Best 10 Easy Ground Pork Pasta Recipes

Say goodbye to bland weeknight dinners and hello to easy, mouthwatering pasta dishes that pack a flavor punch. We’re talking quick, no-fuss recipes that use your fridge-friendly ground pork as the star player, transforming it from humble to hero in under 30 minutes.

Forget fancy cuts and long simmering – this is all about simple magic. Think vibrant tomato sauces that dance with Italian herbs, rich creamy pastas that hug your soul, and spicy, saucy stir-fries that turn the heat up a notch. We’ve got options for everyone, from meaty mac and cheese for the kids to smoky chipotle chili pasta for adventurous adults. ️

And guess what? You don’t need a PhD in culinary arts to pull these off. We’ll walk you through each recipe step-by-step, with helpful tips and tricks to make you feel like a kitchen rockstar.

So ditch the takeout menus and dust off those pots and pans. Ground pork pasta awaits, ready to become your weeknight BFF. Let’s get cookin’! ‍

Get ready for…

• Speedy 20-minute wonders that taste like you slaved all day (don’t tell anyone!)
• Flavor explosions so good, you’ll be licking your plate (figuratively, of course… mostly)
• Budget-friendly meals that stretch your wallet further than a superhero’s cape
• A whole lotta inspiration to unleash your inner pasta champion

Ready to dive in? Buckle up, grab your fork, and prepare to say “arrivederci” to boring dinners!

P.S. We’ve got hidden treasures in store – secret ingredients, sneaky shortcuts, and maybe even a sprinkle of kitchen wisdom. So, stay tuned for the juicy details!

Easy Ground Pork Pasta Recipes

Now, let’s roll up our sleeves and delve into the delicious details of these ground pork pasta heroes!

Classic Comfort Food

1.  Quick Skillet Bolognese

No time for hours of simmering? This speedy Bolognese skips the fuss without sacrificing flavor. Canned tomatoes become your secret weapon, blending with ground pork and a burst of fresh herbs for a satisfying Italian embrace in under 30 minutes. Imagine twirling al dente pasta through this rich, meaty sauce, each bite a nostalgic hug for your taste buds.

quick skillet bolognese

Ingredients:

• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 medium onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 pound ground pork
• 1 (28-ounce) can crushed tomatoes
• 1/2 cup beef broth
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1/2 teaspoon dried basil
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 pound pasta of your choice (tagliatelle, fettuccine, pappardelle are all excellent choices!)

Prep & Play:

1. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Sauté onion until softened, about 5 minutes. Add garlic and cook for another minute, until fragrant.
2. Crumble in the ground pork and cook, breaking it up with a spatula, until browned. Drain any excess fat.
3. Stir in crushed tomatoes, beef broth, oregano, and basil. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Bring to a simmer, then reduce heat and cook for 15-20 minutes, until slightly thickened.
4. Meanwhile, cook your pasta according to package instructions. Drain and toss with the Bolognese sauce.
5. Garnish with grated Parmesan cheese and serve with a side of crusty bread for dipping.

2. One-Pan Sausage & Peppers Pasta

Craving a vibrant explosion of color and flavor? Look no further than this one-pan wonder. Sweet bell peppers caramelize alongside juicy sausage, releasing their summery essence into every forkful of tender pasta. The best part? Cleanup is a breeze, thanks to the magic of one-pan cooking!

onepan sausage and peppers pasta

Ingredients:

• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 medium onion, chopped
• 1 bell pepper (red, yellow, or orange), sliced
• 1/2 pound Italian sausage, casings removed and crumbled
• 1 (28-ounce) can diced tomatoes with garlic and oregano
• 1 cup chicken broth
• 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1 pound pasta of your choice (penne, farfalle, or fusilli work well)
• Fresh chopped parsley, for garnish

Prep & Play:

1. Heat olive oil in a large oven-safe skillet over medium heat. Sauté onion until softened, about 5 minutes. Add bell pepper and cook for another 5 minutes, until slightly softened.
2. Stir in sausage and cook until browned. Drain any excess fat.
3. Add diced tomatoes with garlic and oregano, chicken broth, and thyme. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
4. Stir in uncooked pasta and bring to a boil. Cover the skillet and transfer to a preheated 375°F oven. Bake for 15-20 minutes, or until pasta is cooked through and liquid has thickened.
5. Garnish with fresh parsley and serve directly from the skillet.

3. Creamy Tomato & Pork Penne

Feeling decadent? This dish promises to turn your weeknight into a luxurious affair. Creamy tomato sauce dances with melt-in-your-mouth pork and a generous shower of Parmesan cheese, creating a symphony of comfort that will leave you wanting more. So grab your fluffiest penne and prepare to sink into pure pasta bliss.

creamy tomato and pork penne

Ingredients:

• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 medium onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 pound ground pork
• 1 (28-ounce) can crushed tomatoes
• 1/2 cup heavy cream
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 teaspoon dried basil
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1 pound penne pasta

Prep & Play:

1. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Sauté onion until softened, about 5 minutes. Add garlic and cook for another minute, until fragrant.
2. Crumble in the ground pork and cook, breaking it up with a spatula, until browned. Drain any excess fat.
3. Stir in crushed tomatoes, heavy cream, Parmesan cheese, and basil. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Bring to a simmer and cook for 10 minutes, until slightly thickened.
4. Meanwhile, cook your penne pasta according to package instructions. Drain and toss with the creamy tomato sauce.
5. Serve immediately with additional Parmesan cheese, if desired.

Beyond the Classics:

• Spicy Chipotle Pork Tagliatelle: Calling all spice enthusiasts! This fiery fiesta combines smoky chipotle chilis with ground pork, a hint of sweetness from corn, and the al dente bite of tagliatelle for a tastebud tango. Be warned, this one has the potential to become your new weeknight addiction!

  

  spicy chipotle pork tagliatelle

• Lemon Zest & Thyme Pork Farfalle: Brighten your day with this light and refreshing pasta dish. Zesty lemon and fragrant thyme elevate the earthy goodness of ground pork, while farfalle wings catch every drop of the light, citrusy sauce. Perfect for those nights when you crave something both flavorful and healthy.

• Asian-Inspired Ground Pork Lo Mein: Take a trip to the East with this quick and flavorful stir-fry. Ground pork dances with ginger, garlic, and soy sauce, all nestled in a bed of springy lo mein noodles. This one is ready in a flash, promising a satisfying Asian escape without leaving your kitchen.

  

  asianinspired ground pork lo mein

These are just a starting point for your ground pork pasta adventures! Remember, with a little creativity and these versatile ingredient heroes, you can whip up endless flavor combinations and pasta masterpieces. So, let your culinary imagination run wild and enjoy the power of ground pork pasta!

Global Flavors:

Hold onto your forks, globe-trotting gourmands, because we’re jetting off on a flavor adventure with ground pork as our intrepid guide! Forget bland weeknight dinners, these recipes are your ticket to international tastebud bliss:

Korean Bibimbap Pasta Bowl

Seoulful flavors take center stage in this vibrant bowl. Imagine fluffy noodles topped with savory ground pork seasoned with gochujang, crunchy kimchi, and a vibrant fried egg – your taste buds will do a K-pop dance of pure joy!

korean bibimbap pasta bowl

Spicy Cajun Pork Alfredo

Laissez les bons temps rouler in your kitchen with this fiery Cajun fiesta! Tender ground pork gets Cajun-kissed with paprika, cayenne, and black pepper, then twirls in a creamy alfredo sauce, creating a dish that’s both comforting and kick-ass.

spicy cajun pork alfredo

Spicy Cajun Pork Alfredo: 🇺🇸️

• Ingredients: Ground pork, blackened seasoning (cajun spice mix), heavy cream, parmesan cheese, bell peppers, onion, cayenne pepper, paprika, garlic, your favorite pasta (penne or fettuccine are excellent choices)
• Preparation: Get ready for a flavor explosion! Season ground pork with the cajun spice mix and sear until golden. Sauté bell peppers and onion, then add cream, parmesan, and spices to create a creamy, spicy sauce. Toss in your cooked pasta and the pork, and voila! A tastebud-tingling Cajun fiesta awaits.

Mediterranean Pork & Olive Penne

Escape to the sun-drenched shores of the Med with this fragrant journey. Juicy ground pork mingles with briny olives, oregano’s herbal whisper, and the creamy tang of feta cheese, all blanketing penne pasta in a warm, inviting embrace.

Mediterranean Pork & Olive Penne: 🇬🇷☀️

• Ingredients: Ground pork, oregano, olives (kalamata or green), red wine vinegar, feta cheese, cherry tomatoes, garlic, basil, your favorite pasta (penne is a perfect canvas for these flavors)
• Preparation: Infuse ground pork with the magic of oregano and garlic. Simmer with red wine vinegar and cherry tomatoes for a tangy, sweet sauce. Toss your cooked penne with the pork sauce, olives, and a generous crumble of feta. Finish with fresh basil for a taste of the Mediterranean nestled in your bowl.

But the adventure doesn’t stop there!

• Thai Pork Pad See Ew: Stir-fry your way to Bangkok with this vibrant noodle dish. Sweet chilies, tangy fish sauce, and crunchy vegetables meet their match in seasoned ground pork, delivering a symphony of bold Thai flavors.

  

  thai pork pad see ew

• Mexican Pork Mole Enchiladas: Dive into the rich, complex world of mole sauce with this Mexican masterpiece. Ground pork simmers in a blend of smoky chiles, spices, and chocolate, creating a filling so delicious you’ll be singing “Ole!” with every bite.

  

  mexican pork mole enchiladas

• Moroccan Pork Tagine with Couscous: Embark on a Moroccan spice expedition with this fragrant tagine. Fragrant Ras el Hanout, apricots, and tender ground pork create a flavorful symphony, nestled on fluffy couscous for a taste of exotic comfort.

  

  moroccan pork tagine with couscous

So, pack your appetite and let ground pork be your culinary passport! With these recipes, the world is your kitchen, and every meal is an adventure waiting to happen. Buon appetito, amigos, bon appétit, and happy travels!

Family-Friendly Favorites

Let’s face it, keeping everyone happy at dinnertime can be a battlefield. Fear not, parents! These ground pork and pasta creations are guaranteed to appease even the pickiest little troopers (and the adults, too!).

Cheesy Pork Taco Pasta:

• Ingredients: Ground pork, taco seasoning, tomato sauce, salsa, corn, beans, cheddar cheese, your favorite pasta (shells or elbows are perfect for scooping up all the goodness)
• Preparation: Turn taco night into a pasta fiesta! Brown ground pork with taco seasoning, then stir in tomato sauce, salsa, corn, and beans for a vibrant, chunky sauce. Top your cooked pasta with this yummy concoction and melt all the cheesy goodness of cheddar on top. It’s taco night reimagined for pasta lovers!

Hidden Veggie Mac & Cheese:

• Ingredients: Ground pork, pasta (for mac and cheese!), grated cheese (cheddar, Monterey Jack, or a mix!), milk, butter, flour, pureed carrots and zucchini (shhh, it’s a secret!), breadcrumbs, paprika (optional)
• Preparation: Who says veggies can’t be cheesy fun? Grate and puree your secret veggie warriors (carrots and zucchini) – they’ll melt seamlessly into the creamy cheese sauce. Make a classic roux with butter, flour, and milk, then stir in your cheese and veggie puree for a hidden-in-plain-sight surprise. Toss cooked pasta with the creamy goodness, top with breadcrumbs and paprika (if desired), and bake until golden. Veggie-powered mac and cheese victory!

Slow Cooker Pork & Veggie Lasagna: ️

• Ingredients: Ground pork, sausage (optional), tomato sauce, Italian seasoning, ricotta cheese, mozzarella cheese, lasagna noodles, chopped vegetables like mushrooms, spinach, or zucchini
• Preparation: Let the slow cooker be your dinnertime hero! Brown ground pork and sausage (if using) and mix with tomato sauce and Italian seasoning. Layer cooked lasagna noodles, ricotta cheese, meat sauce, veggies, and mozzarella in your slow cooker. Set it and forget it while your lasagna dreams come true! This dish is perfect for busy weeknights, offering hearty comfort with minimal effort.

FAQs

1. How is ground pork cooked?

There are many ways to cook ground pork, depending on your recipe and desired outcome:

• Browning: Browned ground pork adds rich flavor and texture to dishes like lasagna, tacos, and stir-fries. Simply heat oil in a pan and cook the pork over medium heat, breaking it up with a spatula until golden brown.
• Simmering: Slow simmering in a sauce or broth helps tenderize the pork and infuse it with flavor. This is perfect for ragùs, soups, and slow cooker dishes.
• Sautéing: Sautéing with vegetables and aromatics quickly cooks the pork and adds additional flavor. Ideal for stir-fries, pasta dishes, and stuffed peppers.
• Baking: Baking ground pork can be healthier and less messy than pan-frying. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and spread the pork on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Bake for 15-20 minutes, breaking it up occasionally, until cooked through.

2. What can I add to plain pasta to make it better?

Here are some ideas to elevate your plain pasta:

• Sauces: A simple tomato sauce, pesto, Alfredo sauce, or creamy mushroom sauce can drastically improve your pasta.
• Cheese: Grated parmesan, mozzarella, ricotta, or feta cheese add richness and depth.
• Herbs and spices: Fresh herbs like basil, oregano, or thyme, or dried spices like garlic powder, chili flakes, or Italian seasoning can add instant flavor.
• Vegetables: Chopped tomatoes, spinach, roasted peppers, or sautéed onions and garlic can add color, texture, and nutrients.
• Protein: Add cooked ground pork, chicken, shrimp, or lentils for a more satisfying meal.
• Nuts and seeds: Toasted pine nuts, walnuts, or sunflower seeds add a nice crunch and nutty flavor.

3. What to use to make ground pork?

Ground pork is typically made from cuts like shoulder, neck, and belly. Different grinds are available:

• Coarse grind: Larger chunks, ideal for meatballs, burgers, and stir-fries.
• Medium grind: Versatile option for most recipes.
• Fine grind: Smoother texture, good for sauces and lasagna.

4. What is the healthiest meat to add to pasta?

Lean ground turkey, chicken breast, or ground fish are healthier alternatives to ground pork. They have lower fat content and are higher in protein. However, ground pork can still be part of a healthy diet when enjoyed in moderation and paired with nutritious ingredients like vegetables and whole grains.