Indulge in the comforting flavors of creamy pork chops paired with a luscious mushroom sauce. This dish combines seared pork chops with a rich, herb-infused cream sauce that will elevate any weeknight dinner.
Photos of Easy Creamy Pork Chops Recipe
For this recipe, you may need to pick up some fresh herbs like parsley and thyme, as well as half and half cream. These ingredients add a depth of flavor and creaminess to the dish that is simply irresistible. Also, make sure to get brown mushrooms to give the sauce its rich, earthy taste.
Ingredients for Easy Creamy Pork Chops
Pork chops: Tender cuts of pork that serve as the main protein for this dish.
Seasoning salt: A blend of salt and spices used to season the pork chops.
Cracked black pepper: Adds a touch of heat and depth to the seasoning.
Olive oil: Used for searing the pork chops, adding a subtle flavor.
Unsalted butter: Complements the olive oil for a richer sear.
Brown mushrooms: Sliced mushrooms that add a rich, earthy flavor to the sauce.
Parsley: Freshly chopped parsley adds a burst of freshness to the dish.
Thyme: Freshly chopped thyme enhances the herbaceous notes of the sauce.
Garlic: Provides a pungent and aromatic base for the creamy sauce.
Half and half: A mixture of cream and milk that creates a velvety texture in the sauce.
One reader, Annora Mackey says:
This easy creamy pork chops recipe is a game-changer! The pork chops are perfectly seared and the creamy mushroom sauce is divine. The fresh herbs add a wonderful touch. Quick, simple, and absolutely delicious!
Cooking Techniques for Easy Creamy Pork Chops Recipe
How to sear pork chops: Heat oil and butter in a pan until the butter is melted. Sear the pork chops for 3 to 4 minutes per side until golden browned.
How to cook mushrooms: Add mushrooms to the pan and cook for 3 to 4 minutes over medium heat, scraping up any bits left over from the chops.
How to sauté garlic and herbs: Add half of the parsley, half of the thyme, and all of the crushed garlic to the browned mushrooms. Sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant.
How to make a creamy sauce: Pour in the half and half and bring to a gentle simmer for 3 to 4 minutes until slightly thickened. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
How to reheat pork chops in sauce: Add the seared pork chops back into the sauce and allow to simmer for a minute to heat through.
How To Make Easy Creamy Pork Chops
Pork chops don’t always have to be eaten plain and fried. Read on and discover how you can make creamy pork chops with mushroom sauce and herbs.
Serves:
Ingredients
- 4pcspork chops
- 1tspSeasoning salt
- ⅓tspcracked black pepper
- 2tbspolive oil
- 2tbspunsalted butter
For Creamy Mushroom Sauce
- 1cupsliced brown mushrooms
- 2tbspfresh chopped parsley(divided)
- 1tbspfresh chopped thyme
- 4clovesgarlic(crushed)
- ¾cuphalf and half,
Instructions
-
Season chops with seasoning salt and pepper. Heat oil and butter in a frying pan or skillet over medium-high until butter is melted.
-
When the pan is hot, sear pork chops for about 3 to 4 minutes per side until golden browned. Transfer to a warm plate. Set aside.
-
Add the mushrooms to the buttery juices in the pan and cook for 3 to 4 minutes over medium heat. Scrape up any bits left over from the chops.
-
When mushrooms are browned, add half parsley, half thyme, and all of the crushed garlic; sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant.
-
Pour in the cream and bring to a gentle simmer for 3 to 4 minutes until slightly thickened. Season with salt and pepper, to your taste.
-
Add the chops back into the sauce, allow to simmer for a minute to heat through. Garnish with remaining herbs and serve immediately.
Nutrition
- Calories: 518.19kcal
- Fat: 35.76g
- Saturated Fat: 13.80g
- Trans Fat: 0.42g
- Monounsaturated Fat: 14.99g
- Polyunsaturated Fat: 3.51g
- Carbohydrates: 4.14g
- Fiber: 0.38g
- Sugar: 2.31g
- Protein: 43.37g
- Cholesterol: 169.36mg
- Sodium: 655.71mg
- Calcium: 102.34mg
- Potassium: 853.50mg
- Iron: 1.70mg
- Vitamin A: 106.05µg
- Vitamin C: 4.83mg
Helpful Technique Tip for Easy Creamy Pork Chops Recipe
When searing the pork chops, make sure the pan is hot enough to create a good crust. This not only locks in the juices but also adds a depth of flavor to the meat. Avoid overcrowding the pan to ensure even browning.
Time-Saving Tips for Making This Creamy Pork Chop Recipe
Pre-season the chops: Season the pork chops ahead of time and store them in the fridge to save time on prep.
Use pre-sliced mushrooms: Buy sliced mushrooms to cut down on chopping time.
Minced garlic: Opt for pre-minced garlic to speed up the cooking process.
One-pan method: Cook everything in one pan to reduce cleanup time.
Prep herbs in advance: Chop the parsley and thyme beforehand and store them in airtight containers.
Substitute Ingredients For Easy Creamy Pork Chops Recipe
pork chops - Substitute with chicken breasts: Chicken breasts are a leaner option and will still absorb the flavors of the sauce well.
seasoning salt - Substitute with garlic salt: Garlic salt adds a similar salty flavor with an extra hint of garlic.
cracked black pepper - Substitute with white pepper: White pepper provides a similar heat but with a slightly different flavor profile.
olive oil - Substitute with canola oil: Canola oil has a neutral flavor and a similar smoke point, making it a good alternative for cooking.
unsalted butter - Substitute with ghee: Ghee has a higher smoke point and a rich, nutty flavor that can enhance the dish.
sliced brown mushrooms - Substitute with cremini mushrooms: Cremini mushrooms have a similar texture and flavor, making them a good alternative.
fresh chopped parsley - Substitute with fresh chopped cilantro: Cilantro offers a fresh, vibrant flavor that can complement the dish well.
fresh chopped thyme - Substitute with dried thyme: Dried thyme can be used in smaller quantities to provide a similar earthy flavor.
garlic - Substitute with shallots: Shallots offer a milder, slightly sweet flavor that can complement the creamy sauce.
half and half - Substitute with heavy cream: Heavy cream will make the sauce richer and creamier, though slightly more indulgent.
Presentation Ideas for Easy Creamy Pork Chops
Choose the right plate: Select a large, white plate to allow the colors and textures of the pork chops and creamy mushroom sauce to stand out.
Create a base: Place a small mound of mashed potatoes or polenta in the center of the plate to act as a base for the pork chops.
Position the pork chops: Lay the pork chops slightly overlapping each other on top of the base, ensuring they are angled to showcase their golden-browned exterior.
Add the sauce: Generously spoon the creamy mushroom sauce over the pork chops, allowing it to cascade down the sides and pool around the base.
Garnish with herbs: Sprinkle the remaining fresh parsley and thyme over the top for a burst of color and freshness.
Add a pop of color: Place a few cherry tomatoes, halved, around the plate to add a vibrant contrast to the dish.
Finish with a drizzle: Lightly drizzle some extra virgin olive oil around the edge of the plate for an elegant touch.
Serve immediately: Ensure the dish is served hot to maintain the integrity of the creamy mushroom sauce and the tenderness of the pork chops.
Essential Kitchen Tools for Making Creamy Pork Chops
Frying pan: A large, heavy-bottomed pan or skillet is essential for searing the pork chops and cooking the mushrooms. It ensures even heat distribution and helps achieve a nice golden brown crust.
Tongs: Useful for flipping the pork chops without piercing the meat, which helps retain the juices.
Spatula: Ideal for scraping up the flavorful bits left in the pan after searing the pork chops.
Knife: A sharp knife is necessary for chopping the parsley, thyme, and garlic.
Cutting board: Provides a safe and clean surface for chopping the herbs and garlic.
Measuring spoons: Essential for accurately measuring the seasoning salt, black pepper, olive oil, and butter.
Measuring cup: Needed for measuring the half and half and ensuring the correct amount of liquid for the sauce.
Mixing bowl: Useful for holding the chopped herbs and garlic before adding them to the pan.
Plate: A warm plate is necessary for temporarily holding the seared pork chops while you prepare the sauce.
Wooden spoon: Perfect for stirring the mushrooms and sauce, as well as for sautéing the garlic and herbs.
Garlic press: Optional but helpful for crushing the garlic cloves quickly and efficiently.
Storing and Freezing Instructions for Creamy Pork Chops
- Let the pork chops cool completely before storing them in an airtight container or resealable plastic bag. They can be kept in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
- If you want to freeze the pork chops, wrap each chop individually in plastic wrap or aluminum foil, then place them in a freezer-safe container or resealable plastic bag. This will help prevent freezer burn and keep the chops fresh for longer.
- When freezing, make sure to remove as much air as possible from the container or bag to prevent ice crystals from forming on the surface of the meat.
- Label the container or bag with the date and contents so you can easily keep track of when they were frozen.
- Pork chops can be frozen for up to 2-3 months without significant loss of quality.
- To reheat frozen pork chops, thaw them in the refrigerator overnight. Once thawed, you can reheat them in the microwave, oven, or on the stovetop until they reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
- If you want to freeze the creamy mushroom sauce separately, let it cool completely, then transfer it to a freezer-safe container or resealable plastic bag. It can be frozen for up to 2-3 months.
- When reheating the frozen sauce, thaw it in the refrigerator overnight, then reheat it in a saucepan over low heat, stirring occasionally, until it's heated through and smooth.
How To Reheat Leftover Creamy Pork Chops
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the leftover pork chops in an oven-safe dish and cover with aluminum foil. Bake for 10-15 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). This method helps to retain moisture and prevent the meat from drying out.
For a quicker option, use the microwave. Place the pork chops in a microwave-safe dish and cover with a damp paper towel. Heat on high for 1-2 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). Be careful not to overheat, as this can cause the meat to become tough and rubbery.
If you want to reheat the pork chops and the creamy mushroom sauce together, place them in a skillet over medium-low heat. Cover the skillet and heat for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the pork chops are heated through and the sauce is warm and bubbly.
For a crispy exterior, reheat the pork chops in an air fryer. Preheat the air fryer to 350°F (175°C) and place the pork chops in the basket. Cook for 3-4 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). This method will help to restore some of the crispiness lost during refrigeration.
If you have a sous vide machine, you can use it to reheat the pork chops without losing any moisture. Place the pork chops in a vacuum-sealed bag and submerge them in a water bath set to 140°F (60°C). Heat for 45 minutes to 1 hour, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
Interesting Fact About Creamy Pork Chops
A random fact about this recipe is that the creamy mushroom sauce not only adds richness to the pork chops but also enhances their flavor with the earthy taste of mushrooms and the aromatic notes of garlic and herbs.
Is Making Creamy Pork Chops at Home Cost-Effective?
This easy creamy pork chops recipe is quite cost-effective for a household. The main ingredients like pork chops, mushrooms, and half and half are reasonably priced and widely available. The use of olive oil and unsalted butter adds a touch of richness without breaking the bank. Overall, this recipe scores a solid 8 out of 10 in terms of cost-effectiveness. The approximate cost for a household of 4 people would be around $15-$20 USD, making it an affordable yet delicious option for a family meal.
Is This Creamy Pork Chop Recipe Healthy or Unhealthy?
This creamy pork chop recipe, while delicious, is not particularly healthy. The main concerns are:
- High saturated fat content from the butter, cream, and pork chops themselves
- Lack of vegetables or fiber-rich ingredients
- Relatively high calorie density due to the cream-based sauce
However, there are some positive aspects, such as the use of herbs and garlic, which offer some nutritional benefits and flavor without adding significant calories.
To make this recipe healthier, consider the following modifications:
- Opt for leaner cuts of pork, such as pork loin or tenderloin, to reduce the overall fat content
- Replace half of the cream with low-fat milk or chicken broth to lower the calorie and fat content while maintaining a creamy texture
- Increase the amount and variety of vegetables in the dish, such as:
- Adding spinach or kale to the sauce for extra nutrients and fiber
- Serving the pork chops with a side of roasted or steamed vegetables like broccoli, carrots, or green beans
- Use olive oil instead of butter for searing the pork chops to incorporate healthier fats
- Reduce the amount of added salt and rely more on herbs and spices for flavor
By making these adjustments, you can create a more balanced and nutritious meal that still satisfies your craving for a creamy, comforting dish.
Editor's Opinion on This Easy Creamy Pork Chops Recipe
This recipe offers a delightful balance of flavors with its creamy mushroom sauce complementing the savory pork chops. The use of fresh herbs like parsley and thyme adds a vibrant freshness, while the garlic infuses a rich aroma. The half and half provides a luscious creaminess without being overly heavy. Searing the pork chops first ensures they are juicy and flavorful. Overall, it's a straightforward yet elegant dish that can easily impress at a dinner table.
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Why trust this Easy Creamy Pork Chops Recipe:
This recipe is a must-try because it combines the rich flavors of pork chops with a luscious creamy mushroom sauce. The use of fresh herbs like parsley and thyme elevates the dish, making it both aromatic and flavorful. The step-by-step instructions ensure that even novice cooks can achieve a restaurant-quality meal at home. Plus, the balance of half and half with garlic creates a sauce that's both creamy and savory. Trust this recipe for a delightful and satisfying dinner experience.
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