If you are searching for a dish that instantly becomes a household favorite, the Garlic Marry Me Pork Chops Recipe is exactly what your kitchen needs. This recipe transforms simple pork chops into a creamy, garlicky masterpiece bursting with flavor. The luscious sauce, fragrant herbs, and tender chops blend so perfectly together that it’s sure to have everyone asking for seconds. Trust me, once you whip up this dish, it will quickly become one of those comfort meals you crave again and again.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Getting this Garlic Marry Me Pork Chops Recipe right means having just the right balance of straightforward yet impactful ingredients. Each component plays a crucial role—from the seasoning that brings depth to the chops to the creamy sauce that wraps everything in rich, satisfying flavor.
- 4 pork chops (boneless, 1-inch thick): Perfect thickness ensures juicy, tender meat.
- 3/4 tsp garlic powder: Adds concentrated garlicky warmth throughout the dish.
- 3/4 tsp onion powder: Brings mild sweetness and complexity to the seasoning.
- 3/4 tsp salt: Essential for enhancing all the natural flavors.
- 3/4 tsp black pepper: Offers a gentle kick and depth to the pork chops.
- 4 tbsp flour (all-purpose): Helps create a golden crust and thickens the sauce beautifully.
- 1.5 tbsp butter (unsalted, Kerrygold preferred): Provides richness and a luscious texture in the sauce.
- 1.5 tbsp olive oil: Keeps the pork chops perfectly seared and juicy.
- 4 garlic cloves (minced): Fresh garlic intensifies the signature flavor.
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning: A fragrant blend that lifts the dish with herbs like oregano and thyme.
- 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes: Just enough heat to balance the creamy sauce without overpowering.
- 1/2 cup white wine (dry, like Pinot Grigio): Adds acidity and brightness to cut through the richness.
- 1/2 cup chicken stock (low sodium): Boosts umami flavor and keeps the sauce savory.
- 1 cup heavy cream: Makes the sauce decadently smooth and velvety.
- 1/2 cup sun-dried tomatoes (chopped): Brings a sweet, tangy punch and vibrant color.
- 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese (freshly grated): Imparts nutty, salty goodness to finish the sauce.
- fresh basil (roughly chopped): Adds a fresh, herbal brightness as a final touch.
How to Make Garlic Marry Me Pork Chops Recipe
Step 1: Season and Flour the Pork Chops
Start by patting your pork chops dry to ensure a nice sear. Then, combine garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper in a small bowl. Rub this mixture evenly over both sides of each pork chop. Next, coat each chop lightly in the flour, shaking off any excess. This step creates a delightful crust when seared, locking in the juices and laying the foundation for the rich sauce.
Step 2: Sear in Butter and Olive Oil
Heat your butter and olive oil together in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot and shimmering, place the pork chops in the pan and sear for about 3 minutes per side until they develop a gorgeous golden-brown crust. This quick sear seals in flavor and texture, creating the perfect base for this Garlic Marry Me Pork Chops Recipe’s creamy sauce.
Step 3: Sauté Garlic and Add Seasonings
Remove the pork chops briefly and set aside. In the same skillet, add the minced garlic along with Italian seasoning and red pepper flakes. Sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant—don’t let it burn! This fragrant step is the gateway to the dish’s signature aromatic profile that will have everyone’s appetite kicking into high gear.
Step 4: Deglaze with White Wine and Chicken Stock
Pour in the white wine to deglaze the pan, scraping up all those tasty browned bits stuck to the bottom. Add the chicken stock next and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. These liquids are essential—they dissolve the pan drippings and infuse your sauce with layers of deep, savory flavor.
Step 5: Create the Creamy Sauce with Sun-Dried Tomatoes and Parmesan
Reduce the heat to medium-low and stir in the heavy cream, sun-dried tomatoes, and freshly grated Parmesan cheese. Let the sauce cook for a few minutes until it thickens slightly and the cheese melts fully, creating a luxurious coating for the pork chops. This is the heart of the Garlic Marry Me Pork Chops Recipe—the creamy, tangy sauce that dazzles the palate.
Step 6: Return Pork Chops to the Pan and Finish Cooking
Place the pork chops back into the skillet, spooning sauce over each one. Simmer gently for another 2–3 minutes, allowing the chops to absorb those incredible flavors while reaching the perfect internal temperature. The result is tender, juicy chops immersed in a rich sauce that’s begging to be savored.
How to Serve Garlic Marry Me Pork Chops Recipe
Garnishes
Adding fresh, roughly chopped basil right before serving adds a pop of color and a fragrant herbal note that brightens this rich dish gorgeously. You could also add a sprinkle of extra Parmesan or cracked black pepper for a touch of finishing flair that invites everyone to dive in.
Side Dishes
This Garlic Marry Me Pork Chops Recipe pairs beautifully with creamy mashed potatoes or fluffy rice to soak up every last bit of the luscious sauce. Roasted or steamed green veggies, like asparagus or broccoli, provide a perfect fresh contrast to the richness and keep the meal balanced and satisfying.
Creative Ways to Present
For a rustic charm, serve the pork chops family-style right out of the skillet with a big spoonful of sauce over each chop. To impress guests, plate each chop neatly atop a mound of garlic mashed potatoes, drizzle with extra sauce, and garnish with basil leaves. Either way, the presentation will look as inviting as it tastes.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you happen to have any leftovers from this amazing Garlic Marry Me Pork Chops Recipe (which is rare, trust me), store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They will keep well for up to 3 days, allowing you to enjoy this flavorful meal again without losing any of the creamy sauce’s magic.
Freezing
You can freeze cooked pork chops with the sauce in a suitable container or freezer bag for up to 2 months. Just make sure to cool the dish completely before freezing. When thawing, do so overnight in the fridge for best texture and flavor retention.
Reheating
Gently reheat leftovers on the stovetop over low to medium heat, stirring occasionally to prevent the sauce from separating. Adding a splash of cream or stock during reheating helps maintain that gorgeous, silky consistency. Avoid microwaving if possible to keep everything tasting fresh and luscious.
FAQs
Can I use bone-in pork chops for this recipe?
Absolutely! Bone-in chops can add extra flavor, but adjust the cooking time slightly to ensure they cook through without drying out.
What can I substitute for white wine?
If you prefer not to use wine, dry white grape juice or extra chicken stock with a splash of lemon juice makes a good non-alcoholic substitute that keeps the acidity balance.
Is it okay to use skim or low-fat cream?
Using heavy cream is key for that rich, velvety sauce texture. Lower-fat alternatives won’t thicken the sauce as well and may alter the mouthfeel.
Can I prepare parts of this ahead of time?
Yes! You can season and flour the chops hours before cooking, or prepare the sauce ingredients in advance to streamline your cooking process.
How do I know when the pork chops are done?
The ideal internal temperature for pork chops is 145°F (63°C), which keeps them juicy but fully cooked—use a meat thermometer for accuracy.
Final Thoughts
The Garlic Marry Me Pork Chops Recipe is one of those special dishes that turns an ordinary weeknight into a memorable dining experience. With its cozy, creamy sauce and tender pork chops, this recipe is destined to become a true staple in your home cooking. Give it a try—you’ll soon see why it’s called the Garlic Marry Me Pork Chops Recipe. Prepare yourself for endless compliments and requests to make it again soon!
Print
Garlic Marry Me Pork Chops Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Description
Garlic Marry Me Pork Chops are a luscious and savory dish featuring tender boneless pork chops smothered in a creamy garlic sauce enriched with sun-dried tomatoes, Parmesan cheese, and fresh basil. This recipe balances bold flavors with a rich, velvety sauce made from white wine, chicken stock, and heavy cream, perfect for a quick yet indulgent dinner.
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 and Cooking
- 1.5 tbsp unsalted butter (Kerrygold preferred)
- 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 (such as 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: In a shallow dish, mix together the garlic powder, onion powder, salt, black pepper, and flour. Dredge each pork chop thoroughly in the flour mixture, coating all sides evenly. This helps create a nice crust when seared.
- Sear the Pork Chops: Heat the olive oil and butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once melted and hot, add the pork chops and sear for about 3 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through. Remove chops from skillet and set aside on a plate covered loosely with foil to keep warm.
- Sauté Garlic and Spices: In the same skillet, reduce heat to medium. Add the minced garlic, Italian seasoning, and red pepper flakes. Sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant, being careful not to burn the garlic.
- Deglaze the Pan: Pour in the dry white wine to deglaze the skillet, scraping up any browned bits stuck to the bottom. Let the wine simmer for 2-3 minutes until it reduces by about half.
- Add Broth and Cream: Stir in the chicken stock and heavy cream, mixing well to combine. Allow the sauce to simmer gently for 3-4 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it thickens slightly.
- Add Sun-Dried Tomatoes and Parmesan: Stir in the chopped sun-dried tomatoes and freshly grated Parmesan cheese, continuing to cook until the cheese melts and the sauce is creamy.
- Finish the Dish: Return the seared pork chops to the skillet, spooning the sauce over them. Let them heat together for another minute or two so the pork absorbs some of the sauce flavors.
- Garnish and Serve: Sprinkle chopped fresh basil on top before serving to add a bright, fresh note that complements the rich garlic and tomato cream sauce.
Notes
- Using dry white wine like Pinot Grigio enhances the sauce’s flavor, but chicken stock can be substituted if preferred.
- Make sure pork chops are at room temperature before cooking to ensure even cooking.
- Dredging in flour helps give the chops a nice crust and thickens the sauce slightly.
- Use fresh garlic and fresh grated Parmesan cheese for the most vibrant flavors.
- This dish pairs well with mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, or a side of pasta to soak up the creamy sauce.
