If you’re searching for a restaurant-quality dinner that’s both elegant and incredibly easy to make, look no further than Creamy Chicken Florentine. This luscious skillet dish is a dream come true for busy weeknights or special occasions alike: golden, juicy chicken breasts nestle into a velvety Parmesan cream sauce bursting with tender spinach and just the right kick of garlic. The warm, comforting flavors are pure Italian-inspired comfort, yet this is the kind of recipe anyone can master! Whether you serve it over pasta, mashed potatoes, or even cauliflower rice, Creamy Chicken Florentine will become a beloved favorite you’ll crave again and again.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This classic Creamy Chicken Florentine truly shines thanks to a handful of simple, high-impact ingredients. Each component brings its own unique magic to the sauce or the chicken, making every bite satisfying and deeply flavorful.
- Chicken Breasts: Boneless, skinless breasts cook up juicy and tender, perfect for soaking up the rich Florentine sauce.
- Salt & Black Pepper: Essential for seasoning the chicken and pulling all the flavors together.
- Olive Oil: Gives the chicken a gorgeous golden sear and a hint of fruity richness.
- Unsalted Butter: Adds creamy depth and helps build the silky base for the sauce.
- Garlic: Three cloves bring aromatic warmth—freshly minced for maximum flavor.
- Yellow Onion: Softens and sweetens as it cooks, building savory complexity.
- Heavy Cream: The backbone of the creamy sauce—nothing beats its luscious texture.
- Chicken Broth: Deglazes the pan and lends subtle, savory undertones.
- Parmesan Cheese: Freshly grated Parmesan thickens the sauce and delivers intense cheesy flavor.
- Baby Spinach: Four cups of vibrant, fresh greens wilt down, adding nutrition and a classic Florentine touch.
- Italian Seasoning: A fragrant blend that ties all the Italian flavors together in one sprinkle.
- Crushed Red Pepper Flakes (optional): For just a little spark of heat to perk up the creaminess.
How to Make Creamy Chicken Florentine
Step 1: Seasoning the Chicken
Begin by patting your chicken breasts dry with paper towels—this helps them sear up beautifully. Sprinkle both sides generously with salt and black pepper. Don’t be shy here; this is your first hit of flavor and it ensures every bite is perfectly seasoned.
Step 2: Searing for Maximum Flavor
Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Nestle in your chicken breasts and let them cook undisturbed for 5 to 6 minutes per side. You’re looking for a golden, delicious crust and juicy insides. Once cooked through, transfer the chicken to a plate and keep it warm while you work on the sauce.
Step 3: Creating the Savory Base
Add the unsalted butter right into that same skillet. As it melts, toss in the minced garlic and chopped onion. Sauté for 2 to 3 minutes, stirring often, until fragrant and translucent. This aromatic foundation is the secret to a sauce with depth!
Step 4: Building the Creamy Florentine Sauce
Pour in the chicken broth and give the pan a good scrape, loosening any golden bits left from the chicken. Add the heavy cream, Parmesan cheese, Italian seasoning, and a pinch of red pepper flakes if you like things spicy. Stir until silky and let it all simmer for 3 to 4 minutes until the sauce thickens just enough to coat the back of a spoon.
Step 5: Wilting Spinach and Finishing
Tumble in the baby spinach—don’t worry, it looks like a lot but it will cook down fast! Stir gently as the spinach wilts into the sauce. Return the chicken to the pan, spooning that dreamy sauce over the top. Let everything simmer together for another 2 to 3 minutes, infusing the chicken with all those creamy, garlicky, cheesy flavors.
How to Serve Creamy Chicken Florentine
Garnishes
This dish loves a final flourish! A little shower of freshly chopped parsley or basil adds gorgeous color, while extra grated Parmesan gives every serving even more creamy decadence. A crack of black pepper on top is always welcome.
Side Dishes
Creamy Chicken Florentine pairs beautifully with virtually any starchy side. Ladle it over buttery pasta like fettuccine or pappardelle for true Italian comfort, or spoon it atop creamy mashed potatoes or fluffy white rice. Crusty bread is a must for sopping up all that sauce!
Creative Ways to Present
For a dinner party, serve this dish straight from the skillet family-style for a rustic, inviting vibe. Or slice the chicken and fan it out over wilted greens or orzo for a restaurant-worthy presentation. Leftover sauce works wonders as a drizzle over roasted veggies or even a baked potato.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Creamy Chicken Florentine keeps well in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. The flavors meld and deepen overnight, making for an even tastier lunch or dinner the next day!
Freezing
For longer storage, you can freeze the cooked chicken and sauce together. Let everything cool, then portion into freezer-safe bags or containers. It will keep for 2 to 3 months; just note that the cream sauce may separate a bit after freezing, but a gentle reheat will bring it back together.
Reheating
Gently reheat Creamy Chicken Florentine on the stovetop over low heat, stirring frequently and adding a splash of chicken broth or cream if needed to smooth out the sauce. Avoid microwaving on high, as this can make the chicken tough and the sauce grainy.
FAQs
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Absolutely! Boneless, skinless chicken thighs are a fantastic choice for Creamy Chicken Florentine. They’re a bit richer and stay wonderfully juicy; just add a minute or two to the cooking time if needed.
What is the best way to reheat leftovers?
The stovetop is your friend here—low and slow heat will keep the cream sauce from splitting. Stir gently and add a splash more cream or broth to restore the perfect texture.
Can I make this dish lighter?
You can substitute half-and-half for the heavy cream for a lighter version of Creamy Chicken Florentine. The sauce will be a bit less rich but still satisfyingly creamy.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, as written, Creamy Chicken Florentine is naturally gluten-free! Just be sure any side dishes (like pasta) are gluten-free as well if needed.
Can I use frozen spinach?
If you don’t have fresh spinach, you can use frozen—just thaw, drain, and squeeze out excess moisture before adding it to the sauce. Fresh yields the brightest flavor, but frozen works in a pinch.
Final Thoughts
This Creamy Chicken Florentine is one of those magical recipes that offers both maximum reward and minimal effort. The whole dish comes together in under 40 minutes but tastes like something you’d order at a cozy trattoria. Give it a try, and don’t be surprised if it earns a permanent place in your recipe rotation!
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Creamy Chicken Florentine Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian-American
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in the rich and creamy flavors of this Chicken Florentine recipe. Tender chicken breasts smothered in a decadent Parmesan cream sauce with a hint of garlic and spinach make for a satisfying meal that’s perfect for any occasion.
Ingredients
Chicken:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
Sauce:
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 3 cloves garlic (minced)
- 1/2 cup chopped yellow onion
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 4 cups fresh baby spinach
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
Instructions
- Season the chicken: Rub chicken breasts with salt and pepper. Sear in olive oil until golden and cooked through.
- Prepare the sauce: Sauté garlic and onion. Add broth, cream, Parmesan, and seasonings. Simmer. Add spinach.
- Combine: Return chicken to the skillet. Simmer with sauce. Serve hot.
Notes
- Serve over pasta, mashed potatoes, or rice.
- Substitute half-and-half for a lighter sauce.
- Use boneless chicken thighs for a richer dish.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 chicken breast with sauce
- Calories: 435
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 520mg
- Fat: 28g
- Saturated Fat: 14g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 6g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 38g
- Cholesterol: 130mg
