Italian Herb-Roasted Pork Tenderloin with Garlic and Thyme
Juicy pork tenderloin roasted with a fragrant blend of garlic, fresh thyme, and Italian herbs for an elegant yet simple main course. This italian-inspired pork ready in about 40 minutes pairs pork tenderloin, minced garlic cloves, chopped fresh thyme 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
- 4 cloves, minced garlic cloves
- 2 tbsp, chopped fresh thyme
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 3 tbsp olive oil
- 1 1/2 tsp salt
- 1 tsp, freshly ground black pepper
- 1 tsp lemon zest
Instructions
- Step 1: Preheat oven to 400°F. In a small bowl, mix 4 minced garlic cloves, 2 tbsp chopped fresh thyme, 1 tsp dried oregano, 3 tbsp olive oil, 1 1/2 tsp salt, 1 tsp freshly ground black pepper, and 1 tsp lemon zest to make an herb paste.
- Step 2: Pat dry 1.5 lbs pork tenderloin and rub the herb mixture evenly all over the surface of the meat.
- Step 3: Place the pork tenderloin on a rimmed baking sheet or roasting pan and roast in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, until an instant-read thermometer inserted into the thickest part reads 145°F.
- Step 4: Remove from oven and tent loosely with foil. Let rest for 10 minutes before slicing to allow juices to redistribute.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Italian Herb-Roasted Pork Tenderloin with Garlic and Thyme take to make?
Total time is about 40 minutes (10 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 Italian Herb-Roasted Pork Tenderloin with Garlic and Thyme?
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 Italian Herb-Roasted Pork Tenderloin with Garlic and Thyme?
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 Italian Herb-Roasted Pork Tenderloin with Garlic and Thyme 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 Italian Herb-Roasted Pork Tenderloin with Garlic and Thyme?
Italian 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.