There is something undeniably comforting and elegant about a classic Creamy Chicken Florentine Recipe that makes it a go-to favorite in countless kitchens. This dish features tender, juicy chicken breasts enveloped in a luscious, velvety sauce bursting with fresh spinach, garlic, and rich Parmesan—each bite delivering a perfect harmony of flavors and textures. Whether you’re entertaining guests or craving a cozy weeknight dinner, this recipe is guaranteed to satisfy and impress with minimal fuss and maximum taste.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this Creamy Chicken Florentine Recipe lies in its simplicity and the way each ingredient shines. From the earthy freshness of spinach to the indulgence of heavy cream, every element supports the other, creating a dish that’s balanced, flavorful, and beautifully textured.
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts: Provides the hearty, protein-packed base that soaks up all the lovely sauce.
- 2 tablespoons olive oil: Essential for a golden sear on the chicken, adding a subtle fruity depth.
- 2 cups fresh spinach, chopped: This adds a vibrant color and fresh, slightly sweet taste that complements the creaminess perfectly.
- 1/2 cup heavy cream: Creates the luscious, silky sauce that defines the dish’s comforting richness.
- 1/2 cup chicken broth: Adds a savory backbone to the sauce, balancing the cream’s richness with a subtle umami boost.
- 1/4 cup Parmesan cheese, grated: Infuses every spoonful with sharp, nutty flavor and helps thicken the sauce beautifully.
- 2 cloves garlic, minced: Offers a fragrant, aromatic punch that wakes up the whole dish.
- Salt and pepper to taste: Simple seasoning that enhances all the flavors without overpowering them.
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 your chicken breasts generously with salt and pepper to ensure every bite is flavorful. Cook the chicken for 6 to 7 minutes on each side until they develop a beautiful golden crust and are cooked through. Once done, remove them from the skillet and set aside to rest – this keeps the meat juicy.
Step 2: Sauté the Garlic
Using the same skillet, add the minced garlic. Sauté it for about one minute until it’s fragrant and just starting to turn golden. This step layers more flavor and ensures the garlic isn’t harsh or raw in the final dish.
Step 3: Wilt the Spinach
Next, toss in the chopped fresh spinach. Cook it for 1 to 2 minutes until it wilts down and blends with the garlic’s aroma. The spinach softens but still retains its vibrant green hue, providing a lovely contrast in the sauce.
Step 4: Make the Creamy Sauce
Pour in the chicken broth and heavy cream, stirring gently. Bring the mixture to a simmer and let it cook for 3 to 4 minutes. This allows the sauce to thicken and reduces any sharpness from the garlic and broth, melding the flavors together into a rich, creamy base.
Step 5: Add Parmesan Cheese
Sprinkle in the grated Parmesan cheese and stir until it melts fully into the sauce. The cheese adds not only flavor but also helps create a silky texture that clings beautifully to the chicken and spinach.
Step 6: Return Chicken to the Skillet
Carefully nestle the cooked chicken breasts back into the skillet, spooning the creamy sauce over them. Let everything cook together for an additional 2 to 3 minutes so the chicken can soak up the sauce and stay warm before serving.
How to Serve Creamy Chicken Florentine Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley or a little extra shaved Parmesan instantly brightens this dish and offers an inviting finish. A squeeze of lemon juice on top can also add a delightful zing that cuts through the richness.
Side Dishes
This Creamy Chicken Florentine Recipe pairs wonderfully with fluffy white rice that soaks up the sauce, silky buttery mashed potatoes, or al dente pasta for a heartier meal. A crisp green salad alongside adds a refreshing crunch and balances the creaminess perfectly.
Creative Ways to Present
For a special touch, serve this dish in individual shallow bowls with a swirl of the sauce artistically drizzled on top. You can also stack the chicken over toasted ciabatta slices for a rustic, hearty open-faced meal that’s both beautiful and satisfying.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors continue to meld, making the dish even tastier the next day. Just be sure to keep the chicken covered with sauce to prevent it from drying out.
Freezing
This recipe freezes well, making it perfect for meal prep. Place the chicken and sauce in a freezer-safe container, leaving some room for expansion, and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Reheating
Reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat, stirring occasionally to prevent the cream from separating. If needed, add a splash of chicken broth or cream to refresh the sauce’s consistency. Avoid microwaving on high heat to keep the textures intact.
FAQs
Can I use spinach substitutes in this recipe?
Absolutely! While spinach is traditional for this Creamy Chicken Florentine Recipe, baby kale or Swiss chard make great alternatives and add slightly different textures and flavors.
Is it possible to make this dish dairy-free?
Yes, you can substitute the heavy cream with coconut cream or a cashew-based cream, and use nutritional yeast instead of Parmesan to maintain a cheesy flavor without dairy.
What cut of chicken works best?
Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are ideal for this recipe because they cook evenly and remain tender. However, chicken thighs can be used for a juicier, more flavorful result, but adjust cooking time accordingly.
Can I prepare this recipe ahead of time?
Yes, you can cook the components separately ahead of time. Sear the chicken and prepare the sauce, then combine them just before serving for the freshest taste and texture.
How can I make the sauce thicker?
If you prefer a thicker sauce, simmer it a bit longer before adding the chicken, or whisk in a small slurry of cornstarch and water during the simmering stage.
Final Thoughts
This Creamy Chicken Florentine Recipe has become one of those meals I keep coming back to whenever I want something that feels both indulgent and wholesome. The ease of preparation paired with its irresistibly rich flavor makes it a winner every time. I truly hope you give it a try and enjoy sharing it just as much as I do—it’s exactly the kind of comforting dish that turns ordinary evenings into special memories.
Print
Creamy Chicken Florentine Recipe
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
Description
Chicken Florentine is a creamy and flavorful dish featuring tender, golden-brown chicken breasts cooked in a rich spinach and Parmesan cream sauce. This easy stovetop recipe combines garlic, fresh spinach, and a savory, cheesy sauce perfect for a comforting weeknight meal.
Ingredients
Chicken
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
Sauce
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 cups fresh spinach, chopped
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 1/4 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
Instructions
- Heat the oil: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat, preparing for cooking the chicken.
- Cook the chicken: Season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper. Place them in the hot skillet and cook for 6-7 minutes on each side, until the chicken is golden brown and fully cooked through. Remove chicken from skillet and set aside.
- Sauté garlic: In the same skillet, add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant, being careful not to burn it.
- Cook spinach: Add the chopped fresh spinach to the skillet and cook for 1-2 minutes until it wilts and softens.
- Make the sauce: Stir in the chicken broth and heavy cream. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer and cook for 3-4 minutes, allowing the sauce to thicken slightly.
- Add cheese: Mix in the grated Parmesan cheese until it melts completely, creating a creamy and cheesy sauce.
- Combine chicken and sauce: Return the cooked chicken breasts to the skillet and spoon the sauce over them. Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes to warm through and meld the flavors.
- Serve: Serve warm, ideally alongside rice, pasta, or crusty bread to enjoy the creamy sauce.
Notes
- Ensure chicken breasts are of even thickness for uniform cooking.
- Use freshly grated Parmesan for best flavor and smooth melting.
- Adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper if needed after adding the sauce.
- This dish pairs well with side dishes like garlic mashed potatoes or steamed vegetables.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated gently on the stovetop.
