Pesto-Coated Center-Cut Pork Chop

I had an evening without my bride to experiment a bit with a pork chop and I believe it was worth sharing. Pour a glass of white wine. Slice and serve with steamed red potatoes. Enjoy!

• Preparation Time: 15 mins
• Cooking Time: 1 hr 38 mins
• Total Time: 1 hr 53 mins
• Calories: 612 Calories

Ingredients

• 1 pinch salt and ground black pepper to taste
• ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes
• cooking spray
• 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
• 6 tablespoons basil pesto, divided
• 2 (8 ounce) center-cut boneless pork chops (3/4-inch thick)

Recipe Instructions

Step 1

Preheat oven to 325 degrees F (165 degrees C). Spray a baking dish with cooking spray. Spread 1/2 of the pesto over into the bottom of the baking dish.

Step 2

Heat a cast iron skillet over medium-high heat for 5 minutes. Add olive oil.

Step 3

Season pork chops with salt and pepper. Cook pork chops in the hot oil until browned, about 4 minutes per side. Transfer pork chops to baking dish and top each with remaining pesto. Season with red pepper flakes. Cover baking dish with aluminum foil.

Step 4

Bake in the preheated oven until an instant-read thermometer inserted into the center should read at least 145 degrees F (63 degrees C), about 1 1/2 hours. Allow pork chops to rest for 10 minutes.