Cajun Skillet Pork Chops with Asparagus & Cheesy Polenta

The Cajun pork chop rub adds a delicious smoky flavor to this easy skillet dish. This polenta has a nice sharp bite thanks to Cheddar cheese. Don't have any on hand? Try Parmesan or Gouda instead.

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Prep Time:
35 mins
Total Time:
35 mins
Servings:
4
Yield:
4 servings

Ingredients

  • 4 cups water

  • 1 cup cornmeal

  • 1 ½ pounds thin-cut bone-in pork chops

  • 1 tablespoon Cajun seasoning (see Tip)

  • ½ teaspoon salt plus a pinch, divided

  • 2 tablespoons grapeseed or canola oil, divided

  • 1 pound asparagus, cut into 2-inch pieces

  • ¼ cup white wine

  • 1 ¼ cups shredded sharp Cheddar cheese

  • 4 scallions, sliced

  • 1 tablespoon butter

  • ¼ teaspoon ground pepper

Directions

  1. Bring water to a boil in a medium saucepan over high heat. Slowly whisk in cornmeal and reduce heat to maintain a simmer. Cook, stirring occasionally, until thickened and the cornmeal is tender, about 20 minutes.

  2. Meanwhile, season pork chops with Cajun seasoning and 1/4 teaspoon salt. Heat 1 tablespoon oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the pork and cook, turning once, until browned, about 1 minute per side. Reduce heat to medium and continue cooking until an instant-read thermometer inserted in the thickest part registers 140 degrees F, 3 to 6 minutes more. Transfer the pork to a plate and tent with foil to keep warm.

  3. Add the remaining 1 tablespoon oil, asparagus, wine and pinch of salt to the pan. Cook, scraping up any browned bits, until the asparagus is tender, about 3 minutes.

  4. Remove the polenta from the heat and stir in cheese, scallions, butter, pepper and the remaining 1/4 teaspoon salt. Serve the pork chops with the asparagus and polenta.

Tips

Tip: Cajun seasoning gives this pork Louisiana flair. The aromatic blend, made with paprika, garlic and onion powders, dried herbs and cayenne for a touch of heat, is delicious on meat, seafood and stirred into soup. Look for a salt-free version if that's a concern for you.

Nutrition Facts (per serving)

565 Calories
35g Fat
28g Carbs
37g Protein
Nutrition Facts
Servings Per Recipe 4
Calories 565
% Daily Value *
Total Carbohydrate 28g 10%
Dietary Fiber 4g 14%
Total Sugars 2g
Protein 37g 73%
Total Fat 35g 45%
Saturated Fat 14g 69%
Cholesterol 111mg 37%
Vitamin A 1250IU 25%
Vitamin C 7mg 8%
Folate 61mcg 15%
Sodium 658mg 29%
Calcium 298mg 23%
Iron 3mg 18%
Magnesium 86mg 21%
Potassium 627mg 13%

Nutrition information is calculated by a registered dietitian using an ingredient database but should be considered an estimate.

* Daily Values (DVs) are the recommended amounts of nutrients to consume each day. Percent Daily Value (%DV) found on nutrition labels tells you how much a serving of a particular food or recipe contributes to each of those total recommended amounts. Per the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), the daily value is based on a standard 2,000 calorie diet. Depending on your calorie needs or if you have a health condition, you may need more or less of particular nutrients. (For example, it’s recommended that people following a heart-healthy diet eat less sodium on a daily basis compared to those following a standard diet.)

(-) Information is not currently available for this nutrient. If you are following a special diet for medical reasons, be sure to consult with your primary care provider or a registered dietitian to better understand your personal nutrition needs.

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