Name: Chicken Florentine Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: Italian-American
Ingredients: 4 boneless skinless chicken breasts; 2 tablespoons olive oil; 2 tablespoons butter; 3 cloves garlic, minced; 1 cup chicken broth; 1 cup heavy cream; ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese; 6 cups fresh spinach (about 6 ounces); 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning; Salt and pepper, to taste

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Short Description

A rich and creamy Chicken Florentine featuring juicy seared chicken breasts bathed in a garlicky, Parmesan-infused cream sauce with wilted spinach—elegant enough for company, easy enough for a weeknight.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This one-pan dish is incredibly flavorful, quick to prepare, and perfect for any night of the week. The creamy garlic-Parmesan sauce, tender chicken, and fresh spinach come together for a satisfying, restaurant-worthy meal. It’s low in carbs, high in flavor, and versatile enough to serve with pasta, rice, or vegetables.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

4 boneless skinless chicken breasts
2 tablespoons olive oil
2 tablespoons butter
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 cup chicken broth
1 cup heavy cream
½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
6 cups fresh spinach (about 6 ounces)
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
Salt and pepper, to taste

Directions

Season the chicken: Sprinkle both sides of the chicken breasts with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning.
Sear the chicken: In a large skillet, heat the olive oil and butter over medium-high heat. Once the butter melts and the pan is hot, add the chicken breasts. Sear for 4–5 minutes on each side, or until golden brown and cooked through (internal temperature should be 165°F). Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
Sauté the garlic: In the same skillet, add the minced garlic and cook for about 1 minute until fragrant.
Deglaze the pan: Pour in the chicken broth, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom with a wooden spoon. Let it simmer for 2 minutes.
Add the cream and cheese: Stir in the heavy cream and grated Parmesan cheese. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the sauce thickens and becomes creamy, about 3–5 minutes.
Wilt the spinach: Add the fresh spinach and stir until wilted, about 2 minutes.
Combine everything: Return the chicken breasts to the skillet and spoon the sauce over the top. Simmer for another 5 minutes to meld the flavors.
Serve: Remove from heat and serve the chicken with the creamy spinach sauce spooned generously over each piece.

Servings And Timing

Servings: 4
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes

Variations

Use boneless chicken thighs for a juicier cut.
Add sliced mushrooms for extra earthiness.
Substitute white wine for some of the chicken broth for depth.
Stir in sun-dried tomatoes for a tangy, sweet element.
Top with mozzarella or Gruyère for an extra cheesy version.
Make it spicy with crushed red pepper flakes.
Use frozen spinach (thawed and squeezed dry) if fresh isn’t available.
Add lemon zest or juice for a bright citrus twist.
Make it dairy-free with plant-based cream and cheese alternatives.
Serve over pasta, rice, or mashed potatoes for a heartier meal.

Storage/Reheating

Refrigerate: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Freeze: Freeze for up to 2 months in a freezer-safe container. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Reheat: Warm gently in a skillet over medium-low heat. Add a splash of cream or broth if the sauce has thickened too much. Alternatively, microwave in short intervals, stirring between each.

FAQs

What Does “Florentine” Mean?

Florentine refers to dishes made with spinach, inspired by Florentine cuisine from Italy.

Can I Use Frozen Spinach?

Yes, just make sure to thaw and squeeze out excess moisture before adding it to the sauce.

Can I Make This Dish Ahead Of Time?

Yes, you can prepare it a day in advance. Store it in the fridge and reheat gently before serving.

What Can I Serve With Chicken Florentine?

It pairs well with pasta, rice, mashed potatoes, or roasted vegetables.

Can I Use Half-And-Half Instead Of Heavy Cream?

Yes, but the sauce may be slightly thinner. For a richer texture, stick with heavy cream.

How Do I Know When The Chicken Is Cooked Through?

Use a meat thermometer; the internal temperature should reach 165°F.

Can I Make It Gluten-Free?

Yes, the recipe as written is naturally gluten-free.

Can I Add Other Vegetables?

Absolutely—mushrooms, zucchini, or bell peppers make great additions.

Will The Sauce Thicken As It Cools?

Yes, the sauce continues to thicken slightly as it rests. Add a splash of broth if reheating.

How Can I Make It Lighter?

Use light cream or half-and-half and reduce the Parmesan slightly for a lighter version.

Conclusion

Chicken Florentine is a comforting, flavorful, and versatile dish that comes together quickly and impresses with its rich, creamy sauce and vibrant spinach. Whether you’re serving it for a family dinner or special occasion, it’s sure to become a favorite.

Ezabella