Pork Chops Italiano are juicy, flavorful chops cooked with tomatoes, garlic, and Italian spices. This dish brings a taste of Italy right to your dinner table!
Plus, it’s easy to make, and the sauce is so good, you’ll want to serve it over pasta. Who doesn’t love extra sauce? I know I do! 🍝
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Pork Chops: Bone-in chops are best for this recipe as they stay juicy and flavorful. If you prefer boneless or have other cuts like loin chops, they’ll work fine too—just adjust cooking time.
Tomatoes: Canned diced tomatoes make it easier, but fresh tomatoes are fantastic in the summer. If you’re short on tomatoes, consider using jarred marinara sauce for an even quicker option!
Mushrooms: White button mushrooms are commonly used, but you could swap in cremini or shiitake for a richer flavor. If you’re not a fan of mushrooms, omit them or replace them with bell peppers.
Herbs: Dried Italian seasoning captures a great flavor, but using fresh herbs like basil and oregano can elevate the dish. Just remember to use about three times the amount of fresh versus dried.
White Wine: If you don’t have wine or prefer not to use it, chicken broth works perfectly to keep things moist and adds flavor. If you want a bit of acidity, a splash of lemon juice can help!
How Do I Sear Pork Chops to Perfection?
Searing pork chops is crucial for flavor and texture. Start with a hot skillet to create that nice golden crust. Here’s how to get great results:
- Pat chops dry before seasoning. This promotes browning.
- Don’t overcrowd the pan; give each chop space to sear properly.
- Once the chop is in the pan, resist the urge to move it around too much. Let it cook undisturbed for 4-5 minutes on each side.
- Use a meat thermometer to check for doneness at 145°F. This keeps them juicy without overcooking!
Pork Chops Italiano
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Pork Chops:
- 4 bone-in pork chops (about 1 inch thick)
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
For the Sauce:
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 1 cup mushrooms, sliced
- 1 14.5-ounce can diced tomatoes (or 2 cups fresh diced tomatoes)
- 1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning (or a mix of dried basil, oregano, and thyme)
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for a slight kick)
- 1/4 cup fresh basil, chopped (plus extra for garnish)
- 1/4 cup dry white wine or chicken broth (optional for deglazing)
- 1 tablespoon butter (optional, for finishing the sauce)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious Pork Chops Italiano recipe takes about 10 minutes to prep and 25 minutes to cook, for a total of about 35 minutes. It’s a quick and fulfilling meal that’s perfect for a weeknight dinner!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preparing the Pork Chops:
Start by patting your pork chops dry with paper towels. This helps them get that lovely golden brown color when cooking. Season both sides generously with salt and black pepper.
2. Searing the Chops:
In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the pork chops. Sear for about 4–5 minutes on each side until they are golden brown and cooked through (you can check with a meat thermometer—145°F is perfect). Once done, remove the chops from the skillet and set them aside on a plate.
3. Making the Sauce:
In the same skillet, lower the heat to medium and add the minced garlic and chopped onion. Sauté until the onion turns fragrant and translucent, which should take about 2 minutes. Next, add in the sliced mushrooms and cook for about 4 minutes until they soften and start to brown.
4. Adding Tomatoes and Seasoning:
Pour in the diced tomatoes with their juices, and add the dried Italian seasoning and red pepper flakes if you like a little spice. Stir everything together to combine nicely.
5. Deglazing the Pan:
If you’re using wine or chicken broth, now’s the time to add it to the pan. Scrape up any browned bits from the bottom with a wooden spoon—this adds extra flavor to your sauce!
6. Simmering the Sauce:
Let the tomato mixture simmer for about 5-7 minutes. This allows the sauce to thicken slightly and the flavors to deepen.
7. Final Touches:
Stir in the fresh chopped basil and butter (if you’re using it) to enrich your sauce. Taste the sauce and adjust with more salt and pepper if needed.
8. Combining Everything:
Return the pork chops to the skillet, placing them into the delicious tomato and mushroom sauce. Spoon a bit of sauce over the chops. Cover the skillet, reduce the heat to low, and let it simmer for another 5 minutes for the flavors to meld perfectly.
9. Serving:
Serve your Pork Chops Italiano hot, garnished with more fresh basil if you like. They pair wonderfully with pasta, mashed potatoes, or even crusty bread to soak up that delicious sauce!
Enjoy your hearty, rustic Italian-style pork chops! Buon Appetito!
Can I Use Boneless Pork Chops Instead of Bone-In?
Yes, boneless pork chops will work just fine! Just be sure to adjust the cooking time as they may cook faster—check for an internal temperature of 145°F.
What Can I Substitute for the White Wine?
If you’re not using wine, chicken broth is a great alternative. You can also add a splash of lemon juice for a bit of acidity, which will brighten the dish!
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm gently in the microwave or on the stovetop, adding a splash of broth or water to keep the sauce moist.
Can I Make This Recipe Ahead of Time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the sauce and sear the pork chops a day in advance. Just reheat everything together on the stove when you’re ready to serve.
