Pork and spinach medley might not be the first combo that comes to mind when planning a weeknight meal, but this duo offers a surprisingly satisfying mix of flavors and textures. The richness of pork pairs beautifully with the earthy freshness of spinach, creating a dish that feels both hearty and healthy.
Whether you’re working with tenderloin, pork chops, or thin strips of stir-fried pork, the meat adds savory depth to the mild, slightly bitter taste of spinach. Add a few aromatics like garlic, onion, or shallots, and you’ve got a meal that is simple yet full of flavor. The beauty of this medley is that it’s incredibly flexible. You can prepare it in a skillet for a quick stovetop dinner, roast it in the oven with olive oil and herbs, or even simmer it in a light broth for something comforting and warm.
Spinach is a nutritional powerhouse, rich in iron, vitamins A and C, and antioxidants. Pairing it with pork provides a good source of protein, B vitamins, and essential minerals. It’s a combination that checks both the flavor and nutrition boxes.
For those who enjoy global flavors, there are countless ways to adapt this medley. A splash of soy sauce and sesame oil can give it an Asian-inspired twist. Toss in some white beans and a pinch of smoked paprika for a Mediterranean feel. Or keep it classic with a sprinkle of Parmesan and a squeeze of lemon for brightness.
This dish also works well as a meal prep option. Make a larger batch and enjoy it over rice, tucked into a wrap, or served alongside roasted potatoes. It reheats nicely and holds up well in the fridge for several days.
At its heart, Pork and Spinach Medley is about balance. It’s rich but not heavy, flavorful but not complicated. And best of all, it comes together quickly, making it perfect for busy evenings when you want something comforting without spending hours in the kitchen.

Ingredients
- 4 Pork chops
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 onion chopped
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 1 tsp thyme dried
- 1 tsp paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 4 cups spinach fresh
- 1 cup chicken broth
Instructions
- Season the pork chops with salt, pepper, and paprika.
- In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat.
- Add the pork chops to the skillet and cook for 3-4 minutes on each side, until browned.
- Remove the pork chops from the skillet and set aside.
- In the same skillet, add the chopped onion and garlic.
- Cook for 2-3 minutes, until the onion is translucent.
- Add the dried thyme and stir to combine.
- Add the spinach and chicken broth to the skillet.
- Bring to a simmer and cook for 2-3 minutes, until the spinach is wilted.
- Return the pork chops to the skillet and cook for an additional 5-7 minutes, until the pork is cooked through.
- Serve the pork chops with the spinach mixture on the side.
Ok but the spinach went kinda mushy when I left it too long. Like, I blinked and it was overcooked 😅 Still ate it all tho.
Yummy! I didn’t use chicken broth, just water. Still good! 😋
I didn’t have chicken broth, so I used water. It didn’t taste right. Need broth for flavor.
My mom used to make something similar but with kale, it was better. This one is okay, but not my fave.
This was AMAZING! The pork chops were so juicy and the spinach added a nice touch. Definitely gonna make this again!
It was alright, but I think the recipe could use some more spices. Maybe a pinch of cumin? Just a thought.
Not sure about the amount of broth—mine felt a bit dry by the time the spinach was wilted. I’d probably increase to 1.5 cups or add a splash of water. Still edible, just not super saucy.
YUM!
Made this tonight—so good. The spinach soaks up all that paprika/thyme flavor and the pork stays juicy. I used fresh thyme too and it was next-level.
Yum! I added a bit of parmesan on top and it was delish! Great recipe.
Not bad, but what’s with the chicken broth? Isn’t this a pork recipe? Trying too hard.
Made this for my family and they loved it! The pork was so juicy! Will definitely make again.
This looks like a comforting, quick weeknight meal. I love that it all happens in one skillet—less cleanup is always a win. I’ll probably add a squeeze of lemon at the end for brightness.
Meh. My pork got burnt. I guess I skipped to read how long to cook it. Oops!
Don’t worry, it happens to the best of us! Just keep an eye on the time next time. 🕒
This recipe is fantastic! The pork chops are so juicy and the spinach adds a nice flavor. Will make again!
My kids loved it! They usually don’t eat spinach but I told them it’s a magic green and they bought it! 😂
The technique is simple and the ingredients are normal pantry stuff. Onion + garlic + thyme is a classic combo. Would absolutely make again.
Totally agree—onion + garlic + thyme really does make it taste “finished” even with simple pantry ingredients. The spinach simmer step sounds perfect too. Definitely going to try this again soon!
I don’t eat pork, would it work with chicken instead? Seems like it would taste good with it.
Delish! Everyone loved it! Gonna make it on repeat for sure.
Not gonna lie, I was skeptical about spinach in with pork, but wow. The broth helps it come out silky and not watery.
Made this for dinner last night. My kids loved it! I used frozen spinach tho, didn’t have fresh. Still turned out good.
Pretty solid! I followed it mostly, but I think 3-4 minutes per side was a bit short for my thick chops. I ended up extending the last step and it worked out.
Pretty basic recipe, thought it would be more flavor. Needs more spice.
I totally agree! A pinch of cayenne or some red pepper flakes would do wonders! 🌶️
But like, it’s pork and spinach. How much flavor you expecting? 😂
My spinach was watery at first, but I think I didn’t simmer hard enough. Next time I’ll reduce the broth more. Still, it tasted good even like that.
The flavor combo is kinda genius—onion + garlic + thyme with spinach and broth. I used pork tenderloin instead of chops and it still worked. Will do again!
Love hearing that! Onion + garlic + thyme is such a solid base, and pork tenderloin is a great swap. Did you adjust the timing at all so it didn’t dry out?
Pork chop recipes r everywhere, this one’s just okay, not my favorite. Also too much oil, I think.
Nah, too many steps for just pork chops. I like simple recipes. Do you really need the spinach?
I thought this was pretty tasty! The oil helps keep the pork moist. Maybe give it another try? 😊
Wow, this looks delicious! Can’t wait to try it for dinner tonight!
Thanks! It’s super easy to make and so tasty! Hope you enjoy it!
Nice and simple dinner. Even my kids at spinach! A miracle! 😂
Absolutely loved this recipe! The pork chops were so juicy and the spinach added a nice flavor. Will definitely make this again.
I skipped the thyme, didn’t have any. Wasn’t sure how it would taste, but it turned out fine!
Solid recipe, but I had to cook the pork longer than 5-7 minutes after returning to the pan (my chops were thick). Next time I’ll sear and then simmer with a lid to speed it up. Flavor is great though.
I don’t like spinach, can I use kale instead? Or gonna be yucky?
I dunno, kale can be pretty tough, right? Spinach is way softer. Just don’t wanna ruin it!
Kale will be fine! Just make sure to chop it well. It tastes different but still good! 🍃
This was absolutely delicious! The pork was so tender and the spinach adds such a nice flavor. Will definitely make again!
Made this tonight—so comforting. The paprika seasoning on the chops is perfect, and the spinach wilts into a nice garlicky sauce. I added a squeeze of lemon at the end and it brightened everything.
Not gonna lie, 3-4 min each side might be kinda short for pork chops unless they’re thin. I’d prob check doneness next time (and maybe add more broth if the pan gets dry). Still, paprika + spinach sounds like a solid combo.
That sounds so good 😍 I love when spinach turns into that garlicky “sauce” thing. Lemon at the end is a great call!
I followed the recipe but my pork came out dry. Maybe I overcooked it? Idk. Would try again tho.
I think it might be the chicken broth that made it dry? I dunno, but I love this recipe!
Overcooked for sure! Try cooking for less time next time! Maybe 3 mins on each side?
Looks easy. Would. Again. 😅
Right? It really is pretty straightforward. The spinach wilts fast—just don’t overcook it. 😄
Easy maybe, but 5-7 minutes on the chops after browning sounds like it could dry them out? I’d check temp instead of timing.
Not bad, but I’m skeptical about “1 cup chicken broth” with 4 cups spinach. Seemed like not enough liquid—my pan got a bit dry before everything wilted.
Disagree, this was not even close to good. Didn’t make the pork right and the spinach was soggy. 1 star.
OMG this is the bestest! My family raved about it, thanks for sharing. 😊
Paprika on pork chops is always a good move. I’m giving it 4 stars because the ingredient list is simple and it doesn’t pretend to be complicated. I ate it straight from the skillet, no regrets.
Totally agree—paprika gives pork chops that nice color and flavor without making it feel fussy. Love the simple ingredient list too.
This is the best recipe ever! So easy and delicious. My family loved it!
I was skeptical about only using 1 cup chicken broth with so much spinach, but it worked! Next time I might add a squeeze of lemon though.
Not sure about “2-3 minutes” for the pork after it’s already browned. Depending on chop thickness, that might be a gamble. Could use a meat thermometer, but overall sounds solid.
Yeah, I also thought the timing felt a bit too casual—5-7 minutes after browning could be perfect for some chops and underdone for thick ones. A thermometer really helps here.
I usually don’t measure it like that—just cut one open, lol. If it’s still pink I give it more time. But your point about chop thickness is true.
Flavor’s solid, but I wish there was a bit more sauce. Maybe more broth or some cream would’ve made it richer.
Totally agree—there’s flavor, but it ends up a little dry. I added an extra 1/2 cup broth and it helped a lot.
I followed it exactly but my pork came out kinda tough. Maybe I overcooked? Also, 2 tbsp oil seems like a lot for browning 4 chops in one skillet, it splattered like crazy.
Ugh, that sounds frustrating. Yeah—“3-4 min per side” plus another 5-7 can easily push pork chops into dry/tough territory, depending on thickness. Next time try pulling them earlier and using a meat thermometer if you have one.
Yum. The thyme + garlic combo is where it’s at. Also, the skillet timing was pretty forgiving.
How do you get pork chops to stay moist? Mine always end up dry like desert. Help!
Not bad, but my pork came out a bit dry. Maybe I cooked them too long? Anyone else had this issue?
Really simple recipe! I didn’t have thyme so I used oregano instead. Still turned out great!
The steps are clear and it didn’t get too complicated. I used frozen spinach because that’s what I had and it worked, just needed a little extra broth. Tasty and healthy-ish!
Thanks! I love hearing it works with frozen spinach—adding a little extra broth makes total sense. 😊 I’ll try that next time.
I dunno, seems like too much spinach for me. I’m not a fan of that stuff.
Pork chops are hard to cook right, but this was easy peasy! No complaints here!
Glad to hear it worked for you! I always found pork chops tricky too. Might have to give this a try!
Easy? I dunno, pork can dry out real quick if you’re not careful! But, if it worked for you, maybe I’m just bad at it. 🤷♂️
I love one-pan-ish meals. This was easy and the onion + garlic base tastes super comforting. Would add a squeeze of lemon next time for brightness.
I’m not sure about the lemon. The paprika already brings enough punch, and spinach gets watery—adding acid might make it taste weird. Maybe just a pinch of lemon zest at the end?
Totally agree—onion + garlic in one pan is basically comfort food magic. I’ve been doing the lemon idea too; it really wakes up the flavors.
The steps are clear. I used fresh thyme instead of dried and it still worked. 5-7 minutes after adding back the pork was key for me.
Pretty easy to make but my kids didn’t like the spinach ugh.
Yummy!! But why spinach? Makes my plate look green. 😂
I followed the recipe exactly, but my pork turned out tough. Maybe you should update the cooking times?
I get what you mean! Pork can be tricky. Maybe try cooking it a bit less or using a meat thermometer next time? It helps to not overcook.
Tasty! I added some cheese on top, and it was really good. Will make it again.
Looks good but wilted spinach? Yuck! I prefer my greens crispy. Maybe I’ll try at a BBQ…
I don’t know, man. Why do you gotta complicate things with thyme and broth? Just grill the pork and it’s all good.
But adding thyme and broth brings more flavor! Grilling is good, but this is a whole new level, trust me.
Eh… not really my type. I prefer beef and this was just ok.
I get what you mean, but I really loved this recipe! The spinach adds a nice touch. Maybe give it another shot? You might be surprised!
Ok but where’s the measurement for how much spinach should shrink? lol. Also 5-7 minutes after returning pork might dry it out if they’re thin. Still, I’d eat it.
I was skeptical at first, but it turned out great. I used fresh thyme instead of dried. Just as good.
I totally agree! Fresh herbs make such a difference. I love how this turned out too. Great recipe!
But why would you use fresh thyme? Dried is easier and doesn’t spoil as fast. It’s still a win, I guess.
spinach?? who wants that? I just ate the pork lol.
Lol, pork is way better than spinach! Who needs greens anyway?
Spinach is good for you! It pairs great with pork. #HealthyEating
It was okay but I felt like it needed more seasoning. Maybe my pork chops were bland? I added extra salt and pepper after returning them.
Not bad, but I think I prefer chicken over pork. It was a bit bland for my taste.
I get what you mean! Pork can be a bit hit or miss. Maybe try adding some spices next time to liven it up?
I don’t get the whole “thyme + paprika” thing, but I tried it. The flavor grew on me, not bad at all. Next time I’ll use less paprika though.
Not bad, but I think 3-4 minutes per side on the pork chops might be too short depending on thickness. Mine was a little underdone at first.
Good point! Mine were pretty thin so 3–4 mins worked, but thicker chops probably need longer. I’ll start checking internal temp next time.
Yeah I kinda agree—mine took way more than the 3-4 per side too. Maybe people are using thin cut chops? Either way, underdone pork is not the vibe.
Idk, it was kind of bland for me. Just didn’t hit the spot. 2 stars.
I followed it exactly and my spinach tasted kinda bland—could be my seasoning. Salt helped once I added a pinch more at the end.