Pan-Seared Italian Herb-Crusted Pork Chops with Garlic Butter
Tender pork chops pan-seared with a fragrant blend of Italian herbs, finished with a garlic butter sauce that enriches every bite. This italian-inspired pork ready in about 22 minutes pairs olive oil, butter, smashed garlic cloves for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 350 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.
Ingredients
- 4 (1-inch thick, about 6 oz each) bone-in pork chops
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 3 tbsp butter
- 4, smashed garlic cloves
- 1 tbsp, chopped fresh rosemary
- 1 tbsp, chopped fresh thyme
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1 1/2 tsp salt
- 1 tsp black pepper
- for serving lemon wedges
Instructions
- Step 1: Combine 1 tbsp chopped fresh rosemary, 1 tbsp chopped fresh thyme, 1 tsp dried oregano, 1 1/2 tsp salt, and 1 tsp black pepper in a small bowl. Rub this herb mixture evenly over 4 bone-in pork chops.
- Step 2: Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering.
- Step 3: Add the pork chops and sear for 4-5 minutes per side until a golden crust forms and the internal temperature reaches 145°F (63°C).
- Step 4: During the last 2 minutes of cooking, add 3 tbsp butter and 4 smashed garlic cloves to the skillet. Tilt the pan slightly and spoon the melted butter and garlic over the chops repeatedly to baste and infuse flavor.
- Step 5: Remove chops from heat and let rest for 5 minutes. Serve with lemon wedges to squeeze over the top for a bright finish.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Pan-Seared Italian Herb-Crusted Pork Chops with Garlic Butter take to make?
Total time is about 22 minutes (10 min prep + 12 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 Pan-Seared Italian Herb-Crusted Pork Chops with Garlic Butter?
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 olive oil from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Pan-Seared Italian Herb-Crusted Pork Chops with Garlic Butter?
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 Pan-Seared Italian Herb-Crusted Pork Chops with Garlic Butter 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 Pan-Seared Italian Herb-Crusted Pork Chops with Garlic Butter?
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.
