Pork Chops with Apples and Butternut Squash
Ingredients
- 4 thick cut pork chops)
(bone-in optional
- Salt + pepper
to season
- 2 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 4 tablespoon butter
divided
- 3 cups butternut squash
chopped into small cubes
- 1 small yellow onion
diced
- 5 cloves garlic
minced
- 1 teaspoon fresh rosemary
minced
- 2 tablespoon brown sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 3/4 cup spiced apple cider
or regular apple cider
- 2 apples
cored and thinly sliced
Directions
- 1
Prepare the pork chops. Season pork chops with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning on both sides. Set aside.
- 2
Melt 2 tablespoons of butter of medium-high heat in a large skillet. Carefully add the pork chops to the skillet and cook, undisturbed, on each side for approximately 5-6 minutes (time will vary depending on thickness). The outside should be golden-brown and the internal temperature should register nearly 145 degrees F with a digital meat thermometer. Transfer pork chops to a plate and set aside.
- 3
To the same skillet, add one more tablespoon of butter and the butternut squash. Stir well to coat the squash. Cook the butternut squash for approximately 5-8 minutes, stirring frequently. Add the onion and continue to cook until onion turns soft and translucent approximately 3-5 minutes.
- 4
Once the butternut squash just starts to soften (but isn't quite soft) and the onions are translucent, add the minced garlic, fresh rosemary, brown sugar, and cinnamon to the butternut squash. Mix well to combine. Cook for 1-2 minutes.
- 5
Add the spiced apple cider and sliced apples and stir well to mix. Return the pork chops to the skillet, tucking in between the squash and apples. Allow everything to cook together for approximately 3-4 minutes, or until pork registers a final 145 degrees F.
- 6
Top each pork chop with the remaining tablespoon of butter and remove from heat. Serve with mashed potatoes or cauliflower, if desired. Enjoy!
Pork Chops with Apples and Butternut Squash
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Ratings & Reviews
Based on 157 ratings
Rating Breakdown
About this Recipe
Ready for a cozy, comforting meal that tastes like autumn? This skillet Pork Chops with Apples and Butternut Squash recipe brings all the delicious flavors of fall right to your dinner table with minimal fuss.
The beauty of this dish lies in its one-skillet simplicity and the incredible balance of savory pork with sweet apples and tender squash. Infused with fresh rosemary and bright apple cider, this recipe feels gourmet yet is surprisingly easy to prepare, perfect for busy weeknights.
You'll experience tender, juicy bone-in pork chops complemented by melt-in-your-mouth butternut squash and soft, sweet apples. The dish is subtly sweetened with brown sugar and a hint of cinnamon, brightened by fragrant rosemary and aromatic garlic. It's a harmonious blend of textures and tastes that evokes warmth and comfort, creating a truly satisfying meal.
Customization & Variations
- While bone-in pork chops are suggested, thick-cut boneless pork chops would also work well; just adjust cooking time as needed.
- Don't have spiced apple cider? Regular apple cider is a perfect substitute, or you can add a pinch of extra cinnamon to your regular cider.
- For a touch more spice, consider adding a pinch of ground nutmeg along with the cinnamon.
This hearty, wholesome dish is ideal for a comforting family dinner or a relaxed weekend gathering. Serve it as a complete meal straight from the skillet, perhaps with a simple green salad to round it out.