Cajun-Spiced Pork Tenderloin with Roasted Sweet Potatoes

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

Juicy pork tenderloin rubbed with bold Cajun spices paired with caramelized roasted sweet potatoes makes a flavorful and balanced meal. This american-inspired pork (gluten free) ready in about 45 minutes pairs pork tenderloin, divided olive oil, Cajun seasoning for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 450 calories and feeds 4, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.

Prep: 15 min Cook: 30 min Serves 4 American cuisine 450 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Preheat oven to 400°F. In a small bowl, combine 2 tbsp Cajun seasoning, 1 tsp garlic powder, 1 tsp paprika, 1 tsp salt, and 1/2 tsp black pepper. Rub this spice mixture all over 1.5 lbs pork tenderloin.
  2. Step 2: Toss 3 cups diced sweet potatoes with 2 tbsp olive oil and a pinch of salt and pepper. Spread on a rimmed baking sheet in a single layer.
  3. Step 3: Heat 1 tbsp olive oil in a large oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat. Sear the pork tenderloin on all sides until browned, about 3 minutes per side.
  4. Step 4: Transfer the pork to the center of the baking sheet with the sweet potatoes and roast everything for 20-25 minutes until the pork reaches an internal temperature of 145°F and sweet potatoes are tender.
  5. Step 5: Remove pork from oven, let rest for 5 minutes, then slice. Sprinkle 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley over pork and sweet potatoes before serving.

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Cajun-Spiced Pork Tenderloin with Roasted Sweet Potatoes take to make?

Total time is about 45 minutes (15 min prep + 30 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.

How do I store leftover Cajun-Spiced Pork Tenderloin with Roasted Sweet Potatoes?

Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep pork tenderloin from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Cajun-Spiced Pork Tenderloin with Roasted Sweet Potatoes?

Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.

How do I scale Cajun-Spiced Pork Tenderloin with Roasted Sweet Potatoes for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.

Is Cajun-Spiced Pork Tenderloin with Roasted Sweet Potatoes gluten free?

Yes — this recipe is tagged gluten free based on its ingredient list. Always cross-check labels for packaged ingredients (sauces, broths, condiments) since formulations vary by brand.

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