If you’re in search of a keto dinner recipe that is both comforting and indulgent, these Creamy Pork Chops with Parmesan will hit the spot. Juicy pork chops smothered in a rich, cheesy cream sauce make this dish a flavorful and satisfying option for any night of the week. Plus, it’s keto-friendly, so you can enjoy the delicious combination of pork, Parmesan, and cream without worrying about the carbs.
Why This Recipe Works
Pork chops are a great protein option for a keto diet—they’re hearty, flavorful, and pair beautifully with creamy sauces. In this recipe, the pork chops are seared to perfection and then smothered in a Parmesan cream sauce that’s rich, cheesy, and just the right amount of decadent. The best part? It all comes together in one pan, making cleanup a breeze.
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Ingredients:
- 4 bone-in pork chops (about 1 inch thick)
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tbsp olive oil or butter
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
Directions:
1. Prepare the Pork Chops: Season the pork chops on both sides with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. Heat the olive oil or butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Once hot, add the pork chops and sear for about 4-5 minutes on each side until they are golden brown. Remove the pork chops from the skillet and set them aside.
2. Sauté the Garlic: In the same skillet, add the minced garlic and cook for about 30 seconds until fragrant, being careful not to burn it.
3. Make the Parmesan Cream Sauce: Pour the chicken broth into the skillet to deglaze the pan, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom. Then, add the heavy cream and Parmesan cheese, whisking continuously until the sauce is smooth and creamy. Allow the sauce to simmer for about 3-4 minutes, thickening slightly.
4. Return the Pork Chops: Add the seared pork chops back into the skillet, nestling them into the creamy sauce. Lower the heat and let the pork chops simmer in the sauce for another 5-7 minutes, or until they are fully cooked through and the sauce has thickened.
5. Garnish and Serve: Once cooked, garnish with fresh parsley for a pop of color and flavor. Serve the pork chops hot with the creamy Parmesan sauce spooned generously over the top.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe:
- Rich and Creamy: The Parmesan cream sauce is the star of this dish, delivering a luxurious, cheesy flavor that perfectly complements the savory pork chops.
- Keto-Friendly: With plenty of healthy fats from the cream and cheese, this recipe fits right into a ketogenic diet. The pork chops provide a great source of protein, and there are minimal carbs, making it ideal for low-carb eating.
- One-Pan Meal: Everything is cooked in one skillet, which means fewer dishes to clean and a quicker overall cooking time. Perfect for busy weeknights!
Keto Benefits:
This Creamy Pork Chops with Parmesan recipe is packed with fats and protein, two key components of a keto diet. The pork chops offer high-quality protein, which is essential for muscle maintenance and overall health. Meanwhile, the Parmesan cream sauce adds richness and keeps the meal satisfying, helping you stay full for longer without adding any significant carbs. Plus, the creamy sauce adds a comforting indulgence to your dinner, making it feel like a treat while still being keto-approved.
Tips for Success:
- Pork Chop Thickness: For best results, use pork chops that are about 1 inch thick. Thinner chops may cook too quickly and dry out, while thicker chops will take longer to cook and may not reach the right internal temperature by the time the sauce is done.
- Don’t Overcook the Pork: Keep an eye on the pork chops while they simmer in the sauce. Overcooking can result in tough, dry meat, so aim for an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C).
- Extra Veggies: Want to add some greens to the meal? Toss in a handful of spinach or some steamed broccoli toward the end of cooking. The veggies will soak up the creamy sauce and make for a complete, well-rounded meal.
Variations:
- Cheese Options: While Parmesan works wonderfully in this recipe, feel free to experiment with other cheeses like Gruyère or Asiago for a slightly different flavor profile.
- Herbs: Add fresh thyme or rosemary to the sauce for an extra layer of flavor. These herbs pair beautifully with both pork and cream.
Storing Leftovers:
If you have any leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. The creamy sauce will thicken in the fridge but will return to its creamy consistency once reheated. To reheat, gently warm the pork chops and sauce on the stovetop over low heat until heated through.
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Final Thoughts:
This Creamy Pork Chops with Parmesan recipe is the perfect keto dinner for those nights when you want something rich, comforting, and easy to prepare. The juicy pork chops, paired with a decadent Parmesan cream sauce, make this dish feel like a restaurant-quality meal without the need for complicated steps or ingredients. Plus, since it’s a one-pan recipe, cleanup is quick and easy—perfect for busy weeknights or when you’re craving something special but don’t have hours to spend in the kitchen.
Give this recipe a try, and enjoy a delicious, keto-friendly dinner that’s sure to become a regular in your meal rotation!