This Crockpot Creamy Garlic Pork Loin is an easy and comforting meal. Tender pork loin slow-cooked in a creamy garlic sauce with hints of sage makes for a delicious dinner that pairs perfectly with rice, pasta, or vegetables. It’s a crowd-pleaser and incredibly simple to prepare, with minimal effort for maximum flavor.
Full Recipe:
Ingredients
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2 lb (1.100kg) center cut boneless pork loin (or two 1 lb. pork tenderloins)
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Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper
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1 teaspoon smoked paprika
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½ teaspoon crushed red chili pepper flakes
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1 teaspoon dried thyme
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4 cloves garlic, peeled and minced
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2 shallots, chopped
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¼ cup olive or vegetable oil
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¼ cup white wine (plus more to deglaze pan)
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½ cup chicken broth or stock
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½ cup heavy cream
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1 tablespoon cornstarch (optional)
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3 fresh sage leaves (1 for cooking, 2 for garnish)
Directions
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Prepare the Pork: Season the pork loin on all sides with paprika, salt, and pepper. Heat oil with a sage leaf in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Brown the pork for about 5 minutes on each side, then transfer to the crockpot.
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Cook the Pork: Stir in wine, chicken stock, shallots, garlic, thyme, and red pepper flakes. Season with salt and pepper. Cover and cook on high for 4-5 hours or low for 6-8 hours until the pork is fully cooked. Remove the pork, cover, and keep warm.
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Make the Sauce: In a small bowl, mix heavy cream with cornstarch, then stir into the crockpot with the cooking juices. Cover and cook on high for an additional 10-15 minutes until the sauce thickens.
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Serve: Slice the pork and return the slices to the crockpot to reheat. Garnish with sage leaves. Serve over rice, pasta, or vegetables with the creamy sauce.
Nutrients
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Calories: ~350 per serving
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Protein: 45g
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Fat: 20g
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Carbs: 5g
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Fiber: 1g
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Sugar: 1g
Why Crockpot Creamy Garlic Pork Loin Works So Well
What makes this recipe so fantastic is the combination of slow-cooked pork loin and the creamy garlic sauce. The pork loin, when cooked in the crockpot, becomes incredibly tender as it absorbs all the flavors of the sauce. The garlic and shallots provide a savory depth, while the thyme and sage contribute earthy, herbal notes. The addition of white wine and chicken broth creates a rich base, and the heavy cream adds a luscious, velvety texture to the sauce.
The beauty of this dish lies in how simple it is to prepare. A quick sear on the pork, followed by minimal work to prepare the sauce, is all it takes before you let the crockpot do the rest. After a few hours of cooking, you’re left with a satisfying, comforting meal that tastes like you’ve spent hours in the kitchen.
The Pork: Tender and Flavorful
The pork loin is the star of this dish, and using a center-cut boneless pork loin ensures that it remains juicy and tender throughout the cooking process. The slow cooking method allows the pork to become incredibly soft and flavorful as it absorbs the savory juices and seasonings from the garlic, wine, and herbs.
To ensure that the pork develops a rich flavor, it’s seasoned with smoked paprika, salt, pepper, and crushed red chili pepper flakes before searing. The paprika adds a mild smokiness, and the red pepper flakes provide a subtle heat, which complements the richness of the creamy sauce.
The Sauce: Rich, Creamy, and Aromatic
The sauce for this dish is where all the magic happens. The garlic and shallots are sautéed briefly in olive oil, releasing their fragrant aroma before being added to the crockpot. The white wine and chicken broth form the base of the sauce, creating a rich, savory foundation that is enhanced by the thyme and crushed red pepper flakes.
Once the pork has finished cooking, heavy cream is added to thicken the sauce and create a velvety, rich consistency. A little cornstarch can be added to further thicken the sauce if you prefer a creamier texture. The sauce becomes a beautiful complement to the pork, ensuring each bite is packed with flavor.
Slow Cooking: Perfectly Tender Pork
One of the best things about this recipe is how hands-off the cooking process is. After browning the pork and adding the ingredients to the crockpot, the pork is left to cook on its own. Whether you cook it on high for 4-5 hours or on low for 6-8 hours, the pork becomes incredibly tender and juicy. The long cooking time allows the flavors to develop fully and ensures that the pork is cooked perfectly.
Once the pork is done, it’s removed from the crockpot and kept warm. This resting period allows the juices to redistribute, ensuring that the pork remains moist and tender when sliced.
Making the Sauce: Final Touches
To make the sauce, you’ll mix heavy cream with cornstarch in a small bowl to thicken it. After stirring this mixture into the crockpot with the cooking juices, the sauce is cooked on high for another 10-15 minutes to allow it to thicken up. The result is a rich, creamy sauce that coats the pork slices perfectly, adding another layer of flavor and texture to the dish.
Serving Suggestions
This dish is versatile and pairs well with a variety of sides. For a comforting meal, serve the pork with mashed potatoes, rice, or pasta. The creamy sauce complements all these sides beautifully, making each bite a rich, satisfying experience. You can also serve the pork over sautéed vegetables or roasted vegetables for a lighter option.
For an extra touch of flavor, garnish the pork with fresh sage leaves. This not only adds a pop of color but also enhances the herbal notes in the dish. A simple green salad on the side can also help cut through the richness of the sauce, balancing the flavors.
Nutritional Breakdown
Each serving of Crockpot Creamy Garlic Pork Loin contains approximately 350 calories, making it a satisfying meal that won’t be too heavy. The 45g of protein comes primarily from the pork loin, providing a substantial amount of lean protein. The dish also contains 20g of fat, including 9g of saturated fat, which comes from the olive oil and heavy cream used in the sauce.
With 5g of carbohydrates, mostly from the shallots and a small amount from the heavy cream, the dish is relatively low in carbs. It also provides 1g of fiber, thanks to the shallots and a small amount from the herbs. The sodium content is 650mg per serving, which is moderate, but you can adjust the salt levels to suit your preference.
Conclusion: A Comforting, Effortless Meal
In conclusion, Crockpot Creamy Garlic Pork Loin is a comforting, easy-to-make dish that’s perfect for busy nights or special occasions. The tender, juicy pork and rich garlic cream sauce come together to create a meal that is both indulgent and satisfying. With minimal preparation and cooking time, this dish delivers maximum flavor and is sure to please your family and guests alike. Whether served with pasta, rice, or vegetables, this pork loin is a crowd-pleaser that will quickly become a go-to recipe in your kitchen.