Quick & Easy One-Pan Creamy Garlic Parmesan Pork Chops: Your 30-Minute Weeknight Dinner
Transform your weeknights with these incredibly simple yet extraordinarily flavorful one-pan creamy garlic Parmesan pork chops. This recipe starts with a quick, aromatic spice rub, leading to perfectly seared, juicy pork chops. The grand finale is an ultra-creamy, rich Parmesan garlic sauce that comes together in the very same pan. The best part? The entire meal is ready in just about 30 minutes, utilizing common pantry staples, making it the ideal solution for busy evenings when you crave something homemade and delicious without the fuss.
This post is proudly sponsored by the Utah Pork Producers Association, celebrating the versatility and deliciousness of pork.
Pork is a fantastic protein for weeknight cooking – it’s naturally full of flavor, incredibly versatile, and exceptionally easy to work with. Boneless pork chops sear beautifully in just a matter of minutes, locking in moisture and tenderness. This makes them perfect for busy weeknights when you want a satisfying meal without spending hours in the kitchen. For a complete and comforting dinner, serve these creamy garlic pork chops with fluffy mashed potatoes, vibrant green beans, or a crusty loaf of bread – ideal for soaking up every last drop of that delectable sauce.
If you find yourself loving these juicy pork chops, be sure to explore my other popular recipes like French Onion Pork Chops and my BBQ Pork Chops for more delightful pork inspirations.
Recipe Highlights: Why You’ll Love This Dish
- Effortless One-Pan Cooking: Say goodbye to stacks of dishes! This entire creamy garlic pork chop recipe cooks in a single skillet, from searing the pork to simmering the luxurious sauce. This means less time scrubbing pots and pans and more time enjoying your meal, making it an absolute lifesaver for busy weeknights.
- Speedy 30-Minute Meal: From start to finish, these flavorful pork chops are ready in approximately 30 minutes. It’s a lightning-fast solution for those evenings when time is of the essence, proving that a quick meal doesn’t have to compromise on taste or quality.
- Irresistibly Creamy Garlic Sauce: The star of the show is undoubtedly the rich and velvety Parmesan garlic sauce. Crafted with fresh garlic, savory chicken broth, a touch of Italian seasoning, and rich heavy cream, it coats the pork chops in a blanket of incredible flavor with minimal effort, elevating simple ingredients to gourmet status.
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Essential Ingredients for Creamy Garlic Pork Chops
Gathering your ingredients is the first step to creating this delectable meal. Most of these are likely already in your pantry or easily found at any grocery store. Here’s what you’ll need:
- Boneless Pork Chops: For the most consistent cooking and juiciest results, aim for chops that are about three-fourths inch thick. This ensures they cook evenly and remain tender, preventing them from drying out during searing.
- Seasoning Blend: A simple yet powerful blend of garlic powder, vibrant paprika, salt, and freshly ground black pepper creates a flavorful rub that enhances the pork’s natural taste and helps achieve a beautiful crust.
- Olive Oil: Used for searing the pork chops, olive oil helps them achieve a golden-brown exterior and locks in their natural juices.
- Unsalted Butter: Essential for sautéing the minced garlic to perfection and adding a luxurious, rich depth to the creamy garlic Parmesan sauce.
- Fresh Garlic Cloves: Don’t skimp here! Eight cloves (roughly one whole head of garlic), freshly minced, provide the intense, aromatic garlic flavor that defines this dish. Fresh garlic is key for the best possible taste.
- Chicken Broth: This liquid gold is crucial for deglazing the pan, lifting all those flavorful browned bits from the bottom, and forming the savory base of your sauce.
- Italian Seasoning: A convenient blend of dried herbs like oregano, basil, thyme, and rosemary, Italian seasoning adds an aromatic depth and classic Mediterranean notes to the sauce.
- Heavy Cream: The secret to that incredibly smooth, thick, and velvety texture of the sauce. It brings richness and body, transforming simple ingredients into a gourmet experience.
- Grated Parmesan Cheese: Melts seamlessly into the creamy sauce, contributing a salty, nutty, and savory umami flavor that perfectly complements the garlic and pork. Freshly grated Parmesan offers superior flavor and texture compared to pre-shredded options.
For precise measurements, refer to the recipe card below.
Step-by-Step Instructions: Creating Your Creamy Garlic Pork Chops
Follow these simple steps to prepare your succulent one-pan creamy garlic Parmesan pork chops:
Step 1: Prepare the Pork Chops
Begin by patting your pork chops thoroughly dry with paper towels. This crucial step helps achieve a beautiful, crisp sear. In a small bowl, combine the garlic powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper. Generously rub this seasoning blend evenly over both sides of each pork chop, ensuring every inch is coated for maximum flavor.
Step 2: Sear the Pork Chops
Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Ensure the oil is shimmering before adding the pork. Carefully place the seasoned pork chops into the hot skillet. Sear for 3–4 minutes per side, or until they develop a beautiful golden-brown crust and are just cooked through. Use a meat thermometer to confirm an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C). Avoid overcrowding the pan; cook in batches if necessary to ensure a proper sear.
Step 3: Rest the Pork
Once cooked, transfer the seared pork chops to a clean plate and set them aside. Cover loosely with foil. Allowing the pork to rest for a few minutes is crucial; it allows the juices to redistribute throughout the meat, ensuring every bite is incredibly tender and juicy.
Step 4: Sauté the Garlic
Reduce the heat in your skillet to medium. Add the unsalted butter and allow it to melt, swirling to coat the pan. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for 1–2 minutes, stirring frequently. Be careful not to burn the garlic; you want it fragrant and lightly golden, not dark brown and bitter.
Step 5: Deglaze and Simmer
Pour in the chicken broth, making sure to scrape up any browned bits (known as “fond”) from the bottom of the pan with a wooden spoon. These bits are packed with flavor and will enrich your sauce. Stir in the Italian seasoning. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer and let it cook for 3-4 minutes to reduce slightly, concentrating the flavors.
Step 6: Create the Creamy Sauce
Reduce the heat to medium-low. Stir in the heavy cream and grated Parmesan cheese. Continue to stir gently until the cheese is completely melted and the sauce becomes beautifully creamy and slightly thickened, which should take about 3 minutes. Taste the sauce, and adjust the seasoning (salt and pepper) if needed to suit your preference.
Step 7: Serve and Enjoy!
Remove the pan from the heat. Return the rested pork chops to the skillet, nestling them into the creamy sauce. Spoon the luscious sauce generously over the pork until everything is wonderfully coated. Garnish with fresh parsley if desired for a pop of color and freshness. Serve immediately and prepare for rave reviews!
Handy Substitutions for Your Creamy Garlic Pork Chops
Don’t have an ingredient on hand, or simply want to customize this recipe? Here are some simple substitutions you can make:
- Protein Alternatives: While boneless pork chops are recommended for their quick cooking time, bone-in pork chops work beautifully too. Just be aware they may require a few extra minutes of cooking time to reach the proper internal temperature. You could also try this recipe with chicken breasts or chicken thighs for a similar creamy dish.
- Broth Options: If chicken broth isn’t available, vegetable broth or beef broth can be used as a flavorful alternative. For a quick fix, you can even use water combined with a bouillon cube or powder.
- Herb Blends: No Italian seasoning blend? No problem! You can create your own by combining equal parts dried oregano and basil, with a pinch of dried thyme or rosemary for added depth.
- Creamier Alternatives: For a slightly lighter sauce, use half-and-half instead of heavy cream, though the resulting sauce will be thinner. In a pinch, a spoonful or two of cream cheese can add richness and thickness, giving the sauce a subtle tangy note.
- Cheese Variations: If you’re out of Parmesan cheese, Pecorino Romano makes a wonderful, sharper substitute that will add a punchier, saltier flavor to the sauce.
Essential Equipment for This Recipe
To whip up these creamy garlic pork chops, you’ll need just a few basic kitchen tools:
- A sturdy cutting board and a sharp chef’s knife are essential for mincing garlic and any other prep work.
- A large skillet (cast iron or stainless steel works best) is crucial as it’s where you’ll cook both the pork chops and create the rich sauce.
- A meat thermometer, while not explicitly listed as “equipment” in the original, is absolutely essential for perfectly cooked and safe pork, as discussed in the “My Top Tip” section.
My Top Tip for Perfectly Juicy Pork Chops
In my kitchen, anything with garlic is a guaranteed hit, so these creamy garlic Parmesan pork chops are a no-brainer. I adore pork chops because they’re not only affordable and incredibly filling, but they also cook up fast without demanding much effort. It’s the ideal protein for a satisfying meal any day of the week.
My absolute top tip for this recipe, and any pork recipe for that matter, is to always use a reliable meat thermometer. The true secret to achieving consistently juicy, tender pork chops is to cook them to temperature, not just by guesswork or time. Pork is safely cooked and at its most delicious when it reaches an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C). Thicker chops or bone-in pork may require a slightly longer cooking time, while thinner cuts will cook faster. Relying on a thermometer ensures you never overcook and dry out your pork, guaranteeing a perfectly moist and flavorful result every single time.
This One-Pan Creamy Garlic Parmesan Pork Chops recipe is designed for maximum flavor with minimal effort. It’s the perfect answer to those busy weeknights when you crave a hearty, comforting, and utterly delicious meal without the extensive cleanup. Enjoy the succulent pork and the rich, irresistible sauce!
Did you make this recipe? I’d love to hear what you think! Please take a moment to leave a rating and review—it helps me create high-quality recipes and lets others know what to expect.
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One Pan Creamy Garlic Pork Chops
Equipment
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Large skillet
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Cutting board
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Chef’s knife
Ingredients
- 4 boneless pork chops about ¾ inch thick
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- salt and pepper to taste
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 8 cloves garlic minced
- ½ cup chicken broth
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- ⅔ cup heavy cream
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
Instructions
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Pat pork chops dry with paper towels. In a small bowl, mix garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. Rub the seasoning evenly over both sides of the pork chops.
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Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the pork chops and sear for 3–4 minutes per side, or until golden brown and just cooked through (internal temperature of 145°F/63°C). Transfer to a plate and set aside to rest.
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Reduce heat to medium. Add the butter to the same skillet and let it melt. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for 1–2 minutes, stirring frequently, until fragrant and lightly golden.
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Pour in the chicken broth and scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan. Stir in the Italian seasoning. Simmer for 3-4 minutes to reduce slightly.
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Reduce the heat to medium-low and stir in the heavy cream and Parmesan cheese. Stir until the cheese is melted and the sauce is creamy and slightly thickened, about 3 minutes. Taste the sauce, then adjust the seasoning if needed.
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Remove the pan from the heat and return the pork chops to the skillet. Spoon the sauce over the pork until everything is coated.
Video
Notes
Nutrition
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Yes, absolutely! Bone-in pork chops will work beautifully and may even offer a richer flavor. However, they typically require a few extra minutes of cooking time compared to boneless chops. Always use a meat thermometer to ensure they reach the safe internal temperature of 145°F (63°C) for best results.
The most reliable way to know your pork chops are perfectly cooked and juicy is by using a meat thermometer. Insert the thermometer through the side of the thickest part of the chop, avoiding the bone, until it reads 145°F (63°C). At this temperature, the pork will have a slight pink tint in the center, which is perfectly safe and indicates maximum juiciness.
These flavorful pork chops are incredibly versatile. They pair wonderfully with creamy mashed potatoes, steamed or roasted green beans, asparagus, broccoli, or a simple side salad. Crusty bread is also an excellent choice for soaking up every last bit of that delicious garlic Parmesan sauce.
Important Food Safety Tips
Ensuring food safety is paramount when cooking with meat. Please keep these guidelines in mind:
- Cook Pork to 145°F (63°C): Always use a reliable meat thermometer to verify the internal temperature of your pork. This prevents both undercooking (which can be unsafe) and overcooking (which results in dry, tough meat).
- Refrigerate Leftovers Promptly: To prevent bacterial growth, any leftover pork should be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator within two hours of cooking.
- Practice Proper Hygiene: Always wash your hands thoroughly with soap and warm water after handling raw meat. Use separate cutting boards and utensils for raw meat and other ingredients to avoid cross-contamination.
For more comprehensive food safety information and guidelines, please refer to USDA.gov.
More Delicious Pork & Creamy Recipes to Explore
If you loved these creamy garlic pork chops, you’re in for a treat! Here are more fantastic recipes featuring pork or similarly rich, creamy sauces that you’ll surely enjoy:
- One Pan Creamy Garlic Pork Chops
- French Onion Pork Chops
- Stovetop BBQ Pork Chops
- Creamy Kielbasa Smoked Sausage Pasta