Creamy Garlic Pork Chops (Ready in 30 Minutes!)

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If you need a dinner that tastes like it simmered for hours but comes together in half an hour, this is it.

Creamy Garlic Pork Chops are pan-seared until golden, then finished in a rich, velvety garlic cream sauce that’s spoon-worthy good.

It’s comforting.
It’s flavorful.
It feels restaurant-level — without the effort.

And yes, it’s all made in one skillet.

Why You’ll Love This Garlic Pork Chop Recipe

This isn’t just another pork chop dinner.

It’s:

  • Juicy and tender
  • Packed with bold garlic flavor
  • Coated in creamy sauce
  • Made in one pan
  • Ready in 30 minutes
  • Perfect for weeknights or guests

Pork chops sometimes get a bad reputation for being dry — but not here. The quick sear locks in moisture, and the creamy sauce finishes them beautifully.

Ingredients

  • 4 boneless pork chops (about 1 inch thick)
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 2 tablespoons butter
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 cup chicken broth
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • ½ cup freshly grated Parmesan (optional but recommended)
  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
  • ½ teaspoon paprika
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • ½ teaspoon black pepper
  • 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley

How to Make Creamy Garlic Pork Chops

Step 1: Season the Pork Chops

Pat pork chops dry with paper towels.

Season both sides with:

  • Salt
  • Pepper
  • Paprika
  • Italian seasoning

Drying them first ensures a better sear.

Step 2: Sear the Pork Chops

Heat olive oil and 1 tablespoon butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat.

Add pork chops and cook 4–5 minutes per side until golden brown.

Remove from skillet and set aside. They don’t need to be fully cooked yet — they’ll finish in the sauce.

Step 3: Build the Garlic Base

Reduce heat to medium.

Add remaining tablespoon of butter to the skillet.

Add minced garlic and sauté for 30–45 seconds until fragrant (do not brown).

Step 4: Deglaze & Create the Sauce

Pour in chicken broth and scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan. Those bits = flavor.

Let simmer 2–3 minutes.

Stir in heavy cream and Parmesan (if using).

Simmer 4–5 minutes until sauce thickens slightly.

Step 5: Return Pork Chops

Place pork chops back into the skillet.

Spoon sauce over them.

Simmer 5–7 minutes until internal temperature reaches 145°F and sauce thickens to your liking.

Step 6: Garnish & Serve

Sprinkle with chopped parsley before serving.

Serve hot with extra sauce spooned on top.

Creamy Garlic Pork Chops

Juicy pan-seared pork chops simmered in a rich garlic cream sauce, ready in just 30 minutes.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Dinner
Cuisine: American
Calories: 480

Ingredients
  

Main Ingredients
  • 4 boneless pork chops 1-inch thick
  • 4 cloves garlic minced
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 1 cup chicken broth

Equipment

  • Large skillet
  • Tongs
  • Measuring cups

Method
 

  1. Season and sear pork chops until golden.
  2. Sauté garlic in butter.
  3. Add broth and cream, simmer until thickened.
  4. Return pork chops and cook until done.

Notes

Cook pork to 145°F for best tenderness.

Tips for Juicy Pork Chops

  • Use chops that are at least 1 inch thick
  • Don’t overcook (145°F is perfect)
  • Let meat rest for 3–5 minutes before serving
  • Sear on medium-high for proper browning

The sauce keeps everything moist and flavorful.

What to Serve with Creamy Garlic Pork Chops

This easy pork chop dinner pairs beautifully with:

  • Mashed potatoes
  • Garlic butter rice
  • Roasted vegetables
  • Steamed green beans
  • Crusty bread (for sauce dipping)

It’s rich, so lighter sides balance it well.

Variations

Mushroom Garlic Version

Add sliced mushrooms after cooking garlic and sauté before adding broth.

Spinach Upgrade

Stir in fresh spinach during final simmer.

Spicy Kick

Add red pepper flakes or a dash of cayenne.

Low Carb Option

Serve over cauliflower mash or zucchini noodles.

Why This Recipe Works

This one skillet pork chops recipe succeeds because:

  • High heat sear locks in juices
  • Garlic infuses butter base
  • Cream balances savory notes
  • Pan drippings deepen flavor

It’s layered cooking — simple but effective.

Storage & Reheating

Store leftovers in an airtight container up to 3 days.

Reheat gently in a skillet over low heat. Add a splash of cream or broth if sauce thickens too much.

Freezing is not ideal due to the cream sauce separating.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use bone-in pork chops?

Yes. Add 2–3 extra minutes of cook time if needed.

Can I substitute half-and-half?

Yes, but sauce will be slightly thinner.

How do I thicken the sauce more?

Let it simmer longer or add a tablespoon of grated Parmesan.

Final Thoughts

Creamy Garlic Pork Chops are proof that simple ingredients can create serious flavor.

They’re quick enough for busy weeknights but impressive enough for guests.

Golden seared pork.
Rich garlic cream sauce.
One skillet.

That’s dinner done right.

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