Spicy Buffalo Philly Cheesesteak Pasta
Ingredients:
1 pound pasta (penne, rotini, or your favorite shape)
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 large onion, thinly sliced
1 red bell pepper, thinly sliced
1 green bell pepper, thinly sliced
1 pound thinly sliced steak (ribeye or sirloin work great)
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon onion powder
1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (or more, to taste)
Salt and pepper to taste
4 tablespoons butter
4 tablespoons all-purpose flour
3 cups milk
8 ounces cream cheese, softened
1 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese
1/2 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
1/2 cup buffalo wing sauce
2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley, for garnish
2 green onions, thinly sliced, for garnish
Optional: blue cheese crumbles for topping
Directions:
1. Cook the pasta according to package directions. Drain and set aside.
2. While the pasta is cooking, heat the olive oil in a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add the sliced onion and bell peppers and cook until softened and slightly caramelized, about 8-10 minutes. Season with salt and pepper. Remove the vegetables from the skillet and set aside.
3. Add the thinly sliced steak to the same skillet and season with garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, cayenne pepper, salt, and pepper. Cook until the steak is browned and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes.
4. In a separate large saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Whisk in the flour and cook for 1-2 minutes, until a smooth paste forms (this is your roux!). Gradually whisk in the milk until smooth. Bring to a simmer, stirring constantly, until the sauce thickens, about 5-7 minutes.
5. Reduce the heat to low and stir in the softened cream cheese until melted and smooth. Add the Monterey Jack cheese and cheddar cheese, stirring until melted and creamy. Stir in the buffalo wing sauce.
6. Add the cooked pasta, steak, and sautéed vegetables to the cheese sauce. Toss to combine, ensuring everything is well coated.
7. Serve immediately, garnished with fresh parsley, green onions, and blue cheese crumbles (if desired). Enjoy!
Cooking Time: 30 minutes | Servings: 6 | Calories: Approximately 650 per serving