Get ready to fall in love with the Garlic Marry Me Pork Chops Recipe, a dish that’s pure comfort wrapped in creamy, garlicky goodness. This recipe brings together tender pork chops smothered in a luscious sauce filled with sun-dried tomatoes, Parmesan cheese, and fresh basil, all balancing savory, tangy, and slightly spicy notes. Whether you’re cooking a special dinner or just want to treat yourself, this recipe promises bold flavors with surprisingly simple ingredients and a quick cooking time that will have dinner on the table in no time.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are simple staples that work harmoniously to create the rich flavors and comforting textures that make the Garlic Marry Me Pork Chops Recipe so irresistible. Each item plays a crucial role, from seasoning the meat perfectly to building the sauce that wraps everything in creamy decadence.
- Pork chops (boneless, 1-inch thick): Choose good-quality chops to ensure they stay juicy and tender through quick cooking.
- Garlic powder (3/4 tsp): Enhances the garlicky base without overwhelming the fresh garlic.
- Onion powder (3/4 tsp): Adds subtle depth to the seasoning mix on the pork.
- Salt (3/4 tsp): Essential for bringing out all the flavors in the dish.
- Black pepper (3/4 tsp): Adds just the right touch of heat and complexity.
- Flour (4 tbsp, all-purpose): Helps create a silky, thickened sauce by coating the pork chops.
- Butter (1.5 tbsp): I recommend Kerrygold unsalted butter for its creamy richness and perfect browning.
- Olive oil (1.5 tbsp): For searing the pork chops to golden perfection.
- Garlic cloves (4, minced): Fresh garlic adds that unmistakable punch and aroma to the sauce.
- Italian seasoning (1 tsp): Brings that herby, classic Italian flavor that ties everything together.
- Red pepper flakes (1/4 tsp): Just a hint of heat to keep things interesting.
- White wine (1/2 cup, dry like Pinot Grigio): Adds acidity and complexity to brighten the sauce.
- Chicken stock (1/2 cup, low sodium): Keeps the sauce flavorful and balanced without being too salty.
- Heavy cream (1 cup): The secret to making this sauce irresistibly creamy and indulgent.
- Sun-dried tomatoes (1/2 cup, chopped): Adds a sweet tang and chewy texture that contrasts wonderfully with the creamy sauce.
- Parmesan cheese (1/2 cup, freshly grated): For that nutty, umami-rich finish to the sauce.
- Fresh basil (roughly chopped): A fresh, bright herb to finish off the dish with vibrant flavor and color.
How to Make Garlic Marry Me Pork Chops Recipe
Step 1: Season and Coat the Pork Chops
Start by mixing garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper together. Pat your pork chops dry and rub this seasoning mix all over them. Then, lightly coat each pork chop with flour, shaking off the excess to ensure a nice crust forms when cooked.
Step 2: Sear the Pork Chops to Perfection
Heat the olive oil and butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat until hot and shimmering. Add the pork chops and sear for about 2-3 minutes on each side, or until they are beautifully golden brown. Once seared, remove them from the pan and set aside to rest.
Step 3: Build the Flavorful Sauce
In the same skillet, add minced garlic, Italian seasoning, and red pepper flakes, stirring for about 30 seconds until fragrant. Pour in the white wine to deglaze the pan, scraping any browned bits from the bottom; this adds a depth of flavor you won’t want to skip. Let the wine reduce for a couple of minutes, then stir in chicken stock and heavy cream.
Step 4: Add the Sun-Dried Tomatoes and Cheese
Once the sauce is simmering gently, add the chopped sun-dried tomatoes and freshly grated Parmesan cheese. Stir continuously until the cheese melts and the sauce thickens slightly, turning velvety and luscious.
Step 5: Finish Cooking the Pork Chops in the Sauce
Return the pork chops to the skillet, spooning the sauce over them. Reduce the heat to low, cover, and simmer for about 5 minutes or until the pork chops are cooked through and tender. Finish with fresh basil sprinkled on top to bring it all home.
How to Serve Garlic Marry Me Pork Chops Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh basil is the perfect garnish here, adding a pop of green and a lovely herbal aroma. You can also sprinkle a little extra Parmesan cheese just before serving for an elegant, cheesy finish that makes everyone’s eyes light up.
Side Dishes
These creamy pork chops pair beautifully with classic mashed potatoes or buttery garlic mashed cauliflower for a low-carb option. Roasted asparagus, sautéed green beans, or a simple mixed green salad also provide a fresh, crisp balance to the rich sauce.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, you can serve these pork chops over a bed of buttery herb pasta or creamy polenta, letting the sauce mingle with every bite. Alternatively, create a gorgeous platter with roasted veggies surrounding the chops for a vibrant, impressive presentation perfect for guests.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you’re lucky enough to have leftovers of the Garlic Marry Me Pork Chops Recipe, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They’ll keep beautifully for up to 3 days, allowing the savory sauce flavors to intensify overnight.
Freezing
This recipe freezes well, too. Place cooled pork chops and sauce in a freezer-safe container or heavy-duty zip-top bag. Freeze for up to 2 months. When ready, thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating to maintain the creamy sauce’s texture.
Reheating
Reheat gently in a skillet over low heat, covering to keep moisture in, or microwave in 30-second bursts, stirring the sauce in between. Adding a splash of chicken stock or cream while reheating helps restore the sauce’s silky consistency.
FAQs
Can I use bone-in pork chops for this Garlic Marry Me Pork Chops Recipe?
Absolutely! Bone-in chops will add even more flavor, but you’ll need to adjust cooking time slightly to ensure they cook through without drying out.
Is there a substitute for white wine in this recipe?
If you prefer not to use wine, dry sherry or extra chicken stock can be great alternatives that still add depth to the sauce.
Can I make this recipe dairy-free?
You can swap heavy cream for coconut cream and use a dairy-free butter substitute. Keep in mind the flavor will be different but still delicious.
How do I know when the pork chops are cooked properly?
The pork chops are done when they reach an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C) and are tender. The sauce should be rich and creamy without the pork feeling dry.
Can I prepare this recipe ahead of time?
You can prepare the sauce a day ahead and refrigerate it, then reheat gently and add freshly cooked pork chops at serving time for maximum juiciness.
Final Thoughts
This Garlic Marry Me Pork Chops Recipe is honestly one of those dishes that makes cooking feel like a warm hug. It’s quick, simple, and effortlessly elegant, perfect for weekday dinners or impressing friends. If you want a recipe that will likely get you asked to make it again and again, don’t wait—give it a try and enjoy every creamy, garlicky bite.
Print
Delicious Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Description
Tender boneless pork chops cooked to perfection in a rich, creamy garlic sauce with sun-dried tomatoes and Parmesan cheese, infused with Italian seasoning and a touch of red pepper flakes. This quick and flavorful skillet recipe delivers a comforting, restaurant-quality meal in just 20 minutes, perfect for weeknight dinners.
Ingredients
Pork Chops
- 4 boneless pork chops, 1-inch thick
- 3/4 tsp garlic powder
- 3/4 tsp onion powder
- 3/4 tsp salt
- 3/4 tsp black pepper
- 4 tbsp all-purpose flour
Sauce
- 1.5 tbsp unsalted butter (preferably Kerrygold)
- 1.5 tbsp olive oil
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes
- 1/2 cup dry white wine (e.g., Pinot Grigio)
- 1/2 cup low sodium chicken stock
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped
- 1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- Fresh basil, roughly chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- Prepare the Pork Chops: Pat the pork chops dry with paper towels. In a small bowl, combine garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper. Rub this seasoning mix evenly over both sides of each pork chop. Dredge the chops lightly in flour, shaking off any excess. This will help create a crispy crust when seared.
- Brown the Pork Chops: Heat the butter and olive oil together in a large skillet over medium-high heat until hot but not smoking. Add the pork chops and sear for about 3 minutes on each side until each side is golden brown and they are nearly cooked through. Remove the pork chops from the skillet and set aside on a plate.
- Sauté Garlic and Seasonings: In the same skillet, add the minced garlic, Italian seasoning, and red pepper flakes. Stir constantly for about 30 seconds to one minute until fragrant but not burnt, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the skillet for extra flavor.
- Create the Sauce: Pour in the dry white wine carefully to deglaze the pan, stirring and scraping to lift all browned bits. Allow the wine to simmer and reduce by half, about 2 minutes. Then add the chicken stock and continue to simmer for another minute.
- Add Cream and Sun-Dried Tomatoes: Lower the heat to medium and stir in the heavy cream and chopped sun-dried tomatoes. Let the sauce simmer gently until it thickens slightly, about 2-3 minutes.
- Finish the Dish: Return the pork chops to the skillet, spooning some sauce over them. Sprinkle the freshly grated Parmesan cheese on top and let everything cook together for an additional minute, allowing the cheese to melt and flavors to meld.
- Serve and Garnish: Remove the skillet from heat. Garnish the pork chops with roughly chopped fresh basil for a fresh, aromatic finish. Serve immediately, spooning extra sauce on top.
Notes
- For best results, use pork chops that are all about the same thickness for even cooking.
- Drying the pork chops before seasoning helps achieve a better sear and crust.
- Use a dry white wine like Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc to balance the richness of the cream sauce.
- Sun-dried tomatoes add a lovely tangy sweetness, but you can substitute with diced roasted red peppers if preferred.
- Freshly grated Parmesan melts better and adds more flavor compared to pre-grated cheese.
- Serve with mashed potatoes, pasta, or crusty bread to soak up the delicious sauce.
- To make this dish lower in fat, substitute heavy cream with half-and-half or a mixture of milk and Greek yogurt, adjusting cooking to avoid curdling.
