Slivered Pork, Vegetables, Pasta
A hearty, flavorful pasta dish featuring tender pork strips, vibrant vegetables, and melted cheese, perfect for family dinners or entertaining friends.
Ingredients
- 2 cups whole wheat ziti ⓘ
- 1 teaspoon olive oil ⓘ
- 2 tablespoons olive oil ⓘ
- 1 pound boneless pork loin, fat trimmed, cut into 1/4 inch strips
- 1 red bell pepper, chopped ⓘ
- 1 small onion, chopped ⓘ
- 6 mushrooms, chopped ⓘ
- 3 cloves garlic, minced ⓘ
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano ⓘ
- 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme ⓘ
- 1 can (15 oz.) crushed tomatoes ⓘ
- 1/4 teaspoon salt ⓘ
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper ⓘ
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F.
- Cook the whole wheat ziti pasta according to package directions. Drain and return to the pot.
- Add 1 teaspoon of olive oil to the pasta and toss to coat.
- Heat the remaining 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
- Add the pork strips and cook until browned, about 3 to 5 minutes.
- Add chopped red bell pepper, onion, mushrooms, minced garlic, dried oregano, and dried thyme to the skillet.
- Cook until the onion is almost soft, about 6 to 7 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Stir in the crushed tomatoes and cook for 5 minutes.
- Season with salt and black pepper to taste.
- Add the cooked pasta to the skillet, tossing to combine with the sauce and vegetables.
- Pour the mixture into a shallow 2 1/2 or 3-quart baking dish.
- Top with tomato slices around the edges if desired, then sprinkle with mozzarella cheese.
- Bake until heated through, cheese is melted and slightly browned, about 20 to 25 minutes.
Tips & Substitutions
For a quicker version, you can use pre-cooked pork or chicken. If you want to add more vegetables, consider incorporating spinach or zucchini for extra nutrition. To enhance flavor, try adding a splash of balsamic vinegar to the sauce. Whole wheat pasta is a great base, but feel free to substitute with any pasta you prefer, like gluten-free options for a different twist.
Serving Suggestions
This dish pairs beautifully with a simple green salad and garlic bread for a complete meal. For added freshness, consider serving with a side of steamed vegetables or a light vinaigrette. If you enjoy Italian recipes, you might also like to explore Tallerini or Grandma'S Lasagne for additional hearty options.
Storage & Reheating
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply place in a microwave-safe dish and heat until warmed through, stirring occasionally. For a crispier texture, consider reheating in the oven at 350°F until heated thoroughly and the cheese is bubbly.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Slivered Pork, Vegetables, Pasta contains roughly 635 calories, with 46g protein, 38g carbohydrates, and 36g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (182% of the Daily Value), protein (93% of the Daily Value), and calcium (93% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1238mg per serving (54% 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 a different type of meat in this recipe?
Absolutely! You can substitute the pork with chicken, turkey, or even a plant-based protein like tempeh or tofu for a vegetarian version. Just ensure that the cooking times are adjusted according to the protein you choose.
Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the dish a day in advance. Just assemble everything in the baking dish, cover it, and store it in the refrigerator. When ready to serve, bake it straight from the fridge, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time to ensure it's heated through.
What can I do if I don't have crushed tomatoes?
If crushed tomatoes are unavailable, you can use diced tomatoes or even tomato sauce as a substitute. For a richer flavor, blend whole or diced tomatoes in a blender or food processor until smooth. Adjust the seasonings accordingly to maintain the flavor profile.
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).