Braised Pork Shoulder and Rigatoni Bake
Indulge in the rich flavours of this Braised Pork Shoulder and Rigatoni Bake. Tender pork shoulder is slow cooked with aromatic herbs and spices, then combined with San Remo No.22 Rigatoni and baked to perfection with a cheesy topping. This hearty dish is perfect for family dinners and special occasions.
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prep time15minuti
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cook time90minuti
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serves5people
Ingredients
Method
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Heat a medium, heavy based saucepan over medium to high heat. Add olive oil and brown the pork in batches. Set aside.
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Add onion and celery and sauté until softened. Add garlic, chilli and fennel seed and cook for a further minute.
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Add white wine and reduce by half.
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Return the pork to the saucepan, add tomato paste and tinned tomato.
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Add enough water the cover the pork, season with salt & pepper, bring to the boil then simmer until tender (about one hour).
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Preheat oven to 180°C.
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In a pot of boiling salted water, add pasta and cook for 2 minutes less than suggested on the packet instructions.
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Add pasta to the braised pork and mix well.
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Transfer to an oven safe serving dish, top with mozzarella and parmesan and bake for 30 minutes.
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Allow to rest for 10 minutes before garnishing with chopped parsley.
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Serve and enjoy with family and friends!
Tips & Tricks
- Cooking Tips for Beginners: Brown the pork in batches to ensure even searing and enhance the flavor, sauté the aromatics like onion, celery, garlic, chili flakes, and fennel seeds thoroughly until fragrant to build a robust base for the sauce, and deglaze the pan with white wine, reducing it by half to lift the fond and deepen the sauce’s richness.
- Achieving the Perfect Sauce Texture: Simmer the pork in the tomato-based sauce for about an hour until tender and flavorful, cook the rigatoni al dente by boiling it two minutes less than the packet instructions to prevent overcooking during baking, and combine the pasta with the braised pork before baking to ensure the flavors are evenly distributed throughout the dish.
- Common Mistakes to Avoid: Avoid overcrowding the pan when browning the pork to prevent steaming instead of searing, let the baked dish rest for 10 minutes before serving to allow the flavors to meld and the sauce to set, and always taste the sauce before baking to adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper as needed.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best way to cook braised pork shoulder for pasta dishes?
Braised pork shoulder is best cooked low and slow until it becomes tender and easy to shred. In this rigatoni bake recipe, the pork is simmered with herbs, garlic, and tomatoes to infuse it with deep, savory flavour perfect for pairing with pasta.
How do I assemble a pork shoulder pasta bake?
To assemble a pork shoulder pasta bake, combine cooked rigatoni with the braised pork shoulder and sauce, layer with cheese, and bake until golden and bubbling. This method ensures every bite is rich and satisfying.
Can I make this rigatoni bake recipe ahead of time?
Yes, this rigatoni bake recipe can be prepared in advance. Assemble the dish, cover, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. When ready, simply bake it until heated through and the top is browned.
What side dishes go well with braised pork shoulder pasta bake?
A fresh green salad, garlic bread, or steamed vegetables pair well with braised pork shoulder pasta bake. These lighter sides balance the richness of the dish and complete the meal.
