Creamy Garlic Pork Chops (Ready in 30 Minutes!)
There are some dinners that feel like a reward at the end of a long day — the kind that taste indulgent, look impressive, and somehow still come together without stress. Creamy Garlic Pork Chops are exactly that kind of meal. Rich without being heavy, deeply savory without being complicated, and comforting in a way that feels both classic and modern, this dish earns a permanent spot in the weeknight rotation.
Pork chops have a reputation for being tricky — too often dry, bland, or overcooked. But when treated gently and paired with a silky garlic cream sauce, they become something truly special. This recipe is designed to be approachable, reliable, and fast, all while delivering restaurant-style flavor in just 30 minutes.
Whether you’re cooking for your family, hosting a casual dinner, or simply craving something cozy and satisfying, these creamy garlic pork chops strike the perfect balance between simplicity and indulgence.
Why Creamy Garlic Pork Chops Always Work
Garlic and cream are a timeless combination, but when they meet well-seared pork chops, magic happens. The pork provides a savory, meaty base that absorbs flavor beautifully, while the cream sauce wraps everything in richness without overwhelming the dish.
What makes this recipe especially appealing is its one-pan method. Browning the pork chops first builds flavor directly in the skillet, and that same skillet becomes the foundation for the sauce. Every browned bit left behind adds depth, creating a sauce that tastes slow-cooked even though it’s ready in minutes.
This is comfort food that doesn’t feel heavy-handed — elegant enough for guests, easy enough for a Tuesday night.
Ingredients
- 4 boneless pork chops (about 1 inch thick)
- Salt, to taste
- Black pepper, to taste
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 5 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- ½ teaspoon paprika
- ½ teaspoon dried thyme
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- Pat the pork chops dry with paper towels and season both sides generously with salt and black pepper.
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the pork chops and sear for 3–4 minutes per side until golden brown. Remove pork chops from the skillet and set aside.
- Reduce heat to medium and add butter to the same skillet. Once melted, add minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant, being careful not to brown it.
- Pour in chicken broth, scraping the bottom of the skillet to release any browned bits. Let simmer for 2–3 minutes to reduce slightly.
- Stir in heavy cream, Dijon mustard, paprika, and dried thyme. Bring to a gentle simmer.
- Add Parmesan cheese and stir until melted and the sauce thickens slightly.
- Return the pork chops to the skillet, spooning sauce over the top. Simmer for 5–7 minutes, or until the pork is cooked through and the sauce is creamy.
- Taste and adjust seasoning if needed. Garnish with fresh parsley and serve warm.
Creamy Garlic Pork Chops
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Season pork chops with salt and pepper on both sides.
- Heat olive oil in a skillet and sear pork chops until golden. Remove and set aside.
- Add butter and garlic to the skillet and sauté briefly.
- Deglaze the pan with chicken broth and simmer.
- Stir in cream, mustard, paprika, thyme, and Parmesan.
- Return pork chops to skillet and simmer until cooked through.
Notes
Tips for Perfectly Juicy Pork Chops
- Don’t overcook: Pork chops continue cooking slightly after being removed from heat. Pull them as soon as they reach doneness.
- Use thick chops: Thinner chops cook too quickly and dry out faster.
- Let the sauce simmer gently: High heat can cause cream to split. Keep it low and steady.
- Season in layers: Season the pork and the sauce separately for balanced flavor.
Flavor Variations You’ll Love
- Mushroom Garlic Pork Chops: Add sliced mushrooms after the garlic for an earthier sauce.
- Spinach Cream Sauce: Stir in fresh spinach at the end until wilted.
- Herb-Forward: Add fresh rosemary or thyme for extra aroma.
- Lemon Garlic: A squeeze of lemon juice brightens the richness beautifully.
What to Serve with Creamy Garlic Pork Chops
This dish pairs wonderfully with simple sides that soak up the sauce:
- Mashed potatoes or garlic mashed cauliflower
- Steamed green beans or roasted asparagus
- Buttered rice or egg noodles
- Crusty bread for swiping every drop of sauce
Why This Recipe Is Perfect for Busy Nights
With minimal prep, one pan, and a short cooking time, this recipe checks all the boxes for busy home cooks. Yet it doesn’t sacrifice flavor or presentation. It’s the kind of meal that feels comforting without being boring — familiar but elevated.
The creamy garlic sauce is the real star, but the pork chops hold their own, staying tender and flavorful thanks to proper searing and gentle simmering.
Make-Ahead and Storage Tips
- Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of cream or broth if needed.
- Avoid freezing if possible, as cream sauces can separate after thawing.
Final Thoughts
Creamy Garlic Pork Chops are proof that great food doesn’t need to be complicated. With a short ingredient list, a single skillet, and just 30 minutes, you get a dish that feels cozy, indulgent, and deeply satisfying.
Once you try this recipe, it’s likely to become a regular at your table — the kind of dependable favorite that always delivers.
