Pork Chops and Spaghetti

Pork chops and spaghetti might sound like an unusual combination, but this delicious fusion of savory pork and hearty pasta hits all the right notes when you’re in the mood for something comforting and simple.

This slow-cooker pork chop recipe blends the flavors of tender, juicy bone-in pork chops with a rich, tangy tomato-based sauce, then serves the saucy chops over a bed of spaghetti. The dish is similar to Italian classics like chicken Parmesan or meatballs in tomato sauce, but with pork chops as the protein.

Ingredients for Pork Chops and Spaghetti

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• Tomato sauce: Tomato sauce forms the base of the dish, providing a rich, tangy foundation. Canned sauce is convenient, but homemade tomato sauce is also simple to make.
• Tomato soup: Adding condensed tomato soup to the sauce brings a smooth, slightly sweet flavor that helps balance the acidity of the tomato sauce. It also thickens the sauce, giving it a creamy texture.
• Onion: Finely chopped onions are sauteed and cooked in the sauce, adding sweetness and depth to the overall flavor profile. Their natural sugars help to soften the tanginess of the tomatoes.
• Bay leaf: Bay leaf adds a subtle earthy flavor to the sauce, giving it a complex aroma.
• Celery seed: This slightly peppery herb adds complexity to the sauce without overpowering the other ingredients.
• Italian seasoning: This blend of dried herbs, including oregano, basil and thyme, brings a signature Italian flavor to the dish, complementing the tomato sauce and enhancing the savory pork.
• Pork chops: Bone-in chops have more flavor and stay juicier during cooking than boneless cuts. Slow-cooking them allows them to soak up the rich tomato sauce while remaining tender.
• Olive oil: This aromatic oil is used to brown the pork chops, giving them a nice golden crust while sealing in moisture. It also enhances the richness of the sauce as the pork chops simmer.
• Spaghetti: Twirl-worthy noodles soak up the flavorful tomato sauce. An al dente texture adds a satisfying bite to the dish, complementing the tender pork chops.

Directions

Step 1: Prepare the sauce

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In a 5-quart slow cooker, combine the tomato sauce, soup, onion, bay leaf, celery seed and Italian seasoning.

Step 2: Brown the pork chops

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In a large skillet, brown the pork chops in oil.

Step 3: Slow-cook the pork chops

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Add the browned chops to the slow cooker. Cover the slow cooker and cook the pork chops and sauce on low for six to eight hours. Remove the bay leaf from the sauce once the pork chops are tender and the sauce has thickened.

Step 4: Cook the spaghetti

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Cook the spaghetti according to the package directions, then drain. Serve the pork chops and spaghetti sauce over the noodles, spooning the rich tomato sauce over the pasta and the meat.

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Pork Chops and Spaghetti Variations

• Spicy spaghetti sauce: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the tomato sauce for a bit of heat.
• Make it cheesy: Top the pork chops with shredded mozzarella or Parmesan cheese during the last few minutes of cooking and let it melt for a gooey, cheesy finish.
• Swap the herbs: For a more vibrant, fresh flavor, use fresh herbs like basil or parsley instead of dried Italian seasoning.

How to Store Pork Chops and Spaghetti

Any leftover pork chops and sauce can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to four days. Keep the spaghetti separate from the sauce to prevent it from becoming too soggy; pasta can also be kept for up to four days in the refrigerator.

Can you freeze pork chops and spaghetti?

You can freeze the cooked pork chops and sauce in a freezer-safe container for up to three months. For best results, do not freeze the spaghetti; cook it fresh when reheating the pork chops and sauce.

How do you reheat pork chops and spaghetti?

Reheat the pork chops and sauce in a covered skillet over low heat until they’re warmed through, adding a splash of water or broth if the sauce thickens too much. You can also reheat it in the microwave in short bursts, stirring between bursts to ensure even heating. Cook fresh spaghetti or pasta to serve with the reheated pork chops and spaghetti sauce.

Pork Chops and Spaghetti Tips

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Can I use boneless pork chops instead of bone-in?

You can use boneless pork chops, but they may cook faster, so adjust the cook time accordingly to avoid overcooking them.

Can I use a different type of pasta?

You can swap spaghetti for other pasta varieties like fettuccine, linguine or even short pasta shapes like penne. The sauce works well with any type of pasta.

Is there a way to make this dish healthier?

To make a lighter version, use whole-wheat spaghetti or zucchini noodles and opt for leaner cuts of pork, like a tenderloin. You can also reduce the amount of olive oil used for browning the chops, though olive oil is full of unsaturated fats and is generally recognized as healthy—especially when consumed as part of a Mediterranean diet.