Pork Chops With Italian Sausage Sauce
Juicy pork chops topped with a savory Italian sausage sauce, featuring mushrooms, onions, and herbs—perfect for comforting family dinners or casual gatherings.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Salt and pepper the pork chops.
- Brown the pork chops well on all sides in oil in a large skillet.
- Remove the chops from the skillet.
- Discard all but 2 tablespoons of pan drippings.
- Remove casing from the Italian sausages and brown lightly in the skillet.
- Crumble the sausage meat into the skillet.
- Add the sliced onion and mushrooms, cooking until they brown lightly.
- Stir in the minced garlic.
- Return the pork chops to the skillet.
- Spoon the sausage mixture over the chops.
- Pour in the chicken broth and tomato sauce.
- Sprinkle with Italian seasoning.
- Bring to a boil.
- Cover and reduce heat.
- Simmer until the pork chops are tender, about 35 to 40 minutes.
- Serve the chops with the sauce spooned over.
Tips & Substitutions
For extra flavor, consider marinating the pork chops in olive oil, garlic, and Italian seasoning for a few hours before cooking. If you don't have sweet Italian sausages, you can substitute with mild breakfast sausage or even ground turkey sausage for a lighter option. Using fresh herbs like basil or oregano can also enhance the dish's aroma.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the pork chops with the rich sausage sauce over a bed of creamy polenta or alongside garlic mashed potatoes for a hearty meal. A side of sautéed green beans or a fresh garden salad pairs well, offering a nice contrast to the rich flavors. This dish also pairs beautifully with Chicken In Italian Sauce for a delightful Italian-themed dinner.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. To reheat, gently warm the pork chops and sauce in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of chicken broth if needed to maintain moisture. Avoid microwaving to prevent drying out.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Pork Chops With Italian Sausage Sauce contains roughly 985 calories, with 7g protein, 11g carbohydrates, and 104g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin D (66% of the Daily Value), and a good source of protein and vitamin C.
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 boneless pork chops for this recipe?
Yes, boneless pork chops can be used in place of bone-in chops. Just adjust the cooking time slightly, as boneless cuts may cook faster. Aim for an internal temperature of 145°F to ensure they are cooked through and juicy.
What can I substitute for chicken broth?
If you don't have chicken broth on hand, vegetable broth works as a great alternative, adding depth without overpowering the dish. Alternatively, you could use water mixed with a bit of soy sauce or Worcestershire sauce for added flavor.
How can I make this dish spicier?
To add some heat, include red pepper flakes when cooking the sausage, or use hot Italian sausage instead of sweet. You could also finish the dish with a drizzle of hot sauce or sprinkle some freshly chopped chili peppers before serving.
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).