Easy Creamy Chicken Florentine with Spinach & Parmesan

Discover a deliciously creamy Chicken Florentine with Spinach & Parmesan recipe that’s quick, easy, and perfect for weeknight dinners! This dish is a comforting blend of tender chicken, fresh spinach, and rich Parmesan cheese all simmered in a luscious creamy sauce. It’s packed with flavor but surprisingly simple to prepare, making it a fantastic choice for cooks of all skill levels who want to impress their family or guests with a vibrant, satisfying meal.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick and Easy: Ready in under 30 minutes, perfect for busy evenings when time is tight but you crave something special.
• Rich and Creamy Texture: The velvety sauce combines cream and Parmesan for an indulgent, yet balanced flavor profile.
• Healthy Spinach Boost: Fresh spinach adds a nutritious punch and vibrant color that brightens up the plate.
• Family Friendly: Mild flavors make this a surefire hit for kids and adults alike.
• One-Pan Wonder: Minimal cleanup is needed since most of the cooking happens in one skillet.

Ingredients You’ll Need

This dish relies on simple, fresh ingredients that come together effortlessly. Each component plays a crucial role in building layers of flavor and delivering the classic taste you expect from a creamy Chicken Florentine with Spinach & Parmesan.

• Boneless Chicken Breasts: Use skinless chicken breasts for even cooking and tender bites.
• Fresh Spinach: Adds a mild, earthy taste and a gorgeous green contrast to the sauce.
• Parmesan Cheese: A key ingredient that lends a salty, nutty depth to the cream sauce.
• Heavy Cream: Creates the smooth, rich texture that makes this dish so comforting.
• Garlic Cloves: Infuses the sauce with fragrant warmth and subtle spice.
• Olive Oil & Butter: For browning chicken and sautéing spinach to mint both texture and flavor.
• Chicken Broth: Adds moisture and enhances overall taste without overwhelming the dish.
• Italian Seasoning: Blends basil, oregano, and thyme to complement the creamy sauce perfectly.
• Salt & Pepper: Essential seasoning to balance and elevate every flavor.

Variations for Creamy Chicken Florentine with Spinach & Parmesan

This recipe is incredibly adaptable! Whether you want to change proteins, accommodate dietary needs, or add extra flavor dimensions, here are a few easy ways to make this dish your own.

• Swap Chicken for Turkey: Use ground or sliced turkey to keep it lean and light.
• Use Greek Yogurt instead of Cream: For a lighter but still creamy texture with a slight tang.
• Add Mushrooms: Sautéed mushrooms bring an earthy richness perfect with spinach and cheese.
• Include Sun-Dried Tomatoes: A burst of sweetness and acidity adds complexity.
• Make it Gluten-Free: Ensure your broth is gluten-free and serve over rice or gluten-free pasta.

How to Make Creamy Chicken Florentine with Spinach & Parmesan

Step 1: Prepare the Chicken

Start by seasoning your boneless chicken breasts with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. Heat olive oil and butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Brown the chicken on both sides until golden and cooked through, about 4-5 minutes per side. Once cooked, transfer the chicken to a plate and set aside.

Step 2: Sauté Garlic and Spinach

In the same skillet, add minced garlic and cook until fragrant, around 30 seconds to 1 minute. Toss in fresh spinach leaves and sauté until wilted, stirring frequently so nothing sticks or burns. This step infuses the dish with fresh, vibrant flavor and a pop of green color.

Step 3: Create the Creamy Sauce

Pour chicken broth into the skillet to deglaze, scraping up any tasty browned bits from the bottom. Then add heavy cream, stirring consistently as it warms. Reduce heat and slowly incorporate grated Parmesan cheese until melted and smooth, creating that irresistible creamy sauce base.

Step 4: Combine and Simmer

Return the cooked chicken to the skillet, nestling it into the spinach and sauce. Allow everything to simmer together for 5-7 minutes, letting the chicken soak up the flavors and the sauce thicken slightly.

Step 5: Final Touches and Serve

Taste the sauce and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as needed. Once perfectly balanced, remove from heat and get ready to plate your creamy Chicken Florentine with Spinach & Parmesan.

Pro Tips for Making Creamy Chicken Florentine with Spinach & Parmesan

• Chicken Thickness: Pound chicken breasts to an even thickness for consistent cooking throughout.
• Fresh Parmesan: Always use freshly grated Parmesan, never the pre-grated kind, for superior flavor and creaminess.
• Don’t Overcook Spinach: Wilt it just enough in the pan to avoid bitterness and keep its vibrant color.
• Deglaze Properly: Use chicken broth to scrape the pan after browning chicken, unlocking deep, caramelized flavors.
• Control the Heat: Simmer sauce gently to prevent curdling and maintain that smooth creamy texture.

How to Serve Creamy Chicken Florentine with Spinach & Parmesan

Garnishes

Top your dish with freshly chopped parsley or basil for a bright herbal note, and a sprinkle of extra Parmesan to enhance the cheesiness. A squeeze of lemon juice can also add a touch of acidity that balances the richness beautifully.

Side Dishes

This creamy chicken shines when paired with simple sides like garlic mashed potatoes, buttered pasta, or fluffy rice. For a lighter meal, roasted vegetables or a crisp green salad complement the richness perfectly.

Creative Ways to Present

Serve the chicken sliced over creamy polenta or nestled atop warm cauliflower rice for a low-carb option. You can also plate the spinach and sauce separately as a bed with the chicken resting on top, making for an elegant presentation that’s sure to impress.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Transfer any leftovers into an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. The sauce may thicken, so give it a gentle stir before reheating to redistribute flavors evenly.

Freezing

This dish freezes well. Store in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. When ready to eat, thaw overnight in the refrigerator for best texture and flavor.

Reheating

Reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat or in the microwave, stirring occasionally. Add a splash of cream or broth if the sauce appears too thick or dry to restore its creamy consistency.

FAQs

Can I use spinach substitutes in this recipe?

Yes, baby kale or Swiss chard work well as alternatives and provide a similar nutritional boost along with interesting flavor variations.

Is this recipe dairy-free friendly?

You can make a dairy-free version by substituting heavy cream with coconut cream and using a vegan Parmesan alternative or nutritional yeast instead.

What cut of chicken is best for this dish?

Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are ideal for an even cook and tender bite, but chicken thighs can add extra juiciness if preferred.

Can I double this recipe for a larger crowd?

Absolutely! Just use a larger skillet or cook in batches to ensure even cooking and avoid crowding the pan, which can cause steaming instead of browning.

How can I make this recipe lower in calories?

Reduce the heavy cream by swapping half for low-fat milk or unsweetened almond milk and use reduced-fat Parmesan cheese to lighten the dish without sacrificing flavor.

Final Thoughts

Whether it’s a busy weeknight or a cozy weekend dinner, this Creamy Chicken Florentine with Spinach & Parmesan is a winner every time. Easy to prepare, full of flavor, and incredibly satisfying, it’s one of those dishes that quickly becomes a family favorite. Give it a try soon—you’ll wonder how you ever lived without it!

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