This Creamy Chicken Florentine recipe brings comfort to your table with juicy chicken, fresh spinach, and a smooth, tasty sauce. It’s a delight that’s quick to whip up and satisfying!
I love how this dish makes weeknight dinners feel special. Pair it with some pasta or crusty bread for a little fun. Besides, who can resist that creamy goodness? 😋
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken Breasts: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are ideal, but thighs work great for a juicier option. If you need a meatless meal, try using chickpeas or tofu for a vegetarian twist!
Spinach: Fresh baby spinach is my favorite for its tender texture. You could use frozen spinach, but be sure to thaw and squeeze out excess water first.
Heavy Cream: I appreciate how heavy cream makes the sauce rich and creamy. For a lighter version, you can substitute half-and-half or coconut cream for a dairy-free option.
Parmesan Cheese: Freshly grated Parmesan melts better than pre-grated. If you’re out, Pecorino Romano or nutritional yeast (for a vegan option) can work too!
Sun-Dried Tomatoes: These add a lovely tang. If you don’t have them, roasted red peppers or cherry tomatoes can substitute, giving a different flavor but still delicious!
How Do I Achieve the Perfect Cream Sauce?
The art of making a creamy sauce is all about the simmering! When you combine the heavy cream and chicken broth, let it heat gently while stirring to avoid burning.
- After adding the cheese, continuously stir it in until it’s fully melted. This ensures a smooth sauce.
- Watch the heat; simmering on medium works best to avoid boiling, which can separate your cream.
- Finally, let it thicken a bit before adding the spinach and chicken back in to get that luxurious, coating texture.
How to Make Creamy Chicken Florentine
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- Salt and 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
- 5 ounces fresh baby spinach
- 1/2 cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped (optional)
- 1 tablespoon butter
How Much Time Will You Need?
This creamy Chicken Florentine recipe takes about 10 minutes to prepare and around 20 minutes to cook. In total, you’re looking at about 30 minutes from start to finish. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Season the Chicken:
Start by seasoning both sides of the chicken breasts with salt and pepper. This will enhance the flavor and make the chicken tastier.
2. Cook the Chicken:
Next, heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot, add the chicken breasts and let them cook for about 5-7 minutes on each side until they turn golden brown and are cooked through. Once done, remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside on a plate.
3. Sauté Garlic:
In the same skillet, add the butter and minced garlic. Sauté for about a minute, stirring constantly until the garlic is fragrant but not burnt.
4. Make the Sauce:
Pour in the chicken broth to deglaze the pan. Scrape up any bits stuck to the bottom of the pan for added flavor. Then, stir in the heavy cream, Parmesan cheese, and Italian seasoning. Let the sauce simmer over medium heat for 3-5 minutes until it thickens slightly.
5. Add Spinach and Optional Ingredients:
Add the fresh spinach to the sauce. If you’re using sun-dried tomatoes, toss them in as well. Stir everything together and cook until the spinach has wilted.
6. Combine Chicken and Sauce:
Return the cooked chicken breasts to the skillet, spooning the creamy sauce over the chicken. Let everything simmer together for another 2-3 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld and the chicken to heat through.
7. Serve and Enjoy:
Finally, serve your creamy Chicken Florentine hot. Consider garnishing with extra Parmesan cheese for that extra cheesy goodness! Enjoy your delicious meal!
Can I Use Frozen Chicken in This Recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen chicken, but it’s best to thaw it first for even cooking. Thaw the chicken overnight in the fridge or place it in a sealed plastic bag submerged in cold water for quicker thawing.
How Can I Make This Recipe Dairy-Free?
To make this dish dairy-free, substitute the heavy cream with coconut cream and use nutritional yeast instead of Parmesan cheese for a similar flavor. Just ensure your chicken broth is also dairy-free!
Can I Make This Ahead of Time?
Absolutely! You can cook the chicken and prepare the sauce in advance. Store them separately in airtight containers in the fridge for up to 2 days. Reheat gently on the stove before serving, adding a splash of chicken broth to loosen up the sauce if needed.
What Should I Serve with Creamy Chicken Florentine?
This dish pairs wonderfully with pasta, rice, or crusty bread to soak up the creamy sauce. For a low-carb option, serve it alongside a fresh salad or steamed vegetables.
