Name: Marry Me Pork Tenderloin
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 1 pound pork tenderloin; 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder; Salt & pepper (to taste); 1 tablespoon butter; 1 tablespoon olive oil; 1 tablespoon flour; 4 cloves garlic (minced); 1/2 cup dry white wine (or chicken broth); 1 cup heavy/whipping cream; 1 tablespoon tomato paste; 1/3 cup sun-dried tomatoes; 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano; 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes; 1/3 cup freshly grated parmesan cheese; 1 small handful fresh basil (chopped/torn)

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Indulging in flavors that dance on your palate can be a delightful experience, especially when it’s a dish as captivating as Marry Me Pork Tenderloin. Imagine sizzling pieces of perfectly seared pork, bathed in a creamy, luscious tomato sauce that’s speckled with vibrant sun-dried tomatoes and fresh basil. The aroma wafts through your kitchen, promising a meal that combines comfort with elegance. This is the kind of recipe you want to bring out for special occasions or even just a cozy dinner at home.

Table of Contents

Why This Is The Best Marry Me Pork Tenderloin Recipe
Ingredients You’ll Need
How to Make Marry Me Pork Tenderloin
Tips for Success
Serve It With
How To Store & Reheat Leftovers
Tips & Variations
Recipe FAQs
Marry Me Pork Tenderloin

I first stumbled upon this recipe when planning a dinner date that I hoped would leave a lasting impression. The idea of preparing a meal so delicious it could elicit a marriage proposal was too good to pass up! My heart raced as I cooked, and when I served it, the expressions on my guest’s faces said it all—it was a hit. Now, I can’t wait to share this gem with you, especially since it takes just 30 minutes to go from stovetop to table! Here’s how to make the magic happen in your own kitchen.

Why This Is The Best Marry Me Pork Tenderloin Recipe

What sets this Marry Me Pork Tenderloin apart from other recipes? For starters, it’s simple and quick, requiring only about 10 minutes of prep time and 20 minutes of cooking. This means you’ll spend less time in the kitchen and more time enjoying your meal with loved ones. The flavor is absolutely irresistible—a decadent mix of creaminess from the sauce combined with the tender pork and an explosion of flavors from garlic, sun-dried tomatoes, and parmesan. Plus, it’s visually stunning, making it perfect for any occasion, whether it’s a romantic dinner or a friendly gathering. With versatile serving options, this dish can easily accommodate various preferences, making it a fantastic addition to your recipe collection.

Ingredients You’ll Need

1 pound pork tenderloin: The star of the dish, this cut is lean and tender, making it perfect for quick cooking. Look for fresh, high-quality pork tenderloin for the best flavor and texture.
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder: This provides a warm, garlicky depth to the meat. You can substitute with fresh minced garlic, but use half the amount as fresh garlic is more potent.
Salt & pepper (to taste): Essential for seasoning. Always go for kosher salt for even seasoning and fresh-ground pepper for the best flavor.
1 tablespoon butter: Adds richness to the dish. You can substitute it with ghee for a dairy-free version.
1 tablespoon olive oil: For sautéing the pork. Use extra virgin olive oil for a richer flavor.
1 tablespoon flour: This helps thicken the sauce. For a gluten-free option, a cornstarch slurry works well.
4 cloves garlic (minced): Fresh garlic brings an aromatic burst of flavor. If you don’t have fresh, about 1 teaspoon of garlic powder can work in a pinch.
1/2 cup dry white wine (or chicken broth): The wine adds acidity and depth; however, chicken broth will provide a different flavor profile.
1 cup heavy/whipping cream: Necessary for that luscious, creamy sauce. If you prefer a lighter option, you can substitute half-and-half, but the sauce will be less thick.
1 tablespoon tomato paste: This gives the sauce an intense tomato flavor. Always use tomato paste, not sauce, for a more concentrated taste.
1/3 cup sun-dried tomatoes: These add a tangy sweetness to the sauce, making it more vibrant. If using packed sun-dried tomatoes, drain them well.
1/2 teaspoon dried oregano: Adds an herbaceous note and complements the other flavors. Italian seasoning can be a good alternative.
1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes: A touch of heat enhances the dish without overwhelming it. Adjust according to your spice preference.
1/3 cup freshly grated parmesan cheese: Fresh cheese melts better and provides a richer flavor. Avoid pre-grated varieties.
1 small handful fresh basil (chopped/torn): This adds a bright, fresh finish. Feel free to substitute with parsley if basil isn’t available.

How to Make Marry Me Pork Tenderloin

Trim and Prepare

Begin by trimming off any excess fat or silver skin from the pork tenderloin. This step is crucial to ensure you don’t end up with chewy bits in your final dish. Once you’ve cleaned it up, cut the tenderloin into 1-inch thick rounds. Season both sides with garlic powder, salt, and pepper. This will help to infuse flavor directly into the meat while it cooks.

Sear the Pork

In a large skillet, add the butter and olive oil over medium-high heat. Once the pan is hot and shimmering, carefully add the pork slices. Sear them for about 3-4 minutes on each side, until they are golden brown and cooked through. Use a meat thermometer if you want to be sure; pork should reach an internal temperature of 145°F. Once done, transfer the pork to a plate and cover lightly with foil to keep warm.

Create the Sauce Base

Lower the heat to medium. In the same skillet, add the flour and minced garlic, stirring constantly for about a minute to avoid burning the garlic. You want the mixture to be fragrant and slightly golden. This is the base of your sauce, and it’s essential to give it that nutty flavor.

Deglaze the Pan

Now, pour in the dry white wine (or chicken broth), whisking it in until the flour dissolves completely. Let it bubble away for a few minutes until the liquid reduces by half—this will concentrate those flavors and add depth.

Make It Creamy

Stir in the heavy cream, tomato paste, sun-dried tomatoes, oregano, and crushed red pepper flakes. Allow the sauce to simmer for a few minutes until it thickens to your preferred consistency. You want it to coat the back of a spoon—rich and inviting.

Add Final Touches

Once your sauce is beautifully thickened, remove the skillet from the heat. Stir in the grated parmesan cheese and fresh basil until the cheese has melted and the basil releases its aromatic oils. Adjust seasoning with more salt and pepper as needed.

Combine and Serve

Return the pork to the skillet, along with any juices collected on the plate. Spoon that luscious sauce over the top, allowing it to coat every piece. Serve this dish immediately, while it’s hot and fragrant.

Tips for Success

Avoid overcrowding the pan when searing the pork; it can steam instead of brown.
If the sauce becomes too thick, add a splash of more broth or wine to adjust the consistency.
For a brighter flavor, add a squeeze of fresh lemon juice to the sauce just before serving.
Prepare the sun-dried tomatoes ahead of time if you haven’t got them pre-packed; soak them in warm water or modified olive oil for a few minutes.
Let the sauce simmer gently; a high heat can cause it to split.

Serve It With

To complement your Marry Me Pork Tenderloin, consider serving it alongside some creamy mashed potatoes or a bed of garlic mashed cauliflower for a low-carb option. A simple arugula salad with a light vinaigrette adds a refreshing contrast. And don’t forget a crusty baguette to soak up all that delicious sauce!

How To Store & Reheat Leftovers

After enjoying your delicious meal, store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. If you want to keep it longer, it can be frozen for up to 3 months. When reheating, use the microwave on medium power for a couple of minutes or warm it in a skillet over low heat, adding a little extra cream or broth if needed to revive the sauce’s texture. Note that the pork may lose some tenderness upon reheating, so it’s best eaten fresh.

Tips & Variations

For a twist on the traditional Marry Me Pork Tenderloin, try swapping out the sun-dried tomatoes for roasted red peppers for a completely different flavor profile. You can also experiment with different herbs; try thyme or rosemary for a fragrant touch. If you want to make this dish gluten-free, replace the flour with cornstarch mixed with water to thicken instead of making a roux. For a vegan option, use tempeh or seitan in place of the pork and substitute the cream with coconut milk.

Recipe FAQs

How do I know when the pork is cooked through?
The best way to check for doneness is to use a meat thermometer. Pork should be cooked to an internal temperature of 145°F for optimum tenderness and safety. If you’re unsure, cut into one of the pieces; the meat should be moist and slightly pink inside.

Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the sauce ahead of time and simply reheat it when you’re ready to serve. Cook the pork fresh just before serving for the best texture and flavor.

What can I serve with this dish?
This pork tenderloin pairs beautifully with almost anything! Think creamy mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, or a fresh side salad. A glass of white wine adds to the overall dining experience.

Can I freeze leftovers?
Absolutely! To freeze, allow the pork to cool completely before placing it in an airtight container. It will keep well for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator before reheating.

With its tender meat and creamy sauce, Marry Me Pork Tenderloin is not just a dish; it’s an experience that can transform an ordinary meal into something extraordinary. I hope you try this recipe and enjoy every bite as much as I do. It’s perfect for those evenings when you want to swoon over dinner and connect over good food. Happy cooking!

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