A sophisticated and elegant yet surprisingly easy recipe for Pasta with Braised Pork Ragu that will impress your family and friends at your next dinner party. Thanks to Le Creuset for providing me this braiser for recipe testing and for hosting our giveaway. As always, all views, opinions, and recipes are my own.
You're hosting a dinner party or a big family dinner. You need a dish that is going to wow and impress everyone, but you don't want to be standing over a stove all day. I'm with you. And here's the answer.
I make this Pasta with Braised Pork Ragu at least a couple times every winter. I love it. The people I make it for love it. It's hearty. It's comforting. And it's inspired by Mario Batali's Taccozzette Con Stracotto at his NYC restaurant, Otto.
The magic within this Braised Pork Ragu actually happens when you are away from the kitchen. Yup, that's right. You can go ahead and enjoy your time reading a book, taking a nap, watching tv, or maybe taking a nap while watching tv 🙂 You just let the slow simmering dish do it's thing, transforming from a bunch of ingredients into this luxurious, complex-tasting pulled pork ragu.
You like that blue cooking vessel? It's my new toy that I received from my pals over at Le Creuset. You know how much of a fan of Le Creuset I am, right?
I may not be able to correctly pronounce it... Lay Crew-sett is my Americanized butchered attempt, but this French cookware company is hands down my favorite. My whole kitchen is stocked to the brim with their cookware, bakeware, and cooking utensils. Just ask Asheley, she'll be more than happy to tell you how much "kitchen stuff" I have. Right Asheley?! 🙂
Their cast iron and enamel covered braisers are made specificially to spread wet and dry heat evenly to break down tough pieces of meat like this pork shoulder. I like it. A lot.
And you can win your very own Le Creuset Braiser! That's right, we're giving one away. All $240 of it. Entry instructions are at the bottom of this post 🙂
This braised pork shoulder ragu recipe is a one-pot wonder. Seriously. You just dump a bunch of stuff into the braiser, let it do it's slow-cooking magic, and boom... you have yourself an instant, warming, hearty dish that's perfect for a special winter night dinner.
Pasta with Braised Pork Ragu
- Total Time: 5 hours 20 minutes
- Yield: 6-8 Servings 1x
Ingredients
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 3 pounds boneless pork shoulder (or 4-6 pound bone-in pork shoulder)
- 2 large red onions, finely chopped
- 2 large carrots, grated
- 6 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 2 dried bay leaves
- Pinch of crush red pepper flakes
- 1 cup red wine
- 1 (28 ounce) can diced tomatoes
- 1 (28 ounce) can crushed tomatoes
- 1 (6 ounce) can tomato paste
- 1 cup water
- Kosher salt
- Freshly ground black pepper
- 1 cup fresh basil, roughly chopped
- Rigatoni, Pappardelle, or pasta of choice
- Parmigiano Reggiano, for garnish
Instructions
- Trim and remove any excess fat from pork shoulder. Cut pork shoulder into approximate 4-5" wide pieces. Using a paper towel, pat the surface of pork so that it's dry, then season generously with Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper.
- Heat oil over medium-high heat in a braiser, dutch oven, or other large heavy-bottom pot or skillet that has a lid. Sear pork on all sides, approximately 3 minutes a side, until a nice golden brown crust is achieved. Remove seared pork from pot and set aside. Do in batches, if necessary.
- Lower heat to medium. Add onions and carrots to the pan, season generously with Kosher salt, and cook, stirring occasionally, until vegetables begin to soften, about 4-5 minutes. Add garlic, thyme, basil, oregano, crushed red pepper (if using), and bay leaves, and cook, stirring occasionally, for another 1 to 2 minutes.
- Stir in red wine. Let cook for approximately 4-5 minutes, until the wine has slightly reduced. Add diced tomatoes, crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, and water. Stir to combine. Add pork back into the pan. The liquid should cover at least ⅓ of the meat.
- Bring mixture to a boil, then reduce heat to maintain a gentle simmer and cover. Check on sauce now and again, giving it a quick stir and turning the pork. Cook for approximately 4-5 hours, or until meat is fall-apart tender. When pork is ready, remove from pot into a large bowl. Let cool slightly, then using 2 forks or your hands, shred the pork into bite-sized pieces.
- Remove bay leaves from sauce and return shredded pork to pan. Let cook on low for at least 30 minutes.
- When ready to serve, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add in pasta and cook to package directions, making sure to cook to al dente. Drain pasta, then immediatley add to the pork ragu along with the fresh basil. Let cook for 1 minute, allowing basil to wilt slightly and pasta to absorb a bit of the ragu. Serve, with freshly grated Parmigiano Reggiano
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 hours
3.5 Quart Le Creuset Braiser Giveaway!
1 (one) winner will be selected randomly (computer-generated via the contest widget below) to receive a 3.5 Quart Le Creuset Braiser in YOUR choice of color.
Kathleen
I would LOVE to make stews and soups, but what I'm lost lookig forward to is braising near then roasting in the oven. The versatility is amazing. Possibilities are endless!
Chris
Yum! Yes, these Le Creuset pieces are totally versatile!
Kathleen
You're an amazing inspiration! I love making your stuff! Your cinco de mayo recipes were made well into summer...
Chris
Aw, thanks so much Kathleen! You totally made my night. I'm with you on cinco de mayo recipes... I may or may not eat them year round 😉
Maria
I would absolutely make Shared Appetites recipe for pasta with braised pork ragu!
Chris
🙂 I like your thinking, haha!
Theresa
Soups, stews, and healthy hearty winter meals would be great for cooking in this. I love trying new recipes and would love to give the one in this post a try!
Taylor
We must be mind twins both posting pork! But WHY NOT...pork makes everything better.
This sauce looks so thick and creamy. I would love to be eating this for dinner tonight! Yum-o-rama.
Chris
Haha, well pork is pretty darn amazing, right Taylor?!
James Felton Jr.
Yeah shared appetite, love the site
Hanna
Your recipe looks amazing! I might give a stew a try in this amazing pot.
S
I want to give this recipe a try!
Virnen
If given the the chance to win i would cook everything on it. I'll try today's featured recipe to let my family taste something new. Thanks for the chance.
Alexsandra
I would love to explore braising more meats and more complex stews.
Sandra
SWEET!!! Alright, time to introduce me to you friend Le Creuset 😉 I would definitely have to try this recipe.
Chris
Haha, Sandra meet Le Creuset. Le Creuset, Sandra... aka the canning queen 🙂
Tina
Oh my gosh, do you know me?! For the past 2 months I hosted a lot of holiday dinners and that's exactly what I asked myself each time...what's a wow factor, what's something I won't need to slave over? This would have been perfect. Never fear, there is always a party near and I MUST keep this recipe in mind. Yum yum yum!!
Chris
I'm so with you Tina. So many times when I have people over I tell myself... ok Chris, make things that you can prepare ahead of time and don't have to be in the kitchen... and then I spend all night in the kitchen. If only I could follow my advice all the time, haha! It's not that easy, right?!
Caitlin
I would like to make this, obviously! Preferably in time for lunch. 🙂
Chad
I would love to make some hearty chili
Erin
Oh my goodness, what wouldn't I make with this beautiful braiser? I'm in love. I'm in the mood for chili!
Chris
Mmmmmmm, chili.... 🙂
Joni
I would love to try that pork rage, loos and sounds delicious!!
Nicole ~ Cooking for Keeps
LOVE my Le Creuset pots, I use them ALL THE TIME. And the ragut??? Gahhh looks soo good!
Chris
Aren't they the best, Nicole?! I'm semi-obsessed with them.
Wendy
This recipe sounds amazing!
Jodie
I would make this ragu recipe but with eggplant instead of pork. Letting it slow cook and fall apart. Yum. Veggie delite!
Chris
Love your idea of using eggplant!
Ashley
Oh I love the sound of this pork ragu! Anything slow cooked like this is always so so good! And over pasta ... delicious! I've tried to convince my husband a few times that I need a braiser (or really anything from them) ... no dice : ) haha To be fair my kitchen is pretty packed!
Chris
I'm so with you Ashley... you can't go wrong with slow-cooked pork ever. It's kind of like cheating because you know it's going to taste god, haha. Let me help with the hubs... listen, Mr. Cookie Monster Cooking, Ashley NEEDS a Le Creuset piece for her kitchen. It's of the utmost importance. Did that help?
Camille
I would use this most often to make pasta sauces and to roast vegetables!
Deb C
I'd make Chicken and Rice, yellow rice with veggies in this beautiful Braiser. The color contrast would be stunning.
Pamela
Oh my goodness, I would make this! I totally hear you on making that perfect meal that everyone would love - this is totally it!
Becca F
I would make a pot roast
Diana
I would love to make Chili for the whole family.
Sally
I would make some potato soup!!
Kim C
Mmmm, braised pork sounds awesome and this looks so delicious!! I think I would be making this amazing dish in the Le Creuset Braiser!!
Patricia Dugan
I think I would try a nice brisket. It takes awhile to get it really tender, so the long braising would work marvelously.
Nancy
What won't I make 🙂 I love to cook and with a family of six I can always make large portions. One day I hope to have a set however, it will take me a while. Seems like kid's braces, college tuitions, or unexpected expensive incidents always come first. Till then happy cooking and creating wonderful good healty tasty food to us all. ♥
Sarah
What a great giveaway! I'd make some braised short ribs in it!
Chris
Oh yes, short ribs! Now you're speaking my language 🙂
Melanie
First I would try this recipe. Looks delicious. I've never served pork with pasta. And there's always a first time for everything. Pinning!
Chris
Thanks Melanie!
Jessie C.
I would make kimchi fried rice first.
Sandy
I would use this for all sorts of soups, stews, chilis...everything! I love my Dutch oven and could use a smaller because as well.
Sandy
I would use this for all sorts of soups, stews, chilis...everything! I love my Dutch oven and could use a smaller braiser as well.
Christine
this pasta looks absolutely GORGEOUS. seriously such an inviting dish, I am loving this like crazy!
Carla S
I would braise chicken,cabbage, and broccoli.
Solducky
Apple cider braise pork loin!
Chris
Oh man that sounds great!
simple green moms
this looks delicious! what a great change of pace from traditional pasta sauce
Diona
I'd love to try to make Mojo Pork Shoulder in it!
Chris
YUM!
Sarah & Arkadi
this braised ragu looks amazing! so succulent and tasty!
Evelyn Chuter
I have never cooked with a braiser, but I sure would love to learn. I think your recipe sounds awesome. Can you cook things like meat balls and a brisket in it? I can think of lots of dishes I like to leave cooking while I read or take a nap. 🙂
Chris
Hi Evelyn, yes, the Le Creuset pans are really versatile. You could definitley make meat balls and brisket in it!
David Rainey
I would probably make something similar to your braised pork in pasta sauce, but perhaps change it to chicken with a white sauce. I'm not a very good cook so I'd probably burn it anyway.
Helen
I love Le Creuset! And dinners that pretty much cook themselves. The pork ragu looks delicious - very warming for winter (even tho I'm in hot Australia right now!) and it looks like it would go a long way, too.
Lauren C.
I love Le Creuset. I started loving it the moment I saw the movie Julie/Julia and subsequently began DVRing old PBS specials with Julia Child. I cook everyday for my boyfriend - sometimes elaborately lol, and the first thing I would make would be boeuf bourguignon. It is my absolute favorite dish. Your above recipe reminds me so much of this amazing wild boar papperdale served at Serratto in Portland. I am looking forward to making your recipe ASAP!
Chris
I'm with you... I totally love Le Creuset too. Boeuf Bourguignon sounds great!
Carol Roberts clark
id cook some chili and some chicken fried steak
Melinda H
I would make tons of things - soups, stews, chilis, osso bucco, short ribs, roasts, etc.
Jenne
Plenty of french food!
Ashley C
I'd make a pot roast!
demureprincess7(at)gmail(dot)com
Susan Christy
I will make some pork carnitas - my favorite!
Chris
One of my fave's too!
Consuelo
This ragu looks like a phenomenal dinner! One pot wonders are my favorite!
Also, your Le Creuset pan is lovely. Oh, how I wish I lived in the USA :') x
Chris
Thanks so much Consuelo! Total bummer that you don't live here in the states for this contest!
Melissa w.
I would love to braise a venison roast with onions, mushrooms, and garlic 😉 ! Thanks for the chance, these pans are amazing.
Chris
Make sure to invite me over for dinner... that venison roast sounds amazing!
Rust
I bet this would work great for a pan lasagna -- with pork!
Starla Bates
That looks absolutely delicious! I would make fajita chicken for some tasty nachos 🙂
Deborah Rosen
The first thing I'd make is a venison ragu, but your pork ragu might be the second thing!
Chris
Venison ragu sounds great!
Lisa Paone
I'd make pot roast and a million, zillion other things!
Rod Jackson
I would make prime rib in it.
chana
I'd cook a roast
Susan P.
I would make an old fashioned pot roast.
DailyWoman (Lacey)
I would like to make some chili.
Gail Williams
I would make nice pot beef roast- paleo style!
janet
Your braised pork ragu, of course!!!! Soooooo delicious!!!!
nicole l.
definitely some yummy stews! 🙂
ellen casper
I would paella in it.
Docklady
Anything and everything!!!!!
RANDY FULGHAM
I WOULD DIFFENITLY TRY THIS PASTA RECIPE...
Jess
Yum, this looks right up my street! Will have to try this recipe soon..:)
Paula V
I would definitely make this dish. I'm pinning it now. For now I'll make it in my crockpot but would love to have one of this. I'd make soup in it too as I have no good soup pots.
LeAnn A
Something really yummy!!
Mary Beth Elderton
I might make something like a beef stew--yum!
malerie d
this recipe would be first, sounds amazing!
Gail Rosenstrom
Beef roast would be great!
Trisha B.
I would make beef and potatoes for stew
Tara
Beef stew would be the first thing I make! Yummy!
Teresa
This Braise Pork Ragu looks so good, I think my kids might even eat it, lol. If I had that Le Creuset Braiser the first thing I would use it for would be this recipe!
Deedra
I would make boneless beef ribs in red wine. I made it once and it was so good. The ribs where even better the next day as left overs.
Kamla L.
I would love to make braised lamb shanks, osso bucco, and your braised pork ragu which looks and sounds beyond enticing!
Jeffrey
I would make some beef for cheesesteak sandwiches.
Jennifer
If I had a Le Creuset braiser, I would love to try my hand at coq au vin.
Candice
The pasta with pork ragu looks so good, this might be the first recipe I make with it.
Beth Eaton
I LOVE to cook and have been DYING for a Le Creuset piece to try out. I have heard they are amazing! The first thing I would cook would be chili!
ERICA WEAVER
i wouldlove to make stew
Amy L
I'd like to make your pork ragu recipe
Tracy
Shakshuka. Or baked mushroom rice. (I have this potlove its versatility. If I win, I'll give the new pot to my sister.)
Susan Johnson
I would braise some beef short ribs. Or pork ribs... or .... the possibilities are endless!
Pamela Gurganus
I'd make osso bucco!
Terri S
I would make short ribs...
Emily Wells
Not sure exactly what I'd make yet--I've never owned a braiser! Probably some type of chicken. 🙂
mysweetiepiepie
I think I'd make some nice braised short ribs :+)
Nicole
I love pork ragu and yours looks so delicious! Pinned. I also love that Le Creuset Braiser! I would make Hearty Mushroom Stew ... because that is what I've been making lately 😀
Chris
Thanks so much Nicole! Mmm hearty mushroom stew sounds great! Post a recipe for it!!
Amanda
Soups and chili
Alyssa
I would definitely make this recipe. Also braised short ribs and chili!
ruth
I would love to try this recipe for Pork Ragu, sounds delish!
Craig Brown
I would braise short ribs.
Keatyn
I would make braised beef!
Heather
Well this recipe for starters because it looks delish, but I'm also trying to make more soups and stews now that the weather is colder. I have a board full of pins that I'd love to make but don't have the necessary pots to do so. This would definitely help!
Julia
I would make something wonderful like a rost. With a name like Julia I should own some great cookware
Erin
I love making soups and chili!
Michelle
I would try out your Pasta with Braised Pork Ragu recipe!
Elsa
I have a family of 6 and boy can they eat. I would love to make chili or short ribs. YUM
CarolynH
I'd make Braised Pork Ragu or Carnitas in this braiser. pan.
Paula V
Big ol' pot of chili
Heather
I would be making a nice beef stew in that beautiful braiser!
Heather B
I think I need to try THIS recipe! oh my that looks yummy!or maybe a chili!
Tammy S
I have too say a nice pot roast yummy I would make in it
Angela Y
I would make some beef stew!
Lennette Daniels
I think I would make some sort of beef roast.
Jamie
Falling-off-the-bone short ribs for sure! Just need a Le Creuset to make it in - no other cookware would do 😀
Kortney Picker
I would love to use this to make braised pork!! It makes me hungry just thinking about it!
Dezi A
I'd love to try this delicious recipe! But also a stew or something in the oven. Oh how I'd love this!!
Holly Swint
I would make mac and cheese
Anita
I would make osso bucco
MelodyJ
Soup and a cheesy pasta dish.
Heidi
I would love to make a really hearty stew with this before the winter ends!
Sara
Coq au Vin!
grace
I'd make ragu 😉
TC
That ragu look delicious! I'd make that in the braiser.
Lisa
I would make short ribs!
Sarah
Oh my goodness...what wouldn't I make? Braised duck legs have been on my mind lately.
Chris
Braised duck legs... oh yea!
karen
I would make a pot of baked beans
CC
I would make braised short ribs!
Melissa
I would love to be able to finally make a decent lamb shank.
Kate
pulled pork bbq!! yum!
Janae
i really want to make julia child's boeuf borguignon!!
Yead
Looking so YUMMY. I love this recipe.
katiethek
Mmm...I'd caramelize the biggest pot of onions ever and eat them all myself. Or perhaps be less selfish and make some sort of tasty eggplant thing, since I'm not exactly a meat eater.
Stephanie
Pulled pork tacos with slaw!
Natalie S
Would love to make some braised potatoes!
Sue
Creuset pans are so awesome, and all I have is a teeny, tiny one. I'd put this to good use for sure! The first thing I would make would probably be the pork ragu above.
Kelly D
I would make a chicken and rice dish.
Prash
I am gonna try some fusion.. A new recipe altogether. May be tandoori roast using the cookware and then over Mexican rice! 🙂
TC
I would make beef stew
JM
I'd make something italian for sure
Sannie
Braised oxtail stew probably! Braised everything 🙂
Peter
Love the look of your dish and love the lighting in your pic.
Chris
Thanks so much Peter! Much appreciated 🙂
Stephanie
This looks AMAZING!!! I just love big noodles, but haven't been able to find them in stores.
pat
I would love to introduce the next generation of my family to the joys of Le Creuset.
michelle
I would make Julia Child's boeuf bourguignon!!
Yvonne
Mediterranean chicken! Its my favorite dish ever!
Caleb
This is the perfect vessel for BEEF SHORT RIBS!!!!!
Colleen Boudreau
I would make stew.
Amelia
I'd absolutely make the braised pork ragu! Among other things 🙂
Kim S
The first think I would make is this this ragu.
Holly
Chicken paprikash, my families favorite meal. And of course I would try your pork ragu recipe as well, sounds delicious.
Brian
I would love to try this recipe with that cook wear!
Jenna
Can't wait to make grandma's famous beef stew!!
Steve
Braisin Bran for breakfast!
Leigh
I would make beef brisket!
Stephanie
The pics looks so delicious that I'd definitely try the Prok Ragu first. Yum!
nancy horton
I'd love to try different stew, pulled pork and marsala recipes that I have put off.
Liz Blunt
I would make red-wine chicken !
Kitty
I would make some chili stew!
Constance
I would make this fabulous no rise bread I have been reading about!
Laura
What I would use it for:
1) the recipe above. My mouth is watering!
2) No need bread
3) beef stew
4) skillet corn bread
5) tons more!
Jacki
I've been meaning to make coq au vin, so a braiser would be perfect for that! It would be great for chilly nights.
Shannon
Yum! We'd probably start with braised turnips (don't laugh, it's my favorite.)
Chris
Not laughing... okay, kinda laughing. Done laughing. Wait, still a little chuckle left. Haha, in all seriousness, sounds great!
Joanna
This may sound weird, but I would make some brussels sprouts!
Chris
Doesn't sound weird at all... I love brussels sprouts! Add in a little bit of brown sugar and bacon and well, I'm one happy dude.
Emily
I would love to braise some pork for tacos!
Chris
Heck yes!
Katie T.
I would try my hand at my dads ropa vieja recipe... He lets the meat simmer away for hours with loads of juicy vegetables.
I'd also like to make some of the incredible dishes I learned to cook in my Indian cooking class!
maria
I'd make Lechon!
Tisha
What wouldn't you make? From all of your delicious meals, and me being a southern girl with a things for hearty soups and stews this is one item I would love to add to my collection. I could even make one giant Crack Pie w/Cookie Butter!
Dawn Monroe
I would try to make braised pork ribs and saurkraut.
Miri H.
Korean braised short ribs with carrots, potatoes, and big Korean radishes all of which would soak up the juices flowing from the beef and succulent sauce.
Jean
Braised Pork Ragu, carnitas, brisket, no need bread, Lamb shanks, ribs and countless other meals. I love braising.
Annette
Pulled pork is my favorite thing to order at a BBQ restaurant. I've made it once and don't know why I never made it again. But after seeing this recipe, I'd definitely like to try it over pasta. So that's what I'd make if I won: this recipe.
Linda K.
I might try putting some chicken in to braise.
Karen Lynch
Swedish meatballs have been on my mind lately, so this would be a great thing to break it in on.
Cori Westphal
I'm thinking some cream of mushroom smothered pork chops would be first on my list!
coriwestphal at msn dot com
Stephanie F.
The first thing I would likely make in the Le Creuset braiser are some Korean shortribs.
Chris
That sounds amazing!
Ali
braised rabbit and veal stew
Ashley C
I'd make braised short ribs!
demureprincess7(at)gmail(dot)com
april yedinak
I would make chicken, sausage, potatoes and greens. It is one of my favorites.
Tammy Woodall
I would make all my favorite Southern Recipes.
Becca F
I would make braised ribs
P.
blanc a veau
Shashi
Possibilities of what I could make in this are endless!
I could start off with this recipe with chicken instead of pork!
Natasha
Suck good ideas from all the comments, Im sure one of the first things I would make would be a bubbly Marinara Meat Sauce with red wine 🙂
Lisa
Wow, so many things to make in the Le Creuset Braiser - first off, I would try the pork rague, and then, I think I would make Swedish Pot Roast!
Thanks for the opportunity to try and win this!!
John
Chris
Keep em coming !
John Resciniti
John
Chris
I've shared your website with so many of my friends, they love it !!!
John
Marie
I would make a Cipaille, this is a French Canadian (?) dish of six layers of different meats (some game) recovered/sealed with a tick layer of dough and baked for a long time to braise the meats. Haven't had one in close to 25 years but I promise to make one with the Braiser!
Ellen
I would make braised short ribs...Thank you, Chris!
Stephanie
the possibilities are endless using this fantastic vessel! - let me see - Slovak pork and sauerkraut (with homemade sauerkraut of course)....black bean soup......all day gravy (pork, chicken, beef, meatballs, Italian sausages are all included in this fantastic "gravy" (or sauce if you are not Italian lol)
Sharon
I'm new to braising,so Im looking forward to learning with best equipment possible. BTW- the pork ragu looks amazing!
Ashley
I would have to follow your recipes and learn how to cook something more than a peanut butter sandwich if I won this braiser... good thing I'm marrying a guy who knows how to cook!!
Cindy Dupin
I cook for my parents, they are up in their latter 70's and one of my older sisters every day... This would help me so much when making stews, soups, Beef or Pork Roast dinners... Being handicapped myself, I can't afford to get one, it's a beautiful pot and nice enough to place on the table as well... I so LOVE to cook... All my pots and pans are hand me downs and so very old !!! Thanks for the opportunity to win one !!! Awesome !!!!!
Crystal
I love stews or pulled pork.
Matt
I would ask my wife to make something delicious!
Mary V
I would love to make a true cassoulet
Carolsue
I would make chicken cacciatore in this pan.
Ashley Outland
I would make some beef stew!
Angela Cash
If I won I would make Braised Cavolo Nero Kale.
Michelle S
I would make Garlic braised chicken