If you are craving a meal that feels like a warm hug from the inside out, this Creamy Garlic Parmesan Pork Chops Recipe is your new best friend. Tender, juicy pork chops seared to golden perfection and bathed in a luscious, garlicky parmesan cream sauce create a plate that’s both elegant and comfort-driven. It’s the ultimate dinner that comes together easily yet wows every time, making it perfect for busy weeknights or a cozy weekend feast with loved ones.
Ingredients You’ll Need
To make this dish sing, we rely on a handful of simple but essential ingredients. Each one brings its own magic—whether it’s the richness of butter, the savory punch of garlic, or the creamy indulgence of parmesan cheese. These ingredients combine for perfect balance in flavor, texture, and color, making your kitchen smell irresistible from start to finish.
- 4 boneless pork chops (3-4 ounces each): Choose chops that are evenly sized to ensure even cooking and tenderness.
- Salt and pepper to taste: The basic seasoning that enhances every bite of pork and sauce.
- 1½ tablespoons salted butter: Provides a rich base to brown the chops and flavor the sauce.
- 3 cloves garlic (minced): Adds an aromatic, flavorful kick that’s key to the dish’s character.
- 1½ cup heavy cream: Brings the luxurious creamy texture that wraps around each chop.
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour: Helps thicken the sauce to velvety perfection.
- ¾ cup grated parmesan: Adds a sharp, nutty cheese note that balances the creaminess.
- 1 tablespoon minced fresh parsley: Offers a fresh, herbal brightness to lighten up the richness.
How to Make Creamy Garlic Parmesan Pork Chops Recipe
Step 1: Preparing the Pan and Butter
Begin by heating a large skillet over medium heat to a warm, inviting temperature. Add the salted butter and let it melt completely, stirring slightly to coat the pan. This melted butter will create that golden crust on the pork chops and infuse the dish with deep buttery flavor.
Step 2: Seasoning the Pork Chops
Generously sprinkle salt and pepper over each pork chop, coating both sides evenly. This simple seasoning layer is essential because it enhances the meat’s natural flavor and helps form a tasty sear when cooked.
Step 3: Cooking the Pork Chops
Place the pork chops carefully into the hot buttered skillet. Fry each side for 4 to 5 minutes until you see that beautiful golden brown color developing. After searing, turn off the heat, cover the pan tightly with a lid, and let the chops rest for 8 to 10 minutes. This resting allows heat to finish cooking the meat gently and keep it juicy and tender. Once done, transfer the chops to a foil-tented plate to stay warm.
Step 4: Scraping Up the Pan Goodness
Don’t clean the skillet just yet! Use a spatula to scrape all those flavorful browned bits stuck to the pan’s surface. These little nuggets of flavor are what will make your sauce irresistible.
Step 5: Making the Creamy Garlic Sauce
Turn the heat back to medium-high and toss the minced garlic into the pan. Let it cook for about 1 to 2 minutes until it releases its fantastic aroma. Quickly stir in the flour and heavy cream, combining everything to form a smooth mixture. Bring it to a boil and then reduce the heat to a simmer for 2 minutes; this will help thicken the sauce to that perfect creamy consistency.
Step 6: Adding Parmesan and Parsley
Stir in the grated parmesan cheese and the minced fresh parsley until the sauce is silky and fully incorporated. The cheese melts into the sauce creating a nutty depth, while parsley adds a burst of fresh color and flavor that keeps the dish lively.
Step 7: Bringing It All Together
Carefully nestle the cooked pork chops back into the luscious cream sauce, warming them through for a minute or two. Your Creamy Garlic Parmesan Pork Chops Recipe is now ready to be plated and devoured!
How to Serve Creamy Garlic Parmesan Pork Chops Recipe
Garnishes
For an inviting finish, sprinkle a little extra fresh parsley or even some finely grated parmesan on top. This adds a fresh pop of green and a cheesy sparkle, making the dish look as delightful as it tastes.
Side Dishes
This dish pairs wonderfully with simple sides like creamy mashed potatoes, buttered noodles, or garlic roasted vegetables. The mild starches soak up the luscious sauce perfectly, while roasted greens bring balance with their caramelized notes.
Creative Ways to Present
For a twist, serve the pork chops over a bed of sautéed spinach or creamy risotto. Drizzle extra sauce over everything and garnish with edible flowers or microgreens for an elegant restaurant-like presentation that’s sure to impress your guests or family.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover pork chops with the creamy sauce can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors meld beautifully overnight, sometimes tasting even better the next day.
Freezing
You can freeze this dish, but for best results, freeze the pork chops and sauce separately in sealed containers to preserve freshness. They’ll keep well for up to 2 months.
Reheating
Reheat gently over low heat on the stovetop, stirring occasionally to prevent the sauce from breaking. Avoid microwaving at high power as it can make the cream sauce separate. Adding a splash of cream or milk during reheating refreshes the sauce’s texture and richness.
FAQs
Can I use bone-in pork chops for this recipe?
Absolutely! Bone-in pork chops will add extra flavor and juiciness. Just be sure to adjust the cooking time slightly since they tend to take a bit longer to cook through.
Is it possible to make this recipe dairy-free?
You can substitute the heavy cream with coconut cream and use a dairy-free parmesan alternative, though the flavor profile will be different. The creaminess and garlicky notes will still shine through!
What’s the best way to avoid overcooking the pork chops?
Once both sides are seared, turning off the heat and covering the pan allows the chops to finish cooking gently in their own juices, preventing dryness and keeping them tender.
Can I add other herbs besides parsley?
Definitely! Fresh thyme, rosemary, or chives would all complement the creamy garlic parmesan sauce nicely and add your own personal touch.
How thick should the pork chops be?
Chops around ¾ to 1 inch thick work best. Thinner chops can dry out quickly, and thicker chops may require longer cooking or finishing in the oven.
Final Thoughts
This Creamy Garlic Parmesan Pork Chops Recipe has become a treasured go-to in my kitchen whenever I want something that feels special without keeping me in the kitchen all evening. The rich, silky sauce paired with perfectly cooked pork chops is pure comfort with a gourmet touch. I truly hope you dig in and enjoy this wonderfully satisfying dish as much as I do!
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Creamy Garlic Parmesan Pork Chops Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Creamy Garlic Parmesan Pork Chops recipe features tender boneless pork chops cooked to golden perfection and smothered in a luscious garlic-infused Parmesan cream sauce. Perfectly seasoned and easy to prepare, this dish combines rich flavors and a comforting creamy texture for a satisfying family meal.
Ingredients
Pork Chops
- 4 boneless pork chops (approximately 3–4 ounces each)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1½ tablespoons salted butter
Sauce
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1½ cup heavy cream
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- ¾ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tablespoon minced fresh parsley
Instructions
- Heat the skillet: Heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add the butter and allow it to melt, stirring to coat the pan evenly with the melted butter.
- Season the pork chops: Sprinkle each pork chop on both sides with salt and pepper according to your taste preferences.
- Cook the pork chops: Place the pork chops into the skillet and cook each side for 4-5 minutes, or until both sides are golden brown. Then, turn off the heat, cover the skillet tightly with a lid, and let the pork chops sit for 8-10 minutes to finish cooking through. Once done, remove the pork chops and keep them warm on a foil-tented plate.
- Prepare the pan for sauce: Scrape the skillet to release all the flavorful browned bits left from cooking the pork chops. Do not clean the pan as these bits will add depth to the sauce.
- Make the sauce: Return the pan to medium-high heat. Add the minced garlic and cook for 1-2 minutes until fragrant. Stir in the flour and heavy cream quickly to combine. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to a simmer and cook for 2 minutes until the sauce thickens.
- Finish the sauce: Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese and fresh parsley. Continue stirring until everything is fully combined and heated through, creating a creamy, cheesy sauce.
- Serve: Return the pork chops to the pan with the sauce to coat them, then serve immediately. Enjoy your creamy garlic Parmesan pork chops!
Notes
- Using a lid to finish cooking the pork chops helps them stay moist and tender.
- Do not skip scraping the pan before making the sauce; those browned bits add excellent flavor.
- Make sure to simmer the sauce after adding cream and flour to reach the perfect consistency.
- Freshly grated Parmesan cheese melts better and offers superior flavor compared to pre-grated varieties.
- This dish pairs wonderfully with mashed potatoes, steamed vegetables, or a side salad.
