Pan-Seared Pork Chops with Garlic and Fresh Rosemary
Juicy pork chops pan-seared with garlic cloves and fresh rosemary sprigs create an aromatic main dish perfect for a comforting dinner. This spanish-inspired pork ready in about 22 minutes pairs extra virgin olive oil, garlic cloves, smashed, fresh rosemary sprigs 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. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.
Ingredients
- 4 (6 oz each) bone-in pork chops, about 1 inch thick
- 2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
- 6 garlic cloves, smashed
- 3 fresh rosemary sprigs
- 1 1/2 tsp salt
- 1 tsp black pepper
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter
Instructions
- Step 1: Pat dry 4 bone-in pork chops (about 1 inch thick) and season generously with 1 1/2 tsp salt and 1 tsp black pepper on both sides.
- Step 2: Heat 2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering. Add pork chops and sear for 4 minutes without moving until the edges are golden brown.
- Step 3: Flip pork chops, add 6 smashed garlic cloves and 3 fresh rosemary sprigs to the skillet, then add 2 tbsp unsalted butter. Tilt the pan and spoon the melted butter, garlic, and rosemary over the chops continuously for 3-4 minutes until the internal temperature reaches 145°F.
- Step 4: Remove pork chops and let rest for 5 minutes before serving to allow juices to redistribute.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Pan-Seared Pork Chops with Garlic and Fresh Rosemary 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 Pork Chops with Garlic and Fresh Rosemary?
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 extra virgin olive oil from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Pan-Seared Pork Chops with Garlic and Fresh Rosemary?
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 Pork Chops with Garlic and Fresh Rosemary 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 Pork Chops with Garlic and Fresh Rosemary?
Spanish 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.