This Easy Creamy Chicken Florentine is a warm and cozy delight! It’s made with tender chicken, fresh spinach, and a rich, creamy sauce that brings everything together perfectly.
The best part? It’s so simple to whip up, you’ll wonder why you haven’t made it before! I love serving it over pasta or rice for a satisfying meal that everyone enjoys. Yum! 🍽️
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken Breasts: I recommend boneless, skinless chicken breasts for their quick cooking time and tenderness. If you prefer dark meat, chicken thighs work great too—just cook them a bit longer for doneness.
Heavy Cream: This is what makes the sauce super creamy. If you’re looking for a lighter option, try half-and-half or even a plant-based cream alternative like coconut cream. Keep in mind it will change the flavor a bit!
Parmesan Cheese: Grated Parmesan adds a rich flavor. If you’re out, Pecorino Romano is a nice substitute. You can also use nutritional yeast for a dairy-free option while still getting that cheesy taste.
Spinach: Fresh spinach is best for its vibrant taste and texture. If you only have frozen spinach, just be sure to thaw and squeeze out any excess water before adding it to the sauce.
How Can I Make Sure My Sauce Is Creamy and Not Lumpy?
The key to a smooth, creamy sauce lies in combining the ingredients properly. Here’s how to do it:
- Make sure to sauté garlic before adding liquids. This enhances flavor!
- When pouring in chicken broth and heavy cream, stir continuously to mix well.
- Allow the sauce to simmer gently after adding cheese; this helps it blend without clumping.
- If your sauce gets too thick, just add a splash more chicken broth or cream until you reach your desired consistency.
By following these tips, you’ll have a deliciously creamy sauce every time!
Easy 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
- 3 cups fresh spinach leaves
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
- 1 tablespoon butter
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delightful dish will take about 10 minutes to prep and around 20 minutes to cook, resulting in a total of about 30 minutes from start to finish. It’s a quick and delicious meal perfect for any night of the week!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Season the Chicken:
Start by seasoning both sides of the chicken breasts with salt and pepper. This simple step adds great flavor to your chicken!
2. Cook the Chicken:
In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the seasoned chicken breasts and cook for about 5-7 minutes on each side, or until they’re golden brown and cooked through. Once done, carefully remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside on a plate.
3. Prepare the Sauce:
In the same skillet, add the butter and minced garlic. Sauté for about 1 minute, stirring frequently, until the garlic becomes fragrant (but be careful not to burn it!).
4. Add the Liquids:
Pour in the chicken broth and heavy cream, stirring well to combine all the tasty bits from the bottom of the skillet.
5. Stir in Flavor:
Add the grated Parmesan cheese, Italian seasoning, and crushed red pepper flakes (if you like a bit of heat!). Stir until the cheese is melted and the sauce has thickened slightly—this should just take a few minutes.
6. Add the Spinach:
Now it’s time to add the fresh spinach! Toss it into the skillet and cook for about 2-3 minutes, or until the spinach is wilted and beautifully bright green.
7. Combine Chicken and Sauce:
Return the cooked chicken breasts to the skillet, spooning some of that delicious sauce over the top. Let everything simmer together for another 2-3 minutes to warm through and blend flavors.
8. Serve and Enjoy:
Serve your Easy Creamy Chicken Florentine warm, ladling extra sauce over the chicken for a delicious finish. This dish pairs perfectly with pasta, rice, or crusty bread to soak up every last drop of that creamy sauce!
Bon appétit!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I Use Frozen Chicken Breasts?
Yes, you can use frozen chicken breasts! However, make sure to thaw them completely before cooking. The best way to do this is to leave them in the refrigerator overnight or use the quick-thaw method by placing them in a sealed plastic bag and submerging in cold water for about 1-2 hours.
How to Store Leftovers?
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. For best results, reheat gently on the stove over low heat, adding a splash of cream or broth to keep the sauce from getting too thick.
Can I Make This Recipe Dairy-Free?
Absolutely! You can substitute the heavy cream with coconut cream or a dairy-free cream alternative. Additionally, use nutritional yeast instead of Parmesan cheese for that cheesy flavor without the dairy.
What Can I Serve with Chicken Florentine?
This dish pairs wonderfully with pasta, rice, or even quinoa to soak up the creamy sauce. For a lighter option, serve with a side of steamed vegetables or a fresh salad!
