If you’re craving a dish that combines bold flavors with comforting textures, let me introduce you to the incredible Garlic Parmesan Pork Chops Recipe. This recipe brings together tender, juicy pork chops coated in a rich, garlicky Parmesan sauce that feels both hearty and elegant. Every bite bursts with a creamy, savory sauce that lovingly hugs the meat, making it an instant favorite for weeknight dinners or weekend gatherings. Trust me, once you try this Garlic Parmesan Pork Chops Recipe, it’ll quickly become your go-to meal when you want something that feels special without putting in hours in the kitchen.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this Garlic Parmesan Pork Chops Recipe lies in its use of simple ingredients that pack a flavorful punch. Each component is chosen not just for taste but for texture and color, resulting in a dish that looks as good as it tastes.
- 4 pork chops (center cut recommended): Perfect for even cooking and great texture.
- Salt and pepper: Essential basics that elevate every flavor.
- 2 teaspoons Italian seasoning: Adds a fragrant herb blend for depth.
- ¼ cup flour: Creates a light coating on the pork and thickens the sauce.
- 1-2 tablespoons olive oil: For a nicely seared crust on the pork chops.
- 1 cup chicken broth: Adds savory moisture to the sauce.
- ¾ cup beef broth (or substitute chicken broth): Deepens the sauce’s flavor complexity.
- ¼ cup heavy cream: Brings luxurious richness to the sauce.
- 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce: A subtle hint of umami flavor.
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard: Adds a subtle tanginess and balances the creaminess.
- 1 teaspoon honey: Just a touch of sweetness to round out the sauce.
- ½ chicken bouillon cube: Boosts the broth’s savoriness.
- ½ teaspoon each onion powder, oregano, basil, parsley: Layered herbs and spices for aromatic depth.
- ¾ cup dry white wine: Adds bright acidity and complexity (optional but highly recommended).
- 4 cloves garlic, minced: The star flavor that transforms this dish.
- 3 tablespoons butter: For richness and a silky sauce finish.
- 3 tablespoons flour: Helps thicken the sauce to perfect consistency.
- ½ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese: Adds a nutty, savory element that defines the dish.
- 2 teaspoons fresh lemon juice (optional): A fresh zing that brightens the sauce beautifully.
How to Make Garlic Parmesan Pork Chops Recipe
Step 1: Tenderize and Season the Pork Chops
Start by placing a sheet of saran wrap over your pork chops and gently pounding them with the textured side of a meat mallet. This tenderizing step is key to juicy, melt-in-your-mouth pork. After tenderizing, season each side generously with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. For best results, let the pork sit at room temperature for about 35-45 minutes. This waiting time allows the seasoning to penetrate deeply, enhancing the flavor and juiciness throughout the meat.
Step 2: Prepare the Sauce Ingredients
While the pork rests, combine the chicken broth, beef broth, heavy cream, Worcestershire sauce, Dijon mustard, honey, bouillon cube, onion powder, oregano, basil, parsley, and white wine in a large measuring cup or bowl. Having these ready at hand makes the cooking process smooth and stress-free. It also ensures the sauce doesn’t overcook or separate during preparation.
Step 3: Dust and Sear the Pork Chops
Sprinkle the pork chops evenly with flour and rub it over their surface to help create a beautiful crust. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat and sear the chops in batches. Cook them for about 2-3 minutes on the first side and 1-2 minutes on the second side. If your pork chops are extra thick, allowing a little more time will ensure even cooking. Once finished, set the pork aside to rest, preserving all those lovely juices.
Step 4: Build the Sauce in the Skillet
With the pork resting, turn off the heat briefly before pouring the white wine into the skillet. Then, switch the heat back to medium and use a silicone spatula to scrape up the browned bits (fond) stuck to the pan—these bits are liquid gold for flavor! Let the wine reduce gently for 2 minutes. Next, add the minced garlic and cook for another 2-3 minutes until the liquid halves in volume and the garlic softens, infusing the sauce with incredible aroma.
Step 5: Create the Creamy Base
Add butter and flour to the skillet and stir constantly for 1-2 minutes. This step cooks off the raw flour taste while thickening the sauce base to a luscious consistency. Pour the sauce mixture into the skillet slowly in small splashes, stirring continuously to blend it perfectly. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to simmer for 8-10 minutes, allowing all flavors to meld and the sauce to thicken beautifully.
Step 6: Finish with Parmesan and Lemon
Turn the heat to low and gently sprinkle in the freshly grated Parmesan cheese, stirring constantly to melt it smoothly into the sauce. Add fresh lemon juice at this stage if you’re using it; the citrus adds a wonderful brightness that cuts through the richness perfectly. Finally, nestle the pork chops back into the skillet, spooning the sauce over them to coat evenly. Let them heat through for 3-5 minutes to absorb every bit of that garlicky, cheesy goodness.
How to Serve Garlic Parmesan Pork Chops Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of fresh parsley on top adds a burst of color and a hint of freshness that balances the creamy sauce. If you love a little extra zing, a dusting of extra Parmesan cheese or a lemon wedge on the side brightens the plate and makes it look restaurant-worthy.
Side Dishes
Mashed potatoes are an absolute dream alongside these pork chops, soaking up every bit of the rich Garlic Parmesan sauce. Roasted carrots or green beans add a nice sweet crunch and vibrant color, while a simple garden salad keeps the meal fresh and light. You can’t go wrong with classic comfort sides here!
Creative Ways to Present
For an impressive dinner presentation, serve the pork chops on a bed of creamy mashed potatoes or garlic-infused polenta. Drizzle extra sauce artistically around the plate and top with microgreens or edible flowers for a touch of elegance. If you’re feeding a crowd, a large platter garnished with fresh herbs invites everyone to dig in family-style.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover Garlic Parmesan Pork Chops in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Make sure the pork chops are fully cooled before putting them away to preserve moisture and flavor. Keep the sauce separate when possible for better texture upon reheating.
Freezing
To freeze, wrap pork chops tightly in plastic wrap and place them in a heavy-duty freezer bag or container. The sauce can be frozen separately in a freezer-safe jar or container. Use within 2 months for best quality. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Reheating
Reheat pork chops gently in a skillet over low heat with a splash of broth or water to keep them moist. Warm the sauce separately in a small saucepan, stirring occasionally. Combining pork and sauce at the end ensures the chops stay tender and the sauce remains silky.
FAQs
Can I use bone-in pork chops for this Garlic Parmesan Pork Chops Recipe?
Absolutely! Bone-in chops can add extra flavor and moisture, though you might need to adjust cooking time slightly to ensure they cook through without drying out.
What can I substitute for dry white wine in the sauce?
If you prefer to skip the wine, you can use extra chicken broth with a splash of lemon juice or white grape juice for acidity. Just remember the wine adds a subtle complexity worth preserving if possible.
Is it okay to use pre-grated Parmesan cheese?
Freshly grated Parmesan melts better and offers a superior flavor, but pre-grated cheese works in a pinch. Just avoid powdered Parmesan as it won’t provide the creamy texture needed.
How do I know when the pork chops are fully cooked?
Use a meat thermometer to check for an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C). Rest the meat a few minutes after cooking to let the juices redistribute for maximum tenderness.
Can this recipe be adapted for chicken breasts instead of pork chops?
Yes! The sauce and seasoning work wonderfully with chicken breasts. Adjust cooking time accordingly and ensure the chicken reaches a safe internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
Final Thoughts
I can’t recommend this Garlic Parmesan Pork Chops Recipe enough for anyone looking to impress with a dish that feels both comforting and special. The combination of garlic, Parmesan, and herbs creates an irresistible sauce that elevates simple pork chops into a meal you’ll crave again and again. Give it a try, invite a friend over, and watch everyone fall in love with this deliciously creamy, flavorful dinner!
Print
Delicious Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Description
Tender and flavorful Garlic Parmesan Pork Chops seared to perfection and simmered in a rich garlic, white wine, and Parmesan cream sauce. This comforting dish is perfect for a family dinner, pairing beautifully with mashed potatoes and roasted carrots.
Ingredients
Pork Chops
- 4 center-cut pork chops
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 2 teaspoons Italian seasoning
- ¼ cup flour
- 1–2 tablespoons olive oil
Sauce
- 1 cup chicken broth
- ¾ cup beef broth (or substitute with chicken broth)
- ¼ cup heavy cream
- 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- 1 teaspoon honey
- ½ chicken bouillon cube
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon oregano
- ½ teaspoon basil
- ½ teaspoon parsley
- ¾ cup dry white wine
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 3 tablespoons butter
- 3 tablespoons flour
- ½ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 teaspoons fresh lemon juice (optional)
Instructions
- Tenderize Pork Chops: Place saran wrap over the pork chops and use the textured side of a meat mallet to gently pound the meat, making it more tender.
- Season Chops: Season both sides of each pork chop with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. If possible, let the chops sit at room temperature for 35-45 minutes to allow the salt to penetrate and enhance juiciness. If short on time, season just before searing.
- Prepare Sauce Ingredients: In a large measuring cup with a spout, combine chicken broth, beef broth, heavy cream, Worcestershire sauce, Dijon mustard, honey, chicken bouillon cube, onion powder, oregano, basil, and parsley. Set aside and measure remaining ingredients before cooking.
- Flour Pork Chops: Lightly sprinkle flour on both sides of the pork chops and rub it evenly over the surface to help create a nice crust.
- Sear Pork Chops: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add pork chops in batches if needed and sear for 2-3 minutes on the first side and 1-2 minutes on the second side (extra thick cuts may require slightly longer). Once seared, set chops aside to rest.
- Deglaze and Reduce Wine: Turn off the heat briefly, then pour in the white wine. Turn heat back to medium and use a silicone spatula to scrape the bottom and sides of the skillet to loosen browned bits (fond). Bring to a gentle bubble and reduce the wine for 2 minutes. Add minced garlic and cook for another 2-3 minutes until the liquid reduces by half.
- Make Roux: Add butter and flour to the skillet, stirring to combine. Cook for 1-2 minutes to eliminate the raw flour taste.
- Add Sauce Mixture: Gradually pour in the prepared sauce mixture in small splashes while stirring continuously. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat to a simmer. Let the sauce simmer and reduce for about 8-10 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Add Parmesan and Lemon: Reduce heat to low and gradually sprinkle in the freshly grated Parmesan cheese, stirring constantly until melted and smooth. Stir in fresh lemon juice if using for a bright finish.
- Finish Pork Chops: Return the pork chops to the skillet, spoon the sauce over them, and heat through for 3-5 minutes. Garnish with fresh parsley and serve immediately with mashed potatoes and roasted carrots.
Notes
- Using center-cut pork chops works best due to uniform thickness and tenderness.
- Allowing the chops to come to room temperature before cooking enhances flavor and juiciness.
- Dry white wine adds depth to the sauce, but non-alcoholic substitutes can be used if preferred.
- Freshly grated Parmesan cheese provides the best flavor and texture compared to pre-grated.
- The lemon juice is optional but adds a nice brightness to balance the rich sauce.
- For gluten-free, substitute all-purpose flour with gluten-free flour blends for dredging and the roux.
