This Creamy Chicken Florentine dish is a warm hug for your taste buds. Tender chicken meets a rich, creamy sauce, all brightened up with fresh spinach!
I love how it’s ready in no time, making it perfect for a weeknight dinner. Serve it over pasta or rice, and I promise you’ll be going in for seconds! 🍽️
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken Breasts: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are perfect for this dish, as they cook quickly. For a tasty alternative, you can use chicken thighs, which are juicier and more flavorful.
Heavy Cream: This gives the sauce its creaminess. If you’re looking for a lighter option, half-and-half or whole milk can work, though the sauce may be less thick.
Spinach: Fresh spinach adds a bright touch. You can substitute it with frozen spinach; just be sure to thaw and drain it well to avoid excess water.
Parmesan Cheese: It brings a savory kick. If you’re out of Parmesan, Pecorino Romano or Grana Padano are great substitutes. Nutritional yeast can replace cheese for a dairy-free version.
How Do You Achieve a Creamy Sauce Without it Being Lumpy?
Creating a perfect creamy sauce is all about the right steps. Here are some easy tips to keep your sauce smooth:
- After sautéing the garlic, make sure to whisk the chicken broth and heavy cream together before pouring. This helps prevent lumping.
- Keep the heat moderate—too high will cause the cream to separate.
- Stir continuously as you add the cheese; this helps it melt evenly without clumping.
- Cook just until the sauce starts to thicken. Overcooking can lead to graininess.
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 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 4 cups fresh spinach
- 1 tablespoon butter (optional)
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe will take about 30 minutes from start to finish. You’ll need about 10 minutes to prep and another 20 minutes to cook. It’s quick, delicious, and perfect for a comforting dinner!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Season the Chicken:
Start by seasoning the chicken breasts generously with salt and pepper on both sides. This will enhance the flavor of the chicken as it cooks.
2. Cook the Chicken:
Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Once the oil is hot, add the seasoned chicken breasts. Cook them for about 6-7 minutes on each side until they are golden brown and no longer pink in the center. Once cooked, remove the chicken from the pan and set it aside on a plate.
3. Sauté the Garlic:
In the same skillet (don’t wash it, all that flavor is still there!), add the minced garlic. Sauté for about 1 minute until the garlic is fragrant, but be careful not to burn it!
4. Make the Creamy Sauce:
Pour in the chicken broth and heavy cream, stirring to mix everything. Add the Italian seasoning and Parmesan cheese, mixing well until the sauce thickens slightly. This should take about 2-3 minutes.
5. Add the Spinach:
Now it’s time to add the fresh spinach to the pan. Stir it into the creamy sauce and let it cook for about 2-3 minutes until the spinach wilts down. If you want to make the sauce richer, you can stir in the butter at this point!
6. Combine Chicken and Sauce:
Return the cooked chicken breasts to the skillet, spooning the creamy sauce and spinach over the top. Let everything simmer together for another 2-3 minutes to warm the chicken through.
7. Garnish and Serve:
Finally, garnish your creamy chicken florentine with fresh parsley. Serve it warm over a bed of pasta, rice, or alongside some crusty bread for a delightful meal!
Can I Use Other Types of Meat in This Recipe?
Absolutely! This recipe works well with chicken thighs or turkey breast if you prefer those. Just adjust the cooking time accordingly, as thighs may take a little longer to cook through.
Can I Substitute the Heavy Cream?
If you’d like a lighter option, you can use half-and-half or whole milk, though the sauce won’t be as creamy. For a dairy-free alternative, try coconut milk or a cashew cream for a rich flavor.
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of broth or cream to restore the sauce’s consistency.
Can I Add Other Vegetables to This Dish?
Definitely! Feel free to add vegetables like mushrooms, bell peppers, or sun-dried tomatoes. Just sauté them along with the garlic before adding the broth and cream for a delicious twist!
