It’s 6pm. You’re tired. Dinner needs to happen fast. These seared pork chops are your new secret weapon. They are juicy, golden, and so satisfying. The garlic butter pasta is a total crowd-pleaser.
This meal feels like a treat but is very simple. You likely have most ingredients in your pantry right now. It is the perfect solution for a busy weeknight. Let’s get cooking together!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This recipe is a total winner for busy families. You get restaurant-quality flavor right in your own kitchen. It is perfect for those budget-friendly weeknights when time is short. Your kids will love the buttery noodles.
You will love how easy the cleanup is. It’s a complete meal in just 35 minutes. The combination of savory pork and garlic is timeless. It is a hearty dinner that keeps everyone happy.
How It Comes Together
The method is very straightforward and beginner-friendly. You simply sear the meat while the pasta boils. Then, you toss everything in a quick, buttery sauce. You can easily master this meal on your first try. It’s all about simple timing and fresh ingredients.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are fresh, simple, and easy to find at any grocery store.
- 4 bone-in pork chops (1-inch thick)
- 1 pound penne or rotini pasta
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- 0.5 teaspoon cracked black pepper
- 0.5 cup grated parmesan cheese
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
Step-by-Step Directions
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook pasta until al dente.
- Pat pork chops dry with paper towels. Season both sides with salt, pepper, and oregano.
- Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large heavy skillet. Use medium-high heat.
- Sear the pork chops for 5 to 7 minutes per side. Reach 145 degrees Fahrenheit.
- Remove the pork chops from the skillet. Allow them to rest for 5 minutes.
- Drain the pasta. Reserve 0.25 cup of the cooking water.
- In a clean pot, melt butter with remaining oil over medium heat.
- Add minced garlic and sauté for 60 seconds until fragrant.
- Add pasta, reserved water, and parmesan to the butter. Toss well to coat.
- Serve the seared pork chops immediately with the garlic butter pasta. Garnish with parsley.
Best Ways to Enjoy It
Serve this meal warm on your favorite plates. The golden pork chops look beautiful next to the glossy pasta. Add a side of steamed green beans or a crisp salad. This creates a perfectly balanced and colorful plate.
Pour a glass of cold lemonade or white wine. Light a candle to make a normal Tuesday feel special. It is a wonderful way to connect with your family after a long day. Enjoy every savory bite!
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge. They will stay fresh for up to three days. To reheat, use a skillet over low heat. Add a splash of water to the pasta to keep it creamy.
Avoid the microwave if you can to keep the pork tender. You can also prep the garlic butter ahead of time. This makes the actual cooking process even faster. Lunch the next day will be delicious!
Tips for Best Results
- Always pat your pork chops dry before seasoning for a better sear.
- Do not skip the 5-minute resting period for the meat.
- Use a meat thermometer to ensure the pork stays juicy and safe.
- Save the pasta water to create a silky, smooth sauce.
- For a seasonal twist, add fresh summer zucchini to the pasta.
- Use freshly grated parmesan for the best melting results.
- Don’t crowd the skillet or the meat will steam instead of sear.
Easy Flavor Ideas
- Swap the pork for chicken breasts if your family prefers poultry.
- Use gluten-free pasta to make this meal allergy-friendly.
- Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a spicy kick.
- Swap the oregano for fresh sage during the fall months.
Common Questions
Can I use boneless pork chops?
Yes, you can use boneless chops for this recipe. Just keep an eye on the internal temperature. They often cook faster than bone-in chops.
What if I don’t have penne pasta?
Any short pasta shape works perfectly here. Rotini, bowties, or even shells are great choices. They all hold the garlic butter sauce beautifully.
How do I know when the pork is done?
The best way is to use a meat thermometer. It should read 145 degrees Fahrenheit in the thickest part. This ensures the meat is safe and tender.
I hope these seared pork chops bring a little extra warmth to your table tonight. Cooking for your family should be simple and joyful. Give it a try and enjoy the smiles!
— Lidia
Seared Pork Chops with Garlic Butter Pasta
Ingredients
- 4 bone -in pork chops (1-inch thick)
- 1 pound penne or rotini pasta
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 4 cloves garlic , minced
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- 0.5 teaspoon cracked black pepper
- 0.5 cup grated parmesan cheese
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
Instructions
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook pasta according to package directions until al dente.
- Pat pork chops dry with paper towels and season both sides with salt, pepper, and dried oregano.
- Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large heavy skillet over medium-high heat.
- Sear the pork chops for 5 to 7 minutes per side until the internal temperature reaches 145 degrees Fahrenheit.
- Remove the pork chops from the skillet and allow them to rest on a plate for 5 minutes.
- Drain the pasta, reserving 0.25 cup of the cooking water.
- In a clean skillet or the same pot, melt the butter with the remaining olive oil over medium heat.
- Add the minced garlic and sauté for 60 seconds until fragrant.
- Add the pasta, reserved cooking water, and parmesan cheese to the garlic butter, tossing well to coat.
- Serve the seared pork chops immediately alongside the garlic butter pasta, garnished with fresh parsley.
