Quick & Zesty Pork Tenderloin Medallions with Orzo Recipe

Tender and succulent, these creamy pork tenderloin medallions dance with delicate orzo in a rich, velvety sauce.

Earthy mushrooms and vibrant spinach add depth and color to this elegant dish.

The medallions sear to golden perfection, releasing tantalizing aromas that fill the kitchen.

Each bite promises a harmony of textures and flavors that comfort and excite the palate.

Mushrooms absorb the creamy sauce, creating pockets of umami goodness alongside the lean, juicy pork.

Orzo provides a delightful backdrop, catching every drop of the luxurious sauce.

Savor this restaurant-worthy meal that transforms an ordinary dinner into a memorable culinary experience.

Creamy Pork Medallions Flavorful Reasons To Love

• Savor Quick Cooking: Prepare this delectable dish in under 30 minutes with minimal kitchen effort, making it perfect for busy weeknight dinners or spontaneous meal preparations.
• Customize with Ease: Enjoy flexible dietary options like dairy-free and gluten-free alternatives, allowing everyone to adapt the recipe to their personal nutritional needs without compromising flavor.
• Packed with Nutritional Variety: Combine protein-rich pork tenderloin with healthy spinach and hearty mushrooms, creating a balanced meal that delivers robust flavors and essential nutrients in every bite.
• One-Skillet Wonder: Minimize cleanup and maximize convenience by preparing the entire meal in a single cast iron skillet, reducing dishes and streamlining your cooking process with elegant simplicity.

Pork Tenderloin Medallions Key Ingredients You Need

• Pork Tenderloin: A tender and lean cut of meat that becomes succulent when cooked properly.

• Olive Oil, Olive Oil: Provides necessary fat for cooking and adds a subtle flavor to the dish.

• Orzo: A small, rice-shaped pasta that serves as the foundation of this creamy dish.

• Mushrooms, Spinach: Mushrooms add an earthy flavor and texture, while spinach provides freshness and nutritional value.

• Garlic, Fresh Thyme, Italian Seasoning: These ingredients build a complex and layered flavor profile for the dish.
• Salt, Black Pepper, Smoked Paprika, Red Pepper Flakes: Provide depth and heat to enhance the overall taste.

• Chicken Broth: Adds moisture and enriches the flavor of the orzo and entire dish.
• Half-and-Half: Creates a creamy, rich sauce that binds the ingredients together.

• Unsweetened Coconut Milk, Oat Milk, Cashew Milk, Almond Milk: Provide creamy texture for dairy-free options.

• Gluten-Free Orzo, Jasmine Rice, Basmati Rice: Serve as substitutes for traditional orzo.

How To Make Creamy Pork Medallions

Step 1: Sear Pork Medallions

Generously season pork medallions with salt and black pepper.

Heat a cast iron skillet and brown the medallions for about 4 minutes on each side until they develop a golden crust.

Remove from the skillet and set aside.

Step 2: Prepare Mushroom Base

In the same skillet, sauté sliced mushrooms in olive oil until they turn golden and tender.

Set aside half of the mushrooms on a plate for later.

Step 3: Build Orzo Flavor Foundation

Add orzo, chicken broth, minced garlic, Italian seasoning, fresh thyme, and paprika to the skillet with the remaining mushrooms.

This will create a flavorful, aromatic base.

Step 4: Cook Orzo

Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat to simmer.

Stir occasionally to prevent sticking and cook until the orzo is tender and has absorbed most of the liquid.

Step 5: Add Fresh Spinach

Fold fresh spinach into the orzo during the last few minutes of cooking so it wilts and blends with the other ingredients.

Step 6: Make Creamy Sauce

Pour in half-and-half (or a milk and heavy cream alternative).

Stir gently to form a smooth, creamy sauce that coats the orzo and vegetables.

Step 7: Return Pork Medallions

Place the pork medallions back into the skillet to warm through, keeping them juicy and perfectly cooked.

Step 8: Garnish and Serve

Sprinkle red pepper flakes and fresh thyme over the dish for a bright, fresh finish.

Pork Medallion Pro Tips For Perfection

• Use a cast iron skillet for even heat distribution and perfect browning of pork medallions.
• Cook medallions precisely 4 minutes per side to maintain tenderness and prevent dryness.
• Stir occasionally while cooking orzo to avoid burning and ensure even cooking.
• Add red pepper flakes and fresh thyme at serving for an extra burst of aromatic taste.
• Easily swap half-and-half with dairy-free milk alternatives or use gluten-free orzo for personalized nutrition.

Fun Variations For Creamy Pork Medallions Recipe

• Vegetarian Protein Swap: Replace pork medallions with grilled tofu or tempeh slices, seasoned similarly and cooked until golden brown.
• Mediterranean Remix: Substitute orzo with quinoa, add kalamata olives, and use feta cheese instead of half-and-half for a Greek-inspired version.
• Spicy Southwest Style: Switch Italian seasoning for chili powder, add roasted red peppers, and use pepper jack cheese to create a zesty southwestern flavor profile.
• Low-Carb Alternative: Replace orzo with cauliflower rice or zucchini noodles, maintaining the creamy mushroom and spinach base while reducing carbohydrate content.

Serving Ideas For Creamy Pork Medallions Dish

• Elegant Dinner Party Delight: Impress guests with this restaurant-quality main course, perfectly plated with a sprinkle of fresh thyme and red pepper flakes.
• Weekend Family Feast: Create a comforting, hearty meal that brings everyone together around the dinner table, showcasing the tender pork and creamy orzo.
• Quick Weeknight Gourmet: Transform a simple protein into an extraordinary dish in under 30 minutes, proving that delicious meals can be fast and sophisticated.
• Meal Prep Champion: Prepare extra portions for lunch the next day, as the flavors will develop and become even more delicious when reheated gently.

Storing Creamy Pork Medallions Leftovers Safely

• Transfer leftovers to an airtight container and store in the refrigerator for 3-4 days. Separate pork and orzo to maintain texture and prevent sogginess.
• Pack cooled dish in freezer-safe containers, removing excess air. Freeze for up to 2 months. Label container with date and contents.
• Place portion on microwave-safe plate, sprinkle few tablespoons water or broth over dish. Cover with microwave-safe lid or damp paper towel. Heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each to distribute heat evenly.

FAQs

• What cuts of pork work best for medallions?

Pork tenderloin is ideal because it’s lean, tender, and cooks quickly. Look for fresh, well-trimmed tenderloins without excessive fat.

• How do I know when pork medallions are perfectly cooked?

Use a meat thermometer. Pork is safe at 145°F (medium-rare) with a slight pink center. Let the meat rest for 3-5 minutes after cooking to retain juices.

• Can I prepare this dish ahead of time?

Partially. You can slice and season pork medallions and chop vegetables in advance. However, cook the dish just before serving to maintain the best texture and flavor.

Creamy Pork Tenderloin Medallions with Orzo, Spinach & Mushrooms Recipe

---

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.8 from 28 reviews

• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

Print Recipe

Pin Recipe

Description

Delicate pork tenderloin medallions swim in rich, silky sauce alongside perfectly seasoned orzo, tender spinach, and earthy mushrooms. Elegant Mediterranean-inspired comfort mingles with sophisticated flavors that welcome you to savor each luxurious bite.

---

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Protein:

• 1 lb (454 grams) pork tenderloin

Seasonings and Herbs:

• Salt
• Freshly ground black pepper
• 1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning or Herbs from Provence
• 1 teaspoon fresh thyme leaves
• 1/2 teaspoon paprika
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes

Vegetables and Liquid Ingredients:

• 8 ounces (226 grams) baby Bella or cremini mushrooms
• 5 cloves garlic, minced
• 5 ounces (142 grams) fresh spinach
• 1 cup (180 grams) uncooked orzo
• 2 cups (473 milliliters) chicken broth
• 1/2 cup (120 milliliters) half-and-half
• 4 tablespoons olive oil

Fresh Garnish:

• Fresh thyme

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

---

Instructions

1. Preheat a large cast iron skillet to medium-high heat. Slice pork tenderloin into 1-inch medallions, coating with olive oil and seasoning thoroughly with salt and black pepper.
2. Sear medallions in hot skillet for approximately 4 minutes per side until golden brown. Transfer cooked pork to a separate plate.
3. In the same skillet, sauté sliced mushrooms with additional olive oil for 1-2 minutes until lightly caramelized. Reserve half the mushrooms on a plate.
4. Add orzo, chicken broth, garlic, Italian seasoning, thyme, paprika, and salt to the skillet with remaining mushrooms. Bring mixture to a boil.
5. Reduce heat to medium-low, simmer for 8-10 minutes, stirring periodically to prevent orzo from sticking.
6. Incorporate fresh spinach during final 3-4 minutes of orzo cooking, allowing leaves to wilt gently.
7. Pour half-and-half into the skillet, stirring carefully to create a creamy consistency.
8. Adjust seasoning with additional salt and smoked paprika as desired.
9. Reintroduce reserved mushrooms and pork medallions, warming everything together for 3-4 minutes.
10. Plate the dish, garnishing with red pepper flakes and fresh thyme sprigs.
11. Dairy-free alternative: Replace half-and-half with equal parts unsweetened coconut or nut milk.
12. Gluten-free option: Substitute orzo with jasmine rice or gluten-free pasta alternative.

Notes

• Perfectly sear pork medallions by ensuring the skillet is hot and not overcrowding the pan, allowing each piece to develop a golden-brown crust without steaming.
• Control moisture when cooking mushrooms by avoiding stirring too frequently, letting them caramelize and develop rich, deep flavors without releasing excess water.
• Prevent orzo from sticking by stirring occasionally and maintaining a gentle simmer, which helps achieve a creamy texture without burning the pasta.
• Customize milk alternatives strategically by choosing unsweetened, neutral-flavored plant-based milks that won’t overpower the dish’s delicate seasoning profile.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner
• Method: Sautéing
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 370 kcal
• Sugar: 2 g
• Sodium: 520 mg
• Fat: 22 g
• Saturated Fat: 6 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 14 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 19 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 32 g
• Cholesterol: 85 mg