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Last Sunday, I made these for dinner and Max took his first bite, closed his eyes, and said "Mom, this tastes like the fancy restaurant where we had my birthday!" He was right; the crispy edges, juicy interior, and that velvety garlic parmesan sauce coating every piece tasted exactly like something you'd pay thirty dollars for at a steakhouse. These garlic parmesan pork chops prove that restaurant quality dinners don't require culinary school training, just understanding how to properly sear pork chops and make a simple pan sauce that transforms ordinary ingredients into extraordinary comfort food.
Jump to:
- What is Garlic Parmesan Pork Chops
- How To Make Garlic Parmesan Pork Chops
- What Pairs Well With Garlic Parmesan Pork Chops?
- Garlic Parmesan Pork Chops Variations
- Equipment
- Storage Tips
- Garlic Parmesan Pork Chops Top Tips
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Your New Weeknight Dinner Winner
- Related
- Garlic Parmesan Pork Chops
What is Garlic Parmesan Pork Chops
Garlic parmesan pork chops are pan seared bone in or boneless pork chops finished in a rich cream sauce made with butter, minced garlic, freshly grated parmesan cheese, and heavy cream that creates a silky coating on perfectly cooked juicy pork. Unlike plain seasoned pork chops that can taste dry and boring, this creamy garlic parmesan pork chops recipe builds layers of flavor through proper searing technique that creates a golden crust, then uses the flavorful browned bits in the pan to make an incredible sauce. The result is tender baked parmesan pork chops that stay moist while developing deep savory flavor from the garlic butter sauce.
How To Make Garlic Parmesan Pork Chops
Our garlic parmesan pork chops recipe uses a two temperature searing method—high heat first to develop crust, then lower heat to finish cooking through without burning the outside. The secret is making the creamy parmesan sauce right in the same skillet using the browned bits left from searing, which adds incredible depth of flavor instead of starting with a clean pan. This method guarantees juicy garlic parmesan pork chops with restaurant quality sauce every single time.
Garlic Parmesan Pork Chops Ingredients
For the Pork Chops:
- 4 bone in pork chops, about 1 inch thick
- 2 teaspoons salt
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon paprika
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
For the Creamy Garlic Parmesan Sauce:
- 3 tablespoons butter
- 6 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- ¾ cup freshly grated parmesan cheese
- ½ teaspoon Italian seasoning
- ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
- Salt and black pepper to taste
Step by Step Method
Season Pork Chops Generously
- Pat pork chops completely dry with paper towels
- Mix salt, pepper, garlic powder, and paprika together
- Season both sides of each pork chop liberally
- Let chops sit at room temperature 15 minutes before cooking
Sear Pork Chops to Golden Perfection
- Heat olive oil in large skillet over medium high heat until shimmering
- Add pork chops and sear 4 to 5 minutes without moving
- Flip and sear other side 4 to 5 minutes until golden brown
- Internal temperature should reach 145 degrees F
Remove and Rest Pork Chops
- Transfer cooked pork chops to plate and tent with foil
- Do not wipe out the skillet—those brown bits are flavor gold
- Let chops rest while you make the sauce
- Resting keeps juices inside meat instead of running out
Create Garlic Butter Base
- Reduce heat to medium and add butter to same skillet
- Add minced garlic and cook 1 minute until fragrant
- Scrape up all the brown bits from bottom of pan
- The browned bits add incredible savory depth to sauce
Build Creamy Parmesan Sauce
- Pour in heavy cream and stir to combine with garlic butter
- Bring to gentle simmer and let thicken for 2 to 3 minutes
- Stir in grated parmesan cheese until melted and smooth
- Add Italian seasoning and red pepper flakes if using
Finish Pork Chops in Sauce
- Return pork chops to skillet with any accumulated juices
- Spoon sauce over chops and simmer 2 to 3 minutes
- The chops absorb flavor and sauce thickens more
- Garnish with fresh chopped parsley before serving
What Pairs Well With Garlic Parmesan Pork Chops?
These creamy garlic parmesan pork chops pair beautifully with mashed potatoes, garlic parmesan roasted potatoes, or creamy polenta that soak up the incredible sauce. Try them with steamed green beans, roasted asparagus, or sautéed spinach for fresh vegetable balance. For complete comfort food spreads, serve with Caesar salad, garlic bread, or cheesy scalloped potatoes.
Garlic Parmesan Pork Chops Variations
Garlic Parmesan Pork Chops Air Fryer
- Season pork chops same way and spray with oil
- Air fry at 400 degrees F for 12 to 15 minutes flipping once
- Make creamy sauce on stovetop separately
- Crispy exterior with less oil and faster cooking
Garlic Parmesan Pork Chops Oven
- Sear pork chops in oven safe skillet on stovetop first
- Transfer entire skillet to 375 degree F oven for 10 to 12 minutes
- Make sauce on stovetop while chops finish baking
- Great method for thick cut bone in pork chops
Keto Garlic Parmesan Pork Chops
- Recipe is already naturally keto friendly
- Serve with cauliflower mash instead of potatoes
- Add extra parmesan cheese for more fat
- Under 5 net carbs per serving
Buffalo Wild Wings Style Garlic Parmesan
- Add 1 tablespoon hot sauce to cream sauce
- Use extra garlic and parmesan for bolder flavor
- Toss in buffalo sauce at end for tangy kick
- Restaurant copycat with spicy garlic parmesan twist
Equipment
- Large heavy skillet preferably cast iron
- Meat thermometer for perfect doneness
- Tongs for flipping pork chops
- Grater for fresh parmesan cheese
- Whisk for smooth sauce
Storage Tips
Best Fresh
- Serve pork chops immediately for the juiciest texture
- Fresh sauce has the smoothest creamiest consistency
- Golden crust stays crispiest right after cooking
- Pork tastes best when served hot from the pan
Make Ahead Strategy
- Season pork chops up to 24 hours ahead and refrigerate
- Cook fresh right before serving for best texture
- Sauce can be made 2 days ahead and reheated gently
- Add fresh herbs right before serving for brightest flavor
Reheating Method
- Store pork chops and sauce separately in airtight containers
- Refrigerate for up to 3 days
- Reheat pork in 350 degree F oven for 10 minutes
- Warm sauce gently on stovetop adding splash of cream if needed
Garlic Parmesan Pork Chops Top Tips
The first time I made pork chops with cream sauce in 2016, the pork was perfectly cooked but the sauce was so thin and watery it just ran off the meat onto the plate; looked terrible and had no flavor impact. My friend's husband who's a professional chef came for dinner that night and saw what happened. He told me the technique he learned working in French kitchens for ten years; you have to reduce the cream properly before adding cheese. At his restaurant, they simmer cream until it coats the back of a spoon, which concentrates the flavor and creates natural thickness. Then when you add parmesan, it melts into a velvety sauce instead of thin soup. He also said to always use freshly grated parmesan, never the pre shredded stuff because the anti caking agents prevent it from melting smoothly.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best cut of pork chop to use?
Bone in center cut pork chops about 1 inch thick work best because the bone adds flavor and helps the meat stay juicy. Boneless chops work too but cook faster, so reduce cooking time by 2 minutes per side.
How do I prevent my pork chops from becoming dry and tough?
Don't overcook them; remove from heat at 145 degrees F internal temperature. Let them rest 5 minutes before serving. Brining pork chops for 30 minutes in salt water before cooking also helps retain moisture.
Should I use pre grated or fresh Parmesan cheese?
Always use freshly grated parmesan cheese for the smoothest sauce. Pre grated cheese contains anti caking agents that prevent it from melting properly and can make the sauce grainy instead of silky
Can I make the creamy garlic Parmesan sauce in advance?
Yes! Make sauce up to 2 days ahead and refrigerate. Reheat gently on low heat, whisking constantly and adding splash of cream if needed to restore consistency. Don't boil or it may break.
Your New Weeknight Dinner Winner
Now you have the secrets to creating these incredible garlic parmesan pork chops that prove restaurant quality meals are completely achievable at home. This recipe shows that the most impressive dinners combine proper cooking technique with simple pan sauce skills that transform basic ingredients into something extraordinary.
Ready for more amazing pork dinners? Try our Air Fryer Pork Chops for crispy easy perfection, or explore our Amish Hamburger Steak Bake for hearty comfort food. For rich flavors, our Garlic Butter Steak Bites uses similar skillet techniques with beef.
Share garlic parmesan pork chops! Tag us @HannahAndSproutKitchen with #GarlicParmesanPorkChops; we're dying to see your golden crusted chops and hear about your family's reactions to this restaurant quality dinner!
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Related
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- Texas Roadhouse Seasoned Rice30 Minutes
Garlic Parmesan Pork Chops
Equipment
- Large skillet (Cast iron or stainless steel preferred for best sear)
- Meat thermometer (To check internal temperature (145°F))
- Tongs (For flipping pork chops easily)
- Whisk (For blending sauce smoothly)
- Grater (For freshly grated parmesan cheese)
Ingredients
- 4 pieces Pork chops - Bone-in or boneless, about 1 inch thick
- 2 teaspoons Salt - For seasoning pork evenly
- 1 teaspoon Black pepper - Freshly ground for best flavor
- 1 teaspoon Garlic powder - Adds savory depth
- ½ teaspoon Paprika - For color and warmth
- 2 tablespoons Olive oil - For searing pork
- 3 tablespoons Butter - Adds richness to sauce
- 6 cloves Garlic - Minced, for aromatic base
- 1 cup Heavy cream - Creates creamy sauce texture
- ¾ cup Parmesan cheese - Freshly grated for smooth melt
- ½ teaspoon Italian seasoning - Optional, for herbal notes
- ¼ teaspoon Red pepper flakes - Optional, for subtle heat
- 2 tablespoons Fresh parsley - Chopped, for garnish
- Salt & pepper - To taste for final seasoning
Instructions
- Pat dry and season pork chops with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and paprika.
- Heat olive oil in skillet and sear pork chops 4–5 minutes per side until golden.
- Remove pork chops and tent with foil to rest.
- Melt butter in skillet, sauté garlic 1 minute until fragrant.
- Pour in heavy cream, stirring to deglaze browned bits.
- Stir in parmesan until melted into smooth sauce.
- Add Italian seasoning and red pepper flakes.
- Return pork chops, spoon sauce over, and simmer 2–3 minutes.
- Top with parsley and serve immediately.
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