Dinner Ideas

Creamy Spinach Artichoke Pork Chops

Introduction

If you love creamy, cheesy, and flavorful dishes, these Creamy Spinach Artichoke Pork Chops will steal your heart — and your taste buds! Juicy pork chops are pan-seared to perfection and then smothered in a rich, velvety sauce made with spinach, artichokes, garlic, cream cheese, and Parmesan. It’s everything you love about spinach artichoke dip — transformed into a hearty, satisfying main course!

This dish combines comfort food warmth with restaurant-quality elegance. The creamy sauce clings beautifully to the tender pork chops, creating an irresistible combination of flavor and texture. Perfect for a cozy dinner, date night, or special family meal.

❤️ Why I Love This Recipe

I adore this recipe because it turns a simple pork chop into something truly extraordinary. The creamy spinach-artichoke sauce is lush, flavorful, and feels indulgent without being heavy. It’s rich enough to satisfy your comfort food cravings, yet balanced with the earthy spinach and tangy artichokes.

It’s also incredibly versatile — serve it with mashed potatoes, pasta, or even cauliflower rice for a low-carb twist. The best part? It tastes like something you’d get at a high-end restaurant, yet it’s surprisingly simple to make in your own kitchen.

Why It’s a Must-Try Dish

  • Combines the iconic flavors of spinach artichoke dip with tender pork chops.
  • Creamy, garlicky, and cheesy in the best possible way.
  • Easy to prepare — done in under 40 minutes!
  • Perfect for family dinners, romantic date nights, or entertaining guests.
  • Looks and tastes luxurious, yet made with simple ingredients.

This is one of those dishes that turns an ordinary weeknight into something truly special.

Preparation and Cooking Time

  • Preparation Time: 10 minutes
  • Cooking Time: 25 minutes
  • Total Time: 35 minutes
  • Servings: 4 servings
  • Calories: ~470 kcal per serving

Cuisine and Course

  • Cuisine: American / Comfort Food
  • Course: Main Course / Dinner

Ingredients

For the Pork Chops:

  • 4 boneless or bone-in pork chops (about 1 inch thick)
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • ½ teaspoon black pepper
  • ½ teaspoon paprika
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 tablespoon butter

For the Creamy Spinach Artichoke Sauce:

  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 cup baby spinach (fresh or frozen, thawed and drained)
  • ½ cup canned or jarred artichoke hearts, chopped
  • 4 oz (½ cup) cream cheese, softened
  • ½ cup heavy cream (or half-and-half)
  • ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • ¼ cup shredded mozzarella cheese
  • ½ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Simple Cooking Directions

  1. Season and sear pork chops until golden brown; set aside.
  2. Make the creamy spinach artichoke sauce in the same pan.
  3. Combine the pork chops and sauce; simmer until cooked through.
  4. Serve warm, topped with extra Parmesan and fresh herbs.

Step-by-Step Preparation Method

Step 1: Prepare and Season the Pork Chops
Pat pork chops dry with paper towels.
Season both sides with salt, black pepper, and paprika.

Step 2: Sear the Pork Chops
In a large skillet, heat olive oil and butter over medium-high heat.
Add pork chops and sear for 3–4 minutes per side until golden brown.
Remove pork chops and set aside on a plate.

Step 3: Make the Creamy Spinach Artichoke Sauce
In the same skillet, reduce heat to medium. Add minced garlic and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant.
Add chopped artichokes and spinach; cook for 2–3 minutes until spinach is wilted.
Stir in cream cheese, heavy cream, Parmesan, and mozzarella.
Whisk until smooth and creamy.
Season with salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes (optional).

Step 4: Combine and Simmer
Return pork chops to the skillet, nestling them into the sauce.
Spoon the creamy sauce over the top.
Simmer on low heat for 5–7 minutes, or until the pork reaches 145°F (63°C) internal temperature.

Step 5: Garnish and Serve
Top with extra Parmesan and fresh parsley before serving.

How to Serve

Serve these creamy pork chops with:

  • Mashed potatoes or garlic butter rice for a comforting meal.
  • Steamed or roasted vegetables like asparagus, green beans, or carrots.
  • Pasta or orzo to soak up the luscious sauce.
  • Cauliflower mash or zucchini noodles for a low-carb option.

Additional Recipe Tips

  • Don’t overcook the pork — it can dry out. Use a thermometer for perfect doneness.
  • Use fresh spinach for best flavor, but frozen works in a pinch.
  • If the sauce gets too thick, add a splash of milk or broth to thin it.
  • Add a squeeze of lemon juice before serving to brighten the flavor.
  • Let the pork rest a few minutes before serving so the juices redistribute.

Recipe Variations

  1. Chicken Version: Swap pork chops for chicken breasts or thighs.
  2. Bacon Lovers: Add crispy bacon bits to the sauce for smoky flavor.
  3. Mushroom Spinach Artichoke: Add sautéed mushrooms for extra umami.
  4. Cheese Swap: Use Gruyère, Fontina, or white cheddar instead of mozzarella.
  5. Low-Cal Option: Use light cream cheese and half-and-half instead of heavy cream.

Freezing and Storage

Refrigeration:

  • Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.

Freezing:

  • Cool completely before freezing. Store in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months.
  • Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Reheating:

  • Warm gently in a skillet over medium-low heat. Add a splash of cream or milk to loosen the sauce.

Special Equipment Needed

  • Large nonstick or cast-iron skillet
  • Tongs
  • Whisk
  • Meat thermometer (recommended)

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: Can I use frozen spinach instead of fresh?
Yes! Just make sure to thaw and squeeze out excess water before using to avoid a watery sauce.

Q2: Can I make this recipe dairy-free?
You can substitute with plant-based cream cheese and coconut cream, though flavor will slightly differ.

Q3: Can I bake this instead of cooking on the stove?
Yes. Sear the pork chops first, then bake with the sauce at 375°F (190°C) for 15–20 minutes.

Q4: How do I make the sauce thicker?
Simmer uncovered for a few extra minutes, or whisk in a teaspoon of cornstarch dissolved in a little cream.

Q5: What if my sauce separates?
Keep the heat low while adding cream cheese and dairy to prevent curdling. Stir constantly for a smooth sauce.

Conclusion

Creamy Spinach Artichoke Pork Chops are the perfect combination of indulgent and comforting — juicy pork smothered in a rich, cheesy, garlicky sauce that feels like pure decadence on a plate. It’s a meal that’s both impressive and easy, ideal for weeknights or entertaining guests.

Every bite delivers the familiar flavors of creamy spinach artichoke dip paired with savory pork — a harmony of textures and tastes that’s impossible to resist.

Whether served with mashed potatoes or pasta, this recipe promises a memorable dining experience that’s as elegant as it is comforting.

Creamy Spinach Artichoke Pork Chops

Course: Dinner IdeasCuisine: AmericanDifficulty: Easy
Servings

4

servings
Prep time

10

minutes
Cooking time

25

minutes
Total time

35

minutes

Ingredients

  • For the Pork Chops:

  • 4 boneless or bone-in pork chops (about 1 inch thick)

  • 1 teaspoon salt

  • ½ teaspoon black pepper

  • ½ teaspoon paprika

  • 1 tablespoon olive oil

  • 1 tablespoon butter

  • For the Creamy Spinach Artichoke Sauce:

  • 2 cloves garlic, minced

  • 1 cup baby spinach (fresh or frozen, thawed and drained)

  • ½ cup canned or jarred artichoke hearts, chopped

  • 4 oz (½ cup) cream cheese, softened

  • ½ cup heavy cream (or half-and-half)

  • ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese

  • ¼ cup shredded mozzarella cheese

  • ½ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)

  • Salt and pepper to taste

Directions

  • Step 1: Prepare and Season the Pork Chops : Pat pork chops dry with paper towels. Season both sides with salt, black pepper, and paprika.
  • Step 2: Sear the Pork Chops : In a large skillet, heat olive oil and butter over medium-high heat. Add pork chops and sear for 3–4 minutes per side until golden brown. Remove pork chops and set aside on a plate.
  • Step 3: Make the Creamy Spinach Artichoke Sauce : In the same skillet, reduce heat to medium. Add minced garlic and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant. Add chopped artichokes and spinach; cook for 2–3 minutes until spinach is wilted. Stir in cream cheese, heavy cream, Parmesan, and mozzarella. Whisk until smooth and creamy. Season with salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes (optional).
  • Step 4: Combine and Simmer : Return pork chops to the skillet, nestling them into the sauce. Spoon the creamy sauce over the top. Simmer on low heat for 5–7 minutes, or until the pork reaches 145°F (63°C) internal temperature.
  • Step 5: Garnish and Serve : Top with extra Parmesan and fresh parsley before serving.