Philly Cheesesteak Pasta
This all-in-one meal is sure to become a family favorite. For an extra hint of color and fresh flavor, garnish with a sprinkle of fresh parsley if desired.
Ingredients
- 12 ounces flank or flat iron steak
- 4 teaspoons olive oil, divided use
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 3/4 teaspoon kosher salt and freshly ground pepper to taste, divided use (plus more for pasta water)
- 1 large green bell pepper, seeded and sliced (may sub color of choice or use 2 for extra veggies)
- 1 medium yellow onion, peeled and sliced into half-moons (from tip to root)
- 1 (12-ounce) box penne (use gluten-free pasta if necessary; may substitute similar shape pasta)
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour (or 2 teaspoons cornstarch or arrowroot powder for GF)
- 1 cup nonfat milk (may use 2% or whole milk)
- 6 ounces (1 1/2 cups) shredded Cooper sharp cheese (may substitute provolone)
Instructions
- Freeze the flank or flat iron steak for 15-20 minutes (this will make it easy to cut thin slices).
- Remove the steak from the freezer, and cut it against the grain into very thin strips. In a very large skillet (preferably a 14-inch diameter so you have room to toss everything later), heat 2 teaspoons of the oil over medium-high heat. Add the steak and sprinkle with the Worcestershire sauce and 1/4 teaspoon of the salt. Cook for 2 to 3 minutes, removing pieces to a plate when they have just a hint of pink left. Wipe out the skillet, and then add the remaining 2 teaspoons oil and sauté the onion over medium-high heat for 3 minutes or until just starting to soften. Add the bell pepper, sprinkle with another 1/4 teaspoon salt and some freshly ground pepper to taste, and stir fry another 4 to 5 minutes or until the vegetables are crisp-tender and the onions are slightly golden.
- Meanwhile, cook the pasta according to the package directions in a large pot of salted water. Reserve 1/2 cup of the pasta cooking water. Drain and set aside.
- In a separate saucepan or small pot, melt the butter over medium heat. (Watch carefully. Once melted, butter will brown quickly.) Add the flour (or the lesser amount of cornstarch or arrowroot), and whisk for one minute. Slowly whisk in the milk, and then add the salt and pepper. Cook, stirring regularly, until slightly thickened, about 3-5 minutes. Remove from the heat, add the cheese, and stir until melted and smooth.
- Add the cooked and drained pasta to the veggies, followed by the steak along with any drippings. Pour the cheese sauce over the pasta mixture, and toss to thoroughly combine. Drizzle with a bit of the pasta cooking water if you prefer a thinner consistency. (I usually just save the pasta water and add a small amount to any leftovers as the pasta will soak up the excess moisture as it sits overnight.)
Notes
I have made this dish up to two hours in advance, covered with a piece of foil, and let sit at room temperature. When ready to eat, reheat (still covered) in an oven preheated to 350 degrees F for 15-20 minutes or until just heated through.
After I made this pasta recently, I was thinking Montreal Steak Seasoning would be a good option to the Worcestershire sauce. I haven't tried yet, but I'm thinking a tablespoon or so might work well...in case you feel like experimenting!
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