Spicy Italian Pork Cutlets with Garlic Tomato Sauce
These Spicy Italian Pork Cutlets are a delightful dish that brings together the juiciness of tender pork chops and the robust flavors of garlic and ripe tomatoes. Perfect for a weeknight dinner or an elegant gathering, this quick and easy recipe boasts a luxurious sauce that coats each cutlet while delivering a subtle kick from red pepper flakes. To round out the meal, serve with crusty bread, a refreshing leafy salad, and buttered pasta topped with a splash of sauce. Your guests will be impressed by this dish that takes only minutes to prepare yet feels gourmet. Enjoy the rustic flavors of Italy right in your own home!
4
Servings
170
Calories
11
Ingredients
Ingredients
boneless pork chops
4 (pounded to ¼ inch)
garlic
4-6 cloves (sliced thin)
very ripe tomatoes
1 large (chopped)
chicken broth
1/2 cup (or more as needed)
olive oil
1/4 cup (or more as needed)
red pepper flakes
1/4 teaspoon (to taste)
white wine
1/4 cup
chopped parsley
1/4 cup
salt
to taste
black olives
1/4 cup (chopped (optional))
fresh basil
1/4 cup (shredded (optional))
Instructions
1
Begin by pounding the boneless pork chops to about 1/4 inch thickness, then season both sides generously with salt and pepper.
2
In a large skillet, heat 3 tablespoons of olive oil over medium-high heat until shimmering.
3
Carefully place the seasoned pork chops in the hot pan and sauté for about 1 minute on each side, just until cooked through; they should remain pale in color and not brown excessively.
4
Once cooked, transfer the cutlets to a warm plate and cover loosely with foil to keep them warm.
5
In the same skillet, add the sliced garlic and red pepper flakes. If necessary, drizzle in a little more oil to ensure the garlic doesn't burn.
6
Sauté the garlic until it turns golden and fragrant, about 1-2 minutes.
7
Pour in the white wine, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan. Allow it to reduce slightly before adding the chicken broth and chopped tomatoes.
8
Simmer the sauce, stirring occasionally, until the tomatoes break down and the sauce thickens. If the sauce becomes too thick, add a little more broth to reach your desired consistency.
9
Once the sauce is ready, stir in the chopped parsley and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as needed.
10
To serve, place the warm pork cutlets on plates and generously spoon the garlic tomato sauce over the top. If desired, sprinkle with chopped black olives and shredded fresh basil.
Nutrition Information
7.5g
Fat
5g
Carbs
19.5g
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the main protein used in the Spicy Italian Pork Cutlets recipe?
The main protein used in this recipe is boneless pork chops, which are pounded to a thickness of 1/4 inch.
How many servings does this pork cutlet recipe make?
This recipe is designed to make 4 servings.
How many calories are in a single serving of these pork cutlets?
Each serving of the Spicy Italian Pork Cutlets contains approximately 170 calories.
What is the recommended thickness for the pork chops?
The pork chops should be pounded to approximately 1/4 inch thickness for even and quick cooking.
How long should I cook the pork cutlets on each side?
The cutlets should be sautéed for about 1 minute on each side until just cooked through.
Should the pork cutlets be heavily browned?
No, the instructions state they should remain pale in color and not brown excessively.
How much garlic is required for the tomato sauce?
The recipe calls for 4 to 6 cloves of garlic, sliced thin.
What type of tomatoes should be used for the best results?
It is recommended to use very ripe tomatoes that have been chopped.
What ingredient provides the spicy kick in this dish?
The heat comes from 1/4 teaspoon of red pepper flakes, which can be adjusted to taste.
Can I substitute the white wine in the sauce?
If you prefer not to use white wine, you can use additional chicken broth to deglaze the pan.
What is the fat content per serving?
Each serving contains approximately 7.5 grams of fat.
How much protein does this dish provide?
This recipe provides 19.5 grams of protein per serving.
What should I do if the sauce becomes too thick during simmering?
If the sauce is too thick, simply add a little more chicken broth until you reach your desired consistency.
Are there any optional garnishes for this recipe?
Yes, you can optionally garnish the dish with chopped black olives and shredded fresh basil.
What side dishes pair well with Spicy Italian Pork Cutlets?
It is suggested to serve the cutlets with crusty bread, a refreshing leafy salad, or buttered pasta.
How much chicken broth is needed for the sauce?
The recipe starts with 1/2 cup of chicken broth, adding more as needed for consistency.
Is this recipe suitable for a quick weeknight dinner?
Yes, it is tagged as a 'quick dinner' and '30 minutes or less' because the cutlets cook very rapidly.
What is the carbohydrate count for this recipe?
This recipe is relatively low in carbohydrates, containing 5 grams per serving.
How should the garlic be prepared?
The garlic should be sliced thin rather than minced.
When should I add the fresh parsley?
Stir in the chopped parsley once the sauce has thickened and is ready to be served.
How much olive oil is used for the entire recipe?
The recipe calls for 1/4 cup of olive oil, used for both sautéing the pork and the garlic.
What is the purpose of the white wine in the sauce?
The white wine is used to deglaze the pan, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom for extra flavor.
How should I keep the pork warm while making the sauce?
Transfer the cooked cutlets to a warm plate and cover them loosely with foil.
What is the total number of ingredients in this recipe?
There are 11 ingredients in total, including optional items like olives and basil.
What color should the garlic be when sautéing?
The garlic should be sautéed until it turns golden and fragrant, which takes about 1-2 minutes.
Does this recipe contain any fiber?
The nutritional data indicates the fiber content is null or negligible.
What is the first step in preparing the pork?
The first step is to pound the pork chops to 1/4 inch thickness and season them with salt and pepper.
Can I adjust the amount of red pepper flakes?
Yes, the recipe specifies 1/4 teaspoon but mentions it can be adjusted 'to taste'.
Is this recipe considered a gourmet meal?
Yes, the tags and description highlight that it feels like a gourmet dish despite being quick to prepare.
What temperature should the olive oil be before adding the pork?
The olive oil should be heated over medium-high heat until it is shimmering.