Parmesan Pork And Penne In Tomato Sauce
A flavorful combination of tender pork, savory tomato sauce, and pasta, topped with Parmesan and green onions—perfect for a comforting, satisfying meal anytime.
Ingredients
- 8 oz. uncooked penne pasta ⓘ
- 2 Tbsp. plain bread crumbs
- 2 Tbsp. grated Parmesan cheese ⓘ
- 3/4 lb. pork tenderloin, sliced ⓘ
- 2 tsp. olive oil ⓘ
- 14 1/2 oz. can diced tomatoes with garlic, oregano and basil (undrained) ⓘ
- 8 oz. tomato sauce ⓘ
- 1/2 cup sliced green onions ⓘ
- 2 1/2 oz. can sliced ripe olives, drained ⓘ
Instructions
- Cook penne to desired doneness on the package; drain.
- Combine bread crumbs and Parmesan cheese in a plastic bag.
- Add pork slices to the bag and shake to coat.
- In a large nonstick skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high heat until hot.
- Add coated pork slices and cook 4 to 6 minutes until browned on each side.
- Add diced tomatoes with garlic, oregano, basil, tomato sauce, sliced green onions, and olive slices to the skillet.
- Stir gently to mix and bring to a boil.
- Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer 5 to 10 minutes until pork is tender, stirring occasionally.
- Serve pork mixture over cooked penne.
Tips & Substitutions
For extra flavor, consider marinating the pork in olive oil, garlic, and Italian herbs for an hour before coating. Substitute chicken or turkey tenderloin for a leaner option, or use gluten-free penne to cater to dietary needs. You can also add vegetables like bell peppers or spinach for added nutrition, similar to the Vegetable Pasta, Protein, Veggie Dish.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this dish with a side of garlic bread or a fresh green salad to balance the flavors. For a more filling meal, pair it with a glass of red wine. This recipe pairs beautifully with Aunt Lana's Lasagna, making it a great option for family gatherings.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of water or broth to keep the pasta moist. Alternatively, microwave in short intervals, stirring frequently to ensure even heating.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Parmesan Pork And Penne In Tomato Sauce contains roughly 680 calories, with 32g protein, 53g carbohydrates, and 38g fat. It is an excellent source of protein (64% of the Daily Value), iron (30% of the Daily Value), and vitamin C (22% of the Daily Value), and a good source of dietary fiber. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1274mg per serving (55% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use other types of pasta for this recipe?
Yes, you can substitute penne with any pasta shape you prefer. Fusilli or rotini work well too as they hold the sauce nicely. Just adjust the cooking time according to the package instructions for the pasta you choose.
Is this dish suitable for meal prep?
Absolutely! This dish stores well and can be made ahead of time. Just prepare the recipe as directed, let it cool, and portion it into meal prep containers for quick lunches or dinners throughout the week.
What can I do if I don't have ripe olives?
If you don't have ripe olives on hand, you can substitute them with capers or chopped artichoke hearts for a different flavor profile. Both options will add a nice brininess to the dish.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).