If you’re craving something truly comforting yet elegant, this Creamy Chicken Florentine Recipe is an absolute winner. Picture tender chicken breasts cooked to golden perfection, nestled in a luxuriously creamy sauce loaded with fresh spinach, Parmesan, and a hint of garlic. It’s a delightful Italian-inspired dish that balances bold flavors with delicate textures, making it a perfect midweek dinner or an impressive meal for guests. Rich, flavorful, and surprisingly simple to prepare, this recipe will quickly become a beloved staple in your kitchen.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This Creamy Chicken Florentine Recipe uses a handful of uncomplicated ingredients that each play a crucial role in creating depth and richness. Fresh spinach adds vibrant color and earthiness, while Parmesan cheese brings a savory punch. The combination of butter, garlic, and cream forms the luscious sauce that envelops the chicken in every bite.
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts: The star protein, perfectly tender and juicy when cooked just right.
- ½ teaspoon salt: Essential for seasoning and enhancing all the dish’s flavors.
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper: Adds a gentle background warmth and complexity.
- 2 tablespoons olive oil: For searing the chicken to a beautiful golden brown.
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter: Brings richness and helps create a velvety sauce.
- 3 cloves garlic (minced): Offers aromatic depth and a flavorful punch.
- 1 cup heavy cream: The creamy base that makes the sauce indulgent and smooth.
- ½ cup chicken broth: Adds subtle savory notes and balances the creaminess.
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese: Provides nutty, salty goodness that melts into the sauce.
- 4 cups fresh baby spinach: Fresh greens that soften to tender perfection and add a pop of color.
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning: A blend of herbs to elevate the authentic Italian flavor profile.
- ¼ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional): A touch of heat to brighten the dish.
- Chopped parsley for garnish: Adds freshness and a final decorative touch.
How to Make Creamy Chicken Florentine Recipe
Step 1: Season and Sear the Chicken
Begin by seasoning your chicken breasts evenly with salt and black pepper. Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat until shimmering. Place the chicken breasts carefully in the skillet and cook for about 5 to 6 minutes on each side, allowing them to develop a golden crust. This searing step locks in the juicy flavor and ensures a beautiful texture. Once cooked through, transfer the chicken to a plate and set aside briefly.
Step 2: Build the Creamy Sauce
In the same skillet, melt the unsalted butter to capture every bit of flavor left behind by the chicken. Toss in the minced garlic and sauté just for about 30 seconds, until fragrant but not browned. Then, pour the heavy cream and chicken broth into the skillet, gently stirring as it comes to a simmer. This creates the luscious base for your sauce—rich, comforting, and inviting.
Step 3: Add Cheese and Seasonings
Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese along with the Italian seasoning. If you like a little kick, sprinkle in the crushed red pepper flakes. Let the sauce simmer gently for 2 to 3 minutes until it thickens slightly and the cheese melts perfectly into the mixture. This step turns the sauce into a velvety coating for the spinach and chicken.
Step 4: Wilt the Spinach and Reintroduce the Chicken
Add the fresh baby spinach to the skillet, stirring it into the creamy sauce until it wilts down to a tender, vibrant green. Return the chicken breasts to the pan and spoon the flavorful sauce over the top. Let everything simmer together for another 2 to 3 minutes to allow the chicken to absorb the sauce’s goodness and heat through thoroughly.
How to Serve Creamy Chicken Florentine Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of chopped fresh parsley over the top instantly brightens the dish and adds a pleasing contrast to the creamy sauce. You can also add a little extra Parmesan on top for an extra burst of savory flavor and a lovely presentation.
Side Dishes
This Creamy Chicken Florentine Recipe pairs beautifully with simple sides like al dente pasta to soak up the sauce, creamy mashed potatoes for an indulgent combination, or even a fluffy bed of rice to keep things comforting and hearty. Light roasted vegetables or a crisp green salad can add a refreshing counterbalance.
Creative Ways to Present
For a gorgeous presentation, plate the chicken atop a swirl of cooked fettuccine or creamy polenta, then ladle the spinach and sauce artfully over the top. Serving it family-style in a rustic skillet right at the table is sure to draw compliments and make everyone feel at home.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
You can easily refrigerate any leftover Creamy Chicken Florentine Recipe in an airtight container for up to 3 days. The flavors meld even more with time, making it just as delicious when reheated.
Freezing
This dish freezes well, too! Transfer cooled portions into freezer-safe containers and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating gently on the stove or microwave.
Reheating
When reheating, do so over low heat on the stovetop to prevent the cream from separating. Add a splash of chicken broth or cream if the sauce thickens too much. Stir often for a creamy, freshly made taste that’s just as tasty the second time around.
FAQs
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Absolutely. Boneless, skinless chicken thighs will add a bit more richness and stay juicy. Just adjust the cooking time slightly to ensure they’re cooked through.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
Yes! All the ingredients used in this Creamy Chicken Florentine Recipe are naturally gluten-free, making it perfect for those avoiding gluten.
Can I make this recipe dairy-free?
You can substitute coconut milk or a dairy-free cream alternative for the heavy cream and use dairy-free Parmesan substitutes. The flavor will differ slightly, but it will still be delicious.
What if I don’t have fresh spinach?
Frozen spinach can be used in a pinch; just be sure to thaw and drain it very well before adding to avoid excess water in the sauce.
Can I prepare this recipe ahead of time?
You can prepare the sauce and cook the chicken separately in advance, then combine and reheat when ready to serve for a quick and easy meal.
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly heartwarming about a Creamy Chicken Florentine Recipe that comes together so effortlessly yet tastes so indulgent. Whether you’re cooking for a busy weeknight or a special occasion, this dish brings a comforting touch of Italian-inspired magic to your table. I encourage you to try it and discover just how simple ingredients can create an incredibly satisfying meal you’ll want to make again and again.
Print
Creamy Chicken Florentine Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian-Inspired
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
Chicken Florentine is a classic Italian-inspired dish featuring tender, pan-seared chicken breasts smothered in a rich and creamy Parmesan sauce infused with garlic and fresh spinach. This comforting main course is quick to prepare and perfect for a flavorful weeknight dinner, offering a delightful balance of creamy sauce and vibrant greens.
Ingredients
Chicken
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
Sauce & Vegetables
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- ½ cup chicken broth
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 4 cups fresh baby spinach
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- ¼ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
Garnish
- Chopped parsley
Instructions
- Season the chicken: Pat the chicken breasts dry and season both sides evenly with salt and black pepper to enhance flavor.
- Cook the chicken: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Place the chicken breasts in the skillet and cook for 5 to 6 minutes on each side until they develop a golden brown crust and are cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside on a plate.
- Prepare the sauce base: In the same skillet, melt the unsalted butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds or until fragrant, taking care not to burn the garlic.
- Add liquids and cheese: Pour in the heavy cream and chicken broth, stirring gently. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, then add the grated Parmesan cheese, Italian seasoning, and crushed red pepper flakes if using. Stir to combine.
- Simmer sauce: Let the sauce simmer for 2 to 3 minutes, allowing it to thicken slightly while stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.
- Incorporate spinach: Add the fresh baby spinach to the skillet and cook until the leaves wilt down, about 2 minutes, stirring to evenly distribute.
- Return chicken to skillet: Place the cooked chicken breasts back into the skillet and spoon the creamy spinach sauce over them. Allow the chicken to warm through for an additional 2 to 3 minutes on low heat.
- Garnish and serve: Sprinkle chopped parsley over the top for freshness and color. Serve the Chicken Florentine hot, alongside pasta, rice, or mashed potatoes as preferred.
Notes
- Serve with pasta, rice, or mashed potatoes for a complete meal.
- For a lighter version, substitute half-and-half for the heavy cream.
- Use fresh baby spinach for the best texture and flavor.
- Crushed red pepper flakes are optional if you prefer a slight kick.
