These Garlic Parmesan Pork Chops are a delightful dish that combines rich flavors with ease of preparation. Whether you’re hosting a dinner party or enjoying a cozy family meal, these pork chops are sure to impress. Their savory sauce made from white wine, garlic, and Parmesan cheese creates an irresistible coating that enhances the pork’s natural tenderness. Serve them with mashed potatoes, pasta, or roasted veggies for a complete meal that satisfies.
Why You’ll Love This Garlic Parmesan Pork Chops
This recipe is a true crowd-pleaser!
- Easy to Prepare: With straightforward ingredients and simple steps, you can whip up this dish without stress.
- Rich Flavor: The combination of white wine and garlic creates a depth of flavor that’s hard to resist.
- Versatile Serving Options: Pair these chops with your favorite sides like pasta, rice, or seasonal vegetables.
- Perfect for Any Occasion: These pork chops shine whether it’s an everyday dinner or a special celebration.
- Impressive Presentation: The creamy sauce and golden-brown chops look stunning on any plate.
Tools and Preparation
Before diving into the cooking process, gather your tools to ensure everything runs smoothly.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Skillet
- Meat mallet
- Measuring cups
- Measuring spoons
- Spatula
- Whisk
Importance of Each Tool
- Skillet: A heavy skillet helps achieve the perfect sear on your pork chops, locking in juices.
- Meat mallet: Pounding the pork ensures even cooking and tenderness throughout each chop.
- Measuring cups: Precision in measuring ingredients ensures consistent flavor every time.
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)
How to Make Garlic Parmesan Pork Chops
Step 1: Prepare the Pork Chops
Place plastic wrap over the pork chops and pound them with the textured side of a meat mallet until they reach an even thickness. This enhances tenderness.
Step 2: Season the Pork
Season both sides of the pork chops with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. If possible, let them rest at room temperature for 35–45 minutes before cooking.
Step 3: Mix Sauce Ingredients
In a measuring cup, combine all sauce ingredients. Set aside while preparing other components.
Step 4: Dredge the Pork Chops
Lightly dredge each seasoned pork chop in flour. Ensure you rub it into both sides for an even coating.
Step 5: Sear the Pork Chops
In a large skillet over medium-high heat, heat olive oil. Sear the pork chops for 2–3 minutes on one side until golden brown. Flip and cook for another 1–2 minutes. Remove from skillet and set aside.
Step 6: Deglaze the Pan
Turn off the heat temporarily. Pour in the white wine while scraping the bottom of the skillet with a spatula to deglaze it. Turn heat back to medium and let it reduce for about 2 minutes.
Step 7: Cook Garlic
Add minced garlic to the skillet and cook for an additional 2–3 minutes until reduced by half.
Step 8: Create a Roux
Stir in butter and flour to create a roux. Cook for 1–2 minutes to eliminate any raw flour taste.
Step 9: Combine Sauce Mixture
Slowly pour in your prepared sauce mixture while stirring constantly. Bring this to a boil before reducing it to simmer for approximately 8–10 minutes until thickened.
Step 10: Add Cheese
Lower heat again and gradually stir in freshly grated Parmesan cheese until melted and smooth. Add lemon juice if desired.
Step 11: Return Pork Chops
Return seared pork chops back into the skillet. Spoon sauce over them and heat through for about 3–5 minutes until fully warmed.
Step 12: Serve
Garnish with fresh parsley before serving warm alongside your choice of sides.
Enjoy your delicious Garlic Parmesan Pork Chops!
How to Serve Garlic Parmesan Pork Chops
Garlic Parmesan Pork Chops are versatile and can be paired with a variety of sides to create a delicious meal. Whether you’re hosting a dinner party or enjoying a family meal, these serving suggestions will elevate your dining experience.
With Mashed Potatoes
- Creamy Mashed Potatoes: The richness of garlic parmesan sauce complements fluffy mashed potatoes perfectly.
- Garlic Mashed Potatoes: For an extra kick, infuse your mashed potatoes with roasted garlic.
Over Pasta
- Fettuccine Alfredo: Serve the pork chops on a bed of creamy fettuccine for a comforting dish.
- Pasta Primavera: Fresh veggies tossed with pasta provide a light balance to the savory flavors of the pork.
With Roasted Vegetables
- Seasonal Roasted Veggies: Carrots, broccoli, and bell peppers roasted until tender enhance the meal’s nutritional value.
- Garlic Brussels Sprouts: Sautéed Brussels sprouts with garlic make for a flavorful side that pairs nicely.
On a Salad
- Caesar Salad: The crisp romaine and tangy dressing complement the rich flavors of the pork chops beautifully.
- Mixed Greens Salad: A light vinaigrette over mixed greens adds freshness to your plate.
How to Perfect Garlic Parmesan Pork Chops
Achieving perfectly cooked Garlic Parmesan Pork Chops is easier than you think. Here are some tips to ensure they turn out tender and flavorful every time.
- Use Room Temperature Pork: Letting the pork sit at room temperature before cooking helps it cook evenly.
- Pound for Tenderness: Use a meat mallet to pound the pork chops; this breaks down fibers and ensures tenderness.
- Sear Properly: Searing in hot oil creates a delicious crust while keeping the inside juicy. Don’t overcrowd the pan!
- Deglaze the Pan: After searing, deglazing with white wine captures all those tasty brown bits for your sauce.
- Fresh Ingredients Matter: Use fresh garlic and grated Parmesan cheese for maximum flavor and texture in your dish.
- Monitor Cooking Time: To prevent dryness, check internal temperature; they should reach 145°F (63°C).
Best Side Dishes for Garlic Parmesan Pork Chops
Pairing these Garlic Parmesan Pork Chops with the right sides can elevate your meal. Here are some great options that complement this dish well.
- Garlic Bread: A crusty bread topped with garlic butter adds an irresistible crunch to your plate.
- Rice Pilaf: Fluffy rice with herbs provides a neutral base that absorbs the delicious sauce.
- Creamed Spinach: Rich and creamy, this dish adds a comforting touch while offering greens to your meal.
- Roasted Sweet Potatoes: Their natural sweetness balances the savory flavors of the pork chops beautifully.
- Coleslaw: A tangy slaw provides crunch and acidity, cutting through richness while adding color to your plate.
- Quinoa Salad: A light quinoa salad with veggies offers a nutritious option that pairs well without overwhelming flavors.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
When preparing Garlic Parmesan Pork Chops, it’s easy to make a few common mistakes that can impact the final dish. Here are some pitfalls to watch out for:
- Skipping the resting period: Not letting the pork chops rest at room temperature can result in dry meat. Always allow them to sit for 35–45 minutes if possible.
- Overcooking the pork: Cooking pork chops for too long makes them tough. Aim for a golden-brown sear and check internal temperatures with a meat thermometer.
- Using low-quality wine: Cheap wine can ruin your sauce. Choose a good quality dry white wine like Sauvignon Blanc for the best flavor.
- Not seasoning enough: Under-seasoning can lead to bland chops. Generously season with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning before cooking.
- Neglecting fresh ingredients: Using dried garlic or old Parmesan cheese may lead to less flavor. Freshly minced garlic and freshly grated Parmesan will elevate your dish.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store leftovers in an airtight container.
- They will last up to 3–4 days in the fridge.
- Ensure the dish is cooled before sealing it.
Freezing Instructions
- Place pork chops in freezer-safe bags or containers.
- They can be frozen for up to 3 months.
- Label containers with date and contents for easy identification.
Reheating Instructions
- Oven: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Place chops on a baking sheet, cover with foil, and heat for about 15-20 minutes until warmed through.
- Microwave: Place pork chops in a microwave-safe dish. Cover loosely with a lid or damp paper towel, heating in 30-second intervals until hot.
- Stovetop: Heat a skillet over medium heat. Add a little oil or butter and warm the pork chops for 5-7 minutes, flipping occasionally until heated through.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I ensure my Garlic Parmesan Pork Chops are tender?
To achieve tender results, pound the pork chops evenly before seasoning them. This helps break down muscle fibers and promotes tenderness during cooking.
Can I use other types of meat instead of pork?
Yes! This Garlic Parmesan recipe works well with chicken breasts or turkey cutlets as alternatives to pork. Adjust cooking times accordingly based on the meat used.
What sides pair well with Garlic Parmesan Pork Chops?
These flavorful chops go wonderfully with mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, or pasta tossed in light olive oil or cream sauce for a complete meal experience.
How can I customize this Garlic Parmesan Pork Chops recipe?
Feel free to add herbs like thyme or rosemary for additional flavors. You could also experiment with different cheeses such as Asiago or Pecorino Romano for variation.
Final Thoughts
Garlic Parmesan Pork Chops are not only delicious but also versatile enough to impress at any dinner table. With customizable options and simple ingredients, they can easily become your go-to weeknight meal. Give this recipe a try and enjoy its rich flavors paired with your favorite sides!
Garlic Parmesan Pork Chops
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: Serves 4
Description
Garlic Parmesan Pork Chops are a mouthwatering main dish that effortlessly combines rich flavors with straightforward preparation. Juicy, tender pork chops are seared to perfection and enveloped in a creamy garlic sauce enhanced by white wine and fresh Parmesan cheese. Ideal for any occasion, these flavorful chops shine on a dinner table, whether it’s a casual family meal or a festive gathering. Pair them with creamy mashed potatoes, al dente pasta, or seasonal roasted vegetables for a satisfying and complete meal that will impress your guests.
Ingredients
- 4 center-cut pork chops
- Salt and pepper
- Italian seasoning
- Olive oil
- White wine
- Garlic
- Chicken broth
- Heavy cream
- Parmesan cheese
Instructions
- Pound the pork chops with a meat mallet to an even thickness.
- Season both sides with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. Allow resting at room temperature for 35-45 minutes.
- Lightly dredge each chop in flour.
- Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat; sear the chops until golden brown on both sides and remove from the skillet.
- Deglaze the skillet with white wine, then add garlic and cook briefly.
- Stir in butter and flour to create a roux, then add chicken broth, heavy cream, and Parmesan cheese; simmer until thickened.
- Return the pork chops to the skillet, spoon sauce over them, and heat through before serving.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Skillet
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 pork chop (180g)
- Calories: 370
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 820mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 9g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 36g
- Cholesterol: 110mg
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