This Creamy Chicken Florentine is a simple and delicious dish made with tender chicken, fresh spinach, and a rich, creamy sauce. It’s perfect for a cozy dinner!
The best part? It’s quick to make and looks fancy enough to impress! I love serving this over pasta or rice for a complete meal—just don’t forget the napkins! 🍽️
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken Breasts: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts make this dish manageable and quick. You can use thighs for more flavor, or even swap them for tofu or chickpeas if you’re looking for a vegetarian option.
Heavy Cream: Essential for that creamy texture, but you can substitute half-and-half or Greek yogurt for a lighter version. Just be mindful that the flavor will change a bit.
Parmesan Cheese: This gives a lovely tanginess. If you don’t have Parmesan, Pecorino Romano or nutritional yeast (for a vegan option) work well too.
Spinach: Fresh spinach is best for this recipe. However, you can use frozen spinach if fresh isn’t available. Just make sure to drain it well to avoid excess water in your dish.
Sun-Dried Tomatoes: These add a sweet and tangy flavor. If you’re not a fan, roasted red peppers or olives can be a nice substitute.
How Do You Achieve a Rich and Creamy Sauce?
The heart of this recipe is the sauce, and getting it just right is key. Start by cooking the garlic and deglazing the pan with chicken broth—that’s where the flavor lives!
- After adding the heavy cream and cheese, let the sauce simmer gently. This allows it to thicken without boiling over.
- Keep stirring occasionally to prevent sticking or burning at the bottom.
- Adding spinach towards the end retains its bright color and nutrients. Cook just until it wilts, about 2-3 minutes.
- Finally, return the chicken to the sauce to soak up that creamy goodness.
Creamy Chicken Florentine
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 4 cups fresh spinach, roughly chopped
- 1/2 cup sun-dried tomatoes (optional, chopped)
- 2 tablespoons butter
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious Creamy Chicken Florentine takes about 30 minutes to prepare and cook. It’s a quick and easy meal that can be ready in no time—perfect for a busy weeknight dinner!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Chicken:
Start by seasoning the chicken breasts on both sides with salt and pepper. This adds flavor and enhances overall taste.
2. Cook the Chicken:
In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the seasoned chicken breasts and cook them for about 5-7 minutes on each side until they are golden brown and fully cooked. Once done, remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside on a plate.
3. Make the Sauce:
Lower the heat to medium. In the same skillet, add the butter and minced garlic. Sauté for about 1 minute until the garlic becomes fragrant—be careful not to burn it!
4. Deglaze the Pan:
Pour in the chicken broth to deglaze the pan, using a wooden spoon to scrape up any browned bits from the bottom. This adds lots of flavor to your sauce.
5. Create a Creamy Base:
Next, stir in the heavy cream, grated Parmesan cheese, and Italian seasoning. Let this mixture simmer gently for about 3-5 minutes, allowing it to thicken up a bit while stirring occasionally.
6. Add the Spinach:
Now, it’s time to add the fresh spinach (along with sun-dried tomatoes if you chose to include them). Cook until the spinach wilts down, which should take about 2-3 minutes.
7. Combine Chicken and Sauce:
Return the cooked chicken breasts to the skillet, spooning the creamy sauce over them. Let everything simmer together for another 2 minutes to blend the flavors.
8. Serve and Enjoy:
Garnish the dish with chopped fresh parsley before serving. This creamy chicken Florentine can be enjoyed over pasta, rice, or with some crusty bread. Dig in and enjoy your delicious meal!
FAQs for Creamy Chicken Florentine
Can I Use Frozen Chicken Breasts?
Yes, you can use frozen chicken, but be sure to thaw it completely first. The best way to do this is by placing it in the fridge overnight or using the quick method of submerging it in cold water while still in its packaging for about an hour.
How Can I Make This Recipe Lighter?
To lighten up the dish, you can substitute heavy cream with half-and-half or Greek yogurt. If you use Greek yogurt, stir it in at the end to avoid curdling. Additionally, you could use less cheese or a lower-fat cheese alternative.
What Are the Best Ways to Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm gently on the stove or in the microwave, stirring occasionally to ensure even heating. If the sauce has thickened too much, you can add a splash of broth or cream to loosen it up.
Can I Prepare This Dish in Advance?
Absolutely! You can cook the chicken and prepare the sauce ahead of time. Simply store them separately in the fridge and combine them right before serving. This way, the flavors will meld beautifully, and you’ll save time during mealtime!
