Slow Cooker Pork Chops with Garlic Parmesan Sauce

A Comforting, Flavor-Packed Meal

Slow Cooker Pork Chops with Garlic Parmesan Sauce is a creamy, indulgent dish perfect for busy weeknights or cozy family dinners. This recipe combines tender, juicy pork chops with a rich, garlicky Parmesan sauce that slowly develops deep, savory flavors as it cooks. With minimal prep and a hands-off cooking process, it’s a convenient and satisfying meal that pairs wonderfully with mashed potatoes, pasta, or steamed vegetables.

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Effortless Cooking – The slow cooker does all the work, making this a great set-it-and-forget-it meal.
• Creamy & Savory – The garlic Parmesan sauce is a decadent, restaurant-quality addition.
• Perfectly Tender Pork – Slow cooking ensures the chops stay juicy and flavorful.
• Versatile Pairings – Serve with rice, roasted veggies, or your favorite side.
• Family-Friendly – A comforting dish loved by both kids and adults.

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Ingredients

• 4 bone-in or boneless pork chops (about 1-inch thick)
• 1 teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• ½ teaspoon onion powder
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 ½ cups heavy cream
• 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• 1 cup chicken broth
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch (optional, for thickening)
• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

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Instructions

1. Sear the Pork Chops

• Pat the pork chops dry and season both sides with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder.
• Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
• Sear the pork chops for 2-3 minutes per side until golden brown. (This step locks in flavor.)
• Transfer the chops to the slow cooker.

2. Make the Garlic Parmesan Sauce

• In the same skillet, reduce heat to medium and add minced garlic. Sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
• Pour in the chicken broth, scraping up any browned bits from the pan.
• Stir in heavy cream, Parmesan cheese, and Italian seasoning. Mix well.

3. Slow Cook

• Pour the sauce over the pork chops in the slow cooker.
• Cover and cook on low for 6-7 hours or high for 3-4 hours, until the pork chops are tender.

4. Thicken the Sauce (Optional)

• If the sauce is too thin, mix 1 tablespoon of cornstarch with 2 tablespoons of water and stir it into the sauce.
• Let it cook for another 15 minutes on high to thicken.

5. Serve & Garnish

• Plate the pork chops and spoon the sauce over the top.
• Garnish with fresh parsley and serve with your favorite side dish.

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Variations & Substitutions

• Boneless vs. Bone-In: Either works, but bone-in chops tend to be juicier.
• Lighter Version: Use half-and-half instead of heavy cream for a less rich sauce.
• Cheese Swap: Try Pecorino Romano for a sharper, saltier twist.
• Extra Flavor: Add mushrooms or spinach to the sauce for an earthy depth.
• Low-Carb Option: Serve over cauliflower mash or roasted zucchini.

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Servings & Timing

• Servings: 4
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 6-7 hours (low) or 3-4 hours (high)
• Total Time: ~7 hours

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Storage & Reheating

Refrigeration

• Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.

Freezing

• Freeze pork chops and sauce in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months.
• Thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.

Reheating

• Stovetop: Warm over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally.
• Microwave: Heat in 30-second intervals, stirring in between, until hot.
• Slow Cooker: Reheat on low for 1 hour.

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Frequently Asked Questions

How do I keep pork chops from drying out in the slow cooker?

Cooking on low heat for a longer time keeps them moist. Also, using bone-in chops helps retain juices.

Can I make this recipe dairy-free?

Yes! Substitute the heavy cream with coconut cream and use nutritional yeast instead of Parmesan.

What’s the best way to thicken the sauce?

Cornstarch slurry (1 tbsp cornstarch + 2 tbsp water) is the easiest way to thicken it. You can also reduce the sauce in a saucepan over medium heat.

Can I use frozen pork chops?

Yes, but for best results, thaw them first so they cook evenly and absorb flavors better.

What sides pair best with this dish?

Mashed potatoes, rice, roasted vegetables, pasta, or even a simple green salad complement this dish well.

Can I add vegetables to the slow cooker?

Absolutely! Mushrooms, spinach, or sun-dried tomatoes enhance the dish. Just add them in the last hour of cooking.

Can I use chicken instead of pork?

Yes! Boneless chicken thighs or breasts work well, but adjust cooking time—4-5 hours on low should be sufficient.

Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

Yes! Prepare everything the night before, store it in the fridge, and start the slow cooker in the morning.

What’s the best way to reheat leftovers?

Reheat on the stovetop over medium heat or in the microwave with a splash of cream to keep the sauce smooth.

Can I make this in an Instant Pot?

Yes! Sear the chops, add the ingredients, and cook on high pressure for 8 minutes with a 10-minute natural release.

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Final Thoughts

Slow Cooker Pork Chops with Garlic Parmesan Sauce is the perfect balance of creamy, garlicky, and savory flavors, making it a must-try for any comfort food lover. Whether you’re making it for a casual family dinner or meal prepping for the week, this dish is sure to impress. Serve it with your favorite sides, and enjoy a hassle-free, hearty meal!

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