Cherry Bourbon Glazed Pork Pasta (Print View)

Sweet-tangy cherry bourbon sauce coats pork and pasta with fresh vegetables for a crave-worthy fusion meal.

# Components:

→ Pork Component

01 - 1 lb pork tenderloin, trimmed and sliced into thin strips
02 - 1 tablespoon olive oil
03 - 1/2 teaspoon salt
04 - 1/4 teaspoon black pepper

→ Cherry Bourbon Glaze

05 - 1 cup pitted sweet cherries, fresh or frozen
06 - 1/3 cup bourbon
07 - 1/4 cup balsamic vinegar
08 - 2 tablespoons honey
09 - 1 tablespoon soy sauce
10 - 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
11 - 1/2 teaspoon chili flakes (optional)

→ Pasta and Vegetable Medley

12 - 12 ounces penne or rigatoni pasta
13 - 1 tablespoon olive oil
14 - 1 red bell pepper, thinly sliced
15 - 1 small red onion, thinly sliced
16 - 2 cups baby spinach

→ Garnish

17 - 2 tablespoons fresh basil, chopped
18 - 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional)

# Directions:

01 - Cook pasta according to package directions until al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup of pasta water before draining. Set aside.
02 - Toast 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Season pork strips with salt and pepper. Sauté for 4-6 minutes until browned and cooked through. Transfer pork to a separate plate.
03 - In the same skillet used for pork, combine cherries, bourbon, balsamic vinegar, honey, soy sauce, Dijon mustard, and chili flakes (if using). Bring to a simmer and cook for 6-8 minutes, stirring occasionally, until cherries soften and the sauce achieves a slight thickness.
04 - Return the seared pork to the skillet and toss to coat thoroughly with the prepared glaze. Allow to simmer for an additional 2-3 minutes. Remove from heat.
05 - In a separate large pan, toast 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. Add the sliced bell pepper and red onion. Sauté for 3-4 minutes until they reach a tender consistency. Stir in the baby spinach and cook until just wilted, approximately 1 minute.
06 - Add the cooked pasta, sautéed vegetables, and reserved pasta water to the skillet containing the pork and glaze. Toss all ingredients together over low heat until well combined and uniformly heated.
07 - Portion the dish into bowls. Garnish with chopped fresh basil and grated Parmesan cheese, if desired.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • Ready in under an hour for a gourmet weeknight meal
  • Uses both fresh vegetables and pantry staples
  • Perfect balance of sweet and savory flavors
  • Impressive enough for guests but simple enough for family dinner
02 -
  • Perfect meal for meal prep as flavors improve overnight
  • Contains alcohol but most cooks off during the simmering process
  • Complete protein and vegetable meal in one dish
  • Can be easily scaled up for larger gatherings

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