Garlic Herb Italian Pork Loin Roast Recipe

If you’re craving a roast that bursts with flavor and is incredibly simple to make, you’re in the right place. This Garlic Herb Italian Pork Loin Roast Recipe is one of my absolute favorites to serve for family dinners or when friends are over—it’s juicy, fragrant, and the herbs give it this beautiful Italian flair that feels like a cozy hug for your taste buds. Stick with me, and I’ll walk you through everything you need to know to nail it perfectly every time.

💛

Why This Recipe Works

  • Perfect balance of herbs and garlic: These classic Italian seasonings elevate the pork without overwhelming it.
  • Roasting on a bed of veggies: Keeps the pork moist and delivers tender, caramelized carrots and onions.
  • Simple prep with a big payoff: Minimal ingredients but maximum flavor, ideal for both weeknights and special occasions.
  • Resting period: Letting the roast rest ensures juicy, tender slices every time.

Ingredients & Why They Work

Each ingredient in this Garlic Herb Italian Pork Loin Roast Recipe plays its own role, blending fresh and dried herbs with savory garlic and a touch of olive oil to create a mouthwatering marinade that seeps into every nook of the meat. When shopping, look for a fresh, firm pork loin and fresh garlic to get the most flavor.

Garlic Herb Italian Pork Loin, Italian pork loin roast, garlic herb pork recipe, easy pork roast recipe, flavorful pork loin dinner - Flat lay of a boneless pork loin roast with a thin layer of fat, eight fresh medium carrots halved lengthwise, two medium quartered yellow onions, five peeled whole garlic cloves, a small white ceramic bowl of golden olive oil, a small white bowl containing mixed dried herbs including crushed basil, thyme, rosemary, and Italian seasoning, a small white bowl of coarse salt crystals, and a small white bowl of freshly ground black pepper, all arranged symmetrically on a clean white marble surface, soft natural light, photo taken with an iPhone, professional food photography style, fresh ingredients, white ceramic bowls, no bottles, no duplicates, no utensils, no packaging --ar 2:3 --v 7 --p m7354615311229779997
  • Olive oil: Helps distribute the garlic and herbs over the meat while locking in moisture during roasting.
  • Garlic cloves: Fresh minced garlic adds a pungent aroma and robust flavor that’s key to an Italian-inspired roast.
  • Salt: Enhances all the other flavors and helps tenderize the pork.
  • Dried basil, thyme, and rosemary: These traditional Italian herbs give the roast its distinctive herbaceous profile.
  • Italian seasoning: A handy blend that brings in oregano and other Mediterranean herbs to round out the flavor.
  • Pepper: Adds a subtle kick and balances the garlic’s sharpness.
  • Boneless pork loin roast: A lean, tender cut that roasts beautifully and slices easily.
  • Carrots and onions: Roast underneath the pork to soak up drippings, making them sweet and savory—the perfect veggie combo here.
📝
Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Tweak to Your Taste

I love that this Garlic Herb Italian Pork Loin Roast Recipe is a fantastic foundation—you can easily tweak the herb combo or veggies to suit your preferences or what’s in season. If you like things a bit bolder or lighter, the recipe adapts well, so don’t hesitate to make it your own.

  • Variation: I sometimes swap carrots for parsnips or add baby potatoes around the pork for a heartier meal—you’ll find the veggies soak up the roast’s savory juices perfectly.
  • Dietary modifications: If you prefer a gluten-free meal, this recipe is naturally gluten-free—just double-check your Italian seasoning blend.
  • Heat things up: Adding a pinch of red pepper flakes into the rub brings a nice spicy warmth that my family can’t resist.

Step-by-Step: How I Make Garlic Herb Italian Pork Loin Roast Recipe

Step 1: Mix the Herb Garlic Rub

Start by combining olive oil, minced garlic, salt, and your dried herbs in a small bowl. Use your fingers or a spoon to crush the herbs as you mix—this releases their essential oils, boosting flavor. This rub is the magic that flavors the pork, so be generous and ensure it’s well incorporated. I always taste a tiny dab—trust me, it’s delicious even before it hits the oven!

Step 2: Rub and Refrigerate the Pork

Pat your pork loin dry and massaged it thoroughly with the garlic herb mixture. Don’t be shy here; the more even the coating, the better flavor you’ll get. Next, arrange your carrots and onions in a baking dish and lay the pork on top, fat side up. Cover and pop it in the fridge for at least an hour—this step lets the flavors mellow and soak in. A little patience here pays off big time!

Step 3: Sear and Roast

Preheat your oven to a hot 475°F and roast the pork for 20 minutes to get a beautiful crust. After that, lower the temperature to 425°F and continue roasting until an instant-read thermometer reads 145°F in the thickest part. This usually takes about 30 to 40 more minutes depending on your roast size. Meanwhile, your veggies will be transforming into tender, caramelized gems beneath the roast.

Step 4: Rest and Slice

Once out of the oven, tent your roast with foil and let it rest for 20 minutes. I can’t stress how important this is—resting lets the juices redistribute, so every slice stays juicy. I usually use this time to prepare my side dishes or clean up, then slice thin, against the grain for maximum tenderness.

💡

Pro Tips for Making Garlic Herb Italian Pork Loin Roast Recipe

  • Use a meat thermometer: I never trust cooking times alone—checking for 145°F ensures the pork is tender and juicy, not dry.
  • Don’t skip resting: My worst roast was once sliced right out of the oven—dry and tough. Rest it for that juicy reward.
  • Crush your dried herbs: It’s a small step that makes a world of difference in releasing flavors.
  • Room temperature meat: Letting the roast sit out for 20 minutes before seasoning helps it cook evenly.

How to Serve Garlic Herb Italian Pork Loin Roast Recipe

Garlic Herb Italian Pork Loin, Italian pork loin roast, garlic herb pork recipe, easy pork roast recipe, flavorful pork loin dinner - A white plate on a white marbled surface holds a simple arrangement of food with three layers: the first layer is a row of orange roasted carrots on the left and right sides, showing some charring and slight wrinkles, the second layer is a few pieces of roasted light brown onion in the bottom right corner, and the third layer in the middle is several slices of thick, pale pink roasted meat covered with herbs on the outer edges, arranged in a slightly overlapping line from left to right. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Garnishes

I like to finish the roast with a sprinkle of fresh parsley or a few whole basil leaves—it adds a pop of green and fresh herbal brightness that complements the roast’s richness. Squeezing a little lemon over the sliced pork just before serving also brightens the whole dish beautifully.

Side Dishes

Roasted garlic mashed potatoes are my go-to with this pork, but creamy polenta or a simple risotto would be fantastic too. The roasted carrots and onions from the pan make an easy, flavorful veggie side, but steamed green beans or a crisp arugula salad can add a refreshing touch.

Creative Ways to Present

For special occasions, I’ve arranged the slices fanned out on a large platter with the roasted veggies piled in the center, drizzled with pan juices. Adding a small bowl of Italian herb-infused olive oil on the side for dipping makes it feel extra special and restaurant-worthy at home.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I wrap leftover pork slices tightly in foil and store them in an airtight container in the fridge, which keeps them fresh for up to 3 days. The veggies hold up well, too, making quick lunches or dinners easy to pull together.

Freezing

Once fully cooled, I portion the pork and veggies into freezer-friendly containers or bags. I’ve found they freeze beautifully for up to 2 months. Just thaw overnight in the fridge for a hassle-free meal later on.

Reheating

When reheating, gentle is your friend—warming the slices covered in a 300°F oven with a splash of broth or water keeps the pork moist rather than drying it out like a microwave usually does.

FAQs

  1. What temperature should the pork loin be cooked to?

    For safe and juicy pork, aim for an internal temperature of 145°F, followed by a 3-minute rest. This keeps the pork tender without drying it out.

  2. Can I use bone-in pork loin for this recipe?

    Absolutely! Just increase the roasting time slightly and use a meat thermometer to ensure doneness. Bone-in pork tends to be juicier and more flavorful but requires careful timing.

  3. How long should I marinate the pork?

    This recipe calls for at least 1 hour in the fridge, but you can marinate up to overnight for an even deeper flavor if you have time.

  4. What can I do if I don’t have Italian seasoning?

    No worries! Mix your own blend using equal parts dried oregano, thyme, and basil, or just increase the amounts of the individual herbs already in the recipe.

Final Thoughts

This Garlic Herb Italian Pork Loin Roast Recipe has been a staple in my kitchen for years because it’s dependable, delicious, and perfect for so many occasions. It’s the kind of meal you want to slice up for sandwiches the next day or serve up hot with sides for Sunday dinner. I can’t wait for you to make it and enjoy the same cozy flavors that keep my family coming back for more. Give it a try—you’ll be so glad you did!

Print
clock clock iconcutlery cutlery iconflag flag iconfolder folder iconinstagram instagram iconpinterest pinterest iconfacebook facebook iconprint print iconsquares squares iconheart heart iconheart solid heart solid icon

Garlic Herb Italian Pork Loin Roast Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star 4.7 from 30 reviews
  • Author: Sarah
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 50 minutes
  • Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
  • Yield: 8 servings
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: Italian

Description

This Italian Pork Loin recipe features a flavorful boneless pork loin roast rubbed with garlic, olive oil, and Italian herbs. It’s oven-roasted alongside tender carrots and onions for a delicious, hearty meal perfect for family dinners or special occasions.


Ingredients

For the Pork Loin

  • 3 tablespoons olive oil
  • 5 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1 teaspoon dried basil, crushed
  • 1 teaspoon dried thyme, crushed
  • 1 teaspoon dried rosemary, crushed
  • 1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning
  • 1/2 teaspoon pepper
  • 1 boneless pork loin roast (3 to 4 pounds)

Vegetables

  • 8 medium carrots, halved lengthwise
  • 2 medium onions, quartered


Instructions

  1. Prepare the seasoning: In a small bowl, mix together the olive oil, minced garlic, salt, dried basil, thyme, rosemary, Italian seasoning, and pepper until well combined.
  2. Rub the pork loin: Thoroughly rub the seasoning mixture all over the pork loin roast, ensuring it is evenly coated.
  3. Arrange vegetables: Place the halved carrots and quartered onions in the bottom of a 13×9-inch baking pan, spreading them out evenly.
  4. Position the roast: Place the seasoned pork loin on top of the vegetables with the fat side facing up. Cover and refrigerate for 1 hour to allow the flavors to meld.
  5. Preheat and roast: Preheat your oven to 475 degrees Fahrenheit. Roast the pork loin for 20 minutes at this high temperature to develop a flavorful crust.
  6. Reduce heat and continue roasting: Lower the oven temperature to 425 degrees Fahrenheit and continue roasting the pork loin until an internal thermometer inserted into the center reads 145 degrees and the vegetables are tender. This will take approximately 30 to 40 minutes more.
  7. Rest the meat: Remove the roast from the oven and tent it with aluminum foil. Allow it to rest for 20 minutes before slicing to retain juices and improve tenderness.

Notes

  • For best results, use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature of the pork to ensure it is cooked safely and remains juicy.
  • Feel free to substitute fresh herbs for dried if preferred, adjusting quantities accordingly (about three times the amount of fresh herbs).
  • If you don’t have a 13×9-inch pan, use any similarly sized roasting pan or baking dish.
  • Letting the roast rest after cooking is crucial to allow the juices to redistribute, preventing dryness when sliced.
  • Vegetables can be varied based on preference; potatoes or parsnips make great alternatives or additions.

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 serving
  • Calories: 350 kcal
  • Sugar: 6 g
  • Sodium: 450 mg
  • Fat: 20 g
  • Saturated Fat: 5 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 13 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 15 g
  • Fiber: 3 g
  • Protein: 30 g
  • Cholesterol: 90 mg

You Might Also Like These Recipes

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Recipe rating 5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star