Slow Cooker Pork Shoulder Pasta

Note: The sauce may be made ahead and frozen or stored in the refrigerator up to two days in advance.

Special equipment: Slow cooker

Ingredients

serves Serves 6, active time 10 minutes, total time 10 hours

• 2 1/2 pound bone-in pork shoulder
• 8 ounces finely diced pancetta
• 1 medium onion, finely chopped (about 1 cup)
• 6 cloves garlic, minced (about 2 tablespoons)
• 1 cup dry red wine, such as Chianti
• 1 (28-ounce) can whole, peeled tomatoes, crushed by hand
• 2 bay leaves
• 1/4 teaspoon fennel seeds, toasted and crushed
• 4 sprigs fresh thyme
• 1 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
• Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper
• 1 pound tube-shaped pasta, cooked
• Freshly grated Parmesan cheese
• 2 teaspoons zest from 1 lemon

Procedures

1. Place pork shoulder, pancetta, onion, garlic, wine, tomatoes, bay leaves, crushed fennel, thyme and red pepper flakes in a slow cooker. Season with 1 teaspoon salt and 1/2 teaspoon black pepper. Stir to combine, cover and cook on low for 8 to 10 hours.
   
2. Remove pork from slow cooker and transfer to a platter or cutting board. Discard thyme sprigs and bay leaves from sauce. When pork cool enough to handle, shred meat and discard fat and bones. Return meat to sauce, and stir to combine. Taste and adjust seasonings. Allow to warm through.
   
3. When ready to serve, toss sauce with cooked pasta and garnish with Parmesan and lemon zest.