Barbecue Pork and Penne Skillet Recipe: A Flavorful One-Pan Dinner
Are you looking for a delicious and easy one-pan meal? The Barbecue Pork and Penne Skillet recipe is an excellent choice that will surely satisfy your taste buds. With the perfect combination of tender barbecued pork, flavorful penne pasta, and a blend of spices, this dish is not only flavorful but also convenient for those busy weeknights or lazy weekends.
To create this mouthwatering dish, you’ll need simple ingredients such as penne pasta, barbecued shredded pork, red pepper, onion, garlic, tomatoes with green chiles, beef broth, olive oil, cumin, pepper, and cheddar cheese. The key to this recipe’s incredible taste is the balance between the savory barbecued pork, the comforting taste of penne pasta, and the tangy tomatoes with mild green chiles.
This Barbecue Pork and Penne Skillet recipe is perfect for those who love hearty meals filled with bold flavors. Follow the straightforward steps to have this delicious dish on your table in no time, and watch as it quickly becomes one of your favorite go-to meals for both family dinners and special occasions.
The Story Behind Barbecue Pork and Penne Skillet
Barbecue Pork and Penne Skillet, also known as BBQ Pork Skillet, is a delectable one-pot meal that has captured the hearts of many home cooks and their families. With a delightful blend of flavors, this main course brings you the taste of barbecued pork and delicious penne pasta in an easy-to-make dish perfect for any night of the week.
The inspiration for this recipe often comes from the need for a simple yet delicious meal that doesn’t compromise on taste or quality. Whether you’re a busy parent looking for a quick weeknight dinner or someone who enjoys hosting dinner parties, this dish is sure to please everyone at the table.
To make Barbecue Pork and Penne Skillet, you’ll start by cooking penne pasta according to the package directions. In a large skillet, you’ll saut√© chopped red pepper and onion in a combination of butter and olive oil until they’re tender. Add minced garlic for an extra burst of flavor, and then stir in pre-cooked barbecued shredded pork, diced tomatoes with green chiles, beef broth, ground cumin, pepper, and salt to create a mouthwatering sauce.
Here’s a quick overview of the ingredients you’ll need:
- Penne Pasta: 1 package (16 ounces)
- Sweet Red Pepper: 1 cup chopped
- Onion: 3/4 cup chopped
- Butter: 1 tablespoon
- Olive Oil: 1 tablespoon
- Garlic Cloves: 3, minced
- Pre-cooked Barbecued Shredded Pork: 1 carton (16 ounces)
- Diced Tomatoes with Green Chiles: 1 can (14-1/2 ounces), undrained
- Beef Broth: 1/2 cup
- Ground Cumin: 1 teaspoon
- Pepper: 1 teaspoon
- Salt: 1/4 teaspoon
- Shredded Cheddar Cheese: 1 1/4 cups
- Green Onion: 1/4 cup chopped
Once your sauce has come together, simply drain your cooked pasta and add it to the skillet, stirring in some shredded cheddar cheese for a creamy touch. Top it off with chopped green onion for a little zesty crunch, and your Barbecue Pork and Penne Skillet is ready to serve.
As you can see, this dish offers a delightful combination of flavors and textures, making it a perfect main course for a cozy family meal or an impressive centerpiece while entertaining. So, go ahead and try this BBQ Pork Skillet for yourself and enjoy the delightful taste adventure that awaits.
Ingredients You’ll Need
To prepare a delicious Barbecue Pork and Penne Skillet dish, gather the following ingredients:
- Penne pasta: 16 ounces, this will be the base of your dish.
- Sweet red pepper: 1 cup chopped, adds a vibrant color and sweet flavor.
- Onion: ¾ cup chopped, provides a savory and aromatic base.
- Garlic: 3 cloves minced, infuses a flavorful punch.
- Fully cooked barbecued shredded pork: 18 ounces, the star protein of this dish.
- Diced tomatoes with mild green chiles: 14-¬Ω ounce can, undrained, for some tang and heat.
- Beef broth: ¬Ω cup, adds depth of flavor and moisture.
For seasoning and enhancing the flavors of your dish, you’ll need:
- Ground cumin: 1 teaspoon, imparts a warm, earthy taste.
- Pepper: 1 teaspoon, for a mild kick.
- Salt: ¼ teaspoon, to enhance the overall taste.
To finish off the dish, gather the following ingredients to create a luscious texture and presentation:
- Butter: 1 tablespoon, for cooking onions and red pepper and providing a rich flavor.
- Olive oil: 1 tablespoon, pairs with butter for a balanced cooking medium.
- Shredded cheddar cheese: 1-¼ cups, for a delicious, creamy and melty topping.
- Green onions: ¼ cup chopped, for a fresh, crisp garnish.
With these ingredients at hand, you’re ready to create a delectable Barbecue Pork and Penne Skillet dish that will be perfect for any weeknight dinner or weekend gathering.
The Right Pasta Choice
Why Penne Pasta
Penne pasta is a popular choice for many different types of dishes, but it works especially well with a barbecue pork and penne skillet recipe. It has a few distinct advantages that make it an ideal choice for this dish: its shape, texture, and ability to hold the sauce are key factors contributing to its success in this recipe.
First, let’s talk about the shape of penne pasta. Penne is a tube-shaped pasta with diagonally cut ends, resembling the nib of an antique quill pen. This shape allows it to hold more sauce than other pasta varieties such as spaghetti or fettuccine. In a barbecue pork and penne skillet dish, the penne captures the delicious sauce in its hollow center, ensuring every bite is bursting with flavor.
As for texture, penne pasta has ridges or grooves running along its sides (termed rigate). These grooves help the pasta grip onto both thick and thin sauces, making it a versatile option in the kitchen. In the case of barbecue pork and penne skillet, the ridges capture the rich barbecue sauce and infuse each bite with maximum flavor.
Now, let’s consider the role of penne pasta in this specific dish:
- Holding the sauce: As we’ve already mentioned, penne’s tube shape and ridges allow it to hold the barbecue sauce more effectively than other pasta shapes.
- Evenly dispersed ingredients: The penne pasta evenly distributes the delicious barbecue pork throughout the dish, leading to a perfect balance of flavors in every bite.
- Easy cooking: Penne pasta cooks fairly quickly, generally in about 11-13 minutes, making it a convenient and efficient choice for those busy weeknight dinners.
To sum up, when making a barbecue pork and penne skillet recipe, penne pasta proves to be an excellent choice. Its distinct shape, texture, and ability to hold sauce help elevate this dish to a delicious and satisfying meal.
Cooking Techniques
Preparing the Pork
To prepare the pork for your Barbecue Pork and Penne Skillet recipe, first, you’ll need to choose a suitable cut of meat. Pork shoulder or tenderloin work well for this dish due to their tenderness and flavor. Cut the pork into bite-sized pieces, making sure to trim any excess fat.
Next, season the pork with a blend of spices like cumin, salt, and pepper for a well-rounded flavor profile. You can also use your preferred barbecue seasoning. Be sure to fully coat all pieces of the pork.
When cooking the pork, heat a touch of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the seasoned pork and cook until browned on all sides. Remove the pork from the skillet and set aside on a plate.
Cooking Pasta Properly
To cook the pasta correctly for this dish, start by bringing a large pot of water to a rolling boil. Add a generous pinch of salt to season the water. This is an essential step since it enhances the overall flavor of the pasta. Next, add your penne pasta to the boiling water. Use the package instructions as a guide for the cooking time, but check for doneness a minute or two earlier to ensure it stays al dente.
When the pasta has reached your desired level of doneness, drain it in a colander and set it aside. Remember, do not rinse the pasta as the surface starch is essential for the sauce to cling properly.
Combining the Rest Ingredients
Now, return to the skillet used earlier to cook the pork. Add a bit more olive oil along with some butter. Sauté red pepper and onion until tender, then add garlic and cook for an additional minute. Stir in the cooked pork, diced tomatoes, and broth to the skillet. Heat the mixture through, allowing the flavors to meld together.
To finish the dish, add the cooked pasta and a generous helping of cheese to the skillet with the pork mixture. Stir until well combined and the cheese has melted, coating the pasta. Finally, sprinkle with chopped green onions for a burst of freshness and added color.
Flavour Balance
In this Barbecue Pork and Penne Skillet recipe, striking a perfect balance between the various flavors is essential. The dish brings together a delightful mix of sweetness, heat, and savory elements. Let’s take a closer look at some of the key ingredients that contribute to this harmony of tastes:
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Sweetness: The chopped sweet red pepper adds a fresh, sweet touch to the dish without overpowering the other flavors. It complements the natural sweetness of the barbecued pork, enhancing the overall taste of the skillet.
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Spices: Ground cumin is an excellent addition, adding a warm earthy flavor with a hint of citrus that pairs perfectly with barbecued meat. Combine this with salt and pepper to season the dish to your taste, creating a simple yet effective seasoning blend.
| Ingredient | Amount | Contribution |
|---|---|---|
| Ground Cumin | 1/2 – 1 tsp | Earthy, citrusy |
| Salt | To taste | Enhances flavors |
| Black Pepper | To taste | Mild spiciness |
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Savory: The beef broth introduces a rich, savory element to the dish, ensuring that there is a depth of flavor that goes beyond the sweetness of the peppers and the tanginess of the tomatoes.
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Mild Heat: The mild green chilies in the diced tomatoes with mild green chilies provide a gentle heat without overpowering the other flavors. These chilies add a subtle kick to the dish, making it satisfying without being overly spicy.
As you cook your Barbecue Pork and Penne Skillet, remember to adjust these ingredients according to your personal preferences. Some might desire a little extra heat, while others may wish to increase the sweetness or savoriness. With attentive flavor balancing, your dish will be sure to satisfy the taste buds of both family and friends alike.
Storing and Reheating Advice
When it comes to enjoying your delicious BBQ Pork and Penne Skillet dish, knowing how to properly store and reheat leftovers is essential. Proper storage keeps the dish fresh, while reheating restores its delightful taste and texture.
To store your leftovers, always ensure you place the BBQ Pork Skillet in an airtight container or tightly wrap it with plastic wrap or aluminum foil. You can then store this container either in the refrigerator or in the freezer for longer storage. If refrigerated, consume the dish within 3-4 days. If freezing, it can last up to 2-3 months. Remember to label your container with the date to track the storage time easily.
When you’re ready to reheat your BBQ Pork Skillet dish, follow these steps based on the reheating method you choose:
- Oven: Preheat your oven to 325°F (163°C). Transfer the skillet to an oven-safe dish and cover it with foil to retain moisture. Place the dish in the oven and bake for 15-20 minutes, or until heated through.
- Stovetop: Heat a covered skillet or saucepan over low heat. Add the BBQ Pork Skillet and stir frequently to prevent sticking and ensure even heating throughout the dish.
- Microwave: Place the leftovers in a microwave-safe dish, and cover it with a microwave-safe lid or cling wrap, leaving a corner open for steam to escape. Heat at 50% power for 2-3 minutes, stirring occasionally to ensure even heating.
For an even more enjoyable experience, you may want to add a little extra moisture to the dish before reheating. This can be in the form of a splash of broth, a spoonful of BBQ sauce, or even a few tablespoons of water. This will help prevent the dish from drying out and ultimately maintain the optimal taste and texture of your BBQ Pork and Penne Skillet.
Health Benefits and Nutrition Facts
When it comes to understanding the nutritional benefits of Barbecue Pork and Penne Skillet, it’s essential to take a closer look at the primary ingredients. This will help you appreciate the value it can bring to your overall diet.
Pork: As a rich source of protein, pork contributes to muscle growth and maintenance. It also contains essential vitamins and minerals such as iron, zinc, and B-vitamins. These nutrients are vital for maintaining a healthy immune system and promoting energy production in your body.
Tomatoes: Tomatoes bring a range of nutritional benefits, including being an excellent source of vitamins C and K, potassium, and the antioxidant lycopene. Lycopene has been associated with a reduced risk of heart disease and certain types of cancer.
Cheese: Cheese, in moderation, offers essential nutrients such as calcium, protein, and beneficial fats. Calcium aids in maintaining healthy bones and teeth, while the high-quality protein content in cheese contributes to muscle maintenance.
Pasta: Penne pasta provides a good source of carbohydrates, which are essential for energy production. By opting for whole-grain varieties, you can boost your pasta’s nutritional content, as whole grains are richer in fiber and various vitamins and minerals.
Now, let’s analyze the nutrition facts of a typical Barbecue Pork and Penne Skillet recipe:
| Nutrient | Amount per Serving |
|---|---|
| Calories | 460 |
| Protein | 30g |
| Carbohydrates | 55g |
| Fat | 15g |
| Fiber | 6g |
The dish contains a balanced mix of macronutrients: protein, carbohydrates, and fats. It is essential to consume these nutrients in the right proportions in order to fuel your body efficiently.
In summary, Barbecue Pork and Penne Skillet can be a nutritious and satisfying meal, providing you with a range of vitamins, minerals, and essential nutrients. Opt for high-quality ingredients and practice portion control to make the most of the health benefits this dish has to offer.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the key ingredients for Barbecue Pork and Penne Skillet?
The key ingredients for Barbecue Pork and Penne Skillet are penne pasta, barbecued shredded pork, sweet red pepper, onion, garlic, diced tomatoes with mild green chiles, broth, cumin, butter, olive oil, and shredded cheddar cheese.
How long does it take to cook Barbecue Pork and Penne Skillet?
It takes approximately 25-30 minutes to cook Barbecue Pork and Penne Skillet. This includes the time to cook the pasta, as well as sautéing and combining the ingredients in a skillet.
What type of barbecue sauce is best for this recipe?
The choice of barbecue sauce for this recipe depends on your personal taste preferences. A tangy, slightly sweet barbecue sauce complements the flavors in this dish. You can choose your favorite store-bought barbecue sauce or create your own homemade version.
Can you make this dish using leftover pulled pork?
Yes, you can make this dish using leftover pulled pork. Just ensure that the pulled pork is well-drained to avoid a watery dish. Substitute the cooked shredded pork with your leftover pulled pork and adjust the barbecue sauce quantity based on your preference.
What side dishes pair well with this recipe?
This Barbecue Pork and Penne Skillet is a flavorful, hearty meal on its own. However, if you want to include side dishes, opt for a green salad, steamed vegetables, or garlic bread. These options will complement the bold flavors of the main dish without overpowering them.
How can you adapt the recipe for a vegetarian option?
To adapt this recipe for a vegetarian option, replace the barbecued shredded pork with a plant-based protein, such as grilled or smoked tofu, tempeh, or even a meat substitute like store-bought vegan BBQ “pulled pork.” Additionally, ensure that your barbecue sauce and broth are vegetarian-friendly.
