Creamy Pork Chops

Annie Lampella @ Ketofocus

By Annie Lampella, Pharm.D.

Published September 19, 2023 • Updated February 1, 2026

Creamy bacon & spinach smothered pork chops

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Quick to prepare, this hearty one-pot recipe features juicy pan-seared pork chops smothered in a creamy Dijon, spinach and bacon sauce. The savory bacon and tangy Dijon kick from these creamy pork chops will have your family coming back for seconds.

Looking for more keto pork recipes? Try Bacon Wrapped Pork Chops, Roasted Pork Loin or cook pork chops in the air fryer!!

When I first made this pork chop recipe, I made a mistake… I didn’t cook enough pork chops.

Within a few seconds after we gathered around for dinner, everyone was halfway through their chops and exclaiming how delicious these creamy pork chops were. Then, they wanted more!!! But unfortunately, it was all gone, so they had to settle on more roasted asparagus and mashed cauliflower. Don’t repeat my mistake, just double this recipe if you are a family of two growing boys and hungry husband!

A creamy spinach sauce covered a boneless pork chop on a white plate with another plate behind and two forks to the right.

Why I love this recipe

  • One pot wonder – From pan searing the pork chops, to making the creamy sauce, it’s all prepared in the same pan. So that means, less clean up and less dishes at the end of the night!
  • Quick, weeknight meal – You’ll have dinner ready in less than 20 minutes from start to finish.
  • The sauce – The highlight of this smothered pork chop recipe is this sauce. Juicy pan-seared pork chops are bathed in a creamy Dijon, spinach and bacon sauce. Smoky bacon, tangy Dijon, rich gravy – it all comes together. You’ll want to drown each bite of juicy pork chop in it.

 

How to make creamy pork chops

This whole dish comes together in less than 20 minutes, so it’s perfect for busy weeknights.

  1. Choose your pork chop – Select thin cut, thick cut pork chops, bone out or bone-in pork chops. The cooking time will increase with thick cut and bone-in pork chops.
  2. Prepare the pork – Pat dry pork chops and season.
  3. Pan sear pork chops – Sear the pork chops to form a golden crust on each side in a skillet over medium heat. Remove pork chops once cooked through.
  4. Make creamy sauce for pork chops – Cook chopped bacon in the same skillet until crispy. Remove and set aside. Melt butter in the same skillet and add minced garlic, thyme, heavy cream and Dijon mustard. Cook until thickened.
  5. Add the veggies – Stir in grated parmesan and spinach leaves. Cook until spinach wilts. Then add back in cooked pork chops and bacon.

The creamy sauce soaks into the pork as it simmers, and trust me, everyone will want seconds.

Ingredients for a pork chop recipe on a marbled counter.

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Creamy Pork Chops

5 (3) Prep 5m Cook 12m Total 17m 4 servings

Ingredients

  • 24 oz boneless pork chops
  • 2 1/2 tablespoons avocado oil
  • 4 slices bacon, chopped
  • 1 tablespoon butter
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon dried thyme
  • 1 cup heavy whipping cream
  • 1/4 cup Dijon mustard
  • 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 2 cups baby spinach leaves

Step by Step Instructions

Step by Step Instructions

1
Prepare the pork chops

Pat all sides dry with a paper towel. Season both sides of the pork chops with salt and pepper.

Four thick cut boneless pork chops on a wooden cutting board.
Tip This recipe also works for bone-in pork chops.
Ingredients for this step
  • 24 oz pork chops, boneless
  • salt and pepper
2
Sear the pork chops

Heat a large skillet over medium heat, add avocado oil. Evenly space pork chops in skillet ensuring there is about an inch of space between each. Cook for 4-6 minutes per side until internal temperature of each pork chop center reaches 140°F. Remove pork chops from the skillet and set aside.

A skillet with golden, pan-seared pork chops inside.
Tip Cover the skillet if using thick-cut or bone-in pork chops to help them cook through.
Ingredients for this step
  • 2 1/2 tablespoons avocado oil
3
Crispy bacon

To the same skillet, add chopped bacon and cook over medium heat until crispy. Remove bacon from the skillet to set aside and leave behind the bacon grease in the skillet.

Chopped bacon cooking in a black skillet.
Ingredients for this step
  • 4 slices bacon, chopped
4
Add more flavor

To the skillet, melt butter and add minced garlic and dried thyme. Cook for 1 minute or until garlic is fragrant.

A black skillet with melted butter and chopped garlic cooking.
Tip Can use 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder in place of minced garlic and fresh thyme in place of dried thyme.
Ingredients for this step
  • 1 tablespoon butter
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon dried thyme
5
Make creamy sauce for pork chops

Pour in heavy cream and mustard. Stir and scrape the bottom of the pan to deglaze and mix the delicious brown bits into the sauce. Continue to cook until sauce has slightly thickened.

A skillet with melted butter, heavy cream and dijon mustard inside.
Tip Can use half heavy cream and half chicken broth, nut milk, milk or water in place of heavy whipping cream. Heavy cream helps thicken the sauce, so keep some of it.
Ingredients for this step
  • 1 cup heavy whipping cream
  • 1/4 cup Dijon mustard
6
Finish the dish

Stir in grated parmesan cheese and spinach leaves. Cook until spinach wilts. Return the cooked pork chops and bacon to the sauce. Coat the pork chops with the sauce and serve immediately.

Fresh baby spinach leaves and parmesan cheese on top of a cream sauce in a skillet.
Tip Add more spinach leaves if desired or completely omit.
Ingredients for this step
  • 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 2 cups baby spinach leaves
Nutrition Per Serving 1 pork chop
679 Calories
56g Fat
41g Protein
2g Net Carbs
2g Total Carbs
4 Servings
Nutrition disclaimer

The nutrition information provided is an estimate and is for informational purposes only. I am a Doctor of Pharmacy (Pharm.D.); however, this content is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult your physician or other qualified health provider before making any lifestyle changes or beginning a new nutrition program.

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Creamy Pork Chops

Frequently Asked Questions

How to cook juicy pork chops?

The key to juicy pork chops is to not overcook them. Pan searing pork chops in a cast iron or stainless steel skillet forms a golden crust to seal the moisture and flavor into the meat. Cook the pork chops until they reach an internal temperature of 140°F. Any longer and you risk drying out the meat.

Is there a lighter alternative to heavy whipping cream that can be used in this recipe?

The heavy cream is what makes the thick gravy, but you don't have to use the full amount. Try using half heavy cream and half chicken broth, nut milk or water.

Can I make this recipe using bone-in pork chops instead of boneless, and would that alter the cooking time?

Bone-in pork chops are more flavorful and juicier than boneless. They do take extra time to cook because the bone acts as insulation. Cover the skillet while cooking to help heat the meat all the way through. Expect to add an additional 1-3 minutes of cooking time.

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A skillet with creamy pork chops mixed with spinach, thyme and bacon.

How to tell when pork chops are done cooking

Knowing when pork chops are done is important for both juicy results and food safety.
  • Use a meat thermometer – The most accurate method to check the doneness is by using a meat thermometer. The USDA recommends cooking pork to a minimum internal temperature of 145°F, followed by a 3-minute rest time. In this recipe, we pull the pork after 140°F because we are returning them to the skillet to bathe in the sauce a few minutes before serving.
  • Cut in to the meat – If you don’t have a thermometer, make a small cut into the center of the chop to check the color. It should be white, but this does let some of the juices and flavor escape.

Variations & substitutions

Here are a few ideas if you want to swap ingredients or change up the flavor.

Substitutions

  • Chicken – Ha! I guess it’s no longer a pork chop recipe, but this creamy bacon sauce would be delicious over chicken too.
  • Fresh thyme – For more robust flavor, use 1 tablespoon of fresh thyme.
  • Lighten it up – Omit the bacon, use less oil, use less heavy cream and replace with chicken broth, nut milk or water.
  • Make dairy free – Omit the butter and parmesan cheese. In place of heavy cream, use nut milk or coconut cream and add 1 teaspoon arrowroot powder.

Variations

  • Spicy – Add cayenne pepper, red pepper flakes or minced jalapeno for extra kick.
  • Use different vegetables – Add in mushrooms, sun dried tomatoes, zucchini or artichokes for different textures and flavors.
  • Cheese it up – Use different types of cheese like gorgonzola or feta for a change in flavor profile.
 
A plate with a slice off a pork chop showing the juicy interior sits on a pool of creamy sauce.

Instant pot pork chops

You can also make these pork chops in an Instant Pot for an even easier cleanup.
  1. Set Instant Pot to the ‘Sauté’ setting and add avocado oil.
  2. Once hot, add the pork chops and sear them on both sides until they have a nice golden crust (approximately 3-4 minutes on each side). Remove the chops from the pot and set aside.
  3. In the same pot, add the chopped bacon and cook until crisp. Remove bacon from the pot and set aside, leaving the grease in the pot.
  4. Add the butter, minced garlic and thyme to the pot, stirring for about 1 minute.
  5. Stir in the Dijon mustard and heavy whipping cream.
  6. Return pork chops back to the pot. Set valve to “sealing” and “pressure cook” on high for 7-8 minutes (adjust the time based on the thickness of the pork chops).
  7. Once the cooking time is up, let the pressure release naturally for 10 minutes, then do a quick release for any remaining pressure.
  8. Stir in parmesan cheese and spinach.

Storage information

To properly store any leftover pork chops, allow pork chops to cool to room temperature before packing away in an air tight container to store in the refrigerator. Store in the fridge for 3-4 days. Although it may change the texture of the cream sauce, freeze this creamy pork chop recipe for up to 1-2 months in a freezer safe container. Reheat in the microwave, stove top or oven until heated through.
About the Author
Annie Lampella, Pharm.D.

Annie Lampella, Pharm.D.

Annie is a Doctor of Pharmacy, mom, and the recipe creator behind KetoFocus. With a B.S. in Genetics from UC Davis, she has over 14 years of experience developing family-friendly keto recipes based on the science of human metabolism.

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  1. T
    Tiffany Feb 10, 2024

    I just started the Keto Diet and this was the first recipe I prepared. My goodness what a perfect recipe. Easy, cabinet friendly, and best of all, my husband loved it!

  2. V
    Valerie Jan 30, 2024

    Another great recipe! I made it exactly as described and served it over some mashed cauliflower with the extra sauce as gravy. My very picky husband adored this. We've been doing keto about a year now and you are our go-to for reliably delicious recipes. Thank you!

  3. J
    Julie Nov 7, 2023

    We ABSOLUTELY LOVE your creamy pork chops!! Kinda like gourmet spinach dip. (We go heavy on the spinach with 8oz frozen chopped spinach.)
    .
    I've even served this from a crockpot for a potluck. I just cut the chops into 1" cubes after they've been seared.
    .
    Crockpot Potluck sized recipe:
    4 lbs of pork + triple batch of sauce. If the sauce is too thick I thin it a bit with almond milk. Set the crockpot to "WARM" and its DELISH!! And the pork stays tender and moist even while set to WARM for hours.
    .
    Thank you for this recipe! It's SO easy too. And I love that it can be made a day before.

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