If you love classic comfort food with a rich, velvety touch and a boost of fresh greens, you are going to fall head over heels for this Creamy Chicken Florentine Recipe. Tender chicken breasts bathed in a luscious sauce made from heavy cream, Parmesan cheese, and vibrant sautéed spinach create the perfect harmony of flavors and textures. It’s an easy-to-make dish that feels fancy but comes together quickly, making it ideal for both weeknight dinners and special occasions. Trust me, once you try this recipe, it’ll become a go-to favorite in your cooking rotation.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of the Creamy Chicken Florentine Recipe lies in its simple yet essential ingredients. Each component plays a vital role in crafting that creamy texture, fresh flavor, and satisfying bite you crave.
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts: These provide juicy, tender protein that’s perfect for soaking up the sauce.
- 2 tablespoons olive oil: Used for a golden sear on the chicken and to add a subtle fruity richness.
- 2 cups fresh spinach, chopped: Adds a gorgeous green color and fresh, slightly earthy flavor.
- 1/2 cup heavy cream: The cornerstone of the creamy sauce that makes this dish irresistibly smooth.
- 1/2 cup chicken broth: Adds depth and balances the richness of the cream.
- 1/4 cup Parmesan cheese, grated: Gives a nutty, salty kick and thickens the sauce beautifully.
- 2 cloves garlic, minced: Infuses the dish with its aromatic punch to elevate every bite.
- Salt and pepper to taste: Essential to enhance and round out all the flavors perfectly.
How to Make Creamy Chicken Florentine Recipe
Step 1: Sear the Chicken
Start by heating olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Season the chicken breasts generously with salt and pepper. Place them in the hot skillet and cook for about 6 to 7 minutes per side until they develop a beautiful golden crust and are cooked through. Once done, remove the chicken from the pan and set it aside to rest. This step locks in the juices, ensuring every bite is succulent and flavorful.
Step 2: Sauté the Garlic and Spinach
In the same skillet, add the minced garlic and sauté for about a minute until it becomes fragrant but not burnt. Then add the chopped spinach and cook it for another 1 to 2 minutes until it wilts gently. This quick sauté creates a fresh bed of greens that perfectly contrasts the creamy sauce and tender chicken.
Step 3: Create the Creamy Sauce
Pour in the chicken broth followed by the heavy cream, stirring them together in the skillet. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer and let it cook for 3 to 4 minutes. This allows the sauce to thicken to a luscious consistency that will coat your chicken perfectly. Be patient here—the sauce is where the dish truly shines.
Step 4: Stir in Parmesan Cheese
Once the sauce has thickened, add the grated Parmesan cheese and stir continuously until it melts completely and blends into the sauce. You’ll notice the sauce becoming even creamier and slightly nutty, which adds a wonderful depth of flavor that complements the spinach and chicken.
Step 5: Bring it All Together
Return the chicken breasts to the skillet, nestling them in the sauce. Spoon the sauce generously over the top and let everything bubble together for another 2 to 3 minutes to marry the flavors. This final simmer ensures the chicken soaks up that beautiful, creamy goodness before serving.
How to Serve Creamy Chicken Florentine Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley or a few shavings of Parmesan cheese make perfect garnishes for this dish. They add a touch of brightness and an extra layer of texture that elevates the presentation effortlessly.
Side Dishes
The creamy nature of the chicken pairs wonderfully with simple, light sides. Think buttery mashed potatoes, fluffy rice, or al dente pasta to soak up every drop of the sauce. A crisp green salad or some roasted vegetables bring balance and freshness to the plate.
Creative Ways to Present
For a charming twist, serve this Creamy Chicken Florentine Recipe on a bed of garlic-infused polenta or alongside herb-roasted baby potatoes for a comforting yet elegant meal. You can also plate individual servings garnished with edible flowers or microgreens for a restaurant-quality feel at home.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cooled, store any leftover Creamy Chicken Florentine in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It keeps well for up to three days, making it a convenient option for quick lunches or dinners later in the week.
Freezing
This dish freezes beautifully, which means you can double the recipe and save half for a busy night. Place the chicken and sauce in a freezer-safe container and freeze for up to two months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating
To reheat, gently warm the chicken and sauce in a skillet over low to medium heat. Stir occasionally to keep the sauce smooth and prevent the cream from separating. You can add a splash of chicken broth or cream if it thickens too much.
FAQs
Can I use frozen spinach instead of fresh?
While fresh spinach is preferred for its texture and color, you can use thawed and well-drained frozen spinach if that’s what you have on hand. Just make sure to remove excess moisture to prevent the sauce from becoming watery.
Is it possible to make this recipe dairy-free?
Absolutely! Swap the heavy cream for full-fat coconut milk or a dairy-free cream alternative, and use a vegan Parmesan-style cheese to keep it creamy and cheesy without dairy.
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Yes, boneless, skinless chicken thighs work wonderfully and have even more flavor and juiciness. Just adjust the cooking time slightly to ensure they’re fully cooked.
How can I thicken the sauce if it’s too runny?
If your sauce needs thickening, you can simmer it a bit longer to reduce, or whisk in a small slurry of cornstarch and cold water until it reaches your desired consistency.
What wine pairs well with Creamy Chicken Florentine Recipe?
A crisp Chardonnay or a light Pinot Grigio complements the richness of the creamy sauce and the freshness of the spinach beautifully. For red lovers, a light Pinot Noir is a great match as well.
Final Thoughts
This Creamy Chicken Florentine Recipe truly delivers on flavor, comfort, and simplicity all at once. It’s a dish that feels special but is surprisingly easy to prepare, making it perfect for impressing family or spoiling yourself after a long day. Don’t hesitate to try it out—you’re just a few steps away from a creamy, garlicky delight that will warm your heart and fill your kitchen with irresistible aromas.
Print
Creamy Chicken Florentine Recipe
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: Italian
Description
Chicken Florentine is a creamy, comforting dish featuring tender sautéed chicken breasts nestled in a rich sauce of spinach, garlic, heavy cream, chicken broth, and Parmesan cheese. Ready in just 25 minutes, it’s a perfect weeknight meal that pairs beautifully with rice, pasta, or crusty bread.
Ingredients
Chicken
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- Salt and pepper to taste
Sauce
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 cups fresh spinach, chopped
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 1/4 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
Instructions
- Heat the oil: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering, preparing it for cooking the chicken.
- Cook the chicken: Season the chicken breasts generously with salt and pepper. Place them in the skillet and cook for 6-7 minutes per side until golden brown and fully cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside on a plate.
- Sauté garlic: In the same skillet, add minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant, being careful not to burn it.
- Cook spinach: Add chopped fresh spinach to the skillet and cook for 1-2 minutes until wilted and tender.
- Add liquids: Stir in the chicken broth and heavy cream. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, cooking for 3-4 minutes so the sauce thickens slightly.
- Melt cheese: Add the grated Parmesan cheese to the sauce, stirring continuously until it melts and fully combines, creating a creamy texture.
- Combine chicken and sauce: Return the cooked chicken breasts to the skillet, spoon the spinach sauce over the top, and let them cook together for an additional 2-3 minutes to meld flavors.
- Serve: Plate the chicken and sauce while warm. This dish pairs wonderfully with rice, pasta, or crusty bread for a complete meal.
Notes
- For extra flavor, you can add a splash of white wine when adding the chicken broth.
- Use fresh spinach for best texture; frozen spinach can make the sauce watery.
- To reduce fat, substitute heavy cream with half-and-half or a lighter cream alternative.
- Ensure the chicken is cooked to an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C) for safety.
- If you prefer a thicker sauce, let it simmer longer or add a small amount of cornstarch slurry.
