Here’s a simple main dish to add to your weeknight dinner rotation: tender and juicy pork chops enriched with creamy parmesan cheese and topped with Italian pesto sauce. YUM!
This filling and nutritious main dish can be made in less than 20 minutes and you can prepare it in advance to have a ready-made lunch for the day after! And this Instant Pot Pesto Parmesan Pork Chops recipe calls for only a small list of ingredients, so it’s super easy to make.
Table of Contents
Should I Get Bone-in Pork Chops?
I like to use bone-in pork chops because cooking the pork on the bone adds a ton of flavor and helps it maintain moisture. You could also use boneless pork chops if you prefer to eat boneless cuts of meat.
What is the Best Cut for Pork Chops?
Pork chops can actually vary pretty significantly in terms of taste and appearance depending on what part of the pork loin or rib they come from.
I like to use blade chops which come from the shoulder of the pork because they have a good amount of dark meat which makes them really flavorful . This cut can get tough when cooked on the stove top but thanks to the pressure cooker they will turn super tender!
Bone-in rib chops are a very common cut. It’s probably what most people think of, with a large portion of loin meat and the bone running along the side, like the ones in these photographs.
Another important thing to consider is the thickness of the chops. I like to cook fairly thick pork chops, about 1 inch thick, so there’s less of a chance that they’ll dry out. Luckily with the Instant Pot, even thinner chops should stay juicy and tender!
If you’re not sure about which cut is what, or which one looks best, I recommend using your butcher as a resource. They are so knowledgeable and helpful!
Should I Use Store-bought Pesto?
You can use any type of pesto for these Instant Pot Pesto Parmesan Pork Chops, whether store-bought or homemade. Store-bought is definitely a timesaver, and it comes in a lot of varieties to switch it up. I love to use sun-dried tomato pesto!
If you have time, I highly suggest making your own pesto with fresh herbs. Making pesto is a great way to use up leftover fresh basil and parsley. You can also use whatever nuts you have on hand for different flavors, although pine nuts are most traditional.
Even if you don’t make your own pesto, I suggest garnishing the final dish with a bit of fresh basil or other fresh herbs to add bright color and a burst of freshness. Fresh herbs are a delicious way to finish any dish in my opinion!
Variations
Try making this recipe with beef or chicken or lamb chops to vary the flavors.
You can also try this delicious chicken parmesan recipe.
It’s very flexible, which is why I love it!
How to make Instant Pot Pork Chops
Gather your ingredients:
Rub your pork chops with salt and pepper.
Pour olive oil into your Instant Pot and add meat. Press “Sauté” and cook for about 2 minutes, until meat has browned.
Pour the water and add pesto sauce on top.
Cook at high pressure for about 10 minutes. When cooking time ends, do a quick pressure release.
Add parmesan cheese and press “Sauté” again.
Cook for about 2 minutes, until cheese melts and liquids completely evaporate.
Serve sprinkled with minced basil.
Pork Recipes
Instant Pot Pork Chops and Potatoes (one-pot meal)
Instant Pot Pork Chops and Rice (one-pot meal)
Instant Pot Pesto Parmesan Pork Chops
Ingredients
- 1 lb pork chops
- ½ cup Parmesan cheese grated
- 1 cup water
- ½ cup pesto sauce
- 2 tablespoon olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh basil to taste
Instructions
- Rub your pork chops with salt and pepper.
- Pour olive oil into your Instant Pot and place the pork chops inside.
- Press “Sauté” and cook the meat for about 2 minutes, until brown on each side.
- Pour pesto sauce and water.
- Close the lid and cook at high pressure for about 9-10 minutes (Depending on the size of your pork chops).
- When cooking time ends, preform a quick pressure release.
- Open the lid, press "saute" and add parmesan cheese.
- Saute for 2 minutes, until cheese melts and liquids completely evaporate.
- Serve and enjoy 🙂 Feel free to sprinkle with minced basil.
Nutrition
When you say to saute 2 min do mean 2 min.from the start or 2 min from when the pot says hot ?
We just purchased the Instant Pot. We have found the recipes we have tried to be delicious. The meat is tender beyond our expectations.