Saffron Pasta with Pork and Tomato Sauce Recipe

Name: Saffron Pasta with Pork and Tomato Sauce
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 45 min
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: 2 tablespoons olive oil; 3 ounces pancetta or bacon, finely chopped; 1 medium onion, finely chopped; 1/4 cup chopped fresh Italian parsley; 1 pound ground pork; 1 28-ounce can crushed tomatoes with added puree; 2 bay leaves; 2 teaspoons chopped fresh sage; 12 ounces gnocchi-shaped pasta, orecchiette (little ear-shaped pasta), or medium pasta shells; 1 1/2 teaspoons saffron threads, crumbled; 1 cup freshly grated pecorino Sardo or pecorino Romano cheese (about 3 ounces)

Servings: persons

2 tablespoons olive oil
3 ounces pancetta or bacon, finely chopped
1 medium onion, finely chopped
1/4 cup chopped fresh Italian parsley
1 pound ground pork
1 28-ounce can crushed tomatoes with added puree
2 bay leaves
2 teaspoons chopped fresh sage
12 ounces gnocchi-shaped pasta, orecchiette (little ear-shaped pasta), or medium pasta shells
1 1/2 teaspoons saffron threads, crumbled
1 cup freshly grated pecorino Sardo or pecorino Romano cheese (about 3 ounces)

1
Heat oil in heavy large skillet over medium heat.
2
Add pancetta; saute until fat is rendered, about 3 minutes.
3
Add onion and parsley and saute until onion is soft, about 5 minutes.
4
Add ground pork and saute until brown, breaking up with back of fork, about 8 minutes.
5
Stir in crushed tomatoes, bay leaves, and sage.
6
Reduce heat to medium-low and simmer until sauce thickens and flavors blend, stirring occasionally, about 25 minutes.
7
Season sauce to taste with salt and pepper.
8
(Can be made 2 days ahead.
9
Chill uncovered 1 hour.
10
Then cover and keep chilled.
11
Rewarm over low heat.)
12
Meanwhile, bring large pot of salted water to boil.
13
Add pasta and saffron and cook until pasta is just tender but still firm to bite.
14
Drain.
15
Return pasta to pot.
16
Add sauce and 1/2 cup cheese and toss to blend.
17
Transfer to bowl.
18
Sprinkle with remaining 1/2 cup cheese and serve.

927

kcal

Calories

Fat

Carbs

Protein

Fat Carbs Protein

* Per serving · 4 servings · Values may vary.

Tips for the best results

Read through all the steps once before you start and measure out your ingredients first — it makes everything go more smoothly.
Taste as you go and adjust the seasoning before serving.
Avoid overcrowding the pan — cook in batches if needed for the best texture.
Let the dish rest for a few minutes before serving so the flavors settle.
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge and enjoy within a few days.

Variations & substitutions

Feel free to swap in similar ingredients you already have on hand and adjust seasoning to taste.

No specific allergen information. Please check the ingredient list for possible allergens.

My Personal Notes

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How did you like this recipe?

This recipe makes 4 servings. You can adjust the portion size directly on this page.

You need 11 ingredients. The key ingredients include: 2 tablespoons olive oil, 3 ounces pancetta or bacon, finely chopped, 1 medium onion, finely chopped, 1/4 cup chopped fresh Italian parsley, and more.

Yes, Saffron Pasta with Pork and Tomato Sauce falls under the Pasta & Noodles category and is a great choice for this type of meal.

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3–4 days. Reheat gently before serving.

That's it — enjoy your meal!

Saffron Pasta with Pork and Tomato Sauce

Tips for the best results

Variations & substitutions

My Personal Notes

How did you like this recipe?

Frequently Asked Questions