This creamy Chicken Florentine is a warm and comforting dish made with tender chicken, fresh spinach, and a rich sauce. It’s perfect for a cozy dinner at home!
I love how quick it is to make, and it always impresses guests! Serve it with pasta or rice, and watch everyone come back for seconds—trust me, it’s that good! 😋
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken Breasts: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are my go-to for this dish because they’re tender and easy to cook. If you prefer, you can substitute with chicken thighs for a richer flavor.
Heavy Cream: This adds creaminess but you can use half-and-half or whole milk for a lighter version. Just remember, the sauce may not be as thick. For a dairy-free option, try coconut milk.
Spinach: Fresh spinach is key for that classic flavor. If you only have frozen spinach, use it, but make sure to thaw and drain it first to avoid excess water in your sauce.
Parmesan Cheese: This gives a salty, nutty flavor. Grana Padano or Pecorino Romano are great substitutes if you can’t find Parmesan.
Italian Seasoning: This blend is versatile. If you’re out of it, mix dried oregano, basil, and thyme for a similar flavor. Feel free to adjust based on what you have!
How Can I Make My Sauce Extra Creamy?
To achieve a rich, creamy sauce, it’s essential to simmer the cream and cheese just right. Here’s how:
- After adding the chicken broth, let it simmer for a minute or two to reduce slightly before adding the cream.
- When stirring in the cream and cheese, keep the heat on low to prevent curdling. Too high heat can separate the fat!
- Simmer the sauce until it thickens a bit—this usually takes about 3-4 minutes. It’ll coat the back of a spoon when ready.
These simple steps will ensure your sauce is velvety and delicious!
Creamy Chicken Florentine Recipe
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Chicken:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
For the Sauce:
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning (or a mix of dried basil, oregano, and thyme)
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- 1 tablespoon butter
For Garnish:
- Fresh parsley, chopped
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 30 minutes from start to finish. It’s quick enough for a weeknight dinner yet special enough for guests. You’ll spend about 10 minutes prepping the ingredients, and then just 20 minutes cooking! Let’s make it happen!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Seasoning the Chicken:
Begin by seasoning the chicken breasts with salt and pepper on both sides. This simple step enhances the flavor of the chicken as it cooks.
2. Cooking the Chicken:
In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the seasoned chicken breasts. Cook for about 5-7 minutes on each side until they are golden brown and fully cooked through. Use a meat thermometer to check; it should read 165°F (75°C). Once cooked, remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside on a plate.
3. Creating the Sauce:
Now, lower the heat to medium and add the butter to the same skillet. After the butter melts, add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until it becomes fragrant. Then, pour in the chicken broth, using a wooden spoon to scrape up any tasty browned bits from the bottom of the pan.
4. Adding Cream and Seasonings:
Next, stir in the heavy cream, grated Parmesan cheese, and Italian seasoning (plus red pepper flakes if you’re feeling a little spicy!). Allow the mixture to simmer for 3-4 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly and becomes creamy. This is where the magic happens!
5. Adding Spinach:
Once your sauce is thickened, toss in the fresh spinach leaves. Stir and cook for about 2 minutes until the spinach is wilted and bright green. It adds a lovely color and a healthy touch!
6. Bringing It All Together:
Now, return the cooked chicken breasts to the skillet. Spoon some of the creamy sauce over each piece and let everything cook together for another 2-3 minutes on low heat. This allows the chicken to absorb those delicious flavors.
7. Serving It Up:
Finally, garnish your Creamy Chicken Florentine with fresh chopped parsley for a pop of color. Serve it hot and enjoy with your choice of pasta, rice, or even a fresh side salad. Everyone will love this dish!
Enjoy your delicious and easy Creamy Chicken Florentine! 🍽️
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I Use Frozen Chicken for This Recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen chicken, but you should always thaw it completely before cooking. The safest way to do this is in the refrigerator overnight. If you’re short on time, you can also submerge the sealed bag of chicken in cold water until thawed, which usually takes about an hour.
What Can I Substitute for Heavy Cream?
If you’re looking to lighten the dish, you can substitute heavy cream with half-and-half or whole milk. Keep in mind that using milk may result in a thinner sauce. For a dairy-free version, coconut milk is a great alternative and will add a nice flavor!
How to Store Leftovers?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, gently warm in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of milk or cream if the sauce seems too thick. You can also use a microwave, but stir occasionally for even heating.
Can I Add Other Vegetables to This Dish?
Absolutely! Feel free to add other veggies like mushrooms, sun-dried tomatoes, or even zucchini for additional flavor and nutrition. Just sauté them with the garlic before adding the cream for the best results!
