An Effortlessly Elegant Pork Chop Dinner
Say goodbye to dry, uninspired pork chops! This recipe transforms a weeknight staple into a gourmet experience, all thanks to the magic of the Instant Pot. We’re topping tender boneless pork chops with creamy cottage cheese and salty, savory prosciutto, then pressure-cooking them to absolute perfection. A simple, vibrant tomato and balsamic sauce made right in the same pot brings all the flavors together. It’s a dish that feels fancy enough for company but is easy enough for any night of the week.
Ingredients
• (Total Time: 55 MIN | Serves: 5)
• For the Pork Chops
• 5 boneless pork chops, about 1-inch / 2.5 cm thick
• ½ cup / 115g cottage cheese
• 3 oz / 85g prosciutto
• 2 tbsp / 30 ml olive oil
• 1 tsp dried basil
• 1 tsp salt
• ½ tsp freshly ground black pepper
• For the Sauce
• 2 tbsp / 30 ml olive oil
• 1 onion, finely chopped
• 2 garlic cloves, crushed
• ½ cup / 120g diced canned tomatoes, sugar-free
• 2 tbsp / 30 ml balsamic vinegar
• 1 cup / 240 ml water (for the Instant Pot)
Instructions
1. Directions
2. Pat the pork chops dry with a paper towel. In a small bowl, mix 1 tbsp olive oil, salt, pepper, and basil. Rub this mixture evenly over all sides of the pork chops and let them rest for 15 minutes.
3. Pour 1 cup of water into the inner pot of your Instant Pot and place a trivet at the bottom.
4. Arrange the seasoned pork chops in a single layer inside a small, oven-safe pan that fits on the trivet. Top each pork chop with a spoonful of cottage cheese and a slice of prosciutto. Drizzle with the remaining 1 tbsp of olive oil.
5. Loosely cover the pan with aluminum foil and carefully lower it onto the trivet inside the Instant Pot.
6. Secure the lid and set the steam release handle to the “Sealing” position. Select the “Pressure Cook” or “Manual” button and set the timer for 20 minutes on high pressure.
7. When the timer finishes, perform a quick pressure release by carefully moving the handle to “Venting.” Once the pin drops, open the lid and use tongs or oven mitts to remove the pan. Set the pork chops aside.
8. Carefully remove the trivet and discard the water from the inner pot. Dry the pot thoroughly.
9. Press the “Sauté” button. Once the display reads “Hot,” add the remaining 2 tbsp of olive oil. Add the chopped onion and cook until softened and translucent, about 3-4 minutes.
10. Stir in the crushed garlic and cook for 30 seconds more until fragrant. Pour in the diced tomatoes and balsamic vinegar, scraping up any flavorful bits from the bottom.
11. Allow the sauce to simmer for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it has slightly thickened. Turn off the Instant Pot.
12. Serve the pork chops immediately, generously spooning the warm tomato-balsamic sauce over the top.
Nutritional Information
• Per Serving
• Calories: 416
• Total Fats: 19g
• Net Carbs: 3.6g
• Protein: 54.6g
• Fiber: 0.7g
Pro Tips
• for Perfect Pork Chops
• For a richer flavor and better texture, use the Sauté function to sear the pork chops for 1-2 minutes per side before topping them and pressure cooking.
• Feel free to swap the cottage cheese with ricotta, fresh mozzarella, or a creamy goat cheese for a different, delicious flavor profile.
• Don’t have an Instant Pot? Bake the foil-covered pork chops in a preheated oven at 400°F / 200°C for 20-25 minutes, or until an internal thermometer reads 145°F / 63°C.
• These pork chops are fantastic served over creamy polenta, mashed potatoes, or with a side of roasted asparagus to soak up every last drop of the sauce.
FAQ
Q: Can I make this recipe without an Instant Pot
A: Yes, you can bake the pork chops. Prepare them as directed and place them in a foil-covered pan in a preheated oven at 400°F / 200°C. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until an internal thermometer reads 145°F / 63°C.
Q: What can I use instead of cottage cheese
A: For a different but equally delicious flavor profile, you can easily substitute the cottage cheese with ricotta, fresh mozzarella, or a creamy goat cheese.
Q: How do I get a better sear on my pork chops
A: For a richer flavor and improved texture, use the Sauté function on your Instant Pot to sear the pork chops for 1-2 minutes per side before adding the toppings and pressure cooking.
Q: What should I serve with these pork chops
A: These pork chops pair wonderfully with creamy polenta, mashed potatoes, or a side of roasted asparagus, which are all great for soaking up the delicious tomato-balsamic sauce.
