Marry Me Pork Tenderloin

This Marry Me Pork Tenderloin features juicy, perfectly seared pork simmered in a rich Parmesan cream sauce with garlic and sun-dried tomatoes. It’s an elegant one-pan dinner that’s surprisingly easy to make, making it perfect for weeknights or special occasions.

Marry Me Pork Tenderloin

Make this Easy Marry Me Pork Tenderloin with a creamy Parmesan garlic sauce and sun-dried tomatoes. A rich, flavorful one-pan dinner.

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Prep Time 10 minutes mins

Cook Time 25 minutes mins

Total Time 35 minutes mins

Servings: 6 people

Calories: 485

Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients

  

• 2 pork tenderloins about 2 to 2½ pounds total
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• 4 cloves garlic minced
• 1 cup chicken broth
• 1 cup heavy cream
• ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
• ½ cup chopped sun-dried tomatoes oil-packed, drained
• 1 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes optional
• 1 teaspoon cornstarch optional, for a thicker sauce
• 1 tablespoon cold water optional
• Fresh basil chopped, for garnish

Method

 

1. Pat the pork tenderloins dry with paper towels.
2. Season both sides with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and Italian seasoning.
3. Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
4. Sear the pork for 2 to 3 minutes per side until golden brown. Remove from the skillet and set aside.
5. Reduce the heat to medium and add the minced garlic. Cook for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
6. Pour in the chicken broth and scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan.
7. Stir in the heavy cream, Parmesan cheese, sun-dried tomatoes, and red pepper flakes if using.
8. Return the pork to the skillet and spoon some of the sauce over the top.
9. Cover and simmer over low heat for 15 to 20 minutes, or until the pork reaches an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C).
10. Remove the pork and let it rest for 5 minutes before slicing.
11. If you’d like a thicker sauce, mix the cornstarch with cold water and stir it into the skillet. Simmer for 2 to 3 minutes until thickened.
12. Serve the sliced pork with plenty of the creamy Parmesan sauce and garnish with fresh basil.

Notes

• Use freshly grated Parmesan for the smoothest sauce.
• Do not overcook the pork or it may become dry.
• Oil-packed sun-dried tomatoes provide the best flavor.
• Let the pork rest before slicing to keep it juicy.
• A meat thermometer ensures perfect results.

Variations

• Add fresh spinach during the last few minutes of cooking.
• Stir in sautéed mushrooms.
• Replace basil with fresh parsley.
• Add extra Parmesan for a richer sauce.
• Use boneless chicken breasts instead of pork.

Serving Suggestions

• Garlic mashed potatoes
• Buttered pasta
• Roasted asparagus
• Steamed broccoli
• Crusty bread

Tips

• Slice the pork against the grain.
• Save extra sauce for serving over pasta or rice.
• Reheat gently over low heat to prevent the cream sauce from separating.
• Store leftovers in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
• Freeze the cooked pork separately from the sauce for the best texture.

Prep Time, Cook Time, and Total Time

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 25 minutes

Total Time: 35 minutes

Servings

Serves: 6 people

Nutrition Information (Approximate Per Serving)

• Calories: 485
• Protein: 40g
• Carbohydrates: 7g
• Fat: 32g
• Sodium: 640mg

FAQs

Why is it called Marry Me Pork Tenderloin?

The creamy Parmesan sauce with garlic and sun-dried tomatoes is so flavorful that it’s jokingly said to be “marriage proposal worthy,” which inspired the name.

Can I use pork loin instead of pork tenderloin?

Yes, but pork loin is larger and requires a longer cooking time. Pork tenderloin cooks more quickly and stays especially tender.

How do I keep the pork tender?

Cook it just until it reaches an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C), then let it rest before slicing.

Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

Yes. Prepare the dish up to one day in advance and gently reheat it over low heat before serving.

Can I thicken the sauce?

Yes. Stir a cornstarch slurry into the sauce and simmer for a few minutes until it reaches your preferred consistency.

What sides go best with Marry Me Pork Tenderloin?

Mashed potatoes, pasta, rice, roasted vegetables, or crusty bread are all excellent choices because they soak up the creamy sauce.

Conclusion

Marry Me Pork Tenderloin is a simple yet impressive dinner featuring juicy pork in a creamy garlic Parmesan sauce with sun-dried tomatoes. It’s rich, comforting, and perfect for both weeknight meals and special occasions.