Pasta with Pork and Apple Sauce

Ingredients

• 1 pound pork tenderloin, cut into 1/2 inch cubes
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
• 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
• 2 tablespoons butter
• 1/2 cup diced onion
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup diced apples
• 1/2 cup apple cider
• 2 tablespoons brown sugar
• 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• 1/4 cup chopped parsley
• 1 pound dry pasta

Directions

1. In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the pork cubes and season with salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and thyme. Cook until the pork is cooked through, about 10 minutes. Remove the pork from the pan and set aside.
2. Add the butter to the skillet and melt. Add the onion and garlic and cook until softened, about 5 minutes. Add the apples and cook for an additional 2 minutes.
3. Add the apple cider, brown sugar, cinnamon, and nutmeg and stir to combine. Simmer for 5 minutes.
4. Add the cooked pork back to the pan and stir to combine. Simmer for an additional 5 minutes.
5. Meanwhile, cook the pasta according to package instructions. Drain and return to the pot.
6. Add the pork and apple sauce to the pot with the pasta and stir to combine. Serve hot, garnished with parsley, if desired.

Interesting Facts

• Pork tenderloin is one of the leanest cuts of pork and is great for grilling or pan-frying.
• Apple cider is a sweet, unfiltered juice made from apples.
• Cinnamon and nutmeg are two spices often used in apple desserts.
• Parsley is a flavorful herb that is often used as a garnish.