Garlic Parmesan Pork Chops

These Garlic Parmesan Pork Chops are a delightful dish that combines rich flavors with a creamy sauce, making them perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re hosting a dinner party or looking for an easy weeknight meal, these pork chops will impress your guests and satisfy your family. The unique blend of white wine, garlic, and Parmesan creates a savory experience that pairs beautifully with mashed potatoes, pasta, or roasted vegetables.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to Prepare: With straightforward steps, this recipe is simple enough for weeknight cooking.
• Rich Flavor: The combination of garlic and Parmesan offers a depth of flavor that enhances the pork.
• Versatile Side Options: Serve with mashed potatoes, veggies, or pasta to create a complete meal.
• Impressive Presentation: The creamy sauce and garnished pork chops look stunning on any dinner table.
• Tender and Juicy: Proper preparation ensures the pork stays moist and flavorful.

Tools and Preparation

Before you start cooking these Garlic Parmesan Pork Chops, make sure you have the right tools ready. A few essential kitchen gadgets can make the process smoother and more enjoyable.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Skillet
• Meat mallet
• Measuring cups
• Measuring spoons
• Spatula

Importance of Each Tool

• Skillet: A large skillet allows for even cooking and browning of the pork chops.
• Meat Mallet: Helps pound the pork to an even thickness, ensuring tenderness during cooking.
• Measuring Cups: Accurate measurements are crucial for creating the perfect sauce.
• Spatula: Ideal for deglazing the pan and scraping up all those delicious bits.

Ingredients

For the pork:
* 4 center-cut pork chops
* Salt and pepper, to taste
* 2 teaspoons Italian seasoning
* 1/4 cup flour (for dredging)
* 1–2 tablespoons olive oil

For the sauce:
* 1 cup chicken broth
* 3/4 cup beef broth (or substitute more chicken broth)
* 1/4 cup heavy cream
* 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
* 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
* 1 teaspoon honey
* 1/2 chicken bouillon cube
* 1/2 teaspoon each: onion powder, oregano, basil, parsley

Other:
* 3/4 cup dry white wine
* 4 cloves garlic, minced
* 3 tablespoons butter
* 3 tablespoons flour
* 1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
* 2 teaspoons fresh lemon juice (optional)

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How to Make Garlic Parmesan Pork Chops

Step 1: Prepare the Pork Chops

Place plastic wrap over the pork chops and use the textured side of a meat mallet to pound them to an even thickness for tenderness. Season both sides of the pork with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. If time allows, let them rest at room temperature for 35–45 minutes.

Step 2: Mix Sauce Ingredients

Mix all sauce ingredients in a measuring cup and set aside. Prepare all other ingredients before beginning to cook.

Step 3: Dredge the Pork Chops

Lightly dredge each pork chop in flour, rubbing it into the surface on both sides.

Step 4: Sear the Pork Chops

Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Sear the pork chops in batches for 2–3 minutes on one side; then flip them and cook for an additional 1–2 minutes. Set aside on a plate.

Step 5: Deglaze the Skillet

Turn off the heat. Add white wine to the skillet and scrape the bottom with a spatula to deglaze the pan. Turn on medium heat again and let it reduce for about 2 minutes.

Step 6: Cook Garlic

Add minced garlic to the skillet and cook for another 2–3 minutes until the wine reduces by half.

Step 7: Make Roux

Stir in butter and flour to create a roux. Cook for 1–2 minutes to remove any raw flour taste.

Step 8: Add Sauce Mixture

Slowly pour in prepared sauce mixture while stirring constantly. Bring to a boil then reduce heat to simmer for 8–10 minutes until thickened.

Step 9: Incorporate Parmesan

Lower heat further and gradually stir in freshly grated Parmesan cheese until melted and smooth. Stir in lemon juice if desired.

Step 10: Combine Pork Chops with Sauce

Return seared pork chops to skillet; spoon sauce over each chop. Heat through for about 3–5 minutes until warmed well.

Step 11: Serve

Garnish with fresh parsley before serving warm alongside your favorite sides.

Enjoy your flavorful Garlic Parmesan Pork Chops!

How to Serve Garlic Parmesan Pork Chops

Serving Garlic Parmesan Pork Chops is all about complementing their rich, savory flavors. Here are some delicious ideas to enhance your dining experience.

With Mashed Potatoes

• Creamy Mashed Potatoes: The smooth texture of mashed potatoes pairs perfectly with the sauce, soaking up every drop of flavor.
• Garlic Mashed Potatoes: For a flavor boost, mix in roasted garlic for a delightful twist that echoes the garlic in the chops.

Over Pasta

• Fettuccine: Serve the pork chops over fettuccine for a hearty meal. The creamy sauce clings beautifully to the pasta.
• Penne: Toss penne with the sauce for a quick and satisfying dish that’s easy to prepare.

Accompanied by Roasted Vegetables

• Roasted Carrots: Their sweetness balances the richness of the pork chops, adding color and nutrition to your plate.
• Brussels Sprouts: Crispy, caramelized Brussels sprouts provide a delightful crunch alongside the tender pork.

With a Fresh Salad

• Caesar Salad: Crisp romaine lettuce and crunchy croutons offer a refreshing contrast to the savory pork.
• Spinach Salad: A light spinach salad with a tangy vinaigrette can brighten up your meal.

How to Perfect Garlic Parmesan Pork Chops

To achieve perfectly cooked Garlic Parmesan Pork Chops, consider these helpful tips:

• Pound for tenderness: Use a meat mallet to pound the pork chops to an even thickness. This helps them cook evenly and stay juicy.
• Let rest at room temperature: Allowing the seasoned pork to sit out for 35–45 minutes enhances flavor and moisture retention during cooking.
• Sear on high heat: Start with medium-high heat when searing the chops. This gives them a nice golden crust while keeping them tender inside.
• Deglaze properly: After searing, use white wine to deglaze the pan. Scraping up brown bits adds depth and richness to your sauce.
• Gradually add cheese: Stir in freshly grated Parmesan cheese slowly until melted. This ensures a smooth and creamy sauce without clumps.
• Garnish before serving: Finish with fresh parsley for a pop of color and added freshness that brightens the dish.

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Best Side Dishes for Garlic Parmesan Pork Chops

Choosing the right side dishes can elevate your Garlic Parmesan Pork Chops meal. Here are some great options:

1. Garlic Bread: A crunchy loaf of garlic bread is perfect for mopping up any leftover sauce on your plate.
2. Steamed Broccoli: Lightly steamed broccoli provides a nutritious green option that balances out rich flavors.
3. Quinoa Salad: A refreshing quinoa salad with cucumbers and tomatoes adds texture and complements the pork nicely.
4. Creamed Spinach: Rich creamed spinach offers comfort and pairs well with the creamy sauce from the pork chops.
5. Rice Pilaf: Fluffy rice pilaf flavored with herbs makes an excellent base for soaking up all that delicious garlic Parmesan sauce.
6. Coleslaw: A tangy coleslaw adds crunch and freshness, contrasting beautifully with the tender pork chops.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When preparing Garlic Parmesan Pork Chops, it’s easy to make some common mistakes. Here are a few to watch out for:

• Skipping the resting time: Letting the pork chops rest at room temperature before cooking helps lock in moisture and enhances flavor.
• Not properly seasoning: Failing to season generously with salt, pepper, and herbs can lead to bland pork chops. Always season both sides well.
• Overcrowding the skillet: Cooking too many pork chops at once can lower the skillet’s temperature, resulting in uneven cooking. Sear them in batches if necessary.
• Neglecting to deglaze: If you don’t scrape up the browned bits after searing, you miss out on flavor in your sauce. Always deglaze the pan with white wine or broth.
• Using pre-grated cheese: Pre-grated Parmesan often contains additives that prevent melting smoothly. Grate fresh cheese for the best texture and flavor.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store Garlic Parmesan Pork Chops in an airtight container.
• They can be refrigerated for up to 3 days.

Freezing Garlic Parmesan Pork Chops

• Wrap each pork chop tightly in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer-safe bag.
• They can be frozen for up to 3 months.

Reheating Garlic Parmesan Pork Chops

• Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the pork chops in an oven-safe dish and cover with foil. Heat for about 15-20 minutes.
• Microwave: Place the pork chop on a microwave-safe plate and cover it. Heat on medium power for 1-2 minutes, checking frequently.
• Stovetop: Heat a skillet over medium heat and add a little oil or butter. Reheat each chop for about 3-4 minutes on each side until warmed through.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use other cuts of pork for Garlic Parmesan Pork Chops?

You can substitute other cuts like boneless loin chops or even tenderloin. Adjust cooking times as needed based on thickness.

What sides pair well with Garlic Parmesan Pork Chops?

This dish complements mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, or pasta beautifully. Choose your favorite side!

How can I customize the sauce?

Feel free to add herbs like thyme or rosemary for extra flavor. You can also adjust the creaminess by adding more heavy cream or broth.

Can I make this recipe without wine?

Yes! You can replace white wine with additional chicken broth if desired. The flavor will still be delicious!

Final Thoughts

Garlic Parmesan Pork Chops are an impressive yet simple dish bursting with flavor. Their creamy sauce makes them versatile enough to pair with various sides like pasta or veggies. Don’t hesitate to customize this recipe by adding your favorite herbs or sides!