Pulled pork pasta is a delicious and easy-to-make meal perfect for any night of the week. This dish combines tender and flavorful pulled pork with al dente pasta and a savory sauce, making it a crowd-pleaser for kids and adults.
Pulled Pork Pasta
Equipment
- Large skillet or pot
- Cutting board and knife
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Wooden spoon or spatula for stirring
- Pasta pot and strainer (if cooking pasta separately)
- Can opener (if using canned tomatoes)
- Slow cooker or pressure cooker (if making pulled pork from scratch)
Ingredients
- 1 lb pulled pork
- 1 lb pasta (penne or rigatoni works well)
- 1can (14.5 oz) crushed tomatoes
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 onion, diced
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 1 tsp cumin
- 1/2 tsp chili powder
- 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
- Parmesan cheese, for serving
Instructions
- Cook the pasta according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
- Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the pulled pork and cook until browned and crispy on the outside, about 5-7 minutes.
- Add the diced onion to the skillet and cook until softened, about 3-5 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute.
- Add the crushed tomatoes, chicken broth, smoked paprika, cumin, chili powder, and cayenne pepper to the skillet. Stir to combine.
- Bring the sauce to a simmer and let cook for 5-7 minutes, until slightly thickened.
- Add the cooked pasta to the skillet and toss to coat in the sauce. If the sauce is too thick, add a bit more chicken broth or pasta water to thin it out.
- Season the pasta with salt and pepper to taste. Stir in the chopped parsley.
- Serve the pulled pork pasta hot, topped with grated Parmesan cheese.
Video
Notes
- Adjust the seasoning to your taste: The amount of salt, pepper, and other seasonings in the recipe can be adjusted to your liking. Taste the sauce and add more seasoning as needed.
- Use the right cut of pork: A pork shoulder or butt is the best cut of meat to use for pulled pork because it has enough fat to keep the meat moist and tender as it cooks.
- Choose the right pasta: Penne, rigatoni, or another similar pasta shape is recommended for this recipe because it can hold the sauce well. Make sure to cook the pasta until it’s al dente (firm to the bite) so that it doesn’t become mushy.
- Consider using homemade pulled pork: If you have the time, making your own pulled pork can add an extra layer of flavor to the dish. Slow cooking the pork with some BBQ seasoning and broth until it’s tender enough to shred with a fork is a simple and delicious method.
- Serve the dish hot: This dish is best served hot, so make sure to reheat the sauce and pasta together before serving.
- Customize the dish to your liking: This recipe is versatile and can be customized to your liking. You can add more vegetables, adjust the amount of spice, or substitute the pulled pork with another protein if desired.
Versatile Dish
This pulled pork pasta is a versatile dish that you can easily customize to your liking. Add vegetables like bell peppers, onions, or mushrooms for more texture and nutrition. You can also use a different type of pasta, like spaghetti or fettuccine, for a change of pace. The possibilities are endless!
Can I use a different type of pasta?
Yes, feel free to use any pasta you prefer or have on hand. Penne or rigatoni are good choices because they hold the sauce well.
Can I use leftover pulled pork?
Absolutely! This is a great recipe to use up any leftover pulled pork.
How do I make pulled pork if I don’t have any?
There are many ways to make pulled pork, but a simple method is to slow-cook a pork shoulder with some BBQ seasoning and broth until it’s tender enough to shred with a fork.
Can I use canned pulled pork?
You can, but remember that canned pulled pork may be less flavorful and have a softer texture than freshly cooked pulled pork.
How can I make this recipe spicier?
You can adjust the amount of cayenne pepper or chili powder to make the dish spicier. You could also add some hot sauce or red pepper flakes.
Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Yes, you can make the sauce and pasta beforehand and reheat and combine them when ready to serve.
Can I freeze the leftovers?
Yes, you can freeze the leftovers for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight and reheat on the stove or microwave.
Can I use fresh tomatoes instead of canned ones?
Yes, you can use fresh tomatoes instead of canned, but you may need to add more liquid to the sauce to compensate for the lack of juice.
What can I serve with this dish?
This pasta dish would go well with a side salad or some garlic bread.
Can I make this recipe vegetarian?
You can substitute the pulled pork with jackfruit or another meatless alternative and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth.
Final Thought On Making Pulled Pork Pasta
In conclusion, pulled pork pasta is a delicious and satisfying meal that can be made in just a few simple steps.
This dish will become a family favorite with tender pulled pork, al dente pasta, and a savory sauce.
Try this recipe, and enjoy a hearty and flavorful meal that everyone will love.
