If you are craving a warm, comforting dish that brings together creamy textures and vibrant flavors, look no further than this Chicken Florentine Soup: A Creamy Delight Bursting with Flavor Recipe. This soup balances tender shredded chicken with fresh spinach, all enveloped in a rich, Parmesan-laced broth that feels like a big hug in a bowl. Whether you’re winding down after a long day or need a thoughtful dish to brighten up a chilly evening, this recipe is sure to become a beloved staple in your kitchen.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of this Chicken Florentine Soup: A Creamy Delight Bursting with Flavor Recipe lies in its simple yet essential ingredients. Each element plays its part – from creating a silky broth to adding layers of taste, color, and nourishing goodness.
- 1 tablespoon olive oil: Adds a fruity, rich base for sautéing the veggies with a hint of Mediterranean flavor.
- 1 tablespoon unsalted butter: Gives a luscious creaminess and depth to the sautéed aromatics.
- 1 small yellow onion (diced): Brings sweetness and foundational flavor that rounds out the soup.
- 2 cloves garlic (minced): Infuses the broth with savory warmth and a classic Italian touch.
- 2 medium carrots (sliced): Contribute subtle sweetness and vibrant color.
- 2 stalks celery (sliced): Adds a delicate crunch and fresh flavor.
- 1 teaspoon salt: Enhances every taste and balances the overall profile.
- ½ teaspoon black pepper: Introduces a gentle heat for depth.
- ½ teaspoon dried thyme: Imparts earthiness and an aromatic herbaceous note.
- ¼ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional): A pinch of spice for those who like a little kick.
- 4 cups low-sodium chicken broth: The flavorful liquid that ties the soup together, keeping it light yet rich.
- 2 cups cooked shredded chicken breast: The hearty protein that makes this soup truly satisfying.
- 1 cup heavy cream: Adds the signature creamy texture and indulgence.
- 3 cups baby spinach (roughly chopped): Fresh greens that bring brightness and nutritional punch.
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese: Injects umami with every spoonful and helps thicken the broth gently.
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch (optional, for thickening): Perfect for those who prefer a more velvety, thicker soup consistency.
- 2 tablespoons water (if using cornstarch slurry): Helps dissolve the cornstarch evenly without clumping.
How to Make Chicken Florentine Soup: A Creamy Delight Bursting with Flavor Recipe
Step 1: Sauté the Vegetables
Start by warming olive oil and butter in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Toss in the diced onion, carrots, and celery, letting them cook 5 to 7 minutes until they soften and release their natural sweetness. This step builds a flavorful foundation that will make your soup sing.
Step 2: Garlic and Seasonings
Now stir in the minced garlic and cook briefly for about 30 seconds until fragrant—this little burst will elevate the entire pot. Add salt, black pepper, thyme, and crushed red pepper flakes if you’re using them. These spices set the stage for a comforting Italian-American taste.
Step 3: Simmer with Broth and Chicken
Pour in the chicken broth and bring everything to a gentle simmer. Add in the cooked shredded chicken and let the soup cook for about 10 minutes to blend the flavors and warm the chicken through perfectly.
Step 4: Creamy Goodness and Cheese
Lower the heat and stir in the heavy cream and grated Parmesan cheese, allowing the cheese to melt fully into the soup. This part transforms your broth into the luscious base that gives this Chicken Florentine Soup: A Creamy Delight Bursting with Flavor Recipe its signature richness.
Step 5: Optional Thickening and Spinach
If you prefer your soup a bit thicker, whisk the cornstarch with water in a small bowl until smooth, then stir it into the pot and cook for 2 to 3 minutes more. Finally, fold in the chopped baby spinach and cook just until it wilts, about 1 to 2 minutes. Give everything a taste and adjust salt or pepper if needed.
How to Serve Chicken Florentine Soup: A Creamy Delight Bursting with Flavor Recipe
Garnishes
To make your Chicken Florentine Soup: A Creamy Delight Bursting with Flavor Recipe feel extra special, sprinkle some freshly grated Parmesan or cracked black pepper on top just before serving. A drizzle of good quality olive oil or a squeeze of lemon juice also adds wonderful brightness and balances the creaminess.
Side Dishes
This soup pairs wonderfully with crusty artisan bread that you can dip or with a crisp green salad to introduce refreshing textures. Garlic bread or a simple Caesar salad also make great companions, rounding out the meal beautifully.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve your soup in pretty bowls garnished with a few whole spinach leaves or a sprig of thyme for a chef’s touch. For gatherings, try serving it in mini bread bowls or clear mugs for fun and inviting presentation that will impress your guests.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Your Chicken Florentine Soup: A Creamy Delight Bursting with Flavor Recipe keeps beautifully in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors continue to deepen, making leftovers even more enticing the next day.
Freezing
For longer storage, freeze the soup in labeled freezer-safe containers. Keep in mind that the cream and spinach might separate slightly upon thawing, but a gentle reheating and stir will bring it back to luscious perfection. Frozen, it stays good for about 2 to 3 months.
Reheating
Reheat the soup slowly on the stovetop over low to medium heat, stirring occasionally to prevent scorching. If the soup looks too thick, add a splash of broth or water to loosen it up. Avoid boiling once cream is added to keep the texture silky smooth.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of greens instead of spinach?
Absolutely! Kale or Swiss chard work well in this soup too. Just remember to chop them finely and allow extra cooking time for tougher greens to become tender.
Is there a way to make this soup lighter without losing the creamy texture?
Yes, you can substitute half-and-half or even whole milk for the heavy cream to lighten the recipe. The soup will still have a creamy mouthfeel but with fewer calories and less fat.
Can I prepare this recipe in a slow cooker?
You can! Sauté the vegetables first as directed, then transfer everything to a slow cooker and cook on low for 4 to 6 hours. Add spinach and cream near the end to prevent overcooking.
What can I use if I want to avoid dairy entirely?
For a dairy-free version, replace butter with olive oil and use coconut milk or a dairy-free cream substitute instead of heavy cream. Nutritional yeast can stand in for Parmesan cheese to maintain the savory flavor.
How can I make this soup gluten-free?
This recipe is naturally gluten-free as long as you use certified gluten-free chicken broth and Parmesan cheese. Double-check labels to ensure no hidden gluten ingredients sneak in.
Final Thoughts
There is something truly special about how this Chicken Florentine Soup: A Creamy Delight Bursting with Flavor Recipe manages to warm your soul and satisfy your hunger with every spoonful. Its simplicity, richness, and fresh ingredients make it a perfect meal for any occasion. I hope you feel inspired to whip up this creamy, flavorful soup and share it with loved ones — it’s one of those dishes you come back to time and again. Happy cooking!
Print
Chicken Florentine Soup: A Creamy Delight Bursting with Flavor Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian-American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
Chicken Florentine Soup is a creamy and flavorful Italian-American inspired dish that combines tender shredded chicken, fresh spinach, and a rich Parmesan-infused broth. This comforting soup is perfect for a wholesome meal, offering a delicious balance of savory vegetables, protein, and creamy goodness.
Ingredients
Soup Base
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
- 1 small yellow onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 medium carrots, sliced
- 2 stalks celery, sliced
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon dried thyme
- ¼ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
- 4 cups low-sodium chicken broth
Main Ingredients
- 2 cups cooked shredded chicken breast
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 3 cups baby spinach, roughly chopped
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
Thickening (Optional)
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 2 tablespoons water
Instructions
- Sauté Vegetables: In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat olive oil and butter over medium heat. Add diced onion, sliced carrots, and celery, sautéing for 5-7 minutes until the vegetables are softened.
- Add Garlic and Seasonings: Stir in minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant. Then add salt, black pepper, dried thyme, and crushed red pepper flakes if using, stirring to combine.
- Add Broth and Chicken: Pour in the low-sodium chicken broth and bring the mixture to a simmer. Add the cooked shredded chicken breast and let the soup cook for 10 minutes to meld flavors.
- Incorporate Cream and Cheese: Stir in the heavy cream and grated Parmesan cheese, allowing the cheese to melt fully, enriching the soup’s creamy texture.
- Thicken Soup (Optional): For a thicker consistency, mix cornstarch with water to make a slurry, then slowly stir it into the pot. Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes, stirring until the soup thickens.
- Add Spinach: Finally, stir in the baby spinach and cook just until wilted, around 1-2 minutes. Taste the soup and adjust seasoning if needed.
- Serve: Ladle the hot soup into bowls and serve with crusty bread or a fresh side salad for a complete meal.
Notes
- You can substitute rotisserie chicken for convenience and ease.
- For a lighter version, replace heavy cream with half-and-half.
- To make the soup gluten-free, ensure that both your chicken broth and Parmesan cheese are certified gluten-free.
