### Philly Steak Pasta Recipe
This Philly steak pasta recipe combines the bold flavors of a classic Philly cheesesteak with the comforting texture of pasta. Perfect for a weeknight dinner, it’s hearty, satisfying, and easy to prepare. Let’s dive into the details!
#### Ingredients
**For the Pasta:**
– **8 oz.** fettuccine or penne pasta
– **Salt** (for boiling water)
**For the Steak and Sauce:**
– **1 lb.** beef steak (ribeye or sirloin), thinly sliced against the grain
– **1 tbsp** olive oil
– **1 medium onion**, sliced (yellow or white)
– **1 bell pepper**, sliced (any color; green, red, or yellow for sweetness)
– **2 cloves** garlic, minced
– **1 cup** beef broth (low-sodium)
– **1 cup** heavy cream
– **1 cup** provolone or mozzarella cheese, shredded
– **Salt and pepper**, to taste
– **Crushed red pepper flakes** (optional, for heat)
– **Fresh parsley**, chopped (for garnish)
#### Equipment Needed
– Large pot for boiling pasta
– Large skillet
– Wooden spoon or spatula
– Colander for draining pasta
### Instructions
#### Step 1: Cook the Pasta
1. **Boil Water:** Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil. The salt enhances the pasta’s flavor.
2. **Cook Pasta:** Once boiling, add the pasta and cook according to the package instructions until al dente. This usually takes about 8-10 minutes.
3. **Drain and Set Aside:** Once cooked, drain the pasta in a colander and set it aside. You can drizzle a little olive oil over it to prevent sticking, but this is optional.
#### Step 2: Prepare the Steak and Vegetables
1. **Heat the Skillet:** In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. The oil should shimmer but not smoke.
2. **Sauté the Vegetables:** Add the sliced onion and bell pepper to the skillet. Sauté them until they are soft and slightly caramelized, which should take about 5-7 minutes. Stir occasionally to ensure even cooking.
3. **Add Garlic:** Once the vegetables are tender, add the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute, stirring frequently to avoid burning.
#### Step 3: Cook the Beef
1. **Add Steak to the Pan:** Push the sautéed vegetables to the side of the skillet. Add the thinly sliced beef steak to the pan.
2. **Season:** Sprinkle with salt and pepper to taste. Cook the steak until browned, about 3-5 minutes. Stir occasionally, ensuring even cooking.
3. **Optional Step for Flavor:** For a more robust flavor, you can add a splash of Worcestershire sauce or soy sauce at this stage. This adds umami and enhances the dish.
#### Step 4: Create the Sauce
1. **Deglaze the Pan:** Once the beef is browned, pour in the beef broth. Use a wooden spoon to scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the skillet. These bits add fantastic flavor to your sauce.
2. **Simmer:** Allow the broth to come to a simmer and let it reduce slightly for about 2-3 minutes. This concentrates the flavor.
3. **Add Cream:** Next, stir in the heavy cream, mixing well. Allow the sauce to simmer for another 2-3 minutes until it thickens slightly. The combination of broth and cream creates a rich, luscious sauce that coats the pasta beautifully.
#### Step 5: Combine Everything
1. **Add Pasta to the Skillet:** Once the sauce has thickened, add the drained pasta to the skillet. Toss everything together until the pasta is well coated in the creamy sauce.
2. **Incorporate Cheese:** Sprinkle the shredded provolone or mozzarella cheese over the pasta. Stir until the cheese melts and blends into the sauce, creating a gooey, cheesy delight.
3. **Adjust Seasoning:** Taste and adjust the seasoning with more salt, pepper, or crushed red pepper flakes for a bit of heat.
#### Step 6: Serve
1. **Garnish:** Remove the skillet from heat. Serve the Philly steak pasta hot, garnished with freshly chopped parsley for a pop of color and freshness.
2. **Enjoy:** This dish pairs wonderfully with a side salad or garlic bread to soak up any remaining sauce.
### Tips for the Best Philly Steak Pasta
– **Meat Selection:** Choose high-quality beef for the best flavor and tenderness. Thinly slicing the meat against the grain is key for a tender bite.
– **Vegetable Variations:** Feel free to add mushrooms, spinach, or even zucchini for extra nutrition and flavor.
– **Cheese Choices:** While provolone and mozzarella are classic options, you can also experiment with cheddar or a cheese blend for different flavors.
– **Make it Ahead:** This dish can be prepared ahead of time. Just reheat gently on the stove with a splash of broth or cream to bring back its creamy consistency.
### Nutritional Information
This recipe serves approximately 4 and can be adjusted based on portion sizes. Each serving provides a hearty amount of protein from the steak and is complemented by carbohydrates from the pasta. You can modify the richness by using lower-fat cream or substituting half-and-half if you prefer a lighter option.
### Conclusion
Philly steak pasta is a wonderful fusion dish that brings the classic flavors of a Philly cheesesteak into the comforting world of pasta. It’s easy to make and perfect for busy weeknights or cozy family dinners. With its rich sauce, tender steak, and melty cheese, it’s sure to become a favorite in your household. Enjoy cooking and savor every bite!