Name: Herb-Roasted Italian Pork Loin Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 50 min
Total time: 1 h 5 min
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 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); 8 medium carrots, halved lengthwise; 2 medium onions, quartered

Jump to Recipe· 4.9 from 13 reviews

If you’re on the hunt for a dinner that’s both comforting and bursting with flavor, you’ve got to try this Herb-Roasted Italian Pork Loin Recipe. I promise, it’s one of those meals that feels fancy but comes together with minimal fuss, delivering juicy pork with a fragrant herb crust and tender veggies roasting alongside. Stick around because I’ll walk you through everything to help you nail it perfectly every time.

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Why This Recipe Works

Simple Ingredient Harmony: The blend of garlic and Italian herbs creates a powerful yet approachable flavor that never fails.
Perfectly Juicy Pork: Roasting at a high then moderate temperature locks in the moisture while developing a beautifully herbaceous crust.
One-Pan Convenience: Cooking the pork over carrots and onions means everything roasts together, saving prep and cleanup.
Resting Step: Letting the pork rest before slicing keeps juices locked inside for tender, mouthwatering bites every time.

Herb-Roasted Italian Pork Loin, Italian pork loin, roasted pork recipes, herbed pork roast, juicy pork loin - A thick, round piece of cooked meat covered with a dry herb crust sits in the center of a white plate. Around the meat are roasted vegetables, including orange carrots with a shiny, soft texture and slightly browned white onion slices curled at the edges. The plate rests on a white marbled surface, and a brown cloth with a silver fork is placed in the background. The overall look is warm and rustic with earthy tones. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Ingredients & Why They Work

Each ingredient in this Herb-Roasted Italian Pork Loin Recipe plays a crucial supporting role to bring out the best in the pork. I always suggest choosing fresh herbs when possible (or very fresh dried), and picking a pork loin with a good layer of fat for extra flavor.

Herb-Roasted Italian Pork Loin, Italian pork loin, roasted pork recipes, herbed pork roast, juicy pork loin - 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: It helps the herbs and garlic cling to the pork and also aids in browning, adding richness.
Garlic cloves: Fresh, minced garlic infuses the pork with savory depth – don’t skip this or the dish feels flat!
Salt: Essential for seasoning, it draws out moisture initially and helps flavor penetrate the meat.
Dried basil, thyme, rosemary: Classic Italian herbs that create that signature aromatic crust—crush them for maximum fragrance.
Italian seasoning: A blend that rounds out the herb profile and complements the others perfectly.
Pepper: Adds just a touch of kick and balances the herbs.
Boneless pork loin roast: Choose a 3 to 4-pound roast, ideally with a bit of fat cap, for even roasting and tender results.
Carrots and onions: Roasting vegetables beneath the pork not only amps the flavor but catches those delicious drippings.

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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

This Herb-Roasted Italian Pork Loin Recipe is a fantastic base, but I love mixing it up depending on what herbs I have handy or how festive I want to get. Don’t hesitate to make it your own—you’ll enjoy the process as much as the results!

Herb swaps: Sometimes I swap rosemary with sage or add a pinch of fennel seeds for a slightly different Italian twist. It’s fun experimenting!
Heat it up: Adding a little crushed red pepper flakes to the rub gives the pork a subtle spicy kick that some guests adore.
Veggie variety: While carrots and onions are classic, try roasting some parsnips or sweet potatoes underneath when feeling adventurous or seasonal.

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

Step 1: Prep Your Herb Garlic Rub

I start by mixing 3 tablespoons of olive oil with 5 minced garlic cloves, a teaspoon of salt, and the dried herbs—basil, thyme, and rosemary—crumbled up so they release more flavor. I add in half a teaspoon each of Italian seasoning and black pepper. This mash smells incredible, and slathering it all over the pork loin is so satisfying. Don’t rush through this—get your hands in there and really rub the mixture all around every inch of the roast.

Step 2: Arrange Veggies and Marinate

I lay out halved carrots and quartered onions at the bottom of a sturdy 13×9-inch baking pan—this catches all the pork drippings and makes a built-in side dish. Then, I place the pork roast fat side up on top of the vegetables so the meat juices trickle down while it cooks. Cover it and let it chill in the fridge for at least an hour. This rest time lets the flavors soak in beautifully.

Step 3: High Heat Sear in the Oven

After marinating, I crank the oven to 475°F and let the pork roast for about 20 minutes. This high heat blasts the outside, creating an aromatic crust without drying the inside. Make sure your oven’s fully preheated before in goes in—that crust is key!

Step 4: Lower Heat and Finish Roasting

Next, I dial the temperature down to 425°F and continue roasting until a meat thermometer reads 145°F—usually about 30 to 40 minutes more depending on your oven and roast size. Check the veggies with a fork; they should be tender and sweet by now. This two-stage roasting method keeps that pork juicy and flavors balanced.

Step 5: Rest and Slice

Once out of the oven, I tent the pork with foil and let it rest for a full 20 minutes. I’ve learned this rest is non-negotiable because it stops all those precious juices from running out when you slice. When you cut it up, you’ll get perfectly tender, moist pork every time.

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Pro Tips for Making Herb-Roasted Italian Pork Loin Recipe

Use a Meat Thermometer: I can’t stress this enough—checking internal temp ensures you don’t overcook and dry out the pork.
Crush Your Dried Herbs: Crushing herbs just before mixing releases those oils and amps fragrance, making all the difference.
High Then Medium Heat: The two-step roasting locks in juices while building that delicious crust without burning.
Rest Before Slicing: Patience here pays off with juicier, more tender slices that wow your dinner guests.

How to Serve Herb-Roasted Italian Pork Loin Recipe

Herb-Roasted Italian Pork Loin, Italian pork loin, roasted pork recipes, herbed pork roast, juicy pork loin - 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 usually sprinkle fresh chopped parsley right before serving—it adds a lovely pop of color and a bright fresh flavor that balances the richness. Sometimes I’ll also add a few lemon wedges on the side; a squeeze of citrus just wakes everything up beautifully.

Side Dishes

Since the carrots and onions roast in the pan, I often serve the pork with a simple side salad or garlic mashed potatoes for a classic combo. When I want something lighter, steamed green beans or a sauté of spinach works perfectly to add some greenery and balance.

Creative Ways to Present

For special occasions, I like to slice the pork into medallions and fan them out on a platter surrounded by the roasted vegetables. Drizzling a little balsamic reduction over the top adds a touch of elegance and a sweet tang that guests love. It turns a simple recipe into something truly festive!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

After dinner, I let the pork cool completely, then slice and store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge. Keeping the pork and veggies together helps all those savory juices stay locked in. We usually enjoy leftovers within 3 days for the best taste and texture.

Freezing

This recipe freezes surprisingly well! I divide the pork and veggies into portions and pop them in freezer-safe bags or containers. When I’m ready, I thaw overnight in the fridge—it’s a great way to have an easy, flavorful meal on hand without starting from scratch.

Reheating

To reheat, I usually use the oven at a low temperature (around 300°F) covered with foil to gently warm the pork and veggies without drying them out. It keeps everything tender and delicious, just like fresh.

FAQs

Can I use bone-in pork loin for this Herb-Roasted Italian Pork Loin Recipe?

Yes, you can use a bone-in pork loin, but you may need to adjust cooking time slightly as the bone can affect how heat distributes. Use a meat thermometer to check doneness rather than relying solely on time.
What if I don’t have Italian seasoning on hand?

No worries! Italian seasoning is a blend of herbs like oregano, basil, thyme, and rosemary. You can simply mix those dried herbs in similar proportions or omit it since the recipe already includes several key Italian herbs.
How do I know when the pork loin is done?

The best way is to use an instant-read meat thermometer inserted into the thickest part of the roast—145°F is the safe temperature for juicy pork. Avoid guessing by time alone to prevent overcooking.
Can I prepare this recipe ahead of time?

Absolutely! Marinate the pork overnight in the fridge for deeper flavors, then roast it when you’re ready. Just be sure to bring the roast to room temperature before putting it in the oven for even cooking.

Final Thoughts

This Herb-Roasted Italian Pork Loin Recipe is one of those dishes I turn to when I want something hearty, comforting, and guaranteed to please a crowd. It’s straightforward, uses simple pantry herbs, and delivers consistently juicy, flavorful results even if you’re fairly new to roasting pork. I hope you enjoy making and sharing it as much as I do—once you try it, it’ll become one of your go-tos too!