Crockpot Creamy Tuscan Pork Chops

Introduction

Crockpot Creamy Tuscan Pork Chops is a luscious, Italian-inspired dish where tender pork chops are slow-cooked in a creamy, garlicky sauce with sun-dried tomatoes, spinach, and a hint of Parmesan. The slow cooker allows the pork chops to absorb all the rich flavors while staying juicy and tender, making this dish both decadent and effortless.

Perfect for busy weeknights, family dinners, or meal prep, this dish offers the comfort of creamy sauces with the rustic flavors of Tuscany. The combination of savory pork, creamy sauce, earthy spinach, and tangy sun-dried tomatoes creates a truly satisfying meal that pairs beautifully with mashed potatoes, pasta, or crusty bread.

Why I Love This Recipe

I love this recipe because it’s so easy to make yet feels restaurant-quality. The slow-cooker method ensures the pork chops remain tender and infused with flavor, while the creamy Tuscan sauce elevates the dish with richness and a touch of elegance. It’s a comforting, indulgent meal that doesn’t require constant attention, allowing you to focus on other tasks while dinner cooks itself.

Why This is a Must-Try Dish

• Effortless luxury: Juicy pork chops in a creamy, flavorful sauce with minimal prep.
• Rich, comforting flavors: Garlic, sun-dried tomatoes, and Parmesan create an unforgettable taste.
• Versatile: Pairs beautifully with pasta, mashed potatoes, rice, or crusty bread.
• Family-friendly: Mild yet flavorful; loved by adults and kids alike.
• Perfect for meal prep: Keeps well and can be reheated without losing texture.

Recipe Overview

• Preparation Time: 15 minutes
• Cooking Time: 4–6 hours on low
• Total Time: 4–6 hours 15 minutes
• Servings: 4
• Calories: ~420 per serving
• Course: Main / Dinner
• Cuisine: Italian / Comfort Food

Ingredients

• 4 boneless pork chops (about 1-inch thick)
• Salt and black pepper, to taste
• 1 tablespoon olive oil (optional, for searing)
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup heavy cream
• ½ cup chicken broth
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• ½ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
• ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
• ½ cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped
• 3 cups fresh baby spinach
• 1 teaspoon cornstarch mixed with 1 tablespoon water (optional, for thickening)

Cooking Directions

1. Optional Searing: Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Season pork chops with salt and pepper and sear 2–3 minutes per side until golden brown. Transfer to crockpot.
2. Add Sauce Ingredients: In a bowl, mix garlic, heavy cream, chicken broth, Italian seasoning, crushed red pepper, Parmesan, and sun-dried tomatoes. Pour over pork chops.
3. Cook: Cover and cook on low for 4–6 hours until pork chops are tender.
4. Add Spinach: About 15 minutes before serving, stir in fresh spinach. Allow it to wilt and incorporate into the sauce.
5. Optional Thickening: If you prefer a thicker sauce, stir in cornstarch slurry and cook an additional 10–15 minutes.
6. Serve: Taste and adjust seasoning. Serve hot over pasta, rice, or mashed potatoes.

Step-by-Step Preparation Method

1. Optional: Sear pork chops for extra flavor and color.
2. Chop garlic and sun-dried tomatoes.
3. In a bowl, mix cream, broth, Parmesan, garlic, Italian seasoning, and crushed red pepper.
4. Place pork chops in the crockpot and pour sauce over them.
5. Cover and cook on low for 4–6 hours.
6. Stir in spinach 15 minutes before serving.
7. Optional: Thicken sauce with cornstarch slurry.
8. Serve with desired sides and garnish with extra Parmesan if desired.

How to Serve

• Over pasta such as fettuccine, penne, or spaghetti.
• With mashed potatoes or creamy polenta.
• With crusty Italian bread for dipping in the sauce.
• Garnish with extra Parmesan or fresh herbs like basil or parsley.

Recipe Tips

• Use fresh pork chops for best texture; bone-in works but may increase cooking time slightly.
• Avoid overcooking; check tenderness after 4 hours.
• Fresh spinach can be substituted with kale or Swiss chard.
• Add extra sun-dried tomatoes for a tangier flavor.
• For a lighter version, use half-and-half instead of heavy cream.

Variations

1. Creamy Mushroom Tuscan Pork Chops: Add sliced mushrooms with the sauce for extra earthy flavor.
2. Spicy Tuscan Pork Chops: Increase crushed red pepper flakes or add a pinch of cayenne.
3. Cheesy Variation: Stir in ½ cup shredded mozzarella or provolone before serving.
4. Low-Carb Option: Serve over zucchini noodles or cauliflower mash.
5. Herb Infusion: Add fresh rosemary or thyme for added aroma and flavor.

Freezing and Storage

• Refrigeration: Store in an airtight container for up to 3–4 days.
• Freezing: Freeze sauce and pork chops separately for up to 2 months. Spinach is best added fresh when reheating.
• Reheating: Reheat gently on stovetop or microwave. Add a splash of cream or broth if sauce has thickened too much.

Special Equipment Needed

• Crockpot / slow cooker
• Skillet (optional, for searing)
• Knife and cutting board
• Spoon or spatula for stirring
• Ladle for serving

FAQ

Q1: Can I skip searing the pork chops?
A: Yes, but searing adds flavor and a nice golden color.

Q2: Can I use bone-in pork chops?
A: Yes, but cooking time may increase slightly; check tenderness before serving.

Q3: Can I make this gluten-free?
A: Yes, ensure chicken broth is gluten-free and serve over gluten-free pasta or vegetables.

Q4: Can I use frozen pork chops?
A: It’s not recommended; thaw first to ensure even cooking.

Q5: Can I prepare this ahead of time?
A: Yes, assemble ingredients in the crockpot and refrigerate overnight. Cook the next day.

Conclusion

Crockpot Creamy Tuscan Pork Chops is a simple, comforting, and elegant dish that combines tender pork with a rich, garlicky, and creamy sauce full of sun-dried tomatoes and fresh spinach. Perfect for weeknight dinners, family meals, or special occasions, it’s an effortless way to bring a taste of Tuscany to your table. With minimal hands-on time and maximum flavor, this dish is a must-try for anyone who loves hearty, creamy, and flavorful meals.