These juicy pork chops are cooked to perfection in a slow cooker, soaking up a yummy garlic parmesan sauce. It’s like a cozy hug in a dish!
Honestly, who doesn’t love a meal that practically makes itself? I just toss everything in and let it do its thing. You’ll love how easy and tasty it is! 😋
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Pork Chops: Boneless chops are great for this recipe, but bone-in chops work too. If you’re looking for a leaner option, try using pork loin or tenderloin.
Chicken Broth: Use low-sodium broth for better control of the saltiness. If you prefer a vegetarian option, vegetable broth will do the trick.
Heavy Cream: This gives the sauce its richness. For a lighter version, use half-and-half or even coconut milk for a dairy-free alternative.
Parmesan Cheese: Freshly grated cheese melts better than pre-packaged. If you’re in a pinch, Pecorino Romano or nutritional yeast (for a vegan option) works well too!
What’s the Best Way to Thicken the Sauce?
Thickening the sauce can make it more luxurious and satisfying. Here’s a simple way: After searing the garlic, make a slurry.
- Mix 2 tablespoons of flour with a small amount of cold water until smooth.
- Stir this into the sauce while simmering, cooking for a couple more minutes for it to thicken.
- Adjust with more flour if needed, but remember it gets thicker as it cools!
You can also skip the flour altogether if you prefer a lighter sauce. Just let it simmer longer to thicken naturally.
Easy Slow Cooker Pork Chops With Garlic Parmesan Sauce
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Pork Chops:
- 4 boneless pork chops (about 1 inch thick)
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- 1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning
- 2 tablespoons olive oil or butter (for searing)
For the Garlic Parmesan Sauce:
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour (optional, for thickening)
For Garnish:
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delightful recipe takes about 15 minutes to prep and then lets the slow cooker do the magic for 4 to 6 hours on low or 2 to 3 hours on high. Total time is about 4 to 6 hours, with minimal hands-on time!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Season the Pork Chops:
Start by patting the pork chops dry with paper towels. This helps them brown better. Next, season both sides of each chop generously with salt, black pepper, and dried Italian seasoning. The seasoning gives the chops flavor that you’ll love!
2. Sear the Pork Chops:
In a large skillet, heat the olive oil or butter over medium-high heat. Once hot, carefully place the pork chops into the skillet. Sear them for about 2-3 minutes per side until they turn a lovely golden brown. This step adds delicious flavor, but if you’re in a rush, you can skip it and go straight to the slow cooker!
3. Transfer to Slow Cooker:
After searing, move the pork chops to your slow cooker, laying them flat. Don’t worry if they overlap a bit; they’ll cook just fine!
4. Make the Sauce:
In the same skillet you used for the pork, add the minced garlic. Sauté for about 30 seconds until it’s fragrant. Make sure not to burn it! Then, pour in the chicken broth and heavy cream. Bring this mixture to a gentle simmer.
5. Mix in Parmesan:
Add the grated Parmesan cheese to the simmering sauce. Whisk it together until the sauce is smooth and the cheese is melted. This creates a rich, creamy sauce that will coat your pork chops beautifully.
6. Thicken the Sauce (Optional):
If you prefer a thicker sauce, mix the flour with a small amount of cold water to create a slurry. Stir this into the simmering sauce and cook for an additional couple of minutes until it thickens up a bit.
7. Combine in the Slow Cooker:
Pour the delicious garlic Parmesan sauce over the pork chops in the slow cooker, making sure they are well coated. Cover it with the lid.
8. Cook:
Set your slow cooker to low for about 4 to 6 hours or high for 2 to 3 hours. The pork chops will become tender and flavorful!
9. Final Touches:
Once cooking is complete, taste the sauce and adjust with more salt and pepper if desired. It’s all about that flavor!
10. Serve and Enjoy:
Garnish the pork chops with freshly chopped parsley for a pop of color and freshness. These tender chops are perfect served over creamy mashed potatoes, fluffy rice, or pasta, making it a delicious meal you’ll love!
Enjoy every bite of these tender pork chops drenched in creamy garlic Parmesan sauce!
FAQ for Easy Slow Cooker Pork Chops With Garlic Parmesan Sauce
Can I Use Bone-In Pork Chops Instead?
Absolutely! Bone-in pork chops will work great in this recipe, though they may take a little longer to cook. Just ensure the internal temperature reaches 145°F for safe eating.
What Can I Substitute for Heavy Cream?
If you’re looking for a lighter option, you can substitute half-and-half or evaporated milk. For a dairy-free version, try using coconut cream or a non-dairy milk thickened with a little cornstarch.
Can I Make This Recipe Without Searing the Pork Chops First?
Yes, you can skip the searing step if you’re short on time! The pork chops will still cook well in the slow cooker, but searing adds a nice depth of flavor and color to the dish.
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm them gently in the microwave or on the stovetop, adding a splash of broth or cream to maintain moisture in the sauce.
