Sheet Pan Cajun-Spiced Pork Tenderloin with Sweet Potatoes

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

Tender pork tenderloin coated in bold Cajun spices roasted alongside sweet potatoes for a flavorful all-in-one dinner. This american-inspired pork ready in about 45 minutes pairs pork tenderloin, divided olive oil, paprika for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 420 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: 30 min Serves 4 American cuisine 420 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Preheat the oven to 425°F. In a small bowl, mix 1 tbsp paprika, 1 tsp cayenne pepper, 1 tsp garlic powder, 1 tsp onion powder, 1 tsp dried oregano, 1.5 tsp salt, and 1 tsp black pepper.
  2. Step 2: Rub 1.5 lbs pork tenderloin evenly with 2 tbsp olive oil, then coat thoroughly with the Cajun spice mix.
  3. Step 3: Toss 2 peeled and cubed medium sweet potatoes with 1 tbsp olive oil and a pinch of salt and pepper, then spread on a large rimmed baking sheet.
  4. Step 4: Place the seasoned pork tenderloin in the center of the sheet pan surrounded by the sweet potatoes.
  5. Step 5: Roast in the oven for 25-30 minutes until the pork reaches an internal temperature of 145°F and sweet potatoes are tender with caramelized edges.
  6. Step 6: Remove from oven and let the pork rest for 5 minutes before slicing and serving alongside the roasted sweet potatoes.

Equipment for this recipe

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Sheet Pan Cajun-Spiced Pork Tenderloin with Sweet Potatoes take to make?

Total time is about 45 minutes (15 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 Sheet Pan Cajun-Spiced Pork Tenderloin with Sweet Potatoes?

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 Sheet Pan Cajun-Spiced Pork Tenderloin with Sweet Potatoes?

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 Sheet Pan Cajun-Spiced Pork Tenderloin with Sweet Potatoes 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 Sheet Pan Cajun-Spiced Pork Tenderloin with Sweet Potatoes?

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.

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