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A skillet full of simmering sauce and golden seared chops brings an aroma that instantly feels comforting. Pork chops Italiano combine tender meat with a garlicky tomato base layered with wine, herbs and a touch of spice. Each bite is rich, hearty and rustic. The sauce gets its depth from basil, oregano and rosemary, along with a sprinkle of Parmesan for balance. This dish highlights the bold, satisfying flavors of Italy in every forkful.
Pork chops Italiano are tender chops simmered in a garlicky tomato sauce with wine, herbs and Parmesan cheese. It’s a rustic Italian dish that’s full of bold flavor.
You might also like pork chop and rice casserole, Instant Pot pork chops, salt and pepper pork chop bites, and honey garlic pork chops.
Why You’ll Love It
Rich flavor: The sauce is layered with herbs, wine and garlic for depth.
Restaurant feel: The dish looks and tastes impressive with little effort.
Comfort food: Tender pork chops simmered in tomato sauce feel cozy.
Customizable: Adjust herbs, spice or veggies to match your taste.
Italian Pork Chops Ingredients
A complete list of ingredients and amounts can be found in the recipe card below.
Pork chops: Bone-in or boneless pork chops sear well and absorb flavor. I find bone-in cuts are the juiciest.
Olive oil: Helps sear the meat and sauté aromatics.
Onion: Adds savory sweetness to the sauce.
Garlic cloves: Infuses the tomato base with bold aroma.
Diced tomatoes: Form the heart of the sauce with fresh tomato flavor.
Tomato sauce: Thickens and enriches the base.
Dry white wine: Adds depth and acidity; broth can be used instead.
Italian seasoning: A ready mix of herbs for quick flavor.
Herbs: Dried or fresh basil, oregano, rosemary and thyme build the classic Italian flavor profile. You can use fresh herbs if available or dried if not.
Red pepper flakes: Bring a touch of heat if you like spice.
Parmesan cheese: Adds salty richness to finish the dish.
How to Make Italian Style Pork Chops
For more detailed instructions with weights and measurements, jump to the printable recipe card.
Season chops: Pat dry and season both sides with salt and pepper.
Sear meat: Heat olive oil in a cast iron skillet and add pork chops. Cook on both sides until golden brown, then set cooked pork aside.
Cook aromatics: Sauté onion until soft, then add garlic.
Build sauce: Stir in tomatoes, sauce, wine, herbs and red pepper flakes.
Simmer: Nestle the golden brown chops back in, spoon sauce on top and cook gently, stirring occasionally.
Finish: Sprinkle Parmesan over the chops and let it melt. Serve immediately with your preferred sides.
Substitutions and Variations
Gluten-free option: This dish is naturally gluten-free, just make sure your broth and seasonings are safe.
Wine swap: Use chicken or vegetable broth instead of wine.
Spaghetti sauce shortcut: You can use your favorite spaghetti sauce instead of making your own sauce.
Veggie boost: Add mushrooms, zucchini or bell peppers for variety.
Cheese change: Pecorino Romano makes a sharper alternative to Parmesan.
Optional add-ins: If needed, you can add a pinch of white or brown sugar to balance the acidity of the tomato sauce. You could also add a tablespoon of butter at the end, for richness, or add a Parmesan cheese rind to the sauce to simmer for added depth. Remove it before serving.
Serving Suggestions
Appetizers: Start your meal with a bowl of minestrone verde with French bread rolls.
Main course: Enjoy pork chops Italiano with slow cooker polenta, rice, garlic parmesan baby potatoes, sourdough bread or pasta.
Desserts: Serve dulce de leche cupcakes or pumpkin slab pie for dessert.
How to Store Tomato Braised Pork Chops
Store: Refrigerate in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
Freeze: Freeze pork and sauce together in portions for up to 3 months.
Thaw: Defrost overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Reheat: Warm gently on the stove or in the oven at 300°F until heated through.
Top Tips
Don’t skip searing: Browning adds flavor and locks in juices.
Thin the sauce: If needed, thin the sauce with a little broth or water.
Control heat: Simmer on low so the pork stays tender.
Balance acidity: A pinch of sugar softens sharp tomato flavor.
Use fresh herbs: They brighten the dish more than dried.
Braised Pork Chops with Tomatoes FAQs
Yes, after searing, transfer to a baking dish with sauce and bake at 375°F for 25 to 30 minutes.
Yes, pork chops can dry out, so simmer gently and stop cooking once they reach 145°F.
Yes, the sauce deepens in flavor overnight, so it reheats well.
Skillet Italian Pork Chops Recipe
Pork Chops Italiano
Equipment
- Skillet Large with Lid
Ingredients
- 4 pork chops, bone-in or boneless, about 1 inch thick
- 1 Teaspoon salt
- ½ Teaspoon black pepper
- 2 Tablespoons olive oil
- 1 onion, medium, finely chopped
- 3 Cloves garlic, minced
- 1 Can diced tomatoes, 14 ½-Ounce, with juice
- ½ Cup tomato sauce
- ¼ Cup dry white wine, or chicken broth
- 1 Teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1 Teaspoon dried basil, or 1 tablespoon fresh chopped
- 1 Teaspoon dried oregano, or 1 tablespoon fresh chopped
- 1 Teaspoon fresh rosemary, chopped, or ½ Teaspoon dried
- 1 Teaspoon fresh thyme leaves, or ½ Teaspoon dried
- ½ Teaspoon red pepper flakes, optional
- ½ Cup Parmesan cheese, grated
Instructions
- Pat pork chops dry and season both sides with salt and pepper.
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
- Sear pork chops for 3 or 4 minutes per side until golden brown.
- Remove and set aside.
- In the same skillet, sauté onion until softened, about 4 minutes.
- Add garlic and cook 1 minute.
- Stir in diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, white wine or broth, basil, oregano, rosemary, thyme, and red pepper flakes if using.
- Bring to a simmer.
- Nestle pork chops into the sauce, spooning sauce over the top.
- Cover and reduce heat to medium-low.
- Simmer for 20 to 25 minutes, until pork chops are cooked through (145°F internal temperature).
- Sprinkle with Parmesan cheese, cover again, and let rest for 2 minutes to melt.
- Garnish with thyme and serve hot with your preferred sides.
Notes
Thin the sauce: If needed, thin the sauce with a little broth or water.
Control heat: Simmer on low so the pork stays tender.
Balance acidity: A pinch of sugar softens sharp tomato flavor.
Use fresh herbs: They brighten the dish more than dried.
Nutrition
Bringing together tender meat, herbs and a garlicky tomato base, pork chops Italiano is the kind of meal that feels both rustic and comforting. The sauce builds depth as it simmers, and every bite carries a balance of savory richness and warmth. Parmesan rounds out the flavors, creating a dish that’s satisfying yet easy to prepare. It’s an ideal recipe when you want something hearty that also has a touch of Italian elegance.
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Bella Bucchiotti
Bella Bucchiotti is a Canadian-based syndicated food, travel, and lifestyle writer, photographer, and creator at xoxoBella. She founded xoxoBella in 2015, where she shares her love for food, dogs, sustainability, fitness, crafts, outdoor adventures, travel, and philanthropy to encourage others to run the extra mile, try new recipes, visit unfamiliar places, and stand for a cause. Bella creates stress-free and family-friendly recipes for weeknight dinners and festive feasts.
I made this with stick of butter French Onion rice and it was absolutely delectable! My Mom bakes hers in the oven and has refused to give me the recipe for some reason, but this tastes exactly the same. The only difference was the consistency, but I can deal with that and maybe add in some tomato paste if I feel it’s absolutely necessary. I will definitely be making this again.
I love this dish too. I’m glad you enjoyed it so much!