Creamy Italian Pork Chops (Quick, Flavorful & Low-Carb!)
Elevate your weeknight dinner with these Creamy Italian Pork Chops! Pan-seared pork chops are nestled in a luxurious, garlic and herb-infused cream sauce, rich with Boursin cheese, sun-dried tomatoes, and Parmesan. This incredibly flavorful, low-carb, high-protein, and naturally gluten-free meal comes together quickly in one pan, making it a delightful addition to your health journey, perfect for a cozy dinner here in beautiful Puerto Vallarta!
Yields: 4 servings Prep time: 10 minutes Cook time: 20-25 minutes
Ingredients:
- 4 boneless, thick-cut pork chops (about 1-inch thick, 1.5-2 lbs total)
- 2 tablespoons avocado oil (for frying)
- ½ teaspoon salt, or to taste
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper, or to taste
- ½ teaspoon paprika
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- ¾ cup heavy whipping cream (HWC)
- 1 (5.2-ounce) wheel Boursin Garlic & Fine Herbs cheese, softened
- 6 oil-packed sun-dried tomatoes, drained and chopped (or rehydrated if dry-packed)
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Optional: Fresh parsley or basil for garnish
Equipment:
- Large skillet (oven-safe if preferred for finishing, but not necessary)
- Tongs
- Whisk or spatula
Instructions:
- Season Pork Chops: Pat the pork chops dry with paper towels. Season both sides generously with salt, pepper, paprika, and onion powder.
- Sear Pork Chops: Heat the avocado oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering.
- Carefully place the seasoned pork chops in the hot skillet. Cook for 3-5 minutes per side (depending on thickness), until golden brown and a good sear has developed. The internal temperature should be around 135-140°F (57-60°C) at this stage as they will finish in the sauce.
- Remove the pork chops from the skillet and set them aside on a plate. Do not drain the pan drippings.
- Make the Creamy Sauce: Reduce the heat to medium-low. Add the heavy whipping cream, Boursin Garlic & Fine Herbs cheese, chopped sun-dried tomatoes, and Parmesan cheese to the skillet with the pan drippings.
- Whisk continuously, breaking up the Boursin cheese, until the cheeses are completely melted, smooth, and the sauce has thickened slightly (about 3-5 minutes). If the sauce becomes too thick, add a tablespoon or two of water or chicken broth.
- Simmer & Serve: Return the seared pork chops to the skillet, nestling them into the creamy sauce.
- Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 5-8 minutes, or until the pork chops are heated through and cooked to your desired doneness (internal temperature reaches 145°F / 63°C).
- Serve immediately, spooning extra sauce over the chops. Garnish with fresh parsley or basil if desired. Enjoy!
Tips for Success:
- Thick-Cut Chops: Use thick-cut pork chops (1-inch or more) for best results; they stay juicier. Adjust cooking times accordingly.
- Don’t Overcrowd: Cook chops in batches if necessary to avoid overcrowding the pan, which can steam them instead of searing.
- Pan Drippings: The drippings from searing the pork chops add significant flavor to the sauce.
- Softened Boursin: Having the Boursin cheese at room temperature helps it melt smoothly into the sauce.
- Sun-Dried Tomatoes: If using dry-packed sun-dried tomatoes, rehydrate them in warm water for 10-15 minutes before chopping.
- Internal Temperature: For juicy pork chops, aim for an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C) as measured with a meat thermometer.
- Serving Suggestions: This dish pairs wonderfully with a side of steamed asparagus, roasted broccoli, or cauliflower rice for a complete keto meal.
Recipe Analysis & Dietary Classification:
This Creamy Italian Pork Chops meal is a delightful addition to your health journey!
- High Protein: Yes, from the pork chops.
- High Fat: Yes, from the pork chops, avocado oil, heavy cream, Boursin cheese, and Parmesan.
- Low-Carb: Yes, this recipe is very low-carb. All listed ingredients are naturally low in carbohydrates.
- Keto: Yes, this recipe is keto-friendly. All listed ingredients are suitable for a ketogenic diet.
- Gluten-Free: Yes, this recipe is naturally gluten-free.
Read on how to prepare Zero Carb Nuggets!!
