Pork Chops And Zucchini
Juicy pork chops paired with tender zucchini and flavorful Parmesan create a hearty, savory dish perfect for family dinners and comfort food lovers.
Ingredients
Instructions
- In a large plastic bag, combine flour, 2 tablespoons Parmesan cheese, salt, dill weed, and pepper.
- Place pork chops in the bag and shake to coat.
- Shake off excess flour and reserve.
- Heat oil in a large skillet over medium heat; brown pork chops on both sides.
- Reduce heat to low and place onion slices on top of the pork chops.
- Add water to the skillet, cover, and simmer for 15 minutes.
- Place zucchini slices over the onion.
- Mix remaining Parmesan cheese with the reserved flour mixture and sprinkle over the zucchini.
- Sprinkle paprika on top.
- Cover and simmer for 25 minutes or until pork chops are tender.
Tips & Substitutions
For a lighter version, you can substitute the pork chops with boneless, skinless chicken breasts. If you're out of dill weed, fresh dill or thyme can work as excellent alternatives. To add more flavor, consider marinating the pork chops in a mixture of olive oil, garlic, and lemon juice for a few hours before cooking. This recipe can also be made with frozen zucchini; just adjust the cooking time accordingly.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the Pork Chops and Zucchini with a side of creamy mashed potatoes or a simple green salad for a complete meal. A glass of white wine pairs beautifully with this dish. For a comforting twist, consider serving it alongside a slice of Meat Loaf(Easy) or alongside Easy Bake Cabbage for a hearty dinner.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover Pork Chops and Zucchini in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place the dish in a skillet over low heat and cover, allowing it to warm through without drying out. Alternatively, you can use the microwave, reheating in short intervals until heated evenly.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Pork Chops And Zucchini contains roughly 653 calories, with 30g protein, 109g carbohydrates, and 16g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin A (138% of the Daily Value), iron (89% of the Daily Value), and dietary fiber (73% of the Daily Value), and a good source of calcium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1341mg per serving (58% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a different type of cheese instead of Parmesan?
Yes, you can use other cheeses like grated mozzarella or cheddar, but keep in mind that the flavor profile will change. Parmesan adds a distinct nutty flavor, which is hard to replicate, but other hard cheeses can work well too.
How do I know when the pork chops are fully cooked?
Pork chops are safe to eat when they reach an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C). Use a meat thermometer to check the thickest part of the chop. Once done, let them rest for a few minutes to retain their juices before serving.
Can I prepare this dish ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can coat the pork chops and prepare the vegetable layers in advance. Keep them covered in the refrigerator and assemble and cook them later. This can save time and make for a quick weeknight dinner option.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).