Welcome to my food blog, where I share delicious recipes and helpful cooking tips! Today, I’m excited to present a mouthwatering dish that combines the rich flavors of barbecue pork with the comforting goodness of penne pasta.
This Penne Pasta With BBQ Pork recipe is a delightful fusion of smoky and savory elements, making it a perfect choice for barbecue lovers and pasta enthusiasts alike.
Whether you’re planning a family dinner or hosting a gathering with friends, this recipe is sure to impress. So let’s dive in and discover how to create this flavorful twist to classic pasta!
Kitchen Equipment Needed
Before we jump into the recipe, let’s make sure we have all the necessary kitchen equipment handy:
- Large pot for boiling pasta
- Colander for draining the cooked pasta
- Mixing bowl for tossing the pasta and sauce
- Saucepan for heating the BBQ pork
- Wooden spoon for stirring the sauce
- Chef’s knife for chopping ingredients
- Cutting board for prepping the pork and other ingredients
- Tongs for handling the BBQ pork
- Serving platter or individual plates for presentation
Having these tools within reach will ensure a smooth cooking process and allow you to fully enjoy the preparation of this delectable dish.
Ingredients
To create this Penne Pasta With BBQ Pork masterpiece, gather the following ingredients:
- 12 ounces penne pasta
- 1 pound BBQ pork, shredded
- 2 cups tomato sauce
- 1 onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves of garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh basil leaves, for garnish
Recipe Directions
Now that we have everything we need, let’s delve into the step-by-step process of preparing this irresistible Penne Pasta With BBQ Pork:
Step 1: Cook the Penne Pasta
Fill a large pot with water and bring it to a rolling boil over high heat. Add a generous pinch of salt to the boiling water. Drop in the penne pasta and cook according to the package instructions until al dente. Once cooked, drain the pasta in a colander and set it aside.
Step 2: Prepare the BBQ Pork Sauce
In a saucepan, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and minced garlic to the pan, and sauté until they turn translucent and fragrant. This should take about 5 minutes. Next, add the shredded BBQ pork to the pan and stir it well with the onions and garlic.
Pour in the tomato sauce, dried oregano, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Stir all the ingredients together until well combined. Allow the sauce to simmer gently for about 10 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together and the BBQ pork to become tender.
Step 3: Combine the Pasta and BBQ Pork Sauce
Once the BBQ pork sauce is ready, add the cooked penne pasta to a large mixing bowl. Pour the sauce over the pasta and toss it gently until every piece of pasta is coated with the smoky, tangy goodness of the BBQ pork sauce.
Step 4: Serve and Garnish
Transfer the Penne Pasta With BBQ Pork to a serving platter or individual plates. Garnish the dish with fresh basil leaves for a burst of freshness and added visual appeal.
Now that our flavorful creation is ready, it’s time to indulge in the incredible combination of tender BBQ pork and perfectly cooked penne pasta.
FAQ
Q: Can I use a different type of pasta for this recipe?
A: Absolutely! While penne pasta works wonderfully with the BBQ pork sauce, you can experiment with other pasta shapes such as fusilli, rigatoni, or even spaghetti. Just adjust the cooking time according to the package instructions for the chosen pasta type.
Q: Is there a vegetarian version of this recipe?
A: Yes, indeed! For a vegetarian twist, you can substitute the BBQ pork with grilled vegetables like zucchini, bell peppers, and eggplant. Marinate the vegetables with your favorite barbecue sauce and grill them until tender. Proceed with the recipe as usual, combining the grilled vegetables with the pasta and sauce.
Q: How long can I store leftovers?
A: If you happen to have any leftovers (which might be rare!), store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm the pasta in a microwave-safe dish or reheat it on the stovetop with a splash of water or extra tomato sauce to prevent drying.
Food and Drink Pairings
To complement the robust flavors of Penne Pasta With BBQ Pork, here are some food and drink pairings that will elevate your dining experience:
- Side Dish: Serve a refreshing green salad with a light vinaigrette dressing to balance the richness of the pasta dish.
- Beverage: Pair this flavorful pasta with a glass of full-bodied red wine, such as a Cabernet Sauvignon or Syrah. If you prefer a non-alcoholic option, try a sparkling water infused with lemon or lime for a zesty kick.
Conclusion
Congratulations! You’ve learned how to create a tantalizing Penne Pasta With BBQ Pork dish that is sure to become a favorite in your culinary repertoire. The combination of tender BBQ pork, al dente penne pasta, and smoky tomato sauce is a match made in food heaven.
Remember to share this recipe with your friends and family, and don’t forget to subscribe to my blog for more mouthwatering recipes and cooking tips. Happy cooking and enjoy every bite of this flavorful twist to classic pasta!