Save Tender pork chops seared and roasted with fresh herbs, zesty lemon, and crisp asparagus for a vibrant, easy weeknight meal made all in one pan.
This recipe quickly became a favorite in my house for its simplicity and fresh taste.
Ingredients
- Pork and Marinade: 4 boneless pork chops (about 1 inch thick), 2 tablespoons olive oil, 2 cloves garlic minced, 1 tablespoon fresh rosemary finely chopped (or 1 teaspoon dried), 1 tablespoon fresh thyme finely chopped (or 1 teaspoon dried), 1 teaspoon salt, ½ teaspoon black pepper, zest and juice of 1 lemon
- Vegetables: 1 bunch asparagus (about 400 g) trimmed, 1 tablespoon olive oil, ½ teaspoon salt, ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- Garnish (optional): Lemon wedges, fresh herbs
Instructions
- Step 1:
- Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C).
- Step 2:
- In a large bowl, combine olive oil, garlic, rosemary, thyme, salt, pepper, lemon zest, and lemon juice. Add pork chops and coat evenly. Let marinate for 10 minutes (or up to 30 minutes for deeper flavor).
- Step 3:
- Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a large ovenproof skillet over medium-high heat. Sear pork chops for 2 minutes per side until golden brown. Remove chops and set aside.
- Step 4:
- Add asparagus to the same skillet, drizzle with olive oil, sprinkle with salt and pepper, and toss to coat.
- Step 5:
- Nestle the pork chops among the asparagus. Transfer skillet to the oven and roast for 10–12 minutes, or until pork reaches an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C) and asparagus is tender.
- Step 6:
- Rest pork chops for 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with lemon wedges and extra herbs if desired.
Save Sharing this meal brings everyone to the table quickly for a cozy dinner.
Required Tools
Large ovenproof skillet, mixing bowl, tongs
Allergen Information
Contains no common allergens. Double-check ingredient labels for potential cross-contamination if gluten or nut allergies are a concern.
Nutritional Information
Per serving: 295 calories, 14 g total fat, 7 g carbohydrates, 37 g protein
Save 
This dish pairs wonderfully with a light salad or roasted potatoes for a complete meal.
Cooking Q&A
- → How do I ensure pork chops stay tender?
Marinate the chops for at least 10 minutes to infuse flavor and prevent drying. Resting after cooking helps juices redistribute for maximum tenderness.
- → Can I substitute asparagus with another vegetable?
Yes, green beans or broccolini make excellent alternatives and roast well alongside the pork chops.
- → What is the ideal internal temperature for cooked pork chops?
Cook pork to an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C) for perfectly juicy meat while ensuring safety.
- → Is it possible to make this dish dairy-free?
Yes, this preparation uses olive oil and fresh herbs without any dairy ingredients, making it naturally dairy-free.
- → Can I add extra flavor when roasting?
A splash of white wine added before roasting enhances the dish with subtle acidity and depth.