If you’re craving a dish that feels like a warm hug on a plate, look no further than this Creamy Chicken Florentine Recipe. It’s a delightful blend of tender chicken breasts bathed in a luscious, Parmesan-infused cream sauce with fresh baby spinach adding a vibrant pop of color and a touch of earthiness. This recipe perfectly balances rich flavors and wholesome ingredients to create a meal that’s both comforting and elegant, making it a favorite anytime you want something special without a fuss.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of this Creamy Chicken Florentine Recipe lies in its simple but essential ingredients. Each one plays a crucial role, whether it’s building the savory depth, the velvety texture, or that fresh green vibrance that makes this dish so inviting.
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts: Choose breasts that are evenly sized to ensure they cook uniformly and stay juicy.
- 1/2 teaspoon salt: Essential for seasoning the chicken and enhancing overall flavor.
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper: Adds a gentle kick and complements the creaminess beautifully.
- 2 tablespoons olive oil: Perfect for a golden sear that locks in moisture and flavor.
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter: Brings richness and helps to sauté the aromatics softly.
- 3 cloves garlic (minced): Infuses the sauce with a fragrant, savory note you’ll love.
- 1/2 cup chopped yellow onion: Adds sweetness and depth when sautéed gently.
- 1 cup heavy cream: Creates that smooth, rich base that makes every bite decadent.
- 1/2 cup chicken broth: Used to deglaze and add a subtle savory background to the sauce.
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese: Melts into the sauce, providing sharp, nutty complexity.
- 4 cups fresh baby spinach: Wilts down to a tender, earthy green that brightens the dish.
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning: A blend of herbs that rounds out the flavors charmingly.
- 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional): For those who like a little heat to cut through the richness.
How to Make Creamy Chicken Florentine Recipe
Step 1: Prepare and Sear the Chicken
Start by seasoning your chicken breasts evenly with salt and black pepper on both sides. Heat up your olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Patience here is key as you sear each chicken breast for about 5 to 6 minutes on each side. You’re aiming for a beautiful golden-brown crust that seals in the juices while cooking the chicken through. Once done, set your chicken aside but don’t clean that skillet just yet — that fond is packed with flavor.
Step 2: Sauté Aromatics
In that same skillet, add the butter and let it melt gently. Toss in your minced garlic and chopped yellow onions. Sauté them for 2 to 3 minutes until they become wonderfully fragrant and the onions turn soft and translucent. This step builds the aromatic foundation your sauce will thrive on.
Step 3: Deglaze and Build the Sauce
Pour in the chicken broth and use your spatula to scrape the bottom of the pan—this is where all those tasty browned bits live. Then, add the heavy cream along with grated Parmesan cheese, Italian seasoning, and if you want that extra kick, the crushed red pepper flakes. Stir everything together and let the sauce simmer gently for about 3 to 4 minutes, until it thickens just enough to generously coat the back of a spoon.
Step 4: Add Spinach and Finish Cooking
Now it’s time for the star veggie—add your fresh baby spinach right into the sauce. Stir and cook until it wilts down into tender, bright green leaves. Return the chicken breasts to the skillet and spoon the creamy, cheesy sauce over the top. Let everything simmer together for another 2 to 3 minutes so the flavors meld beautifully and the chicken stays juicy with all that luscious sauce.
How to Serve Creamy Chicken Florentine Recipe
Garnishes
To really elevate your Creamy Chicken Florentine Recipe, sprinkle a little freshly grated Parmesan on top just before serving. A few fresh basil or parsley leaves add a lovely pop of color and fresh aroma that makes the dish feel restaurant-quality without any extra effort.
Side Dishes
This dish shines when paired with comforting sides like creamy mashed potatoes, buttery garlic bread, or even a simple pasta tossed in olive oil. These options soak up every bit of that decadent sauce, making your meal feel complete and utterly comforting.
Creative Ways to Present
For a charming dinner party, serve your chicken atop a nest of fettuccine or penne pasta with a drizzle of extra sauce around the plate. Or for a lighter approach, spoon it over cauliflower rice or quinoa. Presenting it on rustic wooden boards with some toasted bread slices invites family or friends to dig in and enjoy a cozy meal together.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have any leftovers of this Creamy Chicken Florentine Recipe, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors actually meld even further after a day, making your next meal just as delightful.
Freezing
This dish freezes surprisingly well. Place cooled leftovers in a freezer-safe container, and freeze for up to 2 months. When freezing, omit fresh spinach and add it fresh when reheating for best texture.
Reheating
Gently reheat leftovers over low heat in a skillet to keep the sauce creamy and prevent the chicken from drying out. If the sauce thickens too much, add a splash of chicken broth or cream to loosen it back up and keep it luscious.
FAQs
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Absolutely! Boneless, skinless chicken thighs will add even more richness and stay juicy, making your Creamy Chicken Florentine Recipe extra tender and flavorful.
Is there a lighter alternative to heavy cream?
Yes! You can substitute half-and-half or even whole milk to lighten the dish, though keep in mind the sauce won’t be quite as thick and velvety.
Can I prepare this recipe dairy-free?
You can swap heavy cream with coconut cream and use a dairy-free Parmesan alternative. The flavor profile will change slightly but still result in a delicious creamy sauce.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
Definitely yes! All ingredients used are naturally gluten-free, so this dish is perfect for those with gluten sensitivities or celiac disease.
What can I serve with this for a complete meal?
Pair the Creamy Chicken Florentine Recipe with sides like mashed potatoes, pasta, rice, or even a light salad to round out your meal deliciously.
Final Thoughts
Trust me, once you try this Creamy Chicken Florentine Recipe, it’s going to become one of those go-to meals you want to make again and again. The combination of tender chicken, vibrant spinach, and that rich, dreamy sauce is absolutely irresistible. So grab your skillet and let’s make some magic happen in the kitchen—you’re going to love every bite!
Print
Creamy Chicken Florentine Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian-American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
Creamy Chicken Florentine is a comforting Italian-American dish featuring tender boneless chicken breasts simmered in a rich, creamy sauce made with garlic, onions, Parmesan cheese, and fresh spinach. This skillet recipe delivers a savory, flavorful meal perfect for dinner and pairs wonderfully with pasta, mashed potatoes, or rice.
Ingredients
Chicken
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
Sauce & Vegetables
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 cup chopped yellow onion
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 4 cups fresh baby spinach
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
Instructions
- Season the Chicken: Season both sides of the chicken breasts with salt and black pepper to enhance the flavor.
- Sear the Chicken: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chicken and cook for 5–6 minutes on each side until golden brown and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
- Sauté Aromatics: In the same skillet, melt the butter. Add minced garlic and chopped onion, sautéing for 2–3 minutes until fragrant and translucent.
- Deglaze the Pan: Pour in the chicken broth, stirring to loosen any browned bits from the skillet bottom.
- Make the Sauce: Add heavy cream, grated Parmesan cheese, Italian seasoning, and crushed red pepper flakes if using. Stir the sauce well and let it simmer for 3–4 minutes until slightly thickened.
- Add Spinach: Add fresh baby spinach to the sauce, cooking until wilted.
- Combine and Finish: Return the seared chicken breasts to the skillet, spooning sauce over them. Simmer for another 2–3 minutes to meld flavors. Serve hot.
Notes
- Serve this dish over pasta, mashed potatoes, or rice for a complete and hearty meal.
- For a lighter sauce, substitute half-and-half for the heavy cream.
- Boneless chicken thighs can be used instead of breasts for a richer flavor and juicier texture.
