Creamy Chicken Florentine is a rich and flavorful dish featuring tender chicken breasts in a creamy garlic Parmesan sauce with fresh spinach. This Italian-inspired recipe is easy to make in under 30 minutes and is perfect for a cozy family dinner or an elegant meal for guests. Serve it over pasta, rice, or with crusty bread to soak up the delicious sauce.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Rich and Creamy: A luscious Parmesan cream sauce coats every bite.
- Quick and Easy: Ready in just 30 minutes, perfect for busy weeknights.
- Healthy and Nutritious: Packed with protein and fresh spinach.
- Restaurant-Quality Meal at Home: Tastes like a dish from your favorite Italian restaurant.
- Versatile: Serve with pasta, rice, or low-carb options like zucchini noodles.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
- Boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- Olive oil
- Butter
- Garlic, minced
- Heavy cream
- Chicken broth
- Parmesan cheese, grated
- Fresh spinach
- Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper
- Red pepper flakes (optional for spice)
Directions
- Prepare the Chicken: Season the chicken breasts with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning.
- Sear the Chicken: Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Cook chicken for 4-5 minutes per side until golden brown. Remove and set aside.
- Make the Sauce: In the same skillet, melt butter and sauté garlic until fragrant. Add chicken broth, heavy cream, and Parmesan cheese. Stir until smooth.
- Add Spinach: Stir in fresh spinach and cook until wilted.
- Combine Everything: Return the chicken to the skillet, letting it simmer in the sauce for 5 minutes.
- Serve and Enjoy: Serve hot over pasta, rice, or with bread.
Servings and Timing
- Servings: 4
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
Variations
- Low-Carb Option: Serve over cauliflower rice or zucchini noodles.
- Mushroom Addition: Add sautéed mushrooms for extra depth of flavor.
- Lighter Version: Use half-and-half instead of heavy cream.
- Extra Cheesy: Add mozzarella or cream cheese for more creaminess.
- Spicy Kick: Add extra red pepper flakes or a dash of cayenne.
Storage/Reheating
- Refrigeration: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Freezing: The sauce may separate when frozen, so it’s best enjoyed fresh.
- Reheating: Warm in a skillet over low heat, stirring occasionally. Add a splash of cream if needed.
FAQs
What does “Florentine” mean in cooking?
“Florentine” refers to dishes that include spinach, inspired by Italian cuisine.
Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?
Yes! Boneless, skinless chicken thighs work well and add extra juiciness.
What’s the best way to thicken the sauce?
Let it simmer for a few minutes, or stir in extra Parmesan or a cornstarch slurry.
Can I make this dairy-free?
Yes! Use coconut milk or a dairy-free cream alternative and nutritional yeast instead of Parmesan.
What can I serve with Chicken Florentine?
Pasta, rice, mashed potatoes, or crusty bread are great choices.
Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes, but it’s best served fresh for the creamiest texture.
How do I keep the chicken from drying out?
Sear it properly and avoid overcooking—use a meat thermometer to check for 165°F.
Can I add sun-dried tomatoes?
Yes! Sun-dried tomatoes add a tangy, slightly sweet flavor to the dish.
How do I make the sauce less heavy?
Use half-and-half or a mix of milk and broth instead of heavy cream.
What wine pairs well with Chicken Florentine?
A light white wine like Chardonnay or Sauvignon Blanc complements the creamy sauce.
Conclusion
Creamy Chicken Florentine is an easy yet elegant dish that’s perfect for any occasion. With a rich, garlicky Parmesan sauce and fresh spinach, it’s a comforting meal that pairs beautifully with pasta, rice, or a simple side of vegetables. Try this restaurant-quality recipe at home and enjoy a delicious, satisfying dinner!
PrintCreamy Chicken Florentine
A rich and elegant dish, Creamy Chicken Florentine features tender chicken breasts in a luscious Parmesan cream sauce with sautéed spinach. It’s a quick and delicious meal, perfect for weeknights or special occasions!
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Pan-Seared
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Ingredients
For the Chicken:
- 2 large boneless, skinless chicken breasts (halved lengthwise)
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
For the Sauce:
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup (240 ml) heavy cream
- 1/2 cup (120 ml) chicken broth
- 1/2 cup (50 g) grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- 3 cups fresh spinach (about 90 g)
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice (optional, for brightness)
Instructions
1️⃣ Cook the Chicken:
- Season chicken with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and paprika.
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
- Cook the chicken for 4-5 minutes per side, until golden brown and cooked through (internal temp: 165°F / 75°C).
- Transfer to a plate and set aside.
2️⃣ Make the Sauce:
- In the same skillet, melt butter over medium heat.
- Add minced garlic and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Pour in chicken broth, scraping the pan to deglaze.
- Stir in heavy cream, Parmesan, Italian seasoning, and red pepper flakes (if using).
- Let simmer for 2-3 minutes until the sauce thickens.
3️⃣ Add Spinach & Finish:
- Stir in fresh spinach and cook until wilted (1-2 minutes).
- Add lemon juice (if using) and adjust seasoning if needed.
- Return the chicken to the skillet, spooning sauce over the top.
- Simmer for 1-2 minutes to reheat the chicken.
4️⃣ Serve & Enjoy:
- Serve hot over pasta, rice, mashed potatoes, or with crusty bread.
Notes
📌 Extra Creamy? Add an extra 1/4 cup of heavy cream or a dollop of cream cheese.
🌶 Spicier? Increase red pepper flakes or add a dash of cayenne.
🧄 More Garlic Flavor? Roast garlic cloves and mash them into the sauce.
🍄 Veggie Boost? Add mushrooms or sun-dried tomatoes for extra depth.