Search This Blog

Wednesday, May 9, 2012

Pasta with Ground Pork and Rosemary Sauce

 
Well, it's finally happening - I'm taking a couple days off!!  (YAY)  I think they are very much needed at this point, too.  Working 11-12 hour days has a tendency to drag a person down from time to time.  So it's time.. time to take some time for me.  But don't worry, I'll be back on Tuesday, so it's not goodbye, it's just see ya in a few days!

Of course, I couldn't leave you with just a 'see ya later'.. nope, I would feel like a schmuck if I didn't leave with a tasty little concoction that quickly became a favorite in our house.  We are lovers of rosemary.  It is one herb Chris and I definitely agree on... even our cats love it.  Heck, Lexi acts like it's cat nip.  Hence, why I try and use it whenever I can.

This is a very flavorful sauce.  A bit different than the standard everyday red sauce, but one I would make once a week if I could :)  Just a note though, the rosemary can be a bit over powering.  It's fresh and full of lots of woods-y flavor, so add a little at a time and taste as you go.  The only other note... TRY IT!!!

See you next week everyone!

Pasta with Ground Pork and Rosemary Sauce
Created by Jenn's Food Journey
Printable Recipe 
Ingredients:
1 teaspoon olive oil
1/2 sweet onion, finely chopped
3/4 lbs ground pork
1 garlic clove, minced
1/4 teaspoon ground fennel seed
1 teaspoon dried oregano
1 teaspoon dried parsley
1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes
1 1/2 cup beef broth
2 Tablespoons tomato paste
1 Tablespoons fresh rosemary, chopped
10 oz cherry tomatoes, quartered
salt and pepper
10-12 oz penne pasta

Directions:
In a deep skillet or Dutch oven, heat the olive oil over medium heat.  Add the onions and saute until tender, about 8 minutes.  Add the ground pork, breaking it up with a wooden spoon.  Allow to cook for 4 minutes, stirring occasionally.  Stir in the garlic and cook 1 minute.  Add the fennel, oregano, parsley and red pepper flakes.  Stir to combine.  Slowly stir in the tomato paste and then the beef broth.  Reduce heat to simmer and cover.  Simmer sauce for 30 minutes.  Stir in the fresh rosemary and cherry tomatoes and simmer until sauce has thickened, about another 10 minutes, stirring occasionally.  Season to taste with salt and pepper.

Meanwhile, cook penne according to package directions.  Drain pasta.  Add to sauce and toss to coat.  Serve with warm crusty bread and enjoy!

One Year Ago:  Mustard and Herb Rubbed Sirloin Tip Roast
Two Years Ago:  Bloody Mary Steaks

17 comments:

Becki's Whole Life said...

I love Rosemary and I have a big plant in my front bed so I am always looking for different ways to use it. This is a really different pasta recipe - love the sauce! You don't see ground pork often enough in recipes and it has such great flavor! Have a nice break!

Mary said...

I adore rosemary, but you're right, it can be overpowering at times. This sounds great!

Enjoy your break! I'm headed off for a girl's weekend myself and I can hardly wait!!

Mary Bergfeld said...

Enjoy your holiday.I'll be here when you return. Have fun! Blessings...Mary

Andrea the Kitchen Witch said...

Rosemary is one of my favorite herbs too. I can't get it to grow or stay alive out here at all, very frustrating as the packets are expensive!! This sounds really good, love the ground pork rosemary combo, nice & flavorful like fresh made sausage. Enjoy your time off Jenn!!!

Big Dude said...

The dish sounds outstanding Jenn and I know what you mean about those long days. This fooling around all day in retirement can sure be a drain.:-)

Pam said...

I want to like rosemary but for some reason it doesn't taste good to me. I bet this tasty looking pasta would be great with basil too! :)

Have a great week off... you deserve a break!

Debra Hawkins said...

This sounds amazing! I hope you have a few fabulous days off!

Cranberry Morning said...

Oh YUM!!! I don't have any ground pork on hand, but I do have some pork loin which I'll dice and stirfry first. I wish I could make it tonight, but it'll have to wait until another time - maybe tomorrow. then again, it really seems like a Friday Night Comfort Food Night meal. Thanks for another great recipe, Jenn. And you deserve a break today! (oops, sounds like a slogan is born) lol

Lea Ann said...

I'm liking the fennel is this also. Great looking dish Jenn. Have a wonderful vacation.

Yenta Mary said...

This looks fabulous!!! Enjoy your time off and get some rest. You'll be missed, but I hope the break is good for you ... :)

Karen (Back Road Journal) said...

Your pork and rosemary sauce sounds terrific. Love all the seasoning that you put in the sauce.

Miss Meat and Potatoes said...

Oh my gosh I heart this. SO comforting yet not too heavy. Winner sister. Enjoy your time off and see you Tues;)

Catherine said...

Dear Jenn, Enjoy your time off. Rest and have fun.
The pasta looks wonderful. Rosemary is one of my favorite flavors. It goes perfectly with pork. Blessings dear. Catherine xo

Candace said...

Jenn, this looks sooooo delicious! I love that you used ground pork and the rosemary sauce sounds absolutely amazing. I've got to make this. Enjoy your time off!

Georgia | The Comfort of Cooking said...

What a delicious and easy recipe, Jenn! This looks so tasty!

StephenC said...

I've been thinking pasta for a week. This could be it.

Chris said...

Have a great weekend, Jenn!