Easy Creamy Chicken Florentine with Spinach & Parmesan

If you’re craving a comforting, flavorful dish that feels fancy but comes together in no time, this Creamy Chicken Florentine with Spinach & Parmesan is your new go-to. It’s a rich yet simple recipe that brings tender chicken breast, vibrant spinach, and sharp Parmesan cheese together in a luscious creamy sauce. Perfect for busy weeknights or anytime you want to elevate your dinner game without fuss, this recipe balances indulgence and ease like a charm.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Simple Ingredients: Uses pantry staples and fresh produce that you likely already have on hand.
• Quick Preparation: Ready in under 30 minutes, perfect for fast weeknight meals.
• Rich & Creamy Flavor: The Parmesan and cream sauce meld beautifully with the chicken and spinach.
• Healthy Touch: Spinach adds a nutritious boost and a pop of color to the dish.
• Versatile Meal: Pairs well with pasta, rice, or crusty bread to soak up every scrumptious bite.

Ingredients You’ll Need

This creamy chicken Florentine recipe relies on a handful of straightforward, essential ingredients that build layers of flavor and texture. Each component plays a key role—whether it’s the tender chicken breasts, fresh spinach for earthiness, or Parmesan cheese that brings a sharp, umami punch to the creamy sauce.

• Chicken Breasts: Skinless and boneless, for quick cooking and a moist, tender result.
• Fresh Spinach: Adds vibrant color and a mild, nutritious flavor that complements the cream sauce.
• Parmesan Cheese: Grated for rich, savory depth in the creamy sauce.
• Heavy Cream: Creates the silky, luxurious base for the sauce.
• Garlic: Minced to infuse the dish with aromatic warmth.
• Olive Oil or Butter: For sautéing the chicken and garlic, adding richness.
• Chicken Broth: Helps deglaze the pan and adds subtle, savory flavor to the sauce.
• Salt and Pepper: Essential seasonings to enhance all the flavors.
• Italian Seasoning or Fresh Herbs: Optional for extra flavor depth.

Variations for Creamy Chicken Florentine with Spinach & Parmesan

Don’t hesitate to make this recipe your own—it’s incredibly easy to customize depending on what’s in your kitchen or your dietary preferences. Whether you want to swap ingredients or add a personal twist, this dish adapts beautifully.

• Use Kale Instead of Spinach: For a heartier green that holds up well in the creamy sauce.
• Swap Chicken for Turkey: Ground or breast pieces work just as well and add a twist.
• Make It Dairy-Free: Substitute heavy cream with coconut milk and Parmesan with nutritional yeast.
• Add Mushrooms: Sautéed mushrooms add earthiness and an extra layer of flavor.
• Spice It Up: Add red pepper flakes or a dash of cayenne for some heat.

How to Make Creamy Chicken Florentine with Spinach & Parmesan

Step 1: Prepare the Chicken

Start by seasoning your chicken breasts with salt and pepper. Heat olive oil or butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat and cook the chicken until golden brown and cooked through, usually about 5-6 minutes per side. Once done, transfer the chicken to a plate and set aside.

Step 2: Sauté the Garlic and Spinach

In the same skillet, add minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant. Then throw in fresh spinach and cook until wilted, stirring occasionally. This creates a flavorful base for the sauce without losing the spinach’s vibrant color.

Step 3: Deglaze and Make the Sauce

Pour in chicken broth to deglaze the pan, scraping up all those delicious browned bits from the skillet’s bottom. Next, add the heavy cream and grated Parmesan cheese, stirring constantly until the sauce thickens and becomes silky smooth.

Step 4: Combine Everything

Place the chicken breasts back into the skillet with the sauce and spinach. Let everything simmer together for a few minutes so the flavors meld and the chicken stays juicy. Taste and adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper as needed.

Step 5: Serve Warm

Serve your creamy chicken Florentine hot, making sure to spoon plenty of that luscious spinach and Parmesan cream sauce over the top. It’s a dish that’s as beautiful to look at as it is satisfying to eat.

Pro Tips for Making Creamy Chicken Florentine with Spinach & Parmesan

• Use Fresh Parmesan: It melts better and adds authentic flavor compared to pre-grated varieties.
• Don’t Overcook Chicken: Cook until just done to keep it juicy and tender within the creamy sauce.
• Wilt Spinach Quickly: Overcooked spinach loses its color and nutrients, so cook just until bright green and tender.
• Reduce Sauce Gently: Keep heat moderate when thickening sauce to avoid curdling or separating.
• Season Throughout Cooking: Layer your salt and pepper to boost the overall savory taste.

How to Serve Creamy Chicken Florentine with Spinach & Parmesan

Garnishes

Top with freshly grated Parmesan, a sprinkle of chopped parsley or basil, or a drizzle of high-quality olive oil to enhance the creamy, savory flavors and add a fresh, visually appealing finish.

Side Dishes

This dish is a natural match for simple sides like garlic butter pasta, fluffy rice, or crusty artisan bread—all perfect for soaking up the rich, creamy sauce and complementing the tender chicken and spinach.

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun twist, serve your Creamy Chicken Florentine with sautéed mushrooms or roasted cherry tomatoes on the side. You can also layer the chicken and sauce over a bed of creamy polenta or mashed potatoes for a soul-warming meal.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Place leftover chicken Florentine in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. The creamy sauce may thicken, so stir gently when reheating to restore its smooth texture.

Freezing

You can freeze the cooked dish in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating, and avoid freezing with fresh spinach as texture may change.

Reheating

Reheat gently on the stove over low heat or in the microwave in short bursts, stirring between intervals to avoid curdling the sauce. Adding a splash of cream or broth can help refresh the sauce’s consistency.

FAQs

Can I use frozen spinach instead of fresh?

While fresh spinach works best for texture and color, frozen spinach can be used if well-drained; just reduce the amount slightly to avoid excess moisture.

Is this recipe keto-friendly?

Yes! Creamy Chicken Florentine with Spinach & Parmesan is naturally low in carbs and high in fat, making it a great option for keto diets.

What can I substitute for heavy cream?

You can use half-and-half for a lighter sauce or coconut cream for a dairy-free alternative, though it will slightly alter the flavor.

Can I cook this recipe in advance?

Absolutely! Prepare it and store it in the fridge, then reheat when ready. It’s even better the next day as flavors have time to meld.

Is Parmesan the only cheese that works here?

Parmesan adds distinctive sharpness, but you can experiment with Asiago or Romano cheese for different flavor profiles.

Final Thoughts

There’s something incredibly satisfying about the creamy richness of this Creamy Chicken Florentine with Spinach & Parmesan. Whether you’re cooking for yourself, family, or friends, this dish blends comfort, elegance, and simplicity all on one plate. I can’t recommend it enough—give it a try, and enjoy a restaurant-quality dinner right in your own kitchen tonight!

Related Posts

• Why Baked Mississippi Chicken Is a Must-Try Dish
• Why Aloha Grilled Pineapple Chicken is a Must-Try
• Why Creamy Sausage Pasta with Roasted Red Peppers Is a Must-Try

Print