Tender Slow Cooker Pork Chops With Garlic Parmesan Sauce Recipe

Heavenly Tender Slow Cooker Pork Chops with Garlic Parmesan Sauce Recipe

Juicy pork chops swimming in a rich garlic parmesan sauce create a mouthwatering dinner that never fails to impress.

Slow cooking transforms ordinary cuts into incredibly succulent meat that practically melts on your plate.

The combination of savory garlic and creamy parmesan elevates this dish from simple to spectacular.

Each bite promises a burst of flavor that will have everyone asking for seconds.

Weeknight dinners become extraordinary with this effortless recipe that requires minimal preparation.

The slow cooker does all the hard work, ensuring perfectly cooked, tender meat every single time.

Prepare to experience a comfort food classic that will become a staple in your meal rotation.

How to Set and Forget Pork Chops in Garlic Parmesan Sauce

  • Brown the Meat

Sprinkle salt, pepper, and paprika over pork chops. Heat oil in a skillet and sear each chop until golden brown, about 2-3 minutes per side. Move chops to slow cooker.

  • Create Flavor Explosion

Lower skillet heat and sauté minced garlic until fragrant. Pour in chicken broth and cream, stirring gently. Add Parmesan cheese and Italian seasoning, mixing until sauce becomes silky smooth.

  • Slow Cook to Perfection

Pour creamy sauce directly over pork chops in the slow cooker. Cover and cook on low for 6-7 hours or high for 3-4 hours until meat becomes incredibly tender.

  • Final Touch and Serve

If sauce seems thin, quickly stir in cornstarch mixture during last 30 minutes of cooking. Sprinkle fresh chopped parsley on top. Plate over creamy mashed potatoes, fluffy rice, or al dente pasta. Enjoy your mouthwatering meal!

Garlic Parmesan Sauce Ideas to Switch Things Up

  • Always brown the pork chops before slow cooking to lock in rich, deep flavors and create a beautiful golden exterior that adds incredible taste complexity.
  • Choose pork chops around 1-inch thick for best results, ensuring they remain juicy and tender without becoming dry during the slow cooking process.
  • Swap traditional sides like mashed potatoes with cauliflower mash or zucchini noodles to create a keto-friendly version of this delicious meal that's low in carbohydrates.
  • Replace heavy cream with coconut milk and use nutritional yeast instead of Parmesan cheese to make this recipe suitable for those with dairy restrictions while maintaining a creamy, rich sauce.
  • Experiment with fresh herbs like thyme, rosemary, or sage instead of Italian seasoning to personalize the flavor profile and add a unique aromatic touch to the dish.

Serve Slow Cooker Pork Chops With Mashed Potatoes or Rice

  • Creamy Comfort Plating: Ladle the rich, velvety garlic Parmesan sauce generously over the tender pork chops, creating an inviting pool of flavor that beckons eager diners.
  • Herb Garden Sprinkle: Scatter fresh chopped parsley on top for a burst of bright green color and a subtle, fresh herbal note that cuts through the creamy sauce's richness.
  • Starch Companions: Pair with creamy mashed potatoes, fluffy white rice, or al dente pasta to soak up every delicious drop of the luxurious garlic Parmesan sauce, transforming the dish into a complete and satisfying meal.
  • Wine Pairing Wonder: Complement the dish with a crisp white wine like Pinot Grigio or a light Chardonnay, which will beautifully balance the creamy sauce and enhance the pork's savory profile.

Store Pork Chops with Sauce Without Losing Juiciness

  • Store leftover pork chops and sauce in airtight containers for up to 4 days. Seal tightly to maintain moisture and prevent flavor loss.
  • Carefully package cooled pork chops with sauce in freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty bags. Will stay delicious for 2-3 months when properly sealed.
  • Warm refrigerated portions in microwave using 30-second intervals, stirring between each to distribute heat evenly. For oven reheating, cover with foil and warm at 325°F for 10-15 minutes to prevent drying out.
  • Cook extra batches during weekend meal prep. Portion into individual containers for quick weeknight dinners that taste freshly made.

FAQs

  • Why sear the pork chops before slow cooking?

Searing locks in the meat’s juices and creates a delicious golden-brown exterior that adds rich flavor and helps prevent the meat from becoming bland during the long, slow cooking process.

  • Can I use bone-in pork chops for this recipe?

Yes, bone-in pork chops work great and can actually provide more flavor. Just adjust cooking time slightly and ensure the internal temperature reaches 145°F for food safety.

  • What if I don't have heavy cream?

You can substitute with half-and-half or whole milk, though the sauce might be slightly less creamy. For a lighter option, use low-fat milk, but the sauce will be thinner and less rich.

  • Is this recipe gluten-free?

The recipe is naturally gluten-free, but double-check your chicken broth and Parmesan cheese labels to confirm no gluten-containing additives are present. If using cornstarch to thicken, it’s also gluten-free.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 6-7 hours

Total Time: 7 hours 10 minutes

Calories: 130 kcal

Servings: 7

Ingredients for Slow Cooker Pork Chops with Garlic Parmesan Sauce

For Protein:
  • Pork Chops: Tender cut that absorbs rich flavors and creates a hearty main dish, choose thick-cut bone-in chops for maximum juiciness and deeper flavor profile.
For Sauce Base:
  • Chicken Broth, Heavy Cream: Liquid foundation that builds creamy texture and adds depth, select low-sodium broth for better seasoning control and organic cream for richer taste.
For Flavor Enhancers:
  • Parmesan Cheese, Italian Seasoning: Provides sharp, nutty undertones and aromatic herb notes, opt for freshly grated Parmesan and high-quality dried herb blend for maximum taste.
For Seasoning:
  • Salt, Black Pepper, Paprika: Essential spices that layer complex flavor dimensions, use freshly ground black pepper and sweet paprika for maximum aromatic impact.
For Cooking Preparation:
  • Olive Oil: Creates golden sear and prevents sticking, choose extra virgin olive oil for superior flavor and health benefits.
For Thickening (Optional):
  • Cornstarch: Helps achieve desired sauce consistency, ensure it's pure cornstarch with no additives.
For Garnish:
  • Fresh Parsley: Adds bright color and fresh herbal finish, select vibrant green leaves without wilting.

Tools to Prepare Garlic Parmesan Pork Chops in a Slow Cooker

  • Slow Cooker: Essential for tender, low-and-slow cooking of pork chops.
  • Skillet: Perfect for searing pork chops and creating the delicious garlic Parmesan sauce.
  • Cutting Board: Needed for prepping ingredients and chopping parsley.
  • Sharp Knife: Used for mincing garlic and chopping parsley.
  • Measuring Cups and Spoons: Helps accurately measure broth, cream, and seasonings.
  • Wooden Spoon or Spatula: Great for stirring sauce and mixing ingredients in the skillet.
  • Cornstarch Mixture Bowl: Small bowl for preparing cornstarch slurry to thicken sauce.
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Tender Slow Cooker Pork Chops With Garlic Parmesan Sauce Recipe

Tender Slow Cooker Pork Chops With Garlic Parmesan Sauce Recipe


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4.9 from 32 reviews

  • Total Time: 7 hours 10 minutes
  • Yield: 7 1x

Description

Succulent slow cooker pork chops with garlic parmesan sauce bring comfort to dinner tables across kitchens. Creamy, herbaceous sauce and tender meat create a simple yet sophisticated meal you’ll savor with each delightful bite.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 46 pork chops (bone-in or boneless, about 1-inch thick)
  • 1 cup (240 ml) heavy cream
  • ½ cup (50 g) grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 cup (240 ml) chicken broth
  • 2 tbsps cornstarch
  • 2 tbsps water
  • 1 tsp Italian seasoning
  • ½ tsp paprika
  • salt and pepper, to taste
  • fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions

  1. Seasoning Preparation: Generously coat pork chops with salt, pepper, and paprika, establishing a robust flavor profile.
  2. Searing Technique: Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat, caramelizing pork chops for 2-3 minutes per side until a golden-brown exterior forms.
  3. Aromatic Foundation: In the same skillet, reduce heat and sauté minced garlic until fragrant, releasing its intense flavor.
  4. Sauce Creation: Combine chicken broth, heavy cream, Parmesan cheese, and Italian seasoning, whisking until a smooth, velvety sauce develops.
  5. Slow Cooking Process: Transfer seared pork chops to the slow cooker, completely covering them with the garlic Parmesan sauce.
  6. Tender Cooking: Slow cook on low for 6-7 hours or high for 3-4 hours until pork chops reach maximum tenderness and flavor infusion.
  7. Sauce Refinement: During the final 30 minutes, introduce a cornstarch mixture to thicken the sauce and enhance its consistency.
  8. Finishing Touch: Garnish with freshly chopped parsley and serve the succulent pork chops over mashed potatoes, rice, or pasta.

Notes

  • Sear for Flavor Lock: Caramelize pork chops quickly in a hot skillet to seal in juices and develop a rich, golden-brown exterior before slow cooking.
  • Cheese Melting Technique: Whisk Parmesan gradually and smoothly to prevent clumping, ensuring a silky sauce without grainy texture.
  • Moisture Management: Avoid overcooking by checking internal pork temperature, aiming for 145°F to maintain juiciness and prevent dryness.
  • Sauce Consistency Control: Add cornstarch slurry during last 30 minutes if you prefer a thicker sauce, stirring gently to integrate without creating lumps.
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 6-7 hours
  • Category: Dinner
  • Method: Slow Cooking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 7
  • Calories: 130
  • Sugar: 1 g
  • Sodium: 450 mg
  • Fat: 10 g
  • Saturated Fat: 5 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 6 g
  • Fiber: 0 g
  • Protein: 8 g
  • Cholesterol: 40 mg
John Nicholson

John Nicholson

Lead Writer & Recipe Developer

Expertise

Recipe Testing and Development, Kitchen Hacks and Time-Saving Tips, Flavor Pairing and Ingredient Selection, Engaging Food Writing and Storytelling

Education

Johnson & Wales University

  • Program: Bachelor of Science in Culinary Arts
  • Focus: A hands-on curriculum emphasizing farm-to-table cooking, local ingredient sourcing, and creative menu development. Students gained real-world restaurant experience, learning both classic techniques and modern approaches to sustainable cooking.

John Nicholson honed his skills at Johnson & Wales University, learning how to use fresh, local ingredients and down-to-earth techniques to make cooking simple and satisfying.

His recipes blend Southern comfort flavors with a modern touch, inviting everyone to cook with ease and confidence.

Living in Charleston, John takes cues from the city’s lively food scene, local markets, and seasonal produce. He’s all about making meals stress-free through easy tips, flavor pairings, and fun experiments in the kitchen

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