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Savory Garlic Butter Tuscan Pork Chops

savory garlic butter tuscan pork chops - featured image

A quick and easy Tuscan-inspired pork chop recipe featuring a rich garlic butter sauce with sun-dried tomatoes and spinach, perfect for cozy dinners or impressing guests.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 4 bone-in pork chops (about 1-inch thick, around 1 lb / 450 g total)
  • Salt and pepper, to taste
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil (extra virgin preferred)
  • 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, divided
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • ½ cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped (packed in oil, drained slightly)
  • 3 cups fresh baby spinach
  • ½ cup heavy cream (full-fat; can substitute coconut cream for dairy-free)
  • ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1 teaspoon dried Italian herbs (oregano, thyme, basil mix)
  • ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
  • 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions

  1. Pat the pork chops dry with paper towels. Season both sides generously with salt and pepper. Let rest at room temperature for 10 minutes.
  2. Heat a heavy skillet or cast iron pan over medium-high heat and add 2 tablespoons olive oil. Heat until oil shimmers but does not smoke.
  3. Place pork chops in the pan carefully and sear for about 4 minutes on each side until a deep golden crust forms. Avoid moving them too much. Transfer chops to a plate and tent loosely with foil.
  4. Lower heat to medium and add 2 tablespoons butter to the same pan. When melted, add minced garlic and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant without burning.
  5. Add chopped sun-dried tomatoes and cook for another minute.
  6. Stir in baby spinach and cook until just wilted, about 2 minutes.
  7. Pour in heavy cream and sprinkle dried Italian herbs and red pepper flakes if using. Stir to combine and simmer gently for 3-4 minutes until sauce thickens slightly.
  8. Stir in grated Parmesan cheese and remaining 2 tablespoons butter, swirling until melted and sauce is silky.
  9. Nestle pork chops back into the sauce and spoon some over the top. Cook together for another 2-3 minutes until pork reaches an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C).
  10. Sprinkle chopped fresh parsley over the pork chops and serve immediately.

Notes

If sauce is too thick, add a splash of chicken broth or water to loosen. Use a meat thermometer to ensure pork chops reach 145°F for juicy, safe meat. Bring pork chops to room temperature before cooking for even cooking. Avoid overcrowding the pan to get a good sear.

Nutrition

Keywords: pork chops, Tuscan pork chops, garlic butter sauce, sun-dried tomatoes, spinach, easy dinner, quick recipe, Italian dinner