BUDGET-FRIENDLY LINGUINE WITH COUNTRY PORK RAGU AND GARLICKY ASPARAGUS

Budget-Friendly Linguine with Country Pork Ragu and Garlicky Asparagus image

Provided by @MakeItYours

Number Of Ingredients 30

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1 pound ground country-style pork ribs
2 tablespoons butter
1 tablespoons olive oil
2 red bell peppers
chopped
1 large onion
chopped
3 ribs celery
diced
2 carrots
grated
Salt and pepper
Two 32-ounce cans crushed tomatoes
4 cloves garlic
crushed
1 teaspoon dried basil
1 teaspoon dried oregano
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon onion powder
Pinch crushed red chili flakes
Two 16-ounce boxes linguine
1/2 cup heavy cream
1 cup grated parmesan or pecorino romano cheese
2 to 3 pounds asparagus
tough ends removed
2 tablespoons butter
4 cloves garlic
finely chopped
Salt and pepper
to taste

Steps:

For the pork ragu, brown the pork in butter and olive oil over medium-high heat until golden and crisp on the edges, about 8 minutes
Add peppers, onion, celery and carrots, then season with salt and pepper
Cook, stirring, until veggies are soft and slightly caramelized, about 7 minutes
Stir in tomatoes, garlic and spices, season with salt and pepper, and simmer over low heat, partially covered and stirring occasionally, for 2 hours
About 20 minutes before sauce is done, bring a large pot of salted water to boil
Add linguine and cook according to package directions for al dente
Reserve a cup of pasta cooking water, then drain
While the pasta is cooking, for the asparagus, bring 2 cups water to a boil in a large saute pan with high sides over high heat
Add asparagus and cook until water is evaporated, 3 to 5 minutes
Lower heat to medium and add the butter and garlic, and season with salt and pepper
Cook 2 to 3 minutes more
Add cream and linguine into the pork ragu and toss to coat, adding some reserved pasta cooking water to loosen, if needed
Serve pasta topped with parmesan cheese and with the asparagus