If you love a hearty meal, this creamy spinach mushroom pork chops dish is a real winner! With juicy pork chops, fresh spinach, and tasty mushrooms in a rich sauce, it’s comfort food at its best.
Making this recipe is a breeze! Just sear the pork chops, add the veggies, and let it all bubble together. I can’t resist pairing it with mashed potatoes—they soak up that creamy goodness so well!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Pork Chops: Choose boneless pork chops for even cooking. If you’re looking for a leaner alternative, turkey cutlets work well too! Just adjust cooking time since they’re thinner.
Mushrooms: Cremini mushrooms add a nice, rich flavor, but you can easily use button mushrooms or even shiitake if you want something a bit different.
Heavy Cream: This is what gives your sauce that creamy texture. If you want a lighter option, try half-and-half or full-fat coconut milk for a dairy-free alternative.
Parmesan Cheese: It adds a nice cheesy flavor, but if you’re out or want to keep it dairy-free, skip it or use nutritional yeast for a cheesy taste without the dairy.
How Do I Get Perfectly Sear My Pork Chops?
Searing your pork chops is key to locking in flavor and moisture. Here’s how to do it just right:
- Make sure your skillet is hot before adding the oil.
- Pat the pork chops dry with a paper towel; this helps achieve a nice brown crust.
- Do not overcrowd the skillet; cook in batches if needed.
- Let them sear undisturbed for 4-5 minutes on each side. Patience is key!
After searing, remember to let them rest for a few minutes before slicing to keep them juicy. Enjoy your delicious pork chops!
Creamy Spinach Mushroom Pork Chops
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 4 boneless pork chops (about 1 inch thick)
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 8 oz mushrooms, sliced (such as cremini or white button mushrooms)
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning or dried thyme
- 2 cups fresh baby spinach
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious recipe will take about 30 minutes total. You’ll spend about 10 minutes prepping the ingredients and then around 20 minutes cooking everything to perfection. It’s a quick yet satisfying meal, perfect for busy weeknights!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Season the Pork Chops:
Start by generously seasoning both sides of the pork chops with salt and black pepper. This helps enhance the flavor and is essential for a tasty sear.
2. Sear the Pork Chops:
In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Once it’s hot, carefully place the pork chops in the skillet. Sear them until they are golden brown on each side, about 4-5 minutes per side, depending on the thickness. Once done, remove the chops from the skillet and set them aside on a plate.
3. Cook the Mushrooms:
In the same skillet, lower the heat to medium and add the butter. When the butter is melted, add the sliced mushrooms. Sauté them for about 5 minutes until they are browned and tender. This step adds so much flavor!
4. Add Garlic:
Next, stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute, stirring occasionally until the garlic is fragrant. Smells amazing, right?
5. Make the Sauce:
Pour in the chicken broth and give it a good stir, scraping up any tasty browned bits from the bottom of the skillet. Let this simmer for about 2-3 minutes to reduce slightly, which adds depth to your sauce.
6. Add Cream and Seasoning:
Now add the heavy cream and Italian seasoning. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer and let it cook for another 3-5 minutes until it thickens up nicely.
7. Incorporate Spinach:
Stir in the fresh spinach and let it cook down until wilted, about 1-2 minutes. If you love cheese, go ahead and add the Parmesan now, stirring until it melts into that creamy sauce!
8. Return Pork Chops:
Put the pork chops back into the skillet, spooning some of that creamy mushroom spinach sauce over them. Cover the skillet and let everything cook together for an additional 5 minutes, or until the pork is cooked through (you want an internal temperature of 145°F / 63°C).
9. Taste and Adjust:
Give the sauce a taste and feel free to adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper as desired. It should be bursting with flavor!
10. Serve and Enjoy:
Garnish with fresh chopped parsley and serve your delicious creamy spinach mushroom pork chops immediately. This dish pairs exceptionally well with mashed potatoes, rice, or a loaf of crusty bread for soaking up the sauce!
Enjoy your meal!
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I Use Bone-In Pork Chops Instead of Boneless?
Yes, you can use bone-in pork chops! Just be aware that they may take a little longer to cook through. Aim for an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C) to ensure they are done.
What If I Don’t Have Heavy Cream?
No problem! You can substitute heavy cream with half-and-half or whole milk for a lighter option. If using milk, consider adding a tablespoon of flour to thicken the sauce, or use a non-dairy alternative like coconut cream for a dairy-free version.
How Can I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove over low heat, adding a splash of chicken broth or cream if needed to restore creaminess.
Can I Add Other Vegetables?
Absolutely! Feel free to add other veggies like bell peppers, zucchini, or even asparagus. Just adjust cooking times accordingly to ensure everything is tender but not overcooked.
