Description

Craving a comforting, savory dish that’s rich with creamy, herbaceous flavor? What if you could create Creamy Herbed Pork Chops in just 30 minutes, with tender pork chops smothered in a velvety, basil-infused sauce? This beginner-friendly recipe, inspired by your love for hearty, flavorful dishes like Garlic-Brown Sugar Chicken Thighs and Mom’s Chicken Pot Pie, delivers a quick yet indulgent meal perfect for weeknight dinners, family gatherings, or cozy evenings.

Ingredients

For the Pork Chops

Thick-Cut Boneless Pork Chops (4): Tender, juicy cuts that hold up to searing and pair well with the creamy sauce.
Montreal Steak Seasoning (1 tsp, or to taste): Adds a bold, savory blend of spices like garlic, pepper, and coriander.

For the Creamy Herbed Sauce

All-Purpose Flour (2½ tbsp): Thickens the sauce for a velvety texture.
Dried Basil (1 tbsp): Infuses a sweet, herbaceous flavor.
Instant Beef Bouillon Granules (1 tsp): Provides savory, umami depth.
Butter (5 tbsp, divided): Creates richness for searing chops and building the sauce.
Freshly Ground Black Pepper (1 tsp): Adds a spicy, aromatic kick to the sauce.
Milk (2 cups): Forms the creamy, smooth base of the sauce.

Substitutions and Variations

Pork Chops: Swap with bone-in pork chops (add 2–3 minutes per side for searing), chicken breasts, or tofu for vegetarian (sauté tofu 3–4 minutes per side).
Montreal Steak Seasoning: Use a mix of ½ tsp each garlic powder, black pepper, and paprika, or Cajun seasoning for a spicier kick, inspired by your Cajun Grilled Chicken.
Flour: Replace with cornstarch (1½ tbsp mixed with 2 tbsp water) for gluten-free; adjust milk to thicken.
Dried Basil: Substitute with 3 tbsp fresh basil or 1 tsp dried oregano for a different herbaceous note.
Beef Bouillon: Swap with chicken or vegetable bouillon, or 1 tsp soy sauce for umami (reduce salt if using soy sauce).
Butter: Use olive oil or vegan butter for dairy-free; adjust for similar richness.
Milk: Replace with heavy cream for a richer sauce, or unsweetened almond milk for dairy-free (sauce may be thinner).
Vegetarian/Vegan: Use tofu or seitan, vegetable bouillon, vegan butter, and plant-based milk; ensure spices are vegan-friendly.
Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free flour or cornstarch; ensure bouillon and Montreal seasoning are gluten-free certified.
Low-Fat: Use 2 tbsp butter and low-fat milk; sauce will be slightly thinner.

Optional Additions

Herbs: Add ½ tsp dried thyme or rosemary to the sauce, inspired by your Mediterranean Chicken Pasta Salad.
Veggies: Sauté ½ cup sliced mushrooms or spinach with the sauce, echoing your Sausage and Veggies Skillet.
Cheese: Stir in ¼ cup grated Parmesan or cheddar for extra richness, inspired by your Cajun Seafood Pasta.

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Instructions

Prepare the Pork Chops:
- Pat 4 thick-cut boneless pork chops dry with paper towels for better browning.
- Season all sides generously with 1 tsp Montreal steak seasoning (or to taste).
- Tip: Ensure even seasoning; use slightly less if chops are smaller to avoid overpowering.
Mix the Flour Mixture:
- In a small bowl, combine 2½ tbsp all-purpose flour, 1 tbsp dried basil, and 1 tsp instant beef bouillon granules.
- Mix well and set aside.
- Tip: Stir thoroughly to distribute bouillon; this prevents clumping in the sauce.
Sear the Pork Chops:
- Melt 2 tbsp butter in a large skillet (cast-iron or stainless steel) over medium heat.
- Add seasoned pork chops and cook for 7–10 minutes per side, until browned and slightly pink in the center (internal temperature at least 145°F/63°C).
- Transfer chops to a plate and cover loosely with foil to keep warm.
- Tip: Avoid overcrowding; sear in batches if needed; don’t overcook to maintain juiciness.
Prepare the Creamy Sauce:
- Add remaining butter (up to 3 tbsp) to the skillet as needed to yield about 3 tbsp pan drippings with butter.
- Stir in 1 tsp freshly ground black pepper and cook for 1 minute to release aroma.
- Add the flour mixture and cook, stirring constantly, until browned, about 2 minutes.
- Gradually whisk in 2 cups milk, stirring constantly to prevent lumps.
- Bring to a simmer over medium heat and cook, stirring, until thick and bubbly, 4–6 minutes.
- Tip: Whisk milk slowly to ensure a smooth sauce; adjust heat to maintain a gentle simmer.
Serve:
- Return pork chops to the skillet to reheat briefly (1–2 minutes), if desired, or plate chops immediately.
- Spoon hot creamy sauce generously over pork chops.
- Serve hot with sides like mashed potatoes, roasted asparagus (inspired by your Garlic-Brown Sugar Chicken Thighs), or a green salad, and a drink like white wine or sparkling water.
- Garnish with extra basil or parsley (optional) for a fresh touch.
- Tip: Serve sauce immediately for the best texture; offer extra sauce on the side for dipping.