Southwestern Pork Pasta Recipes

SOUTHWESTERN PORK & PASTA

Steps:

• Cook pasta according to package directions. Meanwhile, in a Dutch oven, cook pork in oil in batches until no longer pink; return all to the pan. Add onions and garlic; cook 1 minute longer. Stir in the tomatoes, beans, corn, salsa and spices. Bring to a boil. Reduce heat; simmer, uncovered, for 5 minutes., Combine the cornstarch and water until smooth. Gradually stir into pan. Bring to a boil; cook and stir for 2 minutes or until slightly thickened. Drain pasta; add to pork mixture and toss to coat., Serve desired amount of pasta with sour cream. Cool remaining pasta; transfer to freezer containers. Cover and freeze for up to 3 months., To use frozen pasta: Thaw in the refrigerator. Place in an ungreased shallow microwave-safe dish. Cover and microwave on high until heated through.

SOUTHWESTERN PORK CHOPS

Steps:

• In a large skillet, saute onion in 1 tablespoon oil for 3-4 minutes or until tender. Add garlic; cook 1 minute longer. Stir in the tomatoes, beans, broth, chili powder, oregano, cumin and pepper flakes. Bring to a boil. Reduce heat; simmer, uncovered, for 4-5 minutes or until heated through. , Meanwhile, in another skillet, brown pork chops on both sides in remaining oil over medium-high heat. Sprinkle with salt and pepper. Pour tomato mixture over chops. Cover and simmer for 10-15 minutes or until a thermometer reads 160°. Using a slotted spoon, serve over rice. Sprinkle with cilantro if desired. Freeze option: Cool pork chop mixture. Freeze in freezer containers. To use, partially thaw in refrigerator overnight. Heat through slowly in a covered skillet until a thermometer inserted in pork reads 165°, stirring occasionally and adding a little broth or water if necessary. Serve as directed.

SOUTHWESTERN VEGETARIAN PASTA

Steps:

• Heat oil in a large, deep skillet. Saute onion, green pepper, garlic, chili powder and cumin. Stir in tomatoes, chickpeas and corn. Reduce heat to low and simmer 15 to 20 minutes, or until thickened and heated through.
• Meanwhile, bring a large pot of lightly salted water to a boil. Add macaroni and cook for 8 to 10 minutes or until al dente; drain.
• Combine pasta and sauce. Sprinkle each serving with Monterey Jack cheese.

SOUTHWESTERN PORK SALAD

Steps:

• In a large bowl, combine the pork, beans, onion, green pepper, tomato and olives. In a small bowl, whisk the remaining ingredients. Pour over salad; toss gently to coat. Cover and refrigerate for 4-6 hours, stirring occasionally.

SOUTHWESTERN PORK AND PASTA

Steps:

• Cook pasta according to package instructions. Meanwhile, in a Dutch oven, cook pork in oil in batches over medium heat for 6-7 minutes or until juices run clear; return all to the pan. Add onions and garlic; cook 1 minute longer. Stir in the tomatoes, beans, corn, salsa and spices. Bring to a boil. Reduce heat; simmer, uncovered, for 5 minutes.
• Combine the cornstarch and water until smooth. Gradually stir into pan. Bring to a boil; cook and stir for 2 minutes or until slightly thickened. Drain pasta; add to pork mixture and toss to coat.
• Serve desired amount of pasta with sour cream. Cool remaining pasta; transfer to freezer containers. Cover and freeze for up to 3 months.

SOUTHWESTERN PASTA

Steps:

• Peel sweet onions and cut into slices about 1/4-inch thick; separate slices into rings.
• In a large deep skillet, heat olive oil over medium-low heat. Add onions, chicken, cumin, chili powder, salt and cayenne pepper and cook, stirring occasionally, until onions are soft and golden, about 25 minutes.
• Stir in the tomatoes, corn and chiles and cook 2 minutes longer.
• Pour in the chicken stock and increase heat to high. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the sauce thickens slightly, 5 to 10 minutes.
• Combine the sauce, cooked pasta, cilantro and goat cheese, stirring and tossing to soften the cheese.

SOUTHWESTERN PORK SOUP (FOR CROCK POT)

Steps:

• In the bottom of a slow cooker, combine pork, onion, bell pepper, jalapeño, garlic, chili powder, cumin, 1/2 teaspoon salt, and 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper (measuring both the salt and pepper with real measuring spoons, leveled).
• Stir to combine.
• Add broth, tomatoes, and beans, cover and cook on LOW for 6 to 8 hours or HIGH for 3 to 4 hours.
• When ready to serve, test for seasonings, then ladle soup into bowls and top with avocado, some cilantro, and a squirt or two of lime juice over each serving.
• Serve with some chips and a sprinkling of cheese too if desired.