Creamy Smoked Pork and Shishito Pasta with Crispy Ham Crumbs
Indulge in a luxurious and unexpectedly sophisticated pasta dish that masterfully blends smoky, savory, and subtly spicy notes into a creamy embrace. This pasta features tender strands coated in a velvety sauce, where the rich, complex flavors of smoked pulled pork are beautifully complemented by the gentle char and slight heat of shishito peppers. The dish is elevated by a sprinkle of crispy, salty ham crumbs, providing a delightful textural contrast and an extra layer of umami that makes each bite utterly captivating. It's a comforting yet elegant meal, perfect for a cozy evening, showcasing how simple, quality ingredients can create a truly memorable culinary experience.
Ingredients
- •8 ounces pasta (fettuccine, tagliatelle, or linguine recommended)
- •1 tablespoon olive oil
- •1 cup diced ham, finely diced
- •1 cup shishito peppers, thinly sliced
- •2 cloves garlic, minced
- •1/2 cup chicken or vegetable broth
- •1/2 cup heavy cream
- •1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese, plus more for serving
- •1.5 cups cooked smoked pulled pork, shredded
- •Salt to taste
- •Black pepper to taste
- •Optional: Fresh parsley, chopped for garnish
Dietary Info
Instructions
- 1
Cook the pasta according to package directions in salted boiling water until al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup of pasta water before draining.
- 2
While the pasta cooks, heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the finely diced ham and cook until crispy and golden brown, about 5-7 minutes. Remove the crispy ham to a plate, leaving the rendered fat in the skillet.
- 3
Add the thinly sliced shishito peppers to the skillet with the ham fat and cook over medium heat until softened and slightly charred, about 4-6 minutes.
- 4
Stir in the minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
- 5
Add the chicken or vegetable broth to the skillet, bringing it to a simmer. Stir in the heavy cream and grated Parmesan cheese, whisking until the sauce is smooth and slightly thickened.
- 6
Add the shredded smoked pulled pork to the sauce and heat through, about 2-3 minutes.
- 7
Drain the pasta and add it directly to the skillet with the sauce. Toss to coat, adding a splash of the reserved pasta water if needed to reach your desired consistency.
- 8
Season with salt and black pepper to taste. Serve immediately, garnished with the crispy ham crumbs, extra Parmesan cheese, and fresh parsley if desired.
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