Published February 11, 2025 | By savorychops

17 Zesty Italian Pork Chop Recipes You’ll Crave

Craving juicy, flavorful pork chops with a twist? Look no further! These 17 Zesty Italian Pork Chop recipes are here to elevate your dinner game. Whether you’re a busy weeknight cook or a weekend gourmet, these recipes bring a burst of flavor without the fuss.

Zesty Italian seasoning, with its perfect blend of tangy herbs and spices, makes these pork chops a savory delight. Even if you’re new to cooking or just looking for new ways to spice up your meals, this post has something for everyone. Ready to get cooking?

Why Zesty Italian Seasoning Works Wonders on Pork Chops

If you’ve ever been in a dinner rut, Zesty Italian seasoning is a game-changer. Its mix of tangy vinegar, garlic, oregano, and other spices provides the perfect balance of flavor to elevate any protein. And let’s face it, pork chops can sometimes use a little extra oomph to make them really shine.

The beauty of Zesty Italian is that it’s incredibly versatile. Whether you’re using it as a rub or mixing it into a marinade, it gives your pork chops a juicy, mouth-watering flavor without overpowering the natural taste of the meat. Plus, the seasoning’s vibrant herbs and spices pair perfectly with a variety of sides and sauces, making your meal feel gourmet without all the hard work.

1. Zesty Italian Pork Chop Delight

Ingredients:

  • 2 bone-in pork chops
  • 3 tbsp Zesty Italian seasoning
  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 cup roasted red peppers, sliced
  • 1/2 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded

Instructions:

  1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
  2. Rub the pork chops with olive oil and Zesty Italian seasoning.
  3. Heat a skillet over medium-high heat and sear the pork chops for 2-3 minutes on each side until browned.
  4. Transfer the pork chops to a baking dish.
  5. Top with roasted red peppers and mozzarella.
  6. Bake for 20 minutes or until the pork reaches an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C).
  7. Serve hot with extra roasted peppers and melted mozzarella.

2. Zesty Italian Herb-Infused Pork Chops

Ingredients:

  • 2 boneless pork chops
  • 3 tbsp Zesty Italian seasoning
  • 2 tbsp garlic, minced
  • 1/4 cup fresh basil, chopped
  • 1 tbsp lemon zest

Instructions:

  1. Preheat the grill to medium-high heat.
  2. Rub pork chops with Zesty Italian seasoning, garlic, and lemon zest.
  3. Grill the pork chops for 4-5 minutes on each side.
  4. Once cooked, top with fresh basil and let rest for 5 minutes before serving.

3. Sun-Dried Tomato Zesty Italian Pork Chops

Ingredients:

  • 2 thick-cut pork chops
  • 2 tbsp Zesty Italian seasoning
  • 1/2 cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped
  • 1/4 cup provolone cheese, shredded

Instructions:

  1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
  2. Coat pork chops in Zesty Italian seasoning and sear in a hot pan for 2-3 minutes on each side.
  3. Place the pork chops in a baking dish and top with sun-dried tomatoes and provolone.
  4. Bake for 20 minutes, until the pork chops reach 145°F (63°C).
  5. Serve topped with extra sun-dried tomatoes.

4. Garlic and Herb Zesty Pork Chop Feast

Ingredients:

  • 2 bone-in pork chops
  • 3 tbsp Zesty Italian seasoning
  • 2 tbsp garlic, minced
  • 1/2 cup spinach, wilted
  • 1/4 cup Parmesan cheese, grated

Instructions:

  1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
  2. Rub pork chops with Zesty Italian seasoning and minced garlic.
  3. Heat a pan over medium-high heat and sear the pork chops for 2-3 minutes on each side.
  4. Transfer to a baking dish and top with wilted spinach and grated Parmesan.
  5. Bake for 20 minutes until cooked through.
  6. Serve with extra Parmesan on top.

5. Zesty Italian Pork Chop Primavera

Ingredients:

  • 2 boneless pork chops
  • 3 tbsp Zesty Italian seasoning
  • 1 cup roasted vegetables (zucchini, bell peppers, onions)
  • 1/4 cup mozzarella cheese

Instructions:

  1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
  2. Season pork chops with Zesty Italian seasoning and sear in a hot pan for 3-4 minutes on each side.
  3. Place pork chops in a baking dish, top with roasted vegetables, and sprinkle mozzarella on top.
  4. Bake for 15-20 minutes or until pork reaches 145°F (63°C).
  5. Serve warm with a sprinkle of fresh herbs.

6. Zesty Italian Pork Chop with Artichoke Hearts

Ingredients:

  • 2 pork chops
  • 3 tbsp Zesty Italian seasoning
  • 1/2 cup artichoke hearts, quartered
  • 2 tbsp garlic, minced
  • 1 tbsp lemon zest

Instructions:

  1. Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
  2. Season the pork chops with Zesty Italian seasoning, garlic, and lemon zest.
  3. Sear pork chops in a skillet over medium-high heat for 3-4 minutes on each side.
  4. Transfer to a baking dish and top with artichokes.
  5. Bake for 15-20 minutes until pork is cooked to 145°F (63°C).
  6. Serve with a squeeze of fresh lemon juice.

7. Spinach and Parmesan Zesty Italian Pork Chops

Ingredients:

  • 2 pork chops
  • 3 tbsp Zesty Italian seasoning
  • 1/2 cup spinach, sautéed
  • 1/4 cup Parmesan cheese, shredded

Instructions:

  1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
  2. Season pork chops with Zesty Italian seasoning and sear in a skillet for 2-3 minutes on each side.
  3. Place pork chops in a baking dish and top with sautéed spinach and Parmesan cheese.
  4. Bake for 15-20 minutes or until internal temperature reaches 145°F (63°C).
  5. Serve with additional Parmesan.

8. Zesty Italian Pork Chop with Olives and Tomatoes

Ingredients:

  • 2 boneless pork chops
  • 3 tbsp Zesty Italian seasoning
  • 1/2 cup black olives, sliced
  • 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved

Instructions:

  1. Preheat grill to medium-high heat.
  2. Season pork chops with Zesty Italian seasoning and grill for 4-5 minutes on each side.
  3. Top with black olives and cherry tomatoes and grill for an additional 2 minutes.
  4. Serve with a drizzle of olive oil.

9. Lemon Basil Zesty Italian Pork Chop

Ingredients:

  • 2 bone-in pork chops
  • 3 tbsp Zesty Italian seasoning
  • 1/4 cup fresh basil, chopped
  • 1 tbsp lemon zest

Instructions:

  1. Preheat grill to medium-high heat.
  2. Season pork chops with Zesty Italian seasoning and lemon zest.
  3. Grill for 4-5 minutes per side until fully cooked.
  4. Garnish with fresh basil before serving.

10. Zesty Pork Chop with Sun-Dried Tomatoes and Garlic

Ingredients:

  • 2 pork chops
  • 3 tbsp Zesty Italian seasoning
  • 1/2 cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped
  • 2 tbsp garlic, minced

Instructions:

  1. Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
  2. Season pork chops with Zesty Italian seasoning and minced garlic.
  3. Sear pork chops in a hot pan for 2-3 minutes on each side.
  4. Transfer to a baking dish, top with sun-dried tomatoes, and bake for 15-20 minutes.
  5. Serve with extra sun-dried tomatoes and garlic on top.

11. Cheesy Zesty Pork Chop Casserole

Ingredients:

  • 2 pork chops
  • 3 tbsp Zesty Italian seasoning
  • 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese, shredded
  • 1/2 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded
  • 1 cup roasted vegetables

Instructions:

  1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
  2. Season pork chops with Zesty Italian seasoning and sear in a hot skillet.
  3. In a casserole dish, layer roasted vegetables and pork chops, then top with Parmesan and mozzarella.
  4. Bake for 15-20 minutes, until cheese is melted and bubbly.
  5. Serve with fresh herbs.

12. Zesty Italian Pork Chop with Roasted Garlic and Basil

Ingredients:

  • 2 pork chops
  • 3 tbsp Zesty Italian seasoning
  • 1 bulb of garlic, roasted
  • 1/4 cup fresh basil, chopped

Instructions:

  1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
  2. Rub pork chops with Zesty Italian seasoning and sear in a pan for 2-3 minutes per side.
  3. Roast garlic bulb in the oven for 20 minutes, then squeeze the roasted garlic over the pork chops.
  4. Top with fresh basil and serve.

13. Zesty Pork Chop with Artichokes and Parmesan

Ingredients:

  • 2 pork chops
  • 3 tbsp Zesty Italian seasoning
  • 1/2 cup artichoke hearts, chopped
  • 1/4 cup Parmesan cheese, grated

Instructions:

  1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
  2. Season pork chops with Zesty Italian seasoning.
  3. Sear pork chops on both sides, then transfer to a baking dish.
  4. Top with artichokes and Parmesan cheese.
  5. Bake for 15-20 minutes, then serve hot.

14. Zesty Italian Grilled Pork Chop with Roasted Veggies

Ingredients:

  • 2 pork chops
  • 3 tbsp Zesty Italian seasoning
  • 1 cup roasted vegetables (carrots, zucchini, onions)
  • 2 tbsp olive oil

Instructions:

  1. Preheat grill to medium-high heat.
  2. Season pork chops with Zesty Italian seasoning and olive oil.
  3. Grill for 4-5 minutes on each side until cooked through.
  4. Serve alongside roasted vegetables.

15. Zesty Italian Pork Chop with Spinach and Mozzarella

Ingredients:

  • 2 pork chops
  • 3 tbsp Zesty Italian seasoning
  • 1/2 cup spinach, sautéed
  • 1/4 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded

Instructions:

  1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
  2. Season pork chops with Zesty Italian seasoning and sear in a hot pan.
  3. Transfer to a baking dish and top with sautéed spinach and mozzarella cheese.
  4. Bake for 15-20 minutes, until pork reaches 145°F (63°C).

16. Zesty Italian Stuffed Pork Chops

Ingredients:

  • 2 thick-cut pork chops
  • 3 tbsp Zesty Italian seasoning
  • 1/4 cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped
  • 1/4 cup mozzarella cheese
  • 1 tbsp garlic, minced

Instructions:

  1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
  2. Cut a pocket in each pork chop and stuff with sun-dried tomatoes, mozzarella, and garlic.
  3. Season with Zesty Italian seasoning and sear in a hot skillet for 3-4 minutes on each side.
  4. Transfer to the oven and bake for 15-20 minutes until cooked through.
  5. Serve with extra sun-dried tomatoes and melted cheese.

17. Zesty Italian Pork Chop with Lemon Basil Marinade

Ingredients:

  • 2 pork chops
  • 3 tbsp Zesty Italian seasoning
  • 1/4 cup fresh basil, chopped
  • 1 tbsp lemon juice
  • 1 tbsp olive oil

Instructions:

  1. Marinate pork chops in a mixture of Zesty Italian seasoning, fresh basil, lemon juice, and olive oil for 1 hour.
  2. Preheat grill to medium-high heat.
  3. Grill pork chops for 4-5 minutes per side until cooked through.
  4. Garnish with additional basil and serve.

Tips for Perfectly Cooked Pork Chops

Cooking the perfect pork chop is easier than you might think, and with a few simple tips, you’ll be a pork chop pro in no time!

  1. Don’t Overcook Your Pork Chops!
    Pork chops can dry out quickly if cooked too long. The key to juicy pork is cooking them to an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C). Invest in a meat thermometer—trust me, it’ll make all the difference!
  2. Sear First, Then Finish in the Oven
    Searing your pork chops in a hot pan gives them a delicious crust and locks in juices. After a quick sear on both sides (about 2-3 minutes), transfer them to a preheated oven (375°F/190°C) to finish cooking through.
  3. Let Your Pork Chops Rest
    Once your pork chops are out of the oven, let them rest for 5-10 minutes. This allows the juices to redistribute, keeping your pork chop moist and tender.
  4. Try Bone-In Pork Chops for Extra Flavor
    While boneless pork chops cook quickly, bone-in pork chops tend to be juicier and more flavorful. The bone helps retain moisture during cooking, giving you a perfectly juicy chop every time.
  5. Use a Marinade
    For extra flavor, let your pork chops marinate in Zesty Italian seasoning (or a combo of Zesty Italian and olive oil) for at least an hour. This will enhance the flavor profile and tenderize the meat.

How to Serve Zesty Italian Pork Chops

Now that your pork chops are cooked to perfection, how do you serve them? Here are a few tasty ideas to make your meal even more exciting:

  1. Pair with Roasted Vegetables
    Roasted veggies like zucchini, bell peppers, and carrots are the perfect side dish to go with Zesty Italian pork chops. The savory flavors complement each other beautifully.
  2. Serve with a Fresh Salad
    For a lighter option, serve your pork chops on a bed of fresh greens. Try a simple salad of mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, and balsamic vinaigrette to balance out the richness of the pork.
  3. Add a Creamy Side
    If you’re in the mood for comfort food, pair your pork chops with mashed potatoes or a creamy risotto. The richness of these sides pairs perfectly with the zesty flavor of the pork.
  4. Pair with Wine
    Don’t forget the wine! Zesty Italian pork chops pair wonderfully with a light white wine, such as Sauvignon Blanc, or even a light red like Pinot Noir. A glass of crisp, refreshing wine will elevate the entire dining experience.
  5. Make it a Sandwich
    Leftovers (if you have any!) can easily be turned into a delicious sandwich. Slice the pork chop, add a few fresh veggies, and place it in a toasted bun for a quick and flavorful lunch the next day.

Conclusion

These 17 Zesty Italian Pork Chop recipes are just the beginning of your flavor-packed journey. Whether you’re looking for a quick weeknight meal or something special for a weekend dinner, these recipes bring zest and flavor to every bite. And the best part? They’re simple enough for beginner cooks while still impressing seasoned chefs!

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