The Garlic Marry Me Pork Chops Recipe is a sensational way to elevate everyday pork chops into a dish that feels like a celebration. Featuring a luscious creamy garlic sauce loaded with sun-dried tomatoes, Parmesan, and fresh basil, these chops are juicy, tender, and packed with bold flavors that truly make you want to say yes to seconds. This recipe brings together simple pantry staples with a few fresh ingredients to create something irresistibly savory that’s perfect for any night of the week when you want to impress yourself or your loved ones.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients might look simple, but each one plays a crucial role in building the incredibly flavorful and rich profile of this dish. From the seasoning that perfectly coats the pork chops to the creamy sauce that ties everything together, every element is essential for that unforgettable taste and texture.
- 4 pork chops (boneless, 1-inch thick): the star of the dish, choose good-quality chops for the best results.
- 3/4 tsp garlic powder: intensifies the garlicky flavor that carries through the recipe.
- 3/4 tsp onion powder: adds a subtle sweetness and depth to the seasoning mix.
- 3/4 tsp salt: the essential flavor enhancer for the pork.
- 3/4 tsp black pepper: brings a touch of heat and earthiness to balance the richness.
- 4 tbsp all-purpose flour: helps create a delicate crust on the pork chops and thickens the sauce.
- 1.5 tbsp butter: Kerrygold unsalted butter recommended for its creamy richness and great melting quality.
- 1.5 tbsp olive oil: for searing the pork chops to golden perfection.
- 4 garlic cloves (minced): fresh garlic amplifies the bold, aromatic flavor in the sauce.
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning: adds herbal notes that bring warmth and complexity.
- 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes: adds just a hint of heat, never overpowering but enhances depth.
- 1/2 cup dry white wine (Pinot Grigio): deglazes the pan and adds bright acidity to cut through the creaminess.
- 1/2 cup low sodium chicken stock: adds savory undertones and helps balance the sauce.
- 1 cup heavy cream: makes the sauce irresistibly creamy and decadent.
- 1/2 cup sun-dried tomatoes (chopped): introduce a chewy burst of tangy sweetness.
- 1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese: enriches the sauce with nutty, salty flavor.
- Fresh basil (roughly chopped): a fresh herb finish that brightens and freshens every bite.
How to Make Garlic Marry Me Pork Chops Recipe
Step 1: Season and Flour the Pork Chops
Start by combining the garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper in a small bowl. Rub this seasoning mix all over the pork chops to give them that unforgettable garlicky flavor. Lightly dredge the chops in flour, shaking off any excess. This not only helps the chops develop a beautiful crust but also sets the stage for thickening your sauce later.
Step 2: Sear the Pork Chops
Heat the olive oil and butter together in a large skillet over medium-high heat until the butter foams. Add the pork chops and sear them for about 3-4 minutes on each side or until they get a golden-brown crust. This caramelization locks in juices and builds flavor. Once seared, transfer the chops to a plate and set them aside.
Step 3: Create the Garlic Cream Sauce
In the same skillet, reduce heat to medium and add the minced garlic, Italian seasoning, and red pepper flakes. Sauté for about 30 seconds to release their aroma. Then, pour in the white wine to deglaze the pan, scraping up all those flavorful browned bits stuck to the bottom. Let the wine reduce slightly, then add the chicken stock and heavy cream, stirring to combine. Let this simmer gently until the sauce starts to thicken.
Step 4: Finish the Sauce with Tomatoes, Cheese, and Basil
Stir in the chopped sun-dried tomatoes and grated Parmesan cheese. The cheese melts into the sauce, making it smooth and rich. Toss in the fresh basil last to keep its bright, fresh flavor vibrant. Return the pork chops to the skillet, spoon the sauce over them, and let it cook together for a few minutes so the chops soak up all that creamy goodness.
How to Serve Garlic Marry Me Pork Chops Recipe
Garnishes
Freshly chopped basil is the perfect garnish, adding freshness that balances the rich sauce. A light sprinkle of extra Parmesan cheese right before serving enhances both presentation and taste. For a pop of color, consider adding some finely diced sun-dried tomatoes or a twist of lemon zest to brighten the plate.
Side Dishes
This dish pairs beautifully with simple sides like garlic mashed potatoes or creamy risotto to soak up the delicious sauce. Roasted seasonal vegetables or a crisp mixed green salad offer a refreshing counterpoint to the rich flavors. For a low-carb option, serve alongside sautéed spinach or cauliflower mash for an equally satisfying meal.
Creative Ways to Present
Show off your cooking skills by plating the pork chops on a rustic wooden board with sauce drizzled over and around them. For a family-style approach, serve everything in the skillet piping hot directly on the table—guests love the homely, inviting vibe. To add a bit of restaurant flair, use a ring mold to neatly portion out a side like polenta or rice next to the chops.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep any leftover Garlic Marry Me Pork Chops Recipe in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Store the sauce and pork chops together to maintain flavor, but reheat gently to avoid drying out the meat.
Freezing
You can freeze the pork chops along with the sauce for up to 2 months. Use freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags and make sure to let the dish cool completely before sealing. Label with the date for easy reference later.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers slowly in a skillet over low heat or in the microwave at medium power to keep the pork tender and the sauce creamy. Add a splash of chicken stock or cream if the sauce thickens too much while reheating.
FAQs
Can I use bone-in pork chops for this Garlic Marry Me Pork Chops Recipe?
Absolutely! Bone-in chops may need a bit more cooking time, but they’ll add extra flavor. Just keep an eye on the internal temperature to ensure they’re perfectly cooked.
Is there a non-alcoholic substitute for the white wine?
Yes, you can replace the white wine with extra chicken stock combined with a splash of white wine vinegar or lemon juice for acidity without the alcohol.
Can this recipe be made dairy-free?
For a dairy-free version, substitute the butter with olive oil, replace the heavy cream with full-fat coconut milk, and use a dairy-free Parmesan alternative or nutritional yeast for that cheesy flavor.
How do I prevent the pork chops from drying out?
Proper searing over medium-high heat and not overcooking are key. Also, resting the pork chops after cooking lets the juices redistribute, ensuring tender, juicy results every time.
What can I do if my sauce is too thick or too thin?
If the sauce is too thick, simply stir in a bit more chicken stock or cream to loosen it up. If it’s too thin, let it simmer a little longer uncovered to reduce and thicken to your desired consistency.
Final Thoughts
You really can’t go wrong with the Garlic Marry Me Pork Chops Recipe—it’s a perfect blend of comfort and flavor that feels fancy but is surprisingly easy to make. Whether cooking for busy weeknights or special occasions, these pork chops will have everyone asking for your secret. Give it a try and get ready to fall in love with a dish that truly deserves its charming name.
Print
Garlic Marry Me Pork Chops Recipe
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Description
Garlic Marry Me Pork Chops are succulent, boneless pork chops cooked to perfection and smothered in a rich, creamy garlic sauce infused with sun-dried tomatoes, white wine, and Parmesan. This easy stovetop recipe delivers restaurant-quality flavors in just 20 minutes, making it a perfect weeknight dinner that’s both comforting and indulgent.
Ingredients
Pork Chops and Seasoning
- 4 pork chops (boneless, 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
Cooking Fats
- 1.5 tbsp unsalted butter (preferably Kerrygold)
- 1.5 tbsp olive oil
Sauce Ingredients
- 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 Pork Chops: Pat the pork chops dry with paper towels. In a small bowl, combine garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper. Season both sides of each pork chop evenly with this spice mix, then dredge them lightly in flour, shaking off any excess.
- Sear Pork Chops: Heat olive oil and butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat until melted and hot. Add the pork chops and sear for about 3-4 minutes on each side until golden brown and cooked through. Remove chops from skillet and set aside on a plate, covering loosely to keep warm.
- Sauté Garlic and Spices: In the same skillet, reduce heat to medium. Add minced garlic, Italian seasoning, and red pepper flakes. Sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant, stirring frequently to avoid burning.
- Deglaze Pan: Pour in the white wine to deglaze the pan, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom with a wooden spoon. Let the wine simmer for 2-3 minutes to reduce slightly.
- Add Chicken Stock and Cream: Stir in the chicken stock and heavy cream, bringing the mixture to a gentle simmer. Let the sauce cook for 4-5 minutes until it thickens slightly.
- Incorporate Sun-dried Tomatoes and Parmesan: Add the chopped sun-dried tomatoes and freshly grated Parmesan cheese to the sauce. Stir well until the cheese melts and the sauce becomes creamy and rich.
- Finish and Serve: Return the pork chops to the skillet, spooning the creamy sauce over them. Simmer together for another 2 minutes to reheat the chops and meld the flavors. Garnish with roughly chopped fresh basil before serving hot.
Notes
- For best flavor, use freshly grated Parmesan cheese.
- Sun-dried tomatoes add a sweet and tangy depth; you can use oil-packed or dry-packed but rehydrate if dry-packed.
- If you prefer less heat, reduce or omit red pepper flakes.
- The white wine can be substituted with additional chicken stock if desired.
- Serve with mashed potatoes, rice, or crusty bread to soak up the delicious sauce.
