These pork chops are juicy and full of flavor, topped with a creamy garlic sauce that makes taste buds dance! It’s a perfect dish for cozy dinners.
Who can resist garlic? The creamy sauce is so tasty that you’ll want to drizzle it on everything! I pair these chops with some rice or veggies for a delightful meal.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Pork Chops: Bone-in pork chops are ideal for this recipe as they stay juicy during cooking. If you have boneless chops, feel free to use them. Just watch the cooking time, as they may cook faster.
Heavy Cream: This adds richness to the sauce. For a lighter option, you could substitute half-and-half, but the sauce might be less creamy. Coconut cream can also be a dairy-free swap if you prefer that.
Garlic: Fresh garlic packs a ton of flavor. While you can use garlic powder in a pinch, the fresh stuff really shines in the sauce! Adjust to your taste if you’re not a huge garlic fan.
Parmesan Cheese: Grated Parmesan brings depth to the sauce. If you’re looking for a substitute, Pecorino Romano works well too or even nutritional yeast for a dairy-free version.
Fresh Herbs: Fresh thyme and parsley brighten the dish. If you don’t have fresh herbs, dried herbs can work, but use less since they are more concentrated in flavor.
How Do I Get the Perfect Sear on My Pork Chops?
Achieving a good sear is crucial for flavor and texture. Start with dry pork chops; moisture can prevent browning. Here’s how to do it:
- Pat the pork chops dry with paper towels before seasoning.
- Use a hot skillet – medium-high heat is key; it should be hot enough that you hear a sizzle when you add the chops.
- Don’t crowd the pan; give the chops room to sear. Cook them in batches if needed.
- Only flip the chops once; let them form a nice crust for 3-4 minutes on each side.
With these tips, you’ll have delicious, mouth-watering pork chops ready for your creamy garlic sauce!
Pork Chops with Creamy Garlic Sauce
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Pork Chops:
- 4 bone-in pork chops (about 1-inch thick)
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter, divided
For the Creamy Garlic Sauce:
- 5 cloves garlic, finely minced
- 1 small shallot, finely chopped
- 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional for heat)
- 1 teaspoon dried Italian herbs or herbes de Provence
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
- 1 tablespoon fresh thyme leaves, plus sprigs for garnish
- Fresh spinach or other greens (about 1 cup), chopped
- Freshly ground black pepper, for seasoning the sauce
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious dish will take about 30-40 minutes total. You’ll spend approximately 10-15 minutes preparing and searing the pork chops and another 15-20 minutes making the creamy garlic sauce. It’s quick and satisfying!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Pork Chops:
Start by patting the pork chops dry with paper towels. This step is important for achieving a good sear. Generously season both sides with salt and freshly ground black pepper. Set your chops aside while you heat your skillet.
2. Sear the Pork Chops:
In a large skillet, heat the olive oil and 1 tablespoon of butter over medium-high heat. Once the skillet is hot and the butter has melted, add the pork chops. Sear each chop for about 3-4 minutes per side until they are golden brown and cooked through (the internal temperature should reach 145°F/63°C). Once done, remove the pork chops from the skillet and set them aside to keep warm.
3. Make the Creamy Garlic Sauce:
Lower the heat to medium and add the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter to the skillet. When the butter has melted, add the minced garlic and chopped shallot. Sauté for about 1-2 minutes until you can smell the aroma, taking care not to let the garlic burn.
4. Add Flavorings:
Stir in the red pepper flakes and dried Italian herbs, mixing them together quickly with the garlic and shallots.
5. Deglaze the Pan:
Pour in the chicken broth while scraping the bottom of the pan with a wooden spoon to loosen any flavorful browned bits. Allow it to simmer and reduce for about 2 minutes.
6. Stir in the Cream:
Add the heavy cream and grated Parmesan cheese to the skillet. Stir constantly until the sauce thickens slightly—this should take about 3-5 minutes. The creamy sauce will be rich and luscious!
7. Add Fresh Ingredients:
Mix in the chopped parsley, thyme leaves, and chopped spinach. Let everything cook together for another minute or until the spinach wilts into the sauce.
8. Season the Sauce:
Taste the sauce and season with additional salt and freshly ground black pepper according to your preference.
9. Combine Chops and Sauce:
Return the seared pork chops to the skillet, spooning the creamy sauce generously over the top. Allow everything to warm together for another 2-3 minutes.
10. Garnish and Serve:
Before serving, garnish the dish with fresh thyme sprigs for an elegant touch. Serve the pork chops with the creamy garlic sauce poured generously on top, along with your favorite sides like roasted asparagus, mashed potatoes, or rice.
Enjoy your rich, savory Pork Chops with Creamy Garlic Sauce!
Can I Use Boneless Pork Chops Instead of Bone-In?
Absolutely! Boneless pork chops can be used in this recipe. Just keep an eye on the cooking time as they may cook faster than bone-in chops. Aim for an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C) for safe consumption.
What Can I Substitute for Heavy Cream?
If you’re looking for a lighter option, half-and-half works well, though the sauce will be less rich. For a dairy-free alternative, coconut cream or cashew cream can provide similar creaminess and flavor.
How Do I Store Leftover Pork Chops with Creamy Garlic Sauce?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When you’re ready to enjoy them again, gently reheat in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of cream if needed to loosen the sauce.
Can I Add Vegetables to the Dish?
Yes! Feel free to add other vegetables, such as mushrooms or bell peppers, when making the sauce. Just sauté them along with the garlic and shallots for extra flavor and nutrition.