Go Back
A close-up shot of a thick-cut, bone-in Sicilian pork chop with a caramelized crust in a rustic tomato and herb sauce.

Sicilian Pork Chops: A Rustic Skillet Dinner

An easy, flavor-packed recipe for Sicilian pork chops featuring a perfect sear, rustic tomato-herb sauce, and tender roasted vegetables. This one-skillet dinner is perfect for a stunning weeknight meal that's full of Mediterranean flavor.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 35 minutes
Total Time 50 minutes
Servings: 2 people
Course: Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: Italian, Mediterranean
Calories: 680

Ingredients
  

  • 1 Red Bell Pepper, chopped
  • 1 Yellow Bell Pepper, chopped
  • 1 medium Zucchini, chopped
  • 0.5 large Red Onion, chopped
  • 2 tbsp Extra Virgin Olive Oil (30ml)
  • 2 thick-cut Bone-In Pork Chops (1.5-inch or 4cm thick)
  • 1 tbsp Avocado Oil (15ml)
  • Kosher Salt and Cracked Black Pepper, to taste
  • 28 ounce Can Crushed Tomatoes (794g)
  • 3 cloves Garlic, minced
  • 0.5 cup Fresh Basil, chopped (20g)
  • 2 tbsp Fresh Oregano, chopped (10g)
  • 0.25 cup Freshly Grated Parmesan Cheese (25g), for garnish

Equipment

  • 1 Large Cast-Iron Skillet (12-inch)
  • 1 Baking Sheet

Method
 

  1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). On a baking sheet, toss chopped bell peppers, zucchini, and red onion with olive oil, salt, and pepper. Roast for 20-25 minutes until tender and caramelized. Set aside.
  2. Pat pork chops completely dry and season generously with salt and pepper. Heat avocado oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering. Sear pork chops for 4-5 minutes per side, until a deep golden-brown crust forms. Remove from skillet and set aside.
  3. Reduce heat to medium. Add minced garlic to the skillet and cook for 30-60 seconds until fragrant. Pour in the crushed tomatoes, scraping the bottom of the pan. Stir in most of the chopped basil and oregano. Simmer for 5 minutes.
  4. Return the pork chops to the skillet, along with the roasted vegetables. Let everything simmer together for 5-10 minutes, or until the pork's internal temperature reaches 145°F (63°C). Garnish with Parmesan cheese, remaining herbs, and more black pepper before serving.

Notes

Don't crowd the pan when searing the pork chops for the best crust.
Let the pork chops rest in the sauce for a few minutes before serving to ensure they are juicy.
Fresh herbs are highly recommended for the most vibrant flavor.
Use high-quality crushed tomatoes as they are the base of the sauce.