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.
Ingredients
Scale
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
Instructions
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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