugar: 3 g
  • Sodium: 1200 mg
  • Fat: 30 g
  • Saturated Fat: 15 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 70 g
  • Fiber: 4 g
  • Protein: 35 g
  • Cholesterol: 80 mg
Liam O'Brien

Liam O’Brien

Founder & Recipe Developer

Expertise

  • Traditional Irish Dishes
  • Farm-to-Table Cooking
  • Recipe Creation
  • Teaching Cooking Skills
  • Sustainable Food Practices

Education

Dublin Institute of Technology (now Technological University Dublin)

  • Program: Bachelor of Arts in Culinary Arts
  • Focus: Hands-on training in cooking techniques, kitchen management, and exploring both Irish and international cuisines.

Ballymaloe Cookery School, County Cork, Ireland

  • Program: 12-Week Certificate Course
  • Focus: Farm-to-table cooking, emphasizing the use of fresh, local ingredients and traditional cooking methods.

Liam O’Brien is the co-founder and kitchen soul behind Good Tasting Meals, a chef who believes that cooking shouldn’t feel stressful or complicated.

He earned his culinary stripes at Technological University Dublin and polished his farm-to-table skills at Ballymaloe Cookery School. With over 15 years flipping pans and stirring up stories, Liam has worked in family cafés, bustling bistros, and everything in between.

At Good Tasting Meals, Liam brings you recipes that feel like home: cozy, simple, and full of flavor.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Recipe rating 5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star