Are you ready to transform an ordinary weeknight dinner into a culinary adventure? This Pork Zucchini Pasta Ragu is not just a meal—it's a flavor explosion that combines the rich, hearty goodness of ground pork with the light, fresh crunch of spiralized zucchini. Imagine a dish that's both indulgent and surprisingly healthy, bringing the warmth of traditional Italian cooking right to your dinner table in under 45 minutes!
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 30 mins
Total Time: 45 mins
Cuisine: Italian
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground pork
- 2 medium zucchinis, spiralized
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can (14 oz) crushed tomatoes
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Begin by preparing all your ingredients. Chop the onion, mince the garlic, and spiralize the zucchinis. Set them aside for easy access during cooking.
- In a large skillet or saucepan, heat a tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. Once the oil is hot, add the chopped onion and sauté for about 3-4 minutes until it becomes translucent and fragrant.
- Add the minced garlic to the skillet and sauté for an additional 1-2 minutes, stirring frequently to prevent the garlic from burning.
- Increase the heat to medium-high and add the ground pork to the skillet. Cook the pork, breaking it apart with a wooden spoon, until it is browned and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Once the pork is cooked, stir in the can of crushed tomatoes and the dried oregano. Mix well to combine all the ingredients.
- Reduce the heat to low and let the ragu simmer for about 15-20 minutes. This allows the flavors to meld together. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
- While the ragu is simmering, bring a separate pot of salted water to a boil. Add the spiralized zucchini and cook for 2-3 minutes until just tender. Be careful not to overcook, as you want the zucchini to retain some crunch.
- Drain the zucchini and add it directly to the skillet with the ragu. Toss gently to combine, ensuring the zucchini is well-coated with the sauce.
- Cook everything together for an additional 2-3 minutes to heat through. Taste and adjust seasoning with more salt and pepper if needed.
- Serve the pork zucchini pasta ragu hot, garnished with fresh basil or grated Parmesan cheese if desired. Enjoy your delicious Italian-inspired meal!
Tips
- Spiralize your zucchini just before cooking to prevent excess moisture release.
- Use high-quality ground pork with a bit of fat content for maximum flavor.
- Don't overcook the zucchini noodles—they should remain slightly crisp for the best texture.
- For extra depth, consider adding a splash of red wine to the ragu while simmering.
- If you prefer a smoother sauce, you can blend the crushed tomatoes before adding them to the skillet.
- Fresh herbs like basil or parsley can elevate the dish's freshness and presentation.
- For a low-carb version, stick to zucchini noodles; for more substance, mix in some al dente pasta.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 350kcal
Carbohydrates: 12g
Protein: 25g
Fat: 22g
Saturated Fat: 8g
Cholesterol: 85mg
