Pasta and pork recipe
Make a delectable pasta and pork recipe that’s perfect for family dinners, combining tender pork chops with savory pasta in a rich marinara sauce.
Pork with pasta might not be the first combination that comes to mind when thinking of classic culinary pairings, but this pasta and pork recipe will change your mind forever. With juicy pork chops and flavorful pasta, this dish brings together the best of both worlds, satisfying every craving with its rich and comforting flavors.
The combination of savory pork with pasta creates a fulfilling dish perfect for any occasion. The versatility of the ingredients allows for countless variations of these pork chops with pasta that can cater to your personal taste. What stands out is how the tender pork complements the soft, yet hearty penne pasta, all bound together by a luscious marinara sauce.
How to make pasta and pork recipe
Ingredients you need
- Penne Pasta: Sturdy and tubular, penne pasta is ideal for holding onto the thick, flavorful sauce.
- Pork Chop Meat: Choose boneless skinless pork chops, cut into 1-inch cubes for moist and tender pieces.
- Sea Salt & Ground Black Pepper: Essential basics for seasoning your pork and pasta perfectly.
- Butter, Unsalted: Providing a rich flavor and silky texture, unsalted butter allows you to control the seasoning perfectly.
- Marinara Sauce: This can be store-bought for convenience or homemade for enhanced freshness and flavor.
- Shredded Mozzarella Cheese: Melting smoothly, it adds a touch of creaminess and visual appeal to the dish.
- Grated Parmesan Cheese: The sharpness of the parmesan brings an extra depth of flavor.
Equipment
For this recipe, you will need essential equipment including:
- A large pot for boiling the pasta
- Skillet for searing the pork and mixing the pasta with meat
- A cheese grater is also handy for freshly grating parmesan, enhancing the overall taste.
Instructions to cook the pasta and pork recipe
- Preheat the oven to 400 F | 200 C. Boil salted water in a large pot as instructed on the penne package. Drain well before using.
- Season pork cubes with salt and pepper.
- Heat a large ovenproof non-stick skillet with butter on medium heat. Cook pork for 2 minutes. Pour marinara sauce, ¼ cup of the mozzarella cheese and pasta in the skillet. Combine all together. Remove from the stove.
- Sprinkle it with the rest of mozzarella cheese and parmesan cheese. Broil for 5 minutes until the cheese melts.
Tips
- Marinate the Pork: For an additional layer of flavor, consider marinating the pork in olive oil, garlic, and herbs such as rosemary and thyme for at least 30 minutes before cooking.
- Customize Your Sauce: If using store-bought marinara, add fresh herbs like basil or oregano and a splash of red wine to elevate the flavor profile.
- Cheese Choice: Feel free to mix different types of cheese for a richer taste, like adding provolone or gouda along with mozzarella and parmesan for a unique cheesy crust.
Recipe Variations
- Pork and Mushroom Pasta: Add sliced mushrooms to the skillet with the pork for a meaty and earthy addition.
- Spicy Pork Pasta: Infuse some heat by adding red pepper flakes or diced chili peppers to the marinara sauce before baking.
- Creamy Pork Alfredo: Replace marinara sauce with alfredo sauce for a creamier twist on this dish.
What to Serve With
- Garlic Bread chips: Serve your pasta and pork alongside garlic bread chips, or soft homemade bread rolls, perfect for soaking up any extra sauce.
- Green Salad: A fresh green salad with a simple vinaigrette pairs well with the richness of the dish, offering a refreshing contrast.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Can I use another type of pasta? Yes, you can substitute penne with fusilli, rigatoni, or any other hearty pasta that holds sauce well.
- Is it possible to make this dish ahead of time? Absolutely, you can prepare the dish up to the baking step and refrigerate it. When ready to serve, simply reheat in the oven.
- Can I add vegetables to this recipe? Yes, incorporating vegetables such as bell peppers, zucchini, or spinach can add extra nutrition and flavor.
Storing and Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place the pasta in an oven-safe dish, cover with foil, and bake at 350°F (175°C) until heated through. Alternatively, you can reheat individual portions in the microwave, ensuring that they’re covered to retain moisture.
For longer storage, place the dish in a freezer-safe container and freeze for up to 1 month. To reheat, thaw overnight in the refrigerator and follow the same reheating instructions as above.
More pasta recipes you’ll enjoy
- Chicken Alfredo Lasagna
- Creamy baked pasta with ham and veggie
- Ground beef farfalle pasta
- Cheesy baked spaghetti
- Mediterranean style spaghetti cake
Serving Size
This recipe serves approximately 4. For larger gatherings, the recipe can easily be doubled to accommodate more guests. Simply adjust the ingredients proportionally and use a larger baking dish if necessary.
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Pasta and pork recipe
Ingredients
- 7 oz penne pasta
- 1 lb pork chop boneless skinless cut in 1 inch cubes
- ¼ teaspoon sea salt
- ¼ teaspoon ground black pepper
- 1 tablespoon butter unsalted
- 14 oz marinara sauce store bought
- ½ cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- ¼ cup grated parmesan cheese
Equipment
- pasta pot
- cheese grater
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 400 F.
- Boil salted water in a large pot as instructed on the penne package. Drain well before using.
- Season pork cubes with salt and pepper.
- Heat a large ovenproof non-stick skillet with butter on medium heat. Cook pork for 2 minutes.
- Pour marinara sauce, ¼ cup of the mozzarella cheese and pasta in the skillet. Combine all together. Remove from the stove.
- Sprinkle it with the rest of mozzarella cheese and parmesan cheese. Broil for 5 minutes until the cheese melts.
Nutrition
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ABOUT PETRO
Hi, I’m Petro, author and founder of Easy Peasy Creative Ideas. Sewist, crafter, avid DIY-er, foodie, photographer, homemaker and mommy to one. I’m an expert at coming up with quick, clever sewing tips, recycling crafts and simple, easy recipes! You can find my ideas featured in reputable publications such as Country Living, Good House Keeping, Yahoo News, WikiHow, Shutterfly, Parade, Brit & Co and more. Thanks for stopping by and hope you’ll stay for a while, get to know me better and come back another time. Stick around for real fun projects! Read more…