Description
Tender pork chops cooked in a flavorful, creamy bacon sauce with garlic and parmesan. Serve with mashed potatoes or roasted veggies for a delicious meal!
Ingredients
Units
Scale
For the Pork Chops:
- 4 boneless pork chops (about 1-inch thick)
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 tablespoon butter
For the Creamy Bacon Sauce:
- 4 slices bacon, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme (or 1 teaspoon fresh)
- 1 cup heavy cream (or half-and-half)
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard (optional, for extra depth)
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
Instructions
1. Season & Cook the Pork Chops:
- Pat pork chops dry and season both sides with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and smoked paprika.
- Heat olive oil and butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
- Sear pork chops for 4-5 minutes per side until golden brown. Remove from the pan and set aside.
2. Cook the Bacon & Aromatics:
- In the same skillet, cook chopped bacon until crispy. Remove with a slotted spoon and set aside.
- Drain excess grease, leaving about 1 tablespoon in the skillet.
- Add garlic and thyme, cooking for 30 seconds until fragrant.
3. Make the Creamy Sauce:
- Pour in chicken broth, scraping up any browned bits. Simmer for 2 minutes.
- Stir in heavy cream, Parmesan cheese, Dijon mustard, and red pepper flakes. Simmer for another 2-3 minutes until slightly thickened.
4. Finish & Serve:
- Return pork chops and bacon to the skillet, coating them in the sauce.
- Simmer for 5 minutes until the pork is cooked through (internal temp: 145°F).
- Garnish with fresh parsley and serve warm.
Serving Suggestions:
- Side ideas: Mashed potatoes, roasted Brussels sprouts, or buttered noodles.
- Low-carb option: Serve with cauliflower mash or sautéed greens.
Notes
- Lighter version: Use half-and-half instead of heavy cream.
- Extra thick sauce? Stir in 1 teaspoon cornstarch mixed with 1 tablespoon water.
- Make it spicy: Add ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper or extra red pepper flakes.
Nutrition
- Calories: 520
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 750mg
- Fat: 38g
- Saturated Fat: 16g
- Unsaturated Fat: 20g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 5g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 40g
- Cholesterol: 135mg