Pork and Pasta with Garlic and Basil
Savor the comforting flavors of Italian-inspired cuisine with this Pork and Pasta with Garlic and Basil recipe, a perfect weeknight dinner that’s as quick to prepare as it is satisfying. Tender penne pasta is tossed with savory ground pork, sautéed garlic, and juicy cherry tomatoes, creating a hearty base enriched by a light, flavorful broth. Freshly chopped basil adds a fragrant, herbaceous note to every bite, while a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese can elevate the dish with a creamy finish. Optional red chili flakes bring a gentle heat for those craving a touch of spice. This easy 45-minute recipe combines simple ingredients with bold flavors, making it an ideal crowd-pleaser for pasta lovers. Serve it immediately for a warm, comforting meal that’s sure to delight!
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Ingredients
- 500 grams ground pork
- 400 grams penne pasta
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 4 cloves garlic cloves, minced
- 20 grams fresh basil leaves, chopped
- 200 grams cherry tomatoes, halved
- 50 grams grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
- 120 milliliters chicken or vegetable broth
- 0.5 teaspoons red chili flakes (optional)
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 0.5 teaspoons black pepper
- 4 liters water
Directions
Step 1
Bring 4 liters of water to a boil in a large pot. Add 1 teaspoon of salt to the water and cook the penne pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1 cup of pasta water before draining. Drain the pasta and set aside.
Step 2
In a large skillet, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant, being careful not to burn it.
Step 3
Add the ground pork to the skillet and cook for 5-7 minutes until it's browned and fully cooked, breaking it apart with a spoon as it cooks.
Step 4
Add the chicken or vegetable broth to the skillet along with the cherry tomatoes and red chili flakes (if using). Stir well and let the mixture simmer for 5 minutes until the tomatoes soften and release their juices.
Step 5
Season the pork mixture with 0.5 teaspoons of black pepper and adjust the salt as needed.
Step 6
Add the cooked penne pasta to the skillet and toss to combine with the pork and sauce. If needed, add a splash of the reserved pasta water to loosen the sauce and coat the pasta evenly.
Step 7
Stir in the chopped fresh basil, saving a small amount for garnish. Cook for 1-2 minutes to let the flavors meld.
Step 8
Divide the pasta among serving plates and garnish with the remaining basil. Optionally, top with grated Parmesan cheese for extra flavor.
Step 9
Serve immediately while hot and enjoy!
Nutrition Facts
| Serving size | (5396.8g) |
|---|
| Amount per serving | % Daily Value* |
|---|---|
| Calories | 3445.6 |
| Total Fat 153.9g | 0% |
| Saturated Fat 51.9g | 0% |
| Polyunsaturated Fat 2.7g | |
| Cholesterol 490mg | 0% |
| Sodium 4002.0mg | 0% |
| Total Carbohydrate 308.6g | 0% |
| Dietary Fiber 18.1g | 0% |
| Total Sugars 5.5g | |
| Protein 201.4g | 0% |
| Vitamin D 0IU | 0% |
| Calcium 999.3mg | 0% |
| Iron 20.8mg | 0% |
| Potassium 1452.8mg | 0% |
Source of Calories