Nick’s Pick | Seared Pork Chops
over Creamy Pesto Gemelli with Zucchini
Cooking time
25 minutes
Servings
4
Calories
640 /serving
He shoots, you score! This winning recipe gets the nod from Nick Suzuki, Montreal Canadiens captain. When the kids are sassy, it’s time to get saucy. There will be moments of quiet pleasure in the room as everyone savours this smartly weighted recipe, which has something for everyone (even the fussy ones). Each bowl gets a helping of gemelli pasta coated with a mixture of basil pesto, cream and garlic, and loaded with chunky zucchini. On top, pan-seared pork chops are at the ready to satisfy the big and small between you.
We will send you:
- 4 Pork chops
- 15ml Minced garlic
- 30ml Basil pesto
- 3 Green zucchini
- 340g Gemelli
- 60ml Heavy cream
- 10g Mediterranean Shores spices (paprika, garlic, salt, roasted garlic, black pepper, sun-dried tomato, tomato, red bell pepper, oregano, mustard, rosemary)
Contains: Cashews, Milk, Mustard, Wheat
You will need:
Medium pot
Large pot
Large pan
Strainer
Oil
Salt & pepper (S&P)
Total Fat
20 g
Saturated Fat
7 g
Sodium
280 mg
Total Carb
69 g
Sugars
5 g
Protein
47 g
Fibre
4 g
Preparation
Mise en place
Bring a medium pot of salted water to a boil. Medium-dice the zucchini.
Boil the pasta
Add the pasta to the pot of boiling water; stir gently to separate. Boil, 10 to 12 min., until al dente. Reserving 1 cup cooking water, drain and toss with a drizzle of oil to prevent sticking.
Cook the pork
Meanwhile, pat the pork dry with paper towel; season with ⅔ of the spices and S&P. In a large pan, heat a drizzle of oil on medium-high. Add the pork* and cook, 3 to 5 min. per side, until browned and cooked through. Transfer to a cutting board and let rest for 5 min. before slicing against the grain.
Make the sauce
Meanwhile, in a large, high-sided pan, heat a drizzle of oil on medium-high. Add the garlic and sauté, 30 sec. to 1 min., until fragrant. Add the zucchini, remaining spices and S&P. Sauté, 4 to 6 min., until beginning to soften. Add the pesto and cream. Cook, stirring frequently, 1 to 2 min., until warmed through.
Combine the pasta
To the pan of sauce, add the pasta and ½ the reserved cooking water. Cook, stirring frequently, 1 to 2 min., until combined. If the sauce seems dry, gradually add the remaining cooking water until you achieve your desired consistency; season with S&P.
Plate your dish
Divide the pasta between your bowls. Top with the pork. Bon appétit!
*Health Canada recommends cooking pork to a minimum internal temperature of 71°C.
