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.
