Cheesesteak Pasta

Name: Cheesesteak Pasta
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 25 min
Ingredients: 115g (4 oz) whole wheat pasta; 250g (9 oz) lean beef sirloin or flank steak, thinly sliced; 100ml (3.5 fl oz) low-sodium beef stock; 60g (2 oz) bell peppers, sliced; 60g (2 oz) onions, thinly sliced; 75g (2.5 oz) mushrooms, sliced; 180g (6.5 oz) low-fat cottage cheese; 30g (1 oz) grated Parmesan cheese; 30g (1 oz) low-fat shredded mozzarella cheese; 15ml (1 tbsp) olive oil (or avocado oil); Salt and black pepper, to taste; 1/2 tsp garlic powder; 1/2 tsp smoked paprika; 1/4 tsp crushed red chilli flakes (optional)

This Cheesesteak Pasta is a comforting and flavour-packed dish that combines the rich, savoury taste of a classic Philly cheesesteak with hearty whole wheat pasta. This dish is perfect for those who love a satisfying, protein-rich meal without compromising on nutrition. The combination of lean beef, sautéed vegetables, and a creamy, cheesy sauce makes it an indulgent yet balanced meal.

The beauty of this dish lies in its simplicity—thinly sliced steak is quickly seared to lock in its juices, while a mix of bell peppers, onions, and mushrooms adds a delicious depth of flavour. The sauce, made with low-fat cottage cheese, mozzarella, and Parmesan, delivers a creamy texture without excessive calories. Paired with whole wheat pasta, this meal is packed with fibre, protein, and essential nutrients to keep you energised throughout the day.

Whether you’re looking for a quick weeknight dinner or a meal-prep-friendly dish, Cheesesteak Pasta is a fantastic choice. It’s rich, creamy, and packed with umami flavours, making it a go-to recipe for anyone who loves a hearty yet nutritious pasta dish.

Why You Will Love This Recipe

High in Protein – A great source of lean protein from steak and cheese, ideal for muscle recovery and satiety.
Creamy Yet Light – Uses cottage cheese for a creamy texture without the heaviness of traditional cheese sauces.
Quick and Easy – Ready in under 30 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights.
Balanced and Nutritious – Made with whole wheat pasta for added fibre and essential nutrients.
Customisable – Easily adaptable to different dietary preferences.
Great for Meal Prep – Stores well and reheats beautifully for a quick meal on the go.

Ingredients

115g (4 oz) whole wheat pasta – Provides fibre and a satisfying bite; penne or fusilli work well.
250g (9 oz) lean beef sirloin or flank steak, thinly sliced – A rich source of protein and iron.
100ml (3.5 fl oz) low-sodium beef stock – Enhances the depth of flavour in the sauce.
60g (2 oz) bell peppers, sliced (red, green, or yellow) – Adds natural sweetness and colour.
60g (2 oz) onions, thinly sliced – Provides a savoury base.
75g (2.5 oz) mushrooms, sliced – Adds an earthy umami flavour.
180g (6.5 oz) low-fat cottage cheese – Creates a creamy sauce with added protein.
30g (1 oz) grated Parmesan cheese – Adds a salty, nutty flavour.
30g (1 oz) low-fat shredded mozzarella cheese – Melts beautifully for extra creaminess.
15ml (1 tbsp) olive oil (or avocado oil) – For cooking the steak and vegetables.
Salt and black pepper, to taste – Essential for seasoning.
1/2 tsp garlic powder – Adds a subtle garlicky depth.
1/2 tsp smoked paprika – Enhances the smoky, savoury flavour of the steak.
1/4 tsp crushed red chilli flakes (optional) – For a touch of heat.

Method

Cook the Pasta:

Bring a pot of salted water to a boil.
Cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente.
Drain and set aside.

Prepare the Steak and Vegetables:

Season the steak with salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and smoked paprika.
Heat 7.5ml (about 1/2 tbsp) of olive oil in a large frying pan over medium-high heat.
Sear the steak slices for 2-3 minutes per side until browned and cooked to your liking.
Remove the steak from the pan and set aside.

Sauté the Vegetables:

In the same pan, add the remaining 7.5ml (1/2 tbsp) of olive oil.
Sauté the bell peppers, onions, and mushrooms for about 5 minutes until softened.

Make the Sauce:

Lower the heat to medium and pour in the beef stock, scraping up any browned bits.
Stir in the cottage cheese, Parmesan, and mozzarella until melted and creamy.

Combine Pasta, Steak, and Sauce:

Add the cooked pasta and steak back into the pan.
Toss everything together and let the flavours meld for 2-3 minutes.
Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper to taste.

Serve:

Divide into two servings.
Garnish with extra Parmesan or chopped parsley if desired.
Enjoy!

Nutrition

Calories: 570 kcal
Protein: 55g
Carbohydrates: 50g
Fat: 18g

(Note: These values may vary depending on ingredient brands and substitutions.)

Tips for Making This Cheesesteak Pasta

Slice the Steak Thinly – This ensures quick and even cooking.
Use a Hot Pan – Searing the steak on high heat helps develop a beautiful crust.
Let the Steak Rest – After cooking, let it rest for a few minutes before slicing to retain its juices.
Don’t Overcook the Pasta – Keeping it al dente ensures the best texture when combined with the sauce.
Deglaze the Pan Properly – Scrape up the browned bits when adding stock for maximum flavour.
Adjust the Spice Level – Add more chilli flakes for extra heat, or omit them for a milder dish.

How to Best Serve This Recipe

With a Side Salad – A fresh green salad with balsamic vinaigrette pairs beautifully.
With Garlic Bread – Serve with crusty whole grain or garlic bread for an extra indulgent meal.
With Extra Cheese – Sprinkle additional Parmesan or a touch of cheddar for a cheesier finish.
With Roasted Vegetables – Serve alongside roasted courgettes, aubergines, or asparagus.
With a Glass of Red Wine – A light-bodied red wine like Pinot Noir complements the steak.
With a Dash of Worcestershire Sauce – Adds an extra umami kick to the sauce.

Customise This Recipe

Make it Gluten-Free – Use gluten-free pasta or zucchini noodles.
Use Chicken Instead of Beef – Swap the steak for grilled or shredded chicken.
Add More Vegetables – Try adding spinach, courgette, or cherry tomatoes.
Make it Spicier – Use extra chilli flakes or a drizzle of hot sauce.
Use Greek Yoghurt Instead of Cottage Cheese – For a tangier, higher-protein sauce.
Try Different Cheeses – Swap mozzarella for provolone or cheddar for a unique flavour.

How to Store This Recipe

Refrigerate: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
Reheat: Warm in a pan over low heat, adding a splash of stock if needed.
Freeze: Freeze for up to 2 months; defrost overnight before reheating.

Conclusion

Cheesesteak Pasta is a fantastic fusion of comfort food and nutritious ingredients. With its tender steak, creamy cheese sauce, and wholesome pasta, it delivers all the flavours of a classic cheesesteak in a satisfying, balanced meal.

This recipe is perfect for anyone who wants a high-protein, delicious dinner that’s quick and easy to make. Whether you customise it with extra veggies, adjust the spice, or switch up the cheese, it’s a versatile dish that can be tailored to your taste.

Give it a try, and enjoy a hearty, flavour-packed meal that’s perfect for any occasion!

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