Southwest Pork Chops & Creamy Garlic Shells

ActuarialChef · February 2014

ETA: Sorry I can't figure out how to make the pictures smaller.

http://www.bettycrocker.com/recipes/grilled-southwestern-pork-chops/efffdf01-7b77-45cf-a845-ac5f644d02b1
http://iowagirleats.com/2013/03/06/creamy-garlic-shells

I marinade the pork all day while I'm at work and grill on my George Foreman grill when I get home. Then I whip up the Creamy Garlic Shells (copycat of those Knorr pasta sides, with less fake ingredients) and a fresh or frozen veggie or a salad and ta-da -- DINNER IS SERVED!!

Southwestern Pork Chops
Ingredients
1 tablespoon chili powder
1 tablespoon vegetable oil
1 teaspoon ground cumin
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon ground red pepper (cayenne)
1 large garlic clove, finely chopped
8 pork loin or rib chops, 1/2 inch thick (2 1/2 pounds)

Directions
1. Mix all ingredients except pork.
2. Spread chili powder mixture evenly on both sides of pork. Cover and refrigerate at least 30 minutes but no longer then 24 hours.
3. Heat coals or gas grill for direct heat. Cover and grill pork 4 to 6 inches from medium heat 10 to 12 minutes, turning frequently, until slightly pink when cut near bone.

Creamy Garlic Shells
Ingredients
8oz mini shells pasta
1 Tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
1 Tablespoon butter
2 garlic cloves, minced
2 Tablespoons flour
3/4 cup chicken broth
3/4 cup milk (I used skim)
salt & pepper
1/4 cup grated parmesan cheese
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder (not garlic salt)
2 teaspoons parsley flakes

Directions
1. Cook pasta in a pot of salted, boiling water until al dente. Drain then set aside. Let pot cool off the heat for several minutes.
2. Return pot to stove over medium heat then melt butter in olive oil. Add garlic then saute until golden brown, about 30 seconds, being very careful not to burn. Sprinkle in flour then whisk and cook for 1 minute. Slowly pour in chicken broth and milk while whisking until mixture is smooth. Season with salt & pepper then switch to a wooden spoon and stir constantly until mixture is thick and bubbly, about 4-5 minutes.
3. Take pot off the heat then stir in parmesan cheese, garlic powder, and parsley flakes until smooth then add cooked pasta and stir to combine. Taste then adjust salt & pepper if necessary

Amestris · February 2014

Sound delish!

amber6108 · February 2014

Wow! Yummy thanks for sharing I will be making this!

seashell709 · February 2014

looks like a great recipe. BUMP

cheripugh1 · February 2014

How many calories in this meal? almost 500?

springbreakmission · February 2014

Yum! Cant wait to try this

mcm412 · February 2014

Bump. Thanks!

Mhgretsch · February 2014

Bump

ActuarialChef · February 2014

@cheripugh1:

Southwest Pork Chops per serving (1 serving = 1 boneless chop):
207 calories, 2 carbs, 8 fat, 1 sat fat, 32 protein, 426 sodium
(This is using 5oz (raw weight) boneless pork chops and extra spices)

Creamy Garlic Shells per serving (1 serving = 125g or approx 1 cup):
192 calories, 31 carbs, 4 fat, 1 sat fat, 7 protein, 119 sodium
(Recipe makes 5 servings - and I substituted smart balance light for all of the butter and half of the oil)

Plus ~30 calories for the broccoli that I had with it last night

So total: 427 calories for dinner. Well within my normal calorie range for dinner of 400-600.