Description
This Creamy Garlic Pork Chops recipe offers a comforting and flavorful dinner option that comes together in just 30 minutes. Tender boneless pork chops are seared to perfection, then topped with a savory garlic and onion cream sauce enriched with spinach and Parmesan cheese. It’s a perfect cozy dinner that’s both satisfying and easy to prepare.
Ingredients
Scale
Meat
- 4 pieces Boneless Pork Chops (Select tender cuts like ribeye or loin)
Oils & Fats
- 2 tablespoons Olive Oil (Substitute with avocado oil if preferred)
- 2 tablespoons Butter (Use unsalted to control sodium)
Spices & Seasonings
- 1 teaspoon Paprika (Adds depth and smokiness)
- to taste Salt
- to taste Pepper
- 1 teaspoon Italian Seasoning
- to taste Red Pepper Flakes (Adjust according to taste)
Vegetables & Aromatics
- 4 cloves Garlic (Minced, use fresh for best flavor)
- 1 medium Onion (Chopped yellow onion preferred)
- 2 cups Spinach Leaves (Can substitute with kale or arugula)
Liquids & Dairy
- 1 cup Chicken or Vegetable Stock (Choose low-sodium versions)
- ½ cup Half and Half (or Heavy Cream) (Consider coconut milk for dairy-free option)
- ¼ cup Parmesan Cheese (Optional)
Garnish
- to taste Fresh Parsley (For garnishing)
Instructions
- Prepare and Heat: Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Season the boneless pork chops with paprika, salt, and pepper. Sear for 3-5 minutes on each side until cooked through, achieving a golden crust. Remove the pork chops from the skillet and set aside.
- Cook Aromatics: Reduce the heat to medium-low. In the same skillet with the cooking juices, melt 2 tablespoons of unsalted butter. Add the minced garlic, chopped onion, Italian seasoning, and red pepper flakes. Cook this mixture until fragrant and the onions soften, about 1 minute.
- Deglaze and Reduce: Pour in 1 cup of chicken or vegetable stock. Allow the liquid to simmer and reduce slightly for 3-4 minutes to concentrate the flavors.
- Add Creaminess: Stir in ½ cup of half and half or heavy cream. Let the sauce come to a gentle simmer and thicken slightly. Season with salt and pepper to your taste.
- Incorporate Greens and Cheese: Add 2 cups of fresh spinach leaves to the sauce, stirring until wilted, about 1-2 minutes. Then mix in ¼ cup of grated Parmesan cheese, stirring until it melts smoothly into the sauce.
- Combine and Garnish: Return the seared pork chops to the skillet, spooning the creamy garlic sauce over them to coat. Finish by garnishing with freshly chopped parsley before serving to add a fresh, vibrant touch.
Notes
- For a dairy-free version, substitute half and half with coconut milk and omit Parmesan cheese or use a dairy-free alternative.
- Use low-sodium stock to better control the salt levels.
- Adjust red pepper flakes to modulate the spiciness according to preference.
- Make sure not to overcook the pork chops to keep them juicy and tender.
- Spinach can be replaced with kale or arugula as a green alternative.
