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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Recipe Information
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
Instructions
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.
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.
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.
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.
Season the pork mixture with 0.5 teaspoons of black pepper and adjust the salt as needed.
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.
Stir in the chopped fresh basil, saving a small amount for garnish. Cook for 1-2 minutes to let the flavors meld.
Divide the pasta among serving plates and garnish with the remaining basil. Optionally, top with grated Parmesan cheese for extra flavor.
Serve immediately while hot and enjoy!
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
617 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 36.5 g | 47% | |
| Saturated Fat | 12.2 g | 61% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 0.0 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 95 mg | 32% | |
| Sodium | 894 mg | 39% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 36.5 g | 13% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 2.7 g | 10% | |
| Total Sugars | 2.7 g | ||
| Protein | 33.8 g | 68% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.1 mcg | 1% | |
| Calcium | 284 mg | 22% | |
| Iron | 2.7 mg | 15% | |
| Potassium | 650 mg | 14% | |
*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.
