Are you craving a delicious, healthy, and surprisingly easy weeknight dinner? Look no further! This creamy lemon pork tenderloin with linguine recipe is your answer. It's packed with flavor, comes together in under 30 minutes, and is guaranteed to impress your family and friends. Forget takeout – homemade cooking doesn't get much simpler or tastier than this! This recipe is perfect for busy individuals seeking quick dinner ideas or those looking for a simple yet elegant meal.
Ingredients:
- 1 lb pork tenderloin, trimmed
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 1/2 cup dry white wine (optional, chicken broth can be substituted)
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tbsp lemon juice
- 1 tbsp lemon zest
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 cup chopped fresh parsley
- 1 lb linguine pasta
Instructions:
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Prepare the Pork: Season the pork tenderloin generously with salt and pepper. Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Sear the pork tenderloin on all sides until nicely browned, about 2-3 minutes per side. This step is crucial for developing a delicious crust.
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Deglaze the Pan (Optional): If using white wine, pour it into the skillet and scrape up any browned bits from the bottom. Let it simmer for a minute or two until slightly reduced. This adds depth of flavor to the sauce. If omitting wine, proceed directly to step 3.
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Simmer the Sauce: Reduce the heat to low, add the heavy cream, Parmesan cheese, lemon juice, lemon zest, and minced garlic to the skillet. Stir well to combine. Let the sauce simmer gently for about 5-7 minutes, or until it has thickened slightly.
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Cook the Pasta: While the sauce simmers, cook the linguine according to package directions. Drain the pasta, reserving about 1/4 cup of the pasta water.
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Combine and Serve: Add the cooked linguine to the skillet with the sauce. Toss to coat evenly. If the sauce is too thick, add a little of the reserved pasta water to loosen it. Stir in the chopped parsley.
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Rest and Slice: Remove the pork tenderloin from the skillet and let it rest for 5-10 minutes before slicing. This allows the juices to redistribute, resulting in a more tender and flavorful pork.
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Serve: Slice the pork tenderloin and serve it over the creamy lemon linguine. Garnish with extra parsley, if desired.
Cooking Tips for the Best Results:
- Don't overcrowd the pan: Ensure your skillet is large enough to accommodate the pork tenderloin without overcrowding. This allows for even browning.
- Use fresh ingredients: Freshly grated Parmesan cheese and lemon zest make a significant difference in the flavor of the sauce.
- Adjust seasoning to taste: Taste the sauce before serving and adjust the seasoning with salt, pepper, or more lemon juice as needed.
- Add vegetables: Feel free to add sauteed vegetables like asparagus, spinach, or mushrooms to this dish for a more complete meal.
Variations:
- Spicy version: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauce for a little kick.
- Creamy Tomato Sauce: Replace the lemon zest and juice with 1/2 cup of tomato paste and a splash of balsamic vinegar for a different flavor profile.
- Different Pasta: Feel free to experiment with different types of pasta, such as fettuccine, tagliatelle, or even penne.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
- Calories: Approximately 500-600 (depending on portion size and ingredients used)
- Protein: Approximately 30-40g
- Fat: Approximately 25-35g
- Carbohydrates: Approximately 40-50g
This easy and delicious pork tenderloin pasta recipe is perfect for a weeknight meal. It's a healthy alternative to takeout, requiring minimal effort for maximum flavor. Enjoy!