Pesto Pork Chops – Juicy, Flavorful, and Ready in Under 30 Minutes

Juicy, herby, and packed with flavor, these 3-ingredient pesto pork chops are pan-seared and finished in the oven. A quick and easy dinner perfect for any night of the week.

When you’re short on time but want something big on flavor, these Pesto Pork Chops are the answer. They’re rich, herby, and seared to perfection—bringing restaurant-quality flavor to your weeknight table with just a few ingredients. This recipe uses a jar of store-bought (or homemade!) pesto, sears the pork to a golden crust, and finishes it in the oven for tender, juicy results.

Whether you’re serving it alongside pasta, roasted veggies, or a fresh salad, this dish is a fast favorite you’ll come back to again and again.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Only 3 ingredients (plus salt & pepper!)

• Quick and easy – ready in 25 minutes

• Herb-packed flavor with minimal effort

• Perfect for busy nights or meal prep

• Great with sides like pasta, couscous, or greens

Ingredients Explained

Pork Chops

• 4 bone-in, center-cut pork chops (room temperature): Bone-in chops offer the best flavor and juiciness. Letting them come to room temp ensures even cooking and a nice sear.

Pesto

• 1 jar of pesto (or homemade): Bright, herby, and garlicky pesto works as both a marinade and sauce. Use basil pesto, sun-dried tomato pesto, or even arugula pesto based on your taste.

Olive Oil

• 2 tbsp olive oil: Helps develop that crispy golden crust when searing.

Optional:

• Salt and pepper to taste: Most pestos already have salt, so taste before seasoning.

Full Ingredient List

• 4 bone-in center-cut pork chops, room temperature

• 1 jar (about 6–7 oz) of pesto or homemade pesto

• 2 tbsp olive oil

• Salt and pepper, to taste (optional)

Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).

2. Coat the pork chops: Generously spread pesto on both sides of each pork chop. Let them sit for 5–10 minutes while you heat your pan.

3. Heat the oil: In a large oven-safe skillet (cast iron works best), heat olive oil over medium-high heat until shimmering.

4. Sear the pork: Add pork chops and sear for 4 minutes on the first side without moving. Flip and sear the second side for 2 minutes.

5. Transfer to oven: Place the skillet in the preheated oven and bake for 10 minutes or until the internal temperature reaches 145°F (63°C).

6. Rest and serve: Remove pork chops from the oven and let them rest for 5 minutes before serving. Spoon any pan juices over the top.

Tips for Juicy Pork Chops

• Use a meat thermometer: Pork is perfectly cooked at 145°F and still juicy.

• Don’t skip the rest time: Letting the meat rest keeps the juices locked in.

• Choose thicker chops (about 1 inch) for best results.

• Preheat your skillet: A hot pan helps create that golden crust.

Side Dish Ideas

• Creamy mashed potatoes or garlic herb couscous

• Roasted green beans, asparagus, or Brussels sprouts

• Pasta tossed in pesto or lemon butter

• A crisp arugula salad with lemon vinaigrette

Variations

• Swap pork for boneless chicken thighs or breasts.

• Add a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese before baking.

• Use sun-dried tomato pesto for a different twist.

• Marinate in pesto for up to 4 hours for deeper flavor.

Storage & Reheating

• Store: Refrigerate in an airtight container for up to 3 days.

• Reheat: Gently reheat in a skillet with a splash of broth or in the microwave.

Nutritional Estimate (Per Chop – Approximate)

• Calories: ~360

• Protein: ~30g

• Fat: ~24g

• Carbs: ~2g

Pesto Pork Chops are the ultimate weeknight dinner hack—simple, fast, and full of flavor. With almost no prep and just a few ingredients, you get a protein-packed dish that feels gourmet. Serve it up with your favorite sides, and dinner is done.

Yield: 4

Author: CookSnapBake.com

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Pesto Pork Chops

Juicy, herby, and packed with flavor, these 3-ingredient pesto pork chops are pan-seared and finished in the oven. A quick and easy dinner perfect for any night of the week.

Prep time: 5 MinCook time: 20 MinTotal time: 25 Min

Ingredients

• 4 bone-in center-cut pork chops, room temperature
• 1 jar (about 6–7 oz) of pesto or homemade pesto
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• Salt and pepper, to taste (optional)

Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Coat the pork chops: Generously spread pesto on both sides of each pork chop. Let them sit for 5–10 minutes while you heat your pan.
3. Heat the oil: In a large oven-safe skillet (cast iron works best), heat olive oil over medium-high heat until shimmering.
4. Sear the pork: Add pork chops and sear for 4 minutes on the first side without moving. Flip and sear the second side for 2 minutes.
5. Transfer to oven: Place the skillet in the preheated oven and bake for 10 minutes or until the internal temperature reaches 145°F (63°C).
6. Rest and serve: Remove pork chops from the oven and let them rest for 5 minutes before serving. Spoon any pan juices over the top.

Nutrition Facts

Calories

360

Fat

24 g

Carbs

2 g

Protein

30 g

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Want more easy dinners? Try my Garlic Parmesan Pork Chops or Creamy Mushroom Smothered Pork Chops next!