Heavenly Penne Pasta with Tender Pork Recipe for Pasta Lovers

Penne pasta with succulent pork creates a comforting meal that surprises even seasoned home cooks.

Rustic Italian flavors dance through each carefully crafted bite.

Hearty ingredients blend seamlessly, promising a satisfying dinner experience.

Tender meat and perfectly cooked pasta form an irresistible combination.

Rich seasonings complement the protein’s natural taste, making every forkful memorable.

Weeknight dinners demand simple yet delicious solutions like this classic recipe.

Steps for Penne Pasta with Tender Pork

Step 1: Infuse Pork with Flavor

Create a mouthwatering marinade by mixing together olive oil, garlic powder, paprika, chili flakes, salt, and black pepper. Generously coat the pork tenderloin slices, ensuring every piece is well-covered. Let the meat soak up these incredible flavors in the refrigerator for half an hour.

Step 2: Prepare Perfect Pasta

Fill a large pot with water and add a generous pinch of salt. Bring the water to a rolling boil. Carefully drop in the penne pasta and cook until it reaches that ideal al dente texture. Carefully scoop out a cup of the starchy cooking water before draining the pasta. Set aside both the pasta and the reserved water.

Step 3: Sizzle the Pork

Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Carefully place the marinated pork slices into the hot pan. Listen for that satisfying sizzle as the meat develops a golden-brown crust. Cook each side for 2-3 minutes until perfectly seared. Transfer the cooked pork to a separate plate.

Step 4: Create Creamy Sauce Magic

• Heavy cream
• Grated Parmesan
• Dried oregano
• Fresh basil

Stir until the sauce becomes smooth and velvety.

Step 5: Bring Everything Together

Introduce the cooked pasta and seared pork into the luscious sauce. Toss everything together, ensuring each piece is beautifully coated. If the sauce seems too thick, splash in some of the reserved pasta water to achieve the perfect consistency.

Step 6: Plate and Garnish

Transfer the pasta to serving plates. Sprinkle with freshly chopped parsley and an extra dusting of Parmesan cheese. Serve immediately while the dish is piping hot and bursting with flavor.

Pasta Tips That Match Pork Tenderness with Flavor

• Manage Meat Moisture: Pat pork dry before marinating to ensure a perfect sear and prevent steaming instead of browning.
• Perfect Pasta Texture: Reserve pasta water to help create a silky, clingy sauce that coats every penne piece beautifully.
• Boost Flavor Depth: Let marinated pork rest at room temperature for 15 minutes before cooking to enhance even cooking and seasoning absorption.
• Balance Sauce Consistency: Slowly add pasta water if sauce feels too thick, creating a luxurious, smooth coating that hugs the pasta and meat.
• Quick Herb Enhancement: Chop fresh parsley right before serving to maintain vibrant color and maximize aromatic freshness.

Best Way To Save And Reheat Penne Pasta With Tender Pork

• Transfer leftover pasta to an airtight container and store in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Separate pork and pasta to prevent sogginess and maintain texture.
• Pack cooled pasta and pork in freezer-safe containers, removing excess air. Freeze for maximum 2 months. Avoid freezing cream-based sauces as they might separate upon thawing.
• Place pasta in a microwave-safe dish, sprinkle few tablespoons of water to prevent dryness. Cover and heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each interval until heated thoroughly. Check internal temperature reaches 165°F for food safety.
• Reheat in a skillet over medium-low heat. Add splash of pasta water or cream to revive sauce consistency. Stir gently to prevent breaking sauce and ensure even heating. Cook until pasta and pork are heated completely.

Italian Christmas Cake Serving Partners

• Select Robust Red Wines: Chianti or Sangiovese complement the rich tomato sauce and tender pork with their medium-bodied structure and subtle acidity.
• Match Crisp White Wines: Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc cut through the creamy sauce, providing a refreshing contrast to the hearty dish.

• Serve Crusty Garlic Bread: Slice and toast artisan bread, brush with garlic butter to soak up extra sauce and add delightful texture.
• Add Fresh Side Salad: Prepare light arugula salad with lemon vinaigrette to balance the richness of the pasta and provide a zesty, fresh element.

Bacon Potato Soup Creamy Mixes

• Vegetarian Penne Delight: Replace pork with grilled portobello mushrooms or tofu, marinated in the same spice blend for a hearty plant-based alternative.
• Gluten-Free Comfort Bowl: Swap traditional penne with gluten-free pasta made from rice, quinoa, or chickpea flour to accommodate celiac or gluten-sensitive diners.
• Lighter Cream Sauce Option: Substitute heavy cream with Greek yogurt or coconut milk for a lower-fat, protein-rich sauce that maintains creamy texture.
• Spicy Mediterranean Version: Enhance the recipe by adding kalamata olives, feta cheese, and red pepper flakes for a zestier Mediterranean-inspired profile.

FAQs

• How do I know when the pork is perfectly cooked?

Look for a golden-brown color and internal temperature of 145°F. Slice a piece to check – it should be slightly pink in the center for maximum tenderness.

• Can I use a different cut of meat for this recipe?

Chicken breast or beef strips work great as alternatives. Just ensure you slice them thin and follow the same marinating and searing technique.

• What if I don't have heavy cream?

You can substitute with half-and-half, whole milk, or Greek yogurt. Each will slightly change the sauce’s richness but still provide a creamy texture.

• Is this dish spicy?

The recipe uses mild chili flakes, creating a subtle warmth. If you prefer less heat, reduce the chili flakes or omit them completely for a milder flavor profile.

Pork Penne That Warms the Table

• Quick and Easy Weeknight Winner: Perfect for busy families, this penne pasta with pork comes together faster than ordering takeout, requiring minimal prep and cooking skills.
• Bursting with Flavor Explosion: Marinated pork seared to golden perfection creates a rich, mouthwatering dish that transforms simple ingredients into a restaurant-quality meal.
• Customize Your Culinary Adventure: Easily swap ingredients, adjust spice levels, or add extra vegetables to make this recipe uniquely yours, ensuring flexibility for different taste preferences.
• Crowd-Pleasing Comfort Food: Creamy tomato sauce and tender pork make this pasta a guaranteed hit for kids and adults alike, perfect for family dinners or casual gatherings with friends.

Creamy Bacon Potato Soup Ingredients

Main Ingredients:

• Pork Tenderloin: Lean and tender cut perfect for quick cooking.

• Penne: Classic tube-shaped pasta with ridges for sauce catching.

• Olive Oil, Garlic Powder, Paprika, Chili Flakes, Salt, Black Pepper: Classic blend for marinating and enhancing flavor.

• Onion: Provides sweet and aromatic base for sauce.
• Garlic: Adds depth and robust flavor.
• Crushed Tomatoes: Creates rich and tangy sauce foundation.
• Heavy Cream: Adds creamy smoothness to the sauce.
• Parmesan Cheese: Brings sharp and salty notes.

• Oregano, Basil, Parsley: Provide fresh and bright herbal touches.

Penne Pasta with Tender Pork Recipe

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4.9 from 15 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Savory “penne pasta with tender pork” invites culinary explorers into a Mediterranean-inspired feast. Rich flavors blend seamlessly, promising comfort and satisfaction for hungry diners seeking a hearty, delicious meal.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Protein:

• 1 pound (450g) pork tenderloin, thinly sliced

Spices and Seasonings:

• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1/2 teaspoon chili flakes (optional)
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper

Cooking Liquid:

• 2 tablespoons olive oil

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Instructions

1. Infuse pork tenderloin slices with a vibrant blend of olive oil, garlic powder, paprika, chili flakes, salt, and black pepper. Allow flavors to meld by refrigerating the marinated meat for half an hour.
2. Activate a large pot of salted water and submerge penne pasta, cooking until it reaches a perfect al dente texture. Carefully extract one cup of starchy liquid before draining the noodles.
3. Unleash robust flavors by sizzling marinated pork in a skillet with olive oil, creating a golden-brown exterior through a precise 2-3 minute sear on each side. Transfer meat to a waiting plate.
4. Leverage the same skillet to transform onions into translucent gems, then introduce minced garlic for a quick aromatic burst. Pour in crushed tomatoes and allow a gentle simmer to develop depth. Gracefully incorporate heavy cream, Parmesan, oregano, and basil, whisking until the sauce achieves a luxurious, velvety consistency.
5. Orchestrate the final composition by introducing cooked pasta and seared pork into the silky sauce. Gently toss to ensure every morsel is lavishly coated, using reserved pasta water to fine-tune the sauce’s consistency if needed.
6. Elevate the dish with an artistic garnish of fresh parsley and a delicate sprinkle of Parmesan, presenting a steaming plate of culinary harmony.

Notes

• Choose tender pork cuts like tenderloin or loin for the most succulent results, ensuring each slice remains juicy and flavorful after cooking.
• Marinate the pork for at least 30 minutes or up to 4 hours to enhance the meat’s tenderness and allow spices to deeply penetrate the protein.
• Customize heat levels by adjusting chili flakes; use less for mild preferences or add extra for those craving a spicier kick in the dish.
• Transform this recipe into a gluten-free option by substituting penne with zucchini noodles or gluten-free pasta varieties without compromising the rich, creamy sauce.

• Prep Time: 40 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Lunch
• Method: Boiling
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 320
• Sugar: 0g
• Sodium: 200mg
• Fat: 14g
• Saturated Fat: 2g
• Unsaturated Fat: 11g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 30g
• Fiber: 2g
• Protein: 24g
• Cholesterol: 70mg