Cheese-Stuffed Pork Chops with Garlic Butter and Sautéed Spinach

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

Juicy pork chops stuffed with melty cheese, pan-seared and finished with garlic butter, served alongside garlicky sautéed spinach for a comforting keto dinner. This american-inspired keto (low carb) ready in about 35 minutes pairs bone-in, about 6 oz each pork chops, sliced mozzarella cheese, fresh spinach for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 520 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: 20 min Serves 4 American cuisine 520 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Preheat oven to 375°F. Using a sharp knife, carefully cut a horizontal pocket into each of the 4 pork chops without cutting through.
  2. Step 2: Stuff each pork chop pocket with about 1 oz sliced mozzarella cheese. Secure with toothpicks if needed. Season outside with 1 tsp salt, 1/2 tsp black pepper, and 1 tsp dried oregano.
  3. Step 3: Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in an oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat. Add pork chops and sear for 3-4 minutes per side until golden brown.
  4. Step 4: Transfer skillet to preheated oven and bake pork chops for 10-12 minutes until internal temperature reaches 145°F.
  5. Step 5: While pork cooks, melt 2 tbsp butter in a separate large skillet over medium heat. Add 2 minced garlic cloves and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
  6. Step 6: Add 6 cups fresh spinach, 1/2 tsp salt, and 1/2 tsp black pepper. Sauté for 3-4 minutes until spinach is wilted and tender.
  7. Step 7: Remove pork chops from oven and transfer to a plate. In the same skillet, add remaining 2 tbsp butter and 2 minced garlic cloves. Cook over medium heat for 1-2 minutes to create garlic butter sauce.
  8. Step 8: Spoon garlic butter over pork chops and serve immediately with sautéed spinach.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Cheese-Stuffed Pork Chops with Garlic Butter and Sautéed Spinach take to make?

Total time is about 35 minutes (15 min prep + 20 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 Cheese-Stuffed Pork Chops with Garlic Butter and Sautéed Spinach?

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 sliced mozzarella cheese from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Cheese-Stuffed Pork Chops with Garlic Butter and Sautéed Spinach?

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 Cheese-Stuffed Pork Chops with Garlic Butter and Sautéed Spinach 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 Cheese-Stuffed Pork Chops with Garlic Butter and Sautéed Spinach keto?

Yes — this recipe is tagged keto, low carb, 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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