Ready in just 30 minutes, this flavorful ground pork pasta is a versatile dish that you can easily customize with your favorite pasta and seasonal vegetables.
Ground Pork Pasta
Updated on Nov. 09, 2024
Pasta lovers, get ready for a delicious twist on your favorite comfort food! This ground pork pasta recipe takes the classic Italian-American dish to new heights by swapping traditional ground beef for juicy, flavorful ground pork.
Similar to a ragu or bolognese, this 30-minute dish offers a rich and meaty flavor that pairs perfectly with pasta. Plus, it’s an excellent option if you’ve been looking to switch up your usual ground beef recipes with something equally delicious but slightly leaner.
Ground Pork Pasta Ingredients
- Penne pasta:Â This short pasta shape pairs well with the thick, hearty sauce. You can also use other pasta shapes like rigatoni, fusilli or farfalle.
- Ground pork:Â The star of the dish, ground pork adds a juicy, savory flavor to the sauce that’s leaner than beef but just as satisfying.
- Onion:Â Chopped onion adds a sweet and savory flavor to the dish, complementing the ground pork.
- Stewed tomatoes: Stewed tomatoes add a tangy sweetness and texture to the sauce. Here’s how to make your own stewed tomatoes.
- Tomato sauce: Tomato sauce helps create a rich and smooth base for the sauce and ensures that every bite is full of flavor. Here’s how to make sugo, an authentic Italian tomato sauce at home.
- Italian seasoning: A blend of herbs that adds depth and classic Italian flavor to the ground pork pasta.
- Zucchini:Â Fresh zucchini slices add a slightly crisp texture and boosts the nutritional value of the dish.
Directions
Step 1: Cook the pasta
Cook the penne pasta according to package directions—this usually takes about 8 to 10 minutes for al dente pasta. Drain the pasta and set it aside.
Editor’s Tip: Save about 1/4 cup of the pasta cooking water to add to the red sauce later if it needs thinning.
Step 2: Prepare the pork sauce
While the pasta is cooking, heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add the ground pork and chopped onion. Cook the meat by breaking up the pork into crumbles until the meat is no longer pink and the onions are softened, about five to seven minutes. Drain any excess fat.
Step 3: Add tomatoes and seasoning
Stir in the undrained stewed tomatoes, tomato sauce and Italian seasoning. Bring the mixture to a boil and reduce the heat to low. Cover the skillet and let the sauce simmer for about five minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.
Step 4: Combine pasta and sauce
Add the cooked pasta to the skillet with the sauce, stirring to combine. Then, gently stir in the zucchini slices. Cover the skillet again and cook for an additional three to five minutes or until the zucchini is crisp-tender.
Editor’s Tip: For a creamier sauce, stir in a splash of heavy cream or a dollop of ricotta cheese before serving.
Ground Pork Pasta Variations
- Swap the pasta:Â Use rigatoni, fusilli, farfalle or orecchiette instead of penne for variety in texture to the pork ragu.
- Change the protein:Â Substitute ground Italian sausage or ground turkey for the ground pork to switch up the flavor of this skillet pasta.
- Add more vegetables:Â Incorporate seasonal vegetables like spinach, broccoli or eggplant for added nutrition and flavor.
- Spice it up:Â To give the dish some heat, add a pinch of red pepper flakes or use spicy pork sausage instead of plain ground pork.
How to Store Ground Pork Pasta
Store leftover ground pork pasta in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. Reheat in a skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of broth or tomato sauce to help loosen the sauce and prevent the pasta from drying out.
Can you freeze ground pork pasta?
Yes, you can freeze ground pork pasta. Transfer individual portions of the cooled pasta mixture to freezer-safe containers. Freeze it for up to three months. To reheat, first thaw it in the refrigerator overnight. You may need to add some tomato sauce when reheating to refresh the consistency.
Ground Pork Pasta Tips
What else can you use ground pork for?
Ground pork is versatile and can be used in various ground pork recipes like meatballs, stuffed peppers and stir-frys. We especially love these beef ‘n’ pork burgers and ginger pork lettuce wraps.
Is ground pork healthier than ground beef?
Ground pork and ground beef are both pretty high in fat—let’s be real. That’s part of why they taste so good! However, ground pork can have slightly less saturated fat and cholesterol than ground beef. For a truly healthy alternative, consider using ground turkey.
What are some good side dishes to serve with ground pork pasta?
This hearty ground pork pasta dish pairs well with a crisp green salad, homemade garlic bread or roasted vegetables. For a complete Italian-inspired meal, serve it with a side of bruschetta or caprese salad.
Ground Pork Pasta
Prep Time
10 min
Cook Time
20 min
Yield
5 servings
Ingredients
- 1-1/2 cups uncooked penne pasta
- 1 pound ground pork
- 1/2 cup chopped onion
- 1 can (14-1/2 ounces) stewed tomatoes, undrained
- 1 can (8 ounces) tomato sauce
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1 medium zucchini, cut into 1/4-inch slices
Directions
- Cook pasta according to package directions. Meanwhile, in a large skillet, cook pork and onion over medium heat until meat is no longer pink; drain. Add the tomatoes, tomato sauce and Italian seasoning. Bring to a boil. Reduce heat; cover and cook for 5 minutes to allow flavors to blend.
- Drain pasta; add to skillet. Stir in zucchini. Cover and cook for 3-5 minutes or until zucchini is crisp-tender.
Nutrition Facts
1.330 cups: 317 calories, 14g fat (5g saturated fat), 61mg cholesterol, 408mg sodium, 27g carbohydrate (7g sugars, 2g fiber), 21g protein.
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Some people call it dinner hour, but many of us call it rush hour. Slow down the pace with this so-simple mouthwatering ground pork meal. The only thing you'll have left over is time to share with your family at the table. —Brigitte Schaller, Flemington, Missouri
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