Craving a delicious, restaurant-quality meal without spending hours in the kitchen? This recipe for Italian-style pork tenderloin delivers incredible flavor in just 20 minutes! Imagine succulent, perfectly cooked pork infused with the bright, aromatic notes of sun-dried tomatoes, garlic, and fresh basil, all bathed in a rich, savory pan sauce. It's the perfect weeknight dinner solution that impresses without the fuss. This dish is surprisingly easy to master, even for beginner cooks.
Forget complicated techniques and long marinades; this recipe prioritizes simplicity and speed while maximizing flavor. The result? A tender, flavorful pork tenderloin that's bursting with authentic Italian character. Ready to create this culinary masterpiece? Let's dive into the easy step-by-step instructions below.
Tools Needed
- Baking pan
- Frying pan
Ingredients
- Pork tenderloin
- Dry sage
- Smoked paprika
- Ground cumin
- Allspice
- Cracked black pepper
- Kosher salt
- Extra virgin olive oil: 2-3 tablespoons
- Italian sausage (sweet)
- Peppers
- Mushrooms
- Onions
- Zucchini
- Tomatoes
- Fresh basil
- Fennel (optional)
- Red onions
- Garlic
- Pasta
- Parmesan cheese
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1. Prepare the Pork Tenderloin
- Clean the pork tenderloin, removing the silver skin.
- Make a dry rub with dry sage, smoked paprika (use sparingly), ground cumin, allspice, cracked black pepper, and kosher salt. Mix well.
- Rub the dry rub all over the tenderloin, ensuring it's evenly coated.
Step 2. Sear and Roast the Pork
- Heat 2-3 tablespoons of extra virgin olive oil in a hot pan. Sear the tenderloin for about 1 minute on each side, ensuring all sides are browned.
- Place the seared tenderloin in a preheated oven (450-475°F) for 15-20 minutes.
Step 3. Sauté the Vegetables
- While the tenderloin is baking, prepare the vegetables. Dice the Italian sausage, peppers, mushrooms, onions, zucchini, and tomatoes into roughly the same size.
- In the same pan used for searing the tenderloin, add the Italian sausage and cook until lightly browned. Then, add the onions, garlic, mushrooms, and zucchini, and sauté until softened.
- Add the tomatoes and fresh basil. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Step 4. Serve
- Once the pork tenderloin is cooked (golden brown), remove from the oven and let it rest. Slice the tenderloin and arrange it on a plate with the vegetable mixture.
- Serve with pasta, and top with a sprinkle of parmesan cheese and a drizzle of pan juices.
Read more: Classic Beef Spiedini: Italian-Style Kebabs Recipe
Tips
- Don't over-season with paprika, as it can overpower the other spices.
- Use fresh basil for the best flavor.
- Don't waste the pan juices; pour them over the pork loin before serving.
Nutrition
- Fat: 25-35g
- Carbs: 20-30g
- Protein: 35-45g
FAQs
1. Can I use frozen pork tenderloin?
It's best to use thawed pork tenderloin for even cooking. Frozen pork will take significantly longer to cook.
2. What can I substitute for sun-dried tomatoes?
Regular dried tomatoes, or even a good quality jarred tomato paste, can be used as a substitute, though the flavor will be slightly different.
3. What kind of wine is best for the pan sauce?
A dry white wine like Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc works well. You can also use chicken broth if you prefer a non-alcoholic option.
This quick and flavorful Italian-style pork tenderloin recipe is a perfect weeknight meal solution, proving that delicious doesn't have to mean difficult. Enjoy the tender, juicy pork and the vibrant pan sauce with your favorite sides for a complete and satisfying dinner. Buon appetito!