Pat the pork chops completely dry with paper towels. Season both sides with the kosher salt, black pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, and Italian seasoning.
Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the olive oil. Once the oil is hot, add the pork chops without crowding the skillet.
Sear the pork chops for 3–4 minutes per side, or until deeply golden brown. Transfer them to a plate. They do not need to be completely cooked at this stage.
Reduce the heat to medium. Add the butter to the same skillet. Once melted, add the minced garlic and cook for 30–45 seconds, stirring constantly. Do not allow the garlic to brown.
Pour in the chicken broth and scrape the bottom of the skillet to release the browned bits.
Add the heavy cream, Dijon mustard, Italian seasoning, and red pepper flakes, if using. Stir well and bring the sauce to a gentle simmer. Cook for 2–3 minutes.
Reduce the heat to medium-low. Gradually add the freshly grated Parmesan, stirring until completely melted and smooth. Taste the sauce before adding any additional salt.
Return the pork chops and any accumulated juices to the skillet. Spoon the sauce over the chops and cover loosely.
Simmer over low heat for 4–7 minutes, depending on the thickness of the pork, until the thickest part of each chop reaches 145°F.
Remove the skillet from the heat and let the pork chops rest in the sauce for three minutes. Finish with chopped parsley, cracked black pepper, and an optional light sprinkle of Parmesan.