Dinner plans just got an upgrade with this authentic pork marsala! Think tender, golden-seared pork chops nestled in a rich, flavorful sauce.
With earthy mushrooms, aromatic garlic, and a touch of Marsala wine, this dish is a hit. It brings a perfect balance of elegance and comfort to your table.
Every bite feels special but familiar. I love serving it over creamy mashed potatoes, tender pasta, or alongside roasted veggies.
No matter what you pair it with, it’s something worth savoring!
Why You’ll Love This Pork Marsala
Luxurious Taste: The savory pork, earthy mushrooms, and luxurious Marsala wine sauce combine seamlessly. They make a deeply satisfying and comforting meal.
Elegant Crowd-Pleaser: Pork marsala offers an impressive, restaurant-quality dish. It’s perfect for dinner parties or gatherings and doesn’t require advanced culinary skills.
One-Pan Wonder: This recipe minimizes cleanup by using just one skillet to create the pork and the sauce. It streamlines the cooking process for busy schedules.
Ingredients
- Boneless Pork Chops: Center-cut chops provide the perfect tender base for this dish. One-inch thickness ensures optimal cooking and prevents drying out.
- Salt & Black Pepper: Essential seasonings enhance the pork’s natural flavors. They also create a flavorful crust when seared.
- All-Purpose Flour: It creates a light coating that helps develop a golden-brown crust and slightly thickens the sauce.
- Olive Oil: Its smoke point is perfect for searing and adding Mediterranean flavor.
- Unsalted Butter: It adds richness and helps create a golden sear on the pork. Additionally, it forms the base of the mushroom sauce.
- Cremini or Button Mushrooms: They add flavor and substantial texture to the sauce. Cremini mushrooms offer a slightly deeper flavor than button mushrooms.
- Garlic: Use freshly minced to add an aromatic depth and classic Italian flavor to the sauce.
- Dry Marsala Wine: The fortified Sicilian wine provides the signature sweet-savory flavor.
- Chicken Stock: It provides the necessary liquid for the sauce while adding depth and body.
- Heavy Cream: It’s an optional ingredient for a silkier, richer sauce with a luxurious mouthfeel.
- Fresh Thyme Leaves & Fresh Parsley: Thyme provides earthy, aromatic notes. Parsley adds fresh color and a subtle flavor as a finishing garnish.
How to Make Pork Marsala
In terms of Italian recipes, this one isn’t as simple to make as spaghetti and meatballs. But it’s still one of the easier ones to whip up.
1. Season and dredge. Generously season both sides of the chops with salt and pepper. Then, dredge each one lightly in flour, shaking off any excess.
2. Sear. Sear the chops in 2 tablespoons of oil and 1 tablespoon of butter over medium-high heat. Cook for 3 to 4 minutes per side, then remove and set aside.
3. Cook the mushrooms. Add more butter, then saute the mushrooms for 5 to 6 minutes. Add the garlic and cook for an additional minute.
4. Deglaze the pan. Pour in the Marsala wine. Use it to scrape up any browned bits from the skillet. Simmer for 2 minutes to reduce slightly.
5. Make the sauce. Stir in the chicken stock and thyme and bring to a simmer. Cook for 3 to 4 minutes, then add the heavy cream (if using). Add more salt and pepper if needed.
6. Finish. Nestle the chops into the sauce and reduce the heat to low. Cover and simmer for 8 to 10 minutes until the pork chops are cooked through.
7. Garnish and serve. Transfer the chops to serving plates and sprinkle with chopped parsley. Serve hot with desired sides, and enjoy!
Tips for the Best Pork Marsala
Here are my top tips for perfect pork marsala!
- Pick the proper pork. Choose uniformly thick chops (about 1 inch) to ensure even cooking. Be sure to trim off excess fat ahead of time to avoid greasiness.
- Give them a rest. After seasoning the chops, let them rest for 5 to 10 minutes before dredging them. That’ll give the seasonings time to “sink in.” Also, pat them dry first for better flour adhesion.
- Pick the perfect pan. Heavy-bottomed skillets work best for this recipe. And be sure it’s hot enough before adding the pork. Test it with a drop of water. If it sizzles, you’re ready to cook.
- Don’t drench the mushrooms! You never want to wash mushrooms under running water. Doing so will make them retain water and become soggy. Instead, clean them with a damp paper towel.
- Can’t find Marsala wine? Use a combination of dry sherry and a splash of brandy. Or dry white wine with a teaspoon of brandy. For a non-alcoholic version, use grape juice with a splash of balsamic vinegar.
- Have fun with variations. Try adding caramelized onions to the mushroom mixture or incorporating different mushroom varieties. (Porcini and Shiitake work well.) You can also add a bit of Dijon mustard to the sauce for extra depth or substitute chicken or veal for pork.
What to Serve with Pork Marsala
You can pair pork marsala with anything you like. Traditionally, most people serve it with mashed potatoes, buttered pasta, or crusty bread.
Other ideas include:
How to Store
I prefer to enjoy pork marsala when it’s fresh, but you can keep leftovers for some time, too.
To Store: Place leftovers in an air-tight container and refrigerate within 2 hours of cooking. Store them safely in the fridge for 3 to 4 days.
To Freeze: Allow the dish to cool completely before freezing. Wrap individual portions tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil. Place them in freezer-safe bags or containers and freeze for 2 to 3 months for best quality.
To Reheat: Reheat pork marsala gently to preserve its flavor and texture. Use the stovetop on low heat, adding a splash of chicken stock or water to prevent drying. Or reheat covered in the oven at 350 degrees. Heating from frozen will take longer.
Pork Marsala
4
servings10
minutes30
minutes448
kcalThis Pork Marsala recipe is so savory and delicious! With mushrooms and a rich Marsala wine sauce, it’s truly irresistible.
Ingredients
- For the Pork Chops
4 boneless pork chops (1 inch thick)
salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
1/2 cup all-purpose flour (for dredging)
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 tablespoon unsalted butter
- For the Sauce
2 tablespoons unsalted butter
8 ounces cremini or button mushrooms, sliced
2 garlic cloves, minced
1/2 cup dry Marsala wine
1 cup chicken stock
1 teaspoon fresh thyme leaves (or 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme)
1/2 cup heavy cream (optional, for a creamier sauce)
salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- Season the pork chops generously with salt and pepper on both sides. Dredge each chop lightly in flour, shaking off excess.
- Heat the olive oil and butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add pork chops and sear until golden brown, about 3–4 minutes per side. Remove and set aside. (They don’t need to be fully cooked at this stage.)
- In the same skillet, add 2 tablespoons of butter for the sauce. Add the mushrooms and sauté until browned and softened, about 5–6 minutes. Stir in the garlic and cook for 1 more minute until fragrant.
- Pour in the Marsala wine and scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the skillet. Let it simmer for 2 minutes to reduce slightly.
- Stir in chicken stock and thyme. Bring to a simmer and cook for 3–4 minutes to blend flavors. If using, stir in the heavy cream for a richer, creamier sauce. Adjust salt and pepper to taste.
- Return the pork chops to the skillet, nestling them into the sauce. Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 8–10 minutes. Or until the pork reaches an internal temperature of 145 degrees Fahrenheit.
- Sprinkle with chopped parsley before serving. Serve hot with mashed potatoes, buttered pasta, or steamed vegetables on the side. Enjoy!
Notes
- Use uniformly thick (1-inch) pork chops with the fat trimmed off for even, non-greasy cooking.
- Rest the seasoned chops before dredging them.
- Use a heavy-bottomed skillet and ensure it’s hot before adding the chops.
- Clean mushrooms with a damp paper towel, not running water.
