Pesto Pork Chops Recipes

PAN ROASTED PORK CHOPS WITH PEA SHOOT PESTO

Steps:

• In a small skillet over medium-low heat, toast pine nuts, tossing occasionally, until golden, about 3 minutes.
• To prepare pesto, in a food processor or blender combine pea shoots, 1/2 cup toasted pine nuts, cilantro, Parmesan, garlic and salt. Pulse until roughly chopped. With motor running, slowly drizzle in olive oil; blend until well combined. Scrape pesto into a bowl.
• Heat oven to 350 degrees. Cut each pork chop horizontally in half to bone, making a pocket for stuffing. Rub pork chops all over with cut side of garlic clove, grinding garlic juices into bone and meat. Season chops all over with salt and pepper, and fill each pocket with 1 tablespoon pesto.
• In a very large ovenproof skillet, heat oil over medium-high heat until shimmering. Sear pork chops until well browned, about 3 minutes a side. Transfer skillet to oven. Cook pork chops until they register 140 degrees on an instant-read thermometer, 12 to 15 minutes (or cook pork to taste). Let stand in skillet for 5 minutes.
• Meanwhile, prepare salad: In a large bowl, toss together pea shoots, arugula, remaining 1/4 cup pine nuts, cilantro and shallot. Toss with enough olive oil to lightly coat greens; drizzle with lemon juice and season with salt and pepper.
• Divide salad among 4 serving plates. Place a pork chop on each bed of greens. Top chops with additional pesto. Spoon pan juices over each plate.

PESTO-COATED CENTER-CUT PORK CHOP

Steps:

• Preheat oven to 325 degrees F (165 degrees C). Spray a baking dish with cooking spray. Spread 1/2 of the pesto over into the bottom of the baking dish.
• Heat a cast iron skillet over medium-high heat for 5 minutes. Add olive oil.
• Season pork chops with salt and pepper. Cook pork chops in the hot oil until browned, about 4 minutes per side. Transfer pork chops to baking dish and top each with remaining pesto. Season with red pepper flakes. Cover baking dish with aluminum foil.
• Bake in the preheated oven until an instant-read thermometer inserted into the center should read at least 145 degrees F (63 degrees C), about 1 1/2 hours. Allow pork chops to rest for 10 minutes.

PESTO PORK CHOPS

Steps:

• Put flour, salt and pepper on a plate and combine.
• Dredge both sides of pork chops in flour, and shake off any excess.
• Spray a skillet with the cooking spray and preheat on medium-high.
• Add the chops and brown on each side for two minutes.
• After they are browned, spread the pesto sauce over the chops and put lid on the skillet.
• Continue cooking for an additional two minutes or until they reach 160 degrees.
• The chops will be juicy and not dried out.
• Enjoy!

BREADED PESTO PORK CHOPS

Steps:

• Pre-heat oven to 375.
• Coat baking sheet with cooking spray.
• Mix breadcrumbs and parmesan cheese in medium size bowl or plate large enough to dredge chops into.
• Pat pork chops dry with paper towel. Season each side with salt and pepper.
• Coat Pork Chops with the pesto. Should be an even and thin layer of pesto on each side.
• Dredge pork chops into breadcrumb/parmesan cheese mixture. Coat both sides and all around.
• Place chops onto greased baking sheet. Lightly spray chops with cooking spray to get a crunchy outside.
• Bake for 20-25 minutes. Let cool for a few minutes. The chops will continue to cook for another 5 minutes max while cooling down. This will prevent the chops from being dry!

PESTO STUFFED PORK CHOPS

Steps:

• Preheat oven to 375 degrees F (190 degrees C).
• Mix feta cheese, basil pesto, and pine nuts in a bowl. Use the tip of a sharp boning or paring knife to cut a 3-inch slit in the side of each pork chop, 2 inches deep and 1/4-inch away from the bone, to make a pocket for stuffing. Stuff pork chops with pesto filling and secure with toothpicks.
• Mix black pepper, oregano, garlic, red pepper flakes, and thyme in a small bowl; rub both sides of each chop with the spice mix. Place chops into a shallow baking dish.
• Bake in the preheated oven until chops are browned and stuffing is hot, about 40 minutes. An instant-read meat thermometer inserted into the center of the stuffing should read 145 degrees F (63 degrees C). Brush chops with balsamic vinegar and bake until vinegar forms a glaze, another 5 minutes.