Description
Spinach Stuffed Pork Chops are a quick, easy, and flavorful dinner option combining tender boneless pork chops with a creamy spinach and cheese filling. Ready in under 30 minutes, this nutritious and family-friendly recipe offers a perfect balance of juicy meat and vibrant greens, ideal for busy weeknights or impressing guests with minimal effort.
Ingredients
Scale
Pork Chops
- 4 thick-cut boneless pork chops
Filling
- 4 cups fresh spinach, roughly chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 3 tablespoons cream cheese
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Seasoning and Cooking
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Salt, to taste
- Black pepper, to taste
- 1/2 teaspoon dried rosemary or thyme (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare the Filling: Sauté the fresh spinach and minced garlic in olive oil over medium heat until the spinach wilts and releases its moisture. Remove from heat, then stir in the cream cheese and grated Parmesan until the mixture is smooth and creamy. Season with salt, pepper, and dried herbs if using. Set aside.
- Prepare the Pork Chops: Using a sharp knife, carefully cut a horizontal pocket into each pork chop without slicing all the way through. This pocket will be used to hold the spinach filling.
- Stuff the Pork Chops: Spoon the spinach mixture generously into each pork chop pocket. Secure the opening with toothpicks if needed to keep the filling inside during cooking.
- Cook the Pork Chops: Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Add the stuffed pork chops and sear for 4-5 minutes on each side until golden brown and cooked through to an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C).
- Rest and Serve: Remove the pork chops from the skillet and let rest for a few minutes to retain juices. Remove toothpicks before serving.
Notes
- Careful Cutting: Take your time when cutting the pork pockets to prevent slicing all the way through and losing the filling.
- Even Thickness: Use uniformly thick pork chops for even cooking and adequate stuffing space.
- Rest Before Serving: Allow chops to rest to redistribute juices and improve tenderness.
- Don’t Overfill: Use a moderate amount of filling to avoid leaks and ensure even cooking.
- Use a Meat Thermometer: Check that the internal temperature reaches 145°F to guarantee safe cooking without drying out the chops.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Searing
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 stuffed pork chop
- Calories: 350 kcal
- Sugar: 1 g
- Sodium: 450 mg
- Fat: 22 g
- Saturated Fat: 8 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 4 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 35 g
- Cholesterol: 95 mg
Keywords: Spinach stuffed pork chops, easy pork recipe, quick dinner, gluten free pork chops, creamy spinach filling, weeknight meals
