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Friday, November 13, 2026Nov 13

Italian pasta dish gets a pork-chop twist

Pork Chop Ragu is served with a side salad. / Linda Gassenheimer/TNS
Pork Chop Ragu is served with a side salad. / Linda Gassenheimer/TNS Pork Chop Ragu is served with a side salad. / Linda Gassenheimer/TNS

I was craving something simple yet flavorful, and an Italian-style ragu immediately came to mind. In Italy, “ragu” refers to a rich, ground meat-based sauce traditionally served over pasta.

For a quick and easy twist, I decided to prepare this ragu using a whole pork chop, making the process even more convenient without sacrificing taste. To enhance the depth of the sauce, I stirred in a bit of tomato paste. Fresh basil, with its fragrant aroma, not only brightens the dish but also adds a vibrant pop of color, elevating the entire meal.

HELPFUL HINTS

› Any type of low-sodium pasta sauce can be used.

› Any type of long-cut pasta such as spaghetti, linguine or fettuccini can be used.