But you know what? There are a lot of pasta dishes out there, but only a bunch of them can go with pork tenderloin and make it more robust and unforgettable.
If you’re looking for the ultimate pasta side dish for pork tenderloin, you’re welcome to try any of my suggestions. I’m confident you and your guest will enjoy it.
In A Hurry, want to know the best pasta side dish for pork tenderloin, then any of these- Rigatoni alla Norma, Spaghetti alla Carbonara, Penne alla Vodka, Orecchiette con Broccoli, Tagliatelle alla Bolognese, Fettuccine Alfredo, Lasagna alla Bolognese, Gnocchi alla Sorrentina, Spaghetti alla Puttanesca, Ravioli con Funghi, Risotto alla Milanese, Penne con Zucchine e Gamberi, Spaghetti con Polpette, Linguine con Vongole, Farfalle con Pollo e Pesto, Ravioli al Tartufo, Fettuccine al Burro, Lasagne, Spaghetti al Pesto, Risotto al Funghi, Penne all'arrabbiata, Fusilli con Melanzane, Ravioli con Ricotta e Spinaci, Gnocchi alla Bolognese, Linguine al Pesto, and Farfalle con Prosciutto e Funghi.
Before I jump into the pasta discussion, I would like to share some tips so you can find the right pasta as a side dish.
How to Choose the best pasta for Pork Tenderloin?
The flavor is always a matter of taste.
Pasta works well with pork because it has a mild flavor that doesn’t overpower the other ingredients.
Pasta must be dressed up with herbs, spices, and sauces to add more flavor to the dish. For example, pesto sauce on a bed of pasta gives your pork tenderloin a unique flavor profile.
Or you can use garlic butter or olive oil as a base for your pasta and then add vegetables or cheese for extra flavor.
Don’t Ignore Texture
Another great reason why pasta pairs so well with pork is its texture. Pork is usually served in thin slices and can be quite chewy when overcooked; however, when served with a plate of al dente pasta, the texture of the two dishes balances each other out perfectly.
So always go for the soft pasta that plays off nicely against the chewiness of the pork slices and creates an overall delightful experience for your guests’ palates.
Variety
One of the best things about pairing pork tenderloin with pasta is that there are countless variations you can try out depending on the available ingredients and the flavors you’re looking for in your meal.
From classic spaghetti bolognese to creamy fettuccine Alfredo – there’s something for everyone!
And if you don’t have time to make homemade noodles from scratch, you can always opt for pre-made fresh or dry pasta from your local grocery store or market stand.
This makes creating restaurant-quality dishes at home easy and convenient!
World’s Best Pasta Side Dish for Pork Tenderloin
1. Rigatoni alla Norma
Rigatoni alla Norma, one of the most popular pasta from classic Sicilia, combines rigatoni pasta with eggplant, tomatoes, garlic, basil, and ricotta Salata cheese.
The combination of flavors creates a rich and flavorful meal that pairs flawlessly with pork tenderloin. The eggplant is usually lightly fried in olive oil before being added to the dish.
2. Spaghetti alla Carbonara- Most Common but Convenient
A Roman classic is a creamy, eggy pasta that combines spaghetti with pancetta, Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese, black pepper, and eggs.
The combination of flavors creates an intensely savory flavor that goes with chicken or pork chops and Grilled Steak.
3. Penne alla Vodka
The most creamy Italian-American favorite, the tomato-based dish is made with penne pasta, heavy cream, vodka, and Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese.
The creamy sauce creates a rich and flavorful dish that perfectly complements grilled chicken or pork tenderloin and also seafood.
4. Orecchiette con Broccoli
Pugliese specialty is made with orecchiette (or small ear-shaped) pasta, broccoli, garlic, and olive oil. The combination of vegetables and herbs gives this dish a bright, earthy flavor that pairs perfectly with grilled fish or shrimp.
5. Tagliatelle alla Bolognese
This classic Bolognese dish is made with tagliatelle (long, flat pasta ribbons), ground beef, tomatoes, and red wine. Combining these ingredients creates a rich and savory sauce that goes well with grilled steak.
6. Fettuccine Alfredo
Another creamy pasta from an Italian-American favorite. It’s made with fettuccine pasta, butter, cream, and Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese.
These flavors combine to make a rich and savory sauce that plays well with roasted chicken or shellfish.
7. Lasagna alla Bolognese
Lasagna is made with layers of ricotta cheese, ground beef, tomatoes, and red wine.
This blend of ingredients leads to a rich and savory dish that ends up going well with grilled sausage or pork chops.
8. Gnocchi alla Sorrentina
The old Neapolitan classic is made with gnocchi (or potato dumplings), basil, tomatoes, mozzarella cheese, and Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese.
The assortment of savors constructs a creamy and flavorful dish that is good for grilled lamb, chicken, or veal chops.
More- 30 Best Pasta to Serve with Steak for a Memorable Meal
9. Spaghetti alla Puttanesca
Another classic Neapolitan pasta is made with spaghetti, olives, capers, anchovies, and tomatoes.
10. Rigatoni con Crema di Funghi
This classic Italian dish is made with ravioli filled with ricotta cheese and mushrooms, then topped with a creamy mushroom sauce.
The combination of flavors creates an intensely savory flavor that pairs perfectly with roasted chicken or pork.
11. Risotto alla Milanese
Arborio rice, butter, white wine, and saffron flavor this traditional risotto. The pairing of these ingredients results in a creamy, rich flavor that fits well with grilled steak or lamb chops.
12. Penne con Zucchine e Gamberi
Penne pasta, zucchini, shrimp, garlic, and olive oil are teamed in this light and refreshing pasta meal.
The flavor result makes a vibrant and tasty dinner that goes well with grilled fish or poultry.
Other Pasta dishes go with Pork Tenderloin.
13. Linguine con Vongole– Light and flavorful Italian seafood pasta made with linguine, clams, garlic, parsley, and olive oil.
14. Farfalle con Pollo e Pesto– A Bright Italian-American favorite is made with farfalle (or bow tie) pasta, chicken, pesto sauce, and Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese.
15. Ravioli al Tartufo- The luxurious Italian dish is made with ravioli filled with ricotta cheese and truffles, then topped with a creamy truffle sauce.
16. Fettuccine al Burro– Italian-American choice is made with fettuccine noodles, butter, Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese, and black pepper.
17. Lasagne- It is made with sheets of lasagna noodles layered with ricotta cheese, meat sauce, and Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese.
18. Linguine al Pesto: One of my favorite pasta is made with linguine noodles, pesto sauce, Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese, and pine nuts.
19. Risotto al Funghi – Easy and quick Italian pasta is made with Arborio rice, mushrooms, Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese, and white wine.
20. Penne all’arrabbiata– Spicy Pasta option made with penne pasta, tomatoes, garlic, and chili peppers.
21. Fusilli con Melanzane – Another Flavorful Pasta dish from the Italian Cookbook is made with fusilli pasta, eggplant, Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese, and tomatoes. Beside Pork tenderloin, also go with seafood and grilled fish.
22. Farfalle con Prosciutto e Funghi
Farfalle con Prosciutto e Funghi is made with Bowtie pasta, prosciutto, mushrooms, and Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese are used in this traditional Italian dish.
The taste balance results in a delicious and tasty dish that fits well with roasted chicken or pork.
23. Gnocchi alla Bolognese
Last but not really least, Gnocchi Alla Bolognese, an Italian dish, is made with soft, pillowy potato gnocchi, tomatoes, and Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese. The texture and flavor part is hearty and savory perfect for pork tenderloin and BBQ Chicken.
FAQs
How do you cook pork tenderloin, so it’s not tough?
A key to cooking pork tenderloin so it’s not tough, is to cook it at the right temperature.
For pork, that temperature should be 145°F. This can be achieved by preheating the oven and then setting the temperature to 375°F before placing the pork in a roasting pan and cooking for 20 minutes per pound.
Additionally, it’s essential to make sure the pork is cooked through. Insert a thermometer into the thickest part of the tenderloin and wait for the temperature to reach 145°F.
If desired, you can add some flavor by rubbing on a spice mixture or marinating in advance before cooking.
Lastly, let your pork rest for about 5 minutes after removing it from the oven before serving. This will help keep in juices and prevent the pork from becoming tough.
Following these steps should ensure your pork tenderloin comes out juicy and tender every time!
Is it better to cook a pork tenderloin at 350 or 400?
The ideal temperature for cooking a pork tenderloin is 375°F. Depending on how you like your pork cooked, temperatures slightly higher or lower can also work. Cooking at 350°F will result in a more tender, juicy pork loin with a slightly pink hue.
On the other hand, if you prefer well-done pork, then cooking at 400°F is more suitable as it will result in a more firm and browned outer layer.
I guess the best temperature to cook a pork tenderloin is 400°F.
It’s important to always use a meat thermometer while cooking to ensure that the internal temperature of your pork tenderloin is at least 145°F before serving.