Easy And Juicy Pork Tenderloin with Dijon Cream Sauce

Few dinners feel as luxurious and comforting as a perfectly cooked pork tenderloin with creamy Dijon sauce. Imagine juicy, melt-in-your-mouth slices of pork drizzled with a silky, golden cream sauce — tangy from Dijon mustard, fragrant with garlic, and kissed with herbs.

This easy and juicy pork tenderloin recipe transforms a simple cut of meat into a restaurant-worthy meal with minimal effort. Whether it’s a cozy weeknight dinner or a special occasion, this dish never fails to impress.

The best part? It’s made in one pan — giving you flavor, elegance, and an easy cleanup.

If you’ve been searching for a foolproof way to cook pork tenderloin that’s juicy, flavorful, and never dry, this recipe will be your new favorite.

Recipe Card

Type: Dinner
Cuisine: American
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 35 minutes
Servings: 4
Calories per Serving: ~420 kcal
Main Ingredients: pork tenderloin, Dijon mustard, garlic, heavy cream, chicken broth

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Ultra Tender & Juicy: Pan-seared to lock in flavor, then oven-finished for perfect doneness.
• Flavor Explosion: The creamy Dijon sauce adds a tangy, savory punch that complements the pork beautifully.
• Simple & Elegant: Looks fancy but takes less than 40 minutes from start to finish.
• One-Pan Wonder: Easy cleanup and all the flavor stays in one skillet.
• Perfect for All Occasions: Great for Sunday dinners, date nights, or impressing guests.
• Customizable: Works with different herbs, cream bases, and even plant-based swaps.

Ingredients

For the Pork Tenderloin:

• 1½ lbs pork tenderloin – Trimmed of silver skin for even cooking.
• 2 tbsp olive oil – For searing and adding richness.
• 1 tsp salt – Enhances natural flavor.
• ½ tsp black pepper – Adds a subtle kick.
• 1 tsp garlic powder – Brings depth and aroma.
• 1 tsp paprika – For color and mild smokiness.

For the Dijon Cream Sauce:

• 2 tbsp unsalted butter – For a silky sauce base.
• 3 cloves garlic, minced – Freshly minced for best flavor.
• 1 cup chicken broth – Adds depth and helps deglaze the pan.
• 1 cup heavy cream – For that rich, luxurious texture.
• 2 tbsp Dijon mustard – The star ingredient; tangy and bold.
• 1 tbsp whole-grain mustard (optional) – Adds texture and extra zing.
• 1 tsp fresh thyme leaves – Complements the creamy sauce perfectly.
• Salt & pepper to taste

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Preheat and Prepare the Pork

Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
Pat the pork tenderloin dry with paper towels — this helps it sear beautifully. Season generously with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and paprika.

2. Sear the Pork

Heat olive oil in a large oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the pork and sear on all sides — about 2–3 minutes per side, until golden brown.
You’re not cooking it through here, just building flavor.

3. Transfer to Oven

Once browned, transfer the skillet to the oven and roast for 12–15 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 145°F (63°C).
Remove the pork, tent it loosely with foil, and let it rest for 5–10 minutes.

4. Make the Dijon Cream Sauce

While the pork rests, place the same skillet over medium heat. Add butter and minced garlic. Sauté until fragrant, about 30 seconds.

Pour in the chicken broth and scrape up any browned bits — that’s where the flavor hides! Stir in Dijon mustard, thyme, and heavy cream.

Simmer for 3–5 minutes, stirring until the sauce thickens slightly and coats the back of a spoon. Taste and season with salt and pepper.

5. Slice and Serve

Slice the pork tenderloin into medallions and pour the Dijon cream sauce generously over the top.

Pro Tips for Success

1. Don’t Overcook the Pork

Use a meat thermometer — 145°F is perfect. The pork will continue to cook a bit as it rests.

2. Deglaze Properly

Scrape all the brown bits (fond) from the pan after searing — they make the sauce richer.

3. Use Real Dijon

Skip the yellow mustard; Dijon’s smooth heat and tang balance the creaminess perfectly.

4. Rest the Meat

This step locks in juices. Cutting too soon makes the pork dry.

5. Add a Splash of Wine (Optional)

A bit of white wine or sherry can elevate the sauce to gourmet levels.

Variations & Substitutions

• Dairy-Free: Use coconut cream or cashew cream instead of heavy cream.
• Low-Carb/Keto: This dish is naturally low-carb — just ensure your Dijon is sugar-free.
• Herb Twist: Try rosemary, tarragon, or sage instead of thyme.
• Add Veggies: Mushrooms, spinach, or caramelized onions can be sautéed into the sauce for extra depth.
• Protein Swap: The Dijon sauce pairs beautifully with chicken breasts or salmon fillets too!

Serving Suggestions

This creamy pork tenderloin pairs beautifully with:

• Garlic mashed potatoes – the sauce doubles as gravy.
• Roasted green beans or asparagus – adds freshness.
• Buttered egg noodles – perfect for soaking up the sauce.
• Cauliflower mash or rice – a lighter low-carb option.

If you loved this recipe, try my Garlic Butter Chicken Thighs next — it’s just as flavorful and easy!

Storage & Reheating Tips

• To Store: Keep leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days in the fridge.
• To Freeze: Slice the pork and freeze with sauce in a freezer-safe bag for up to 2 months.
• To Reheat: Warm gently on the stove with a splash of broth or cream to revive the sauce. Avoid microwaving too long to prevent dryness.

Nutrition Information (per serving)

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Skipping the rest time: This leads to dry pork.
• Overcrowding the pan: You’ll steam instead of sear.
• Using low-fat cream: It can curdle when heated.
• Forgetting to deglaze: You’ll miss out on major flavor.

FAQ Section

Can I make this ahead of time?

Yes! Cook the pork and sauce separately. Store in the fridge and reheat gently before serving.

Can I use pork loin instead of tenderloin?

You can, but it will need more cooking time and isn’t as tender. Adjust oven time accordingly.

Can I make the sauce without cream?

Yes — try using half-and-half or Greek yogurt for a lighter version.

How do I know when pork tenderloin is done?

Use a thermometer. The ideal internal temperature is 145°F (63°C) with a slightly pink center.

Can I add mushrooms to the sauce?

Absolutely! Sauté sliced mushrooms before adding the broth for a rich, earthy twist.

What wine pairs best with this dish?

A crisp Chardonnay or Pinot Grigio complements the creamy mustard sauce beautifully.

Conclusion

This Easy and Juicy Pork Tenderloin with Dijon Cream Sauce is the kind of meal that makes any night feel special. Juicy, flavorful, and ready in just over 30 minutes — it’s everything a weeknight dinner should be.

Serve it with mashed potatoes and a glass of white wine, and you’ve got yourself a restaurant-worthy feast at home.

This pork tenderloin recipe will quickly become your new favorite dinner — elegant, easy, and irresistibly creamy.

Easy And Juicy Pork Tenderloin with Dijon Cream Sauce

Recipe by Author

★★★★☆

4.5 from 120 votes

Course: Main Dish

Cuisine: French

Difficulty: medium

🍽️

Servings

4

⏱️

Prep time

15 minutes

🔥

Cooking time

30 minutes

📊

Calories

380 kcal

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A juicy pork tenderloin served with a creamy Dijon mustard sauce, creating a harmonious blend of flavors that will leave you craving more. This homemade dish is low-fat and gluten-free, making it a healthy and satisfying choice for any occasion.

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Ingredients

• 1 pork tenderloin
• 1/4 cup Dijon mustard
• 1/2 cup heavy cream
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh herbs (such as thyme or rosemary)

Directions

1. Preheat your oven to the desired temperature.
2. Season the pork tenderloin with salt, pepper, and any additional spices.
3. In a hot skillet, sear the pork tenderloin on all sides until golden brown.
4. Transfer the pork to a baking dish and roast it in the oven until cooked to your desired level of doneness.
5. In the same skillet, prepare the Dijon cream sauce by combining Dijon mustard, heavy cream, minced garlic, and fresh herbs.
6. Simmer the sauce until it thickens, then pour it over the sliced pork tenderloin before serving.
7. Garnish with extra herbs and enjoy your succulent pork tenderloin with creamy Dijon sauce.

Nutrition Facts

Calories: 380

Fat: 23

Carbohydrates: 3

Protein: 37

Sodium: 410

Fiber: 1

Sugar: 1