Hidden Herb and Spinach Stuffed Pork Tenderloin
Tender pork tenderloin rolled around a savory filling of fresh spinach, garlic, and herbs, then roasted to juicy perfection. This american-inspired pork ready in about 50 minutes pairs pork tenderloin, fresh spinach, chopped, cream cheese, softened for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 320 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.
Ingredients
- 1.5 lbs pork tenderloin
- 2 cups fresh spinach, chopped
- 4 oz cream cheese, softened
- 3 cloves minced garlic
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
- 1 tbsp fresh thyme leaves
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1 tsp lemon zest
Instructions
- Step 1: Preheat oven to 400°F. Butterfly 1.5 lbs pork tenderloin by slicing it lengthwise without cutting all the way through, then open it like a book and gently pound to 1/2-inch thickness.
- Step 2: In a bowl, mix 2 cups chopped fresh spinach, 4 oz softened cream cheese, 3 cloves minced garlic, 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley, 1 tbsp fresh thyme leaves, and 1 tsp lemon zest until combined.
- Step 3: Spread the spinach and herb mixture evenly over the opened pork tenderloin. Roll the pork tightly and secure with kitchen twine every 2 inches.
- Step 4: Rub the outside of the rolled pork with 2 tbsp olive oil, 1 tsp salt, and 1/2 tsp black pepper.
- Step 5: Place the pork on a roasting pan and roast for 25-30 minutes until internal temperature reaches 145°F. Let rest 5 minutes before slicing.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Hidden Herb and Spinach Stuffed Pork Tenderloin take to make?
Total time is about 50 minutes (20 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 Hidden Herb and Spinach Stuffed Pork Tenderloin?
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 Hidden Herb and Spinach Stuffed Pork Tenderloin?
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 Hidden Herb and Spinach Stuffed Pork Tenderloin 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.
What goes well with Hidden Herb and Spinach Stuffed Pork Tenderloin?
American pork like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.