Rigatoni with Pork and Fennel Sauce Recipe
Are you ready to elevate your pasta game? This Rigatoni with Pork and Fennel Sauce Recipe is a delicious twist on classic Italian flavors. The combination of tender pork and aromatic fennel creates a rich sauce that coats the rigatoni perfectly. It’s the kind of dish that brings the family together, making weeknight dinners feel extra special.
Cooked to perfection, this rigatoni dish is not just a meal; it’s an experience. The savory taste of the pork melds beautifully with the subtle sweetness of fennel, offering a delightful contrast that will have you going back for seconds. It’s comfort food at its finest, ready to impress everyone at the table.
Experience the Richness of Rigatoni with Pork and Fennel Sauce
This delicious Rigatoni with Pork and Fennel Sauce Recipe stands out with its inviting aroma and robust flavors. The combination of tender pork and aromatic fennel creates a sauce that perfectly coats the rigatoni, offering a warm embrace for each bite.
The dish is not just a meal; it embodies the essence of comfort food, ideal for family gatherings or cozy evenings at home. With the savory pork melding beautifully with the subtle sweetness of fennel, it’s a culinary experience that draws everyone to the table.
Creating the Perfect Sauce
The heart of this dish lies in its sauce, which features ground pork sautéed alongside onions and garlic, creating a fragrant base. The addition of chopped fennel brings a delightful depth, seamlessly blending with the crushed tomatoes and chicken broth.
As the sauce simmers, it thickens to a luscious consistency, making it a perfect companion for the al dente rigatoni. Reserving some pasta water allows for adjustments in thickness, ensuring that each bite is a harmonious blend of flavors.
Cooking the Rigatoni
To achieve the ideal texture, begin by cooking the rigatoni in a pot of salted boiling water. Following the package instructions until al dente ensures that the pasta maintains a slight firmness, which is essential for holding onto the rich sauce.
Once cooked, the rigatoni is drained and combined with the sauce, allowing it to soak in the savory goodness. This step is vital for a well-rounded dish that satisfies the palate.
Garnishing Your Dish
Presentation plays a key role in making this dish appealing. After plating the rigatoni, a sprinkle of freshly grated Parmesan cheese adds a creamy finish. To bring out the flavors even more, garnish with chopped fennel fronds, providing a pop of color and an aromatic touch.
Serving this dish on a rustic wooden table alongside a glass of red wine enhances the experience, inviting diners to savor each moment.
Pairing and Serving Suggestions
This pasta dish pairs beautifully with a robust red wine, complementing the richness of the pork and fennel sauce. A slice of crusty bread is a perfect addition, allowing diners to soak up any remaining sauce left on their plates.
The Rigatoni with Pork and Fennel Sauce is versatile enough to be served on various occasions, making it a wonderful main course for dinner parties or special family meals.
Conclusion: A Delightful Culinary Experience
Rigatoni with Pork and Fennel Sauce is more than just a recipe; it’s a celebration of flavors and textures that come together beautifully. The dish is designed to impress, making any meal feel special.
Whether enjoyed at a family gathering or a quiet dinner, this pasta dish is sure to leave a lasting impression on everyone around the table.
Delicious Rigatoni with Pork and Fennel Sauce
This Rigatoni with Pork and Fennel Sauce is a hearty pasta dish featuring a sauce made from ground pork sautéed with onions, garlic, and fennel. The flavor profile is warm and inviting, making it perfect for cozy dinners.
Ingredients
- 12 oz rigatoni pasta
- 1 lb ground pork
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 fennel bulb, chopped (reserve fronds for garnish)
- 1 can (14 oz) crushed tomatoes
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Grated Parmesan cheese for serving
Instructions
- Cook the Pasta: In a large pot, bring salted water to a boil. Cook rigatoni according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1 cup of pasta water, then drain and set aside.
- Sauté the Pork: In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add diced onion and chopped fennel, cooking until softened, about 5 minutes. Stir in minced garlic and cook for another minute.
- Add Pork: Increase heat to medium-high and add ground pork. Cook until browned, breaking it up with a spoon, about 5-7 minutes.
- Make the Sauce: Stir in crushed tomatoes, chicken broth, oregano, salt, and pepper. Let the sauce simmer for 10-15 minutes until slightly thickened. If too thick, add reserved pasta water to reach desired consistency.
- Combine: Add the cooked rigatoni to the sauce, tossing to coat the pasta. Cook for another 2-3 minutes to heat through.
- Serve: Plate the rigatoni, garnishing with chopped fennel fronds and grated Parmesan cheese.
Cook and Prep Times
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
Nutrition Information
- Servings: 4 servings
- Calories: 550kcal
- Fat: 25g
- Protein: 30g
- Carbohydrates: 50g