Creamy Garlic Pork Chops Recipe

I can’t get enough of these succulent pork chops drenched in a velvety garlic cream sauce that perfectly marries crispy seared exteriors with tender, juicy interiors. The rich blend of heavy cream and Parmesan elevates every bite while whole garlic cloves bring an irresistible, aromatic kick that makes this dish unforgettable.

I’m excited to share my recipe for Creamy Garlic Pork Chops. This recipe is a quick and tasty dinner idea that should take you about 30 minutes.

I start with 4 bone-in pork chops that are about 1 inch thick and season them with salt and black pepper, then I dust them lightly in 1/2 cup all-purpose flour. I heat up 2 tablespoons of olive oil and 2 tablespoons of butter in a pan until they melt together.

Once the chops get a nice sear, I add 8 whole garlic cloves along with 1/2 cup chicken broth which starts to build the flavor. Then I pour in 1 cup of heavy cream and stir in 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese to create that smooth sauce that just ties everything together.

This cozy and nutritional meal works perfectly whether you’re after a hearty pork dinner or even a low carb option for a quick bite. Enjoy!

Why I Like this Recipe

I love this recipe because it’s super fast to whip up – even on a busy night, I can have something tasty in about 30 minutes. I like how the pork chops get that crispy brown crust from being dredged in flour and seared in butter and oil. The garlic cream sauce is just amazing; the whole garlic cloves turn soft and sweet while adding tons of flavor to the heavy cream and Parmesan mix. Plus, I enjoy that it’s simple enough to follow without being overcomplicated, yet every bite feels like a home-cooked masterpiece.

Ingredients

• Pork Chops: Rich protein source, providing hearty flavor and satisfying texture.
• Garlic: Delivers robust aroma, boosts flavor, and may help immune system function.
• Olive Oil: Adds smooth, healthy fats, perfect for browning meat evenly.
• Chicken Broth: Supplies savory depth and moisture, enhancing overall taste profile.
• Heavy Cream: Brings creaminess and indulgence to the dish, making it luxuriously rich.
• Parmesan Cheese: Adds salty umami punch and extra flavor complexity.
• Salt & Pepper: Enhances natural flavors and balances the dish perfectly.
• All-Purpose Flour: Provides a light coating on pork; helps create a crispy texture when seared.
• Fresh Thyme/Parsley: Provides bright herby notes, giving the dish a fresh finish.

Ingredient Quantities

• 4 bone-in pork chops (about 1 inch thick)
• Salt and black pepper to taste
• 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 tablespoons butter
• 8 garlic cloves, whole (you can leave the skin on)
• 1/2 cup chicken broth
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• Optional: a few sprigs of fresh thyme or a handful of chopped parsley for garnish

How to Make this

1. Season your pork chops well with salt and pepper. Then dredge them in the all-purpose flour until they are evenly coated.

2. In a large skillet over medium-high heat, warm up the olive oil and melt the butter. Once the butter foams up, add the pork chops and sear them for about 4-5 minutes per side until they are nicely browned.

3. Remove the pork chops from the skillet and set them aside on a plate.

4. In the same skillet, add the whole garlic cloves and cook them for a minute or two until they start to turn golden and become fragrant.

5. Pour in the chicken broth, stirring constantly so you can lift any brown bits from the bottom of the pan.

6. Next, stir in the heavy cream and let the sauce simmer for about 2 minutes.

7. Add the grated Parmesan cheese to the sauce and mix well until it melts into the cream.

8. Return the pork chops to the skillet, spoon some of that yummy sauce over them, and let everything simmer together for another 5-7 minutes or until the pork chops are fully cooked.

9. If using, toss in a few sprigs of fresh thyme or sprinkle chopped parsley over the top for garnish.

10. Serve your creamy garlic pork chops hot, making sure each chop gets plenty of those delicious whole garlic cloves. Enjoy!

Equipment Needed

1. Large skillet – a heavy pan that can handle high heat for searing the pork chops so the fat renders nicely.
2. Shallow dish or bowl – to evenly coat the pork chops with all-purpose flour.
3. Measuring cups and spoons – for measuring olive oil, chicken broth, heavy cream, and Parmesan cheese precisely.
4. Plate – to set aside the seared pork chops.
5. Wooden spoon – for stirring the garlic and sauces; its length helps avoid burns and it can scrape up all those tasty brown bits off the pan.
6. Tongs or spatula – essential to turn and remove the pork chops safely from the skillet.

FAQ

• Q: Can I use boneless pork chops instead of bone-in?
  A: Sure, you can use boneless, but keep in mind that bone-in chops add extra flavor and help keep the meat moist so you might have to adjust cooking times.
• Q: Is it possible to use garlic powder instead of whole garlic?
  A: Yes, you could use garlic powder but fresh garlic gives a richer flavor and a nice texture to the sauce, so it’s best to stick with fresh if you can.
• Q: What can I use if I don’t have heavy cream?
  A: You can use half-and-half or a mix of milk and a little melted butter as a substitute. The sauce might be less thick though.
• Q: Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
  A: You can prep the pork chops ahead and even make the sauce a day before. Just be careful when reheating because the cream can separate if heated too fast.
• Q: What’s the best way to thicken the sauce if it’s too runny?
  A: If the sauce seems runny, you can simmer it a bit longer to reduce some of the liquid, or mix in a small amount of flour or cornstarch slurry to achieve your desired thickness.

Creamy Garlic Pork Chops Recipe Substitutions and Variations

• If you cant find bone-in pork chops, try using boneless ones, but just remember that they might cook faster.
• If you dont have all-purpose flour, you could use a gluten-free flour blend or even cornstarch mixed with a little water to coat the chops.
• If olive oil isn’t available, vegetable oil works pretty well too, though the flavor might be a bit different.
• If chicken broth is missing, you can use vegetable broth as a substitute.
• For heavy cream, you can mix whole milk with a couple of tablespoons of melted butter or use coconut cream if you’re looking for a dairy-free option.

Pro Tips

1. Make sure your pan is really hot before you add the pork chops so you can get that perfect sear. If it’s not hot enough, your chops might stick to the pan and end up overcooked.
2. When you add the garlic, watch it closely. It can burn faster than you think which can ruin the whole sauce so keep a close eye.
3. Use a spatula to scrape up any brown bits on the bottom when you pour in the chicken broth. Those bits pack a lot of flavor and really boost the taste of your sauce.
4. Don’t overcook the sauce after you add the Parmesan. Let it be thick enough to coat the chops but too much simmering might make it too heavy.