Description
Creamy Garlic Pork Chops with Roasted Potatoes
Ingredients:
4 pork chops (bone-in or boneless)
2 tbsp olive oil
2 tbsp unsalted butter
4 garlic cloves, minced
1 cup heavy cream
1/2 cup chicken broth
1 tsp Dijon mustard
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
Salt and pepper to taste
For the Potatoes:
3 cups baby potatoes, quartered
2 tbsp olive oil
1 tsp garlic powder
Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Prepare the Potatoes:
Preheat your oven to 200°C (400°F).
In a bowl, toss the potatoes with olive oil, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Spread them on a baking sheet and roast for 25-30 minutes or until golden and crispy.
2. Cook the Pork Chops:
Season the pork chops with salt and pepper.
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Sear the pork chops for 3-4 minutes per side until golden brown. Remove and set aside.
3. Make the Creamy Garlic Sauce:
In the same skillet, melt the butter and sauté the minced garlic until fragrant.
Stir in the chicken broth, heavy cream, Dijon mustard, and Parmesan cheese. Simmer for 2-3 minutes until the sauce thickens.
4. Combine and Cook:
Return the pork chops to the skillet, spoon the sauce over them, and let simmer for 5-7 minutes until fully cooked.
5. Serve:
Plate the pork chops with the roasted potatoes on the side. Garnish with fresh parsley.
Enjoy this comforting, creamy dish with your favorite side salad or bread
Step-by-Step Guide
For perfect results, follow this detailed guide. First, ensure your pork chops are at room temperature for even cooking. Pat them dry with paper towels before seasoning. For the potatoes, consistent quartering ensures they roast evenly. When searing the pork, do not move it for the first 3-4 minutes to achieve a proper golden crust. After removing the chops, deglaze the skillet with the chicken broth, scraping up all the flavorful browned bits. This is the foundation of your sauce. When simmering the sauce, keep the heat medium-low to prevent the cream from separating. The final simmer with the pork chops ensures they are cooked through and infused with the garlic cream flavor.
Serving Suggestions
Plate this hearty dish with style and complementary flavors. Serve the pork chops and potatoes on a warm platter, drizzling extra sauce over everything. A simple arugula salad with a lemon vinaigrette cuts through the richness beautifully. For a vegetable side, steamed green beans, asparagus, or roasted broccoli are excellent choices. To soak up every bit of the creamy sauce, offer crusty bread like a baguette or ciabatta. For a wine pairing, a crisp Chardonnay or a light Pinot Noir balances the meal perfectly.
How-to Summary
Season and sear pork chops until golden, then set aside. In the same pan, make a sauce with butter, garlic, broth, cream, mustard, and Parmesan. Return chops to the pan and simmer in the sauce until cooked. Serve with roasted potatoes (tossed in oil and seasonings, then baked at 400°F for 25-30 mins). Garnish with fresh parsley.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a different cut of meat? Yes, pork tenderloin medallions or chicken breasts work well. Adjust cooking time accordingly, as chicken and tenderloin may cook faster than chops.
How can I make this dish lighter? Substitute heavy cream with half-and-half or full-fat coconut milk for a dairy-free option. The sauce will be slightly less thick but still delicious.
My sauce is too thin. How do I thicken it? Let it simmer a bit longer to reduce. You can also create a slurry with 1 teaspoon of cornstarch and 1 tablespoon of cold water, then whisk it into the simmering sauce.
Can I prepare anything ahead of time? Absolutely. You can quarter and season the potatoes ahead. The full dish, however, is best served fresh as the sauce may thicken upon refrigeration.
How do I know when the pork chops are done? The safest method is to use a meat thermometer. Pork is safe to eat at 145°F (63°C). Remove from heat when it reaches this temperature, as carryover cooking will add a few more degrees.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Avoid overcrowding the skillet when searing the pork chops. Cook in batches if necessary to ensure a good sear, not a steam.
- Do not burn the garlic when sautéing. Cook it just until fragrant (about 30 seconds) over medium heat to prevent a bitter taste.
- Resist the urge to boil the cream sauce vigorously. A gentle simmer is key to a smooth, non-grainy sauce.
- Do not skip resting the pork chops after the final simmer. Let them rest for 5 minutes before serving to allow juices to redistribute.
- Avoid using pre-grated Parmesan cheese from a canister, as it often contains anti-caking agents that can make your sauce grainy. Freshly grated is best.
Conclusion
This Creamy Garlic Pork Chops with Roasted Potatoes recipe is a guaranteed way to create a restaurant-quality, comforting meal at home. The combination of juicy, seared pork in a rich, garlicky Parmesan cream sauce alongside crispy roasted potatoes is simply unbeatable. By following the detailed steps and tips provided, you can avoid common pitfalls and achieve a perfectly balanced dish. It’s elegant enough for a dinner party yet simple enough for a satisfying weeknight feast. Gather your ingredients and prepare for compliments—this dish is sure to become a new favorite in your culinary rotation.