These pork chops are juicy and colorful, covered in a rich and creamy garlic sauce. You’ll love how easy they are to make and how tasty they turn out!
When I make this dish, I always end up licking the plate—seriously! It’s perfect served over rice or with some veggies on the side. Yummy and simple!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Pork Chops: Bone-in or boneless, both work well. I tend to use bone-in for more flavor, but boneless are easier to cook. If pork isn’t your thing, chicken breast or thighs can be a good swap, adjusting cooking times as necessary.
Mushrooms: I used sliced button mushrooms, but you can try cremini or shiitake for a deeper flavor. Don’t have mushrooms? You can skip them or replace them with spinach or zucchini for a veggie kick.
Heavy Cream: This gives the sauce its richness. For a lighter version, you can substitute with half-and-half, but the sauce will be less creamy. Coconut cream can be a great non-dairy alternative.
Chicken Broth: I recommend low-sodium chicken broth, but vegetable broth works too if you want to keep it vegetarian. This adds depth to the sauce!
How Do You Get Perfectly Searing Pork Chops?
Searing the pork chops is crucial for flavor. Follow these simple steps for a perfect sear:
- Make sure the pork chops are dry to avoid steaming. Pat them with paper towels before seasoning.
- Don’t overcrowd the pan. This helps achieve a nice golden crust. If needed, sear in batches.
- Let them cook undisturbed for the first 4-5 minutes. This helps to build that beautiful crust.
- Use medium-high heat for the right sear. If the pan starts smoking too much, lower the flame slightly.
With these tips, you’ll have juicy pork chops every time, paired beautifully with the creamy garlic sauce. Enjoy!
Pork Chops with Creamy Garlic Sauce
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 3-4 bone-in or boneless pork chops (about 1 inch thick)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 2 tablespoons olive oil or vegetable oil
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 8 oz mushrooms, sliced
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme or Italian seasoning
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley or spinach, chopped
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious recipe takes about 10 minutes to prepare and around 20 minutes to cook, making the total time approximately 30 minutes. It’s quick and perfect for a weeknight meal or even special occasions!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Pork Chops:
Start by patting the pork chops dry with paper towels. This is important for getting a good sear! Season both sides generously with salt and pepper to enhance their flavor.
2. Sear the Pork Chops:
Next, heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot, add the pork chops to the skillet. Sear them for about 4-5 minutes on each side until they are golden brown and cooked through (you want that internal temperature to reach about 145°F or 63°C). After cooking, remove the pork chops from the skillet and set them aside on a plate to rest.
3. Cook the Mushrooms:
In the same skillet, reduce the heat to medium. Add the unsalted butter and sliced mushrooms. Sauté them for about 4-5 minutes until the mushrooms are browned and softened. This step adds incredible flavor to your sauce!
4. Add the Garlic:
Now, add the minced garlic to the skillet and cook for about 30 seconds until it’s fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic—this is where the yummy aroma comes from!
5. Create the Creamy Sauce:
Pour in the chicken broth, scraping up any tasty browned bits left on the bottom of the skillet. These bits give additional flavor to your sauce! Stir in the heavy cream, dried thyme (or Italian seasoning), and grated Parmesan cheese. Let this simmer for about 3-5 minutes, stirring frequently, until it thickens slightly.
6. Add the Greens:
Add in the chopped parsley or spinach, mixing them into the sauce. This adds some color and a fresh touch!
7. Combine and Heat:
Return the pork chops to the skillet and spoon some of the sauce over them. Let them heat through for an additional 2 minutes so they soak up all that creamy goodness.
8. Serve and Enjoy:
Finally, serve the pork chops topped with the creamy garlic mushroom sauce immediately. Pair it with rice, mashed potatoes, or your favorite steamed vegetables for a complete and satisfying meal.
Enjoy your juicy pork chops bathed in a luscious, creamy garlic sauce!
Can I Use Different Types of Meat in This Recipe?
Yes! While pork chops are delicious, you can substitute them with chicken breasts or thighs. Just be sure to adjust the cooking times accordingly, as chicken may take a bit longer to cook through.
Can I Make This Sauce Ahead of Time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the creamy garlic sauce in advance and store it in the fridge for up to 2 days. When ready to serve, gently reheat it on the stove before adding the cooked pork chops back into the sauce.
How Do I Store Leftover Pork Chops?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, gently warm them in a skillet or microwave until heated through, adding a splash of cream if the sauce has thickened.
Can I Use Low-Fat Ingredients?
Yes, for a lighter version, you can use half-and-half instead of heavy cream and low-sodium chicken broth. Just keep in mind that the sauce will be less rich and creamy.
