This Easy Creamy Chicken Florentine brings together juicy chicken, fresh spinach, and a rich, buttery sauce. It’s like a warm hug on your plate!
Honestly, who doesn’t love a dish that’s comforting and quick? I whip this up on busy nights, and it makes leftovers feel like a treat the next day!
Pair it with some rice or pasta to soak up that creamy goodness. Trust me, you’ll find yourself making this again and again!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken Breasts: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are ideal for this dish as they cook quickly and stay juicy. If you’re looking for a leaner option, turkey cutlets work well, too!
Heavy Cream: This gives a rich texture to the sauce. If you want a lighter version, try substituting with half-and-half or a combination of Greek yogurt and milk.
Parmesan Cheese: Freshly grated Parmesan is best for flavor. In a pinch, use Pecorino Romano or even nutritional yeast for a dairy-free option.
Spinach: Fresh spinach truly shines in this dish. If you have frozen spinach, that works, but make sure to thaw and drain it well beforehand.
Olive Oil: Extra virgin olive oil adds flavor, but you can use vegetable oil or butter if that’s what you have on hand.
How Do You Make the Sauce Creamy and Flavorful?
The sauce is key in this Chicken Florentine; here’s how to get it just right:
- After cooking the chicken, keep the bits left in the skillet. They add extra flavor!
- Cook garlic until fragrant, but watch it closely so it doesn’t burn—burnt garlic can taste bitter.
- Simmer the heavy cream with chicken broth gently; this helps combine the flavors without boiling away the creaminess.
- Add Parmesan gradually and stir thoroughly to ensure it melts evenly into the sauce for that perfect creamy texture.
- Don’t rush the addition of spinach; let it wilt gently, which brings out its flavor.
- Finally, taste as you go! Adjust the seasoning to your preference, adding more salt, pepper, or crushed red pepper for that kick!
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
- ½ cup chicken broth
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 cups fresh spinach leaves
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning (optional)
- 1 tablespoon butter
- ½ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious dish requires about 10 minutes of prep time and roughly 20 minutes of cooking time. In total, you’re looking at around 30 minutes from start to finish—perfect for a quick weeknight dinner!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Chicken:
Start by seasoning the chicken breasts on both sides with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning if you’re using it. This adds flavor right from the get-go!
2. Cook the Chicken:
In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Once hot, add the chicken breasts. Cook them for about 5-7 minutes on each side until they are golden brown and cooked through. When done, take the chicken out of the skillet and set it aside on a plate.
3. Make the Garlic Mixture:
In the same skillet, add the butter along with the minced garlic. Sauté it for about 1 minute, just until it’s fragrant. Be careful not to let it brown too much!
4. Create the Creamy Sauce:
Next, pour in the chicken broth and heavy cream, stirring everything together. Let the mixture simmer for about 2-3 minutes. This will allow the flavors to meld and the sauce to thicken slightly.
5. Add Cheese:
Sprinkle the grated Parmesan cheese into the sauce and stir it until it melts and becomes creamy. This adds a wonderful richness to your dish!
6. Incorporate the Spinach:
Now, toss in the fresh spinach leaves and cook for about 2 minutes, or until they are wilted. This will give your sauce a burst of color and nutrition!
7. Season the Sauce:
Taste your sauce and add crushed red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper as needed. Adjust it to your liking; you want it to be just right!
8. Combine Chicken and Sauce:
Return the cooked chicken to the skillet. Spoon some of that delicious sauce and spinach over the top, and let it simmer together for another 2 minutes. This step infuses the chicken with all that amazing flavor!
9. Serve and Enjoy:
It’s time to serve your Creamy Chicken Florentine! Spoon extra sauce over the chicken when plating for the ultimate taste. Enjoy your meal with some pasta, rice, or just on its own!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I Substitute the Heavy Cream?
Absolutely! If you’re looking for a lighter option, you can use half-and-half or a mix of Greek yogurt and milk. Just make sure to add the yogurt slowly to avoid curdling in the heat.
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, gently warm in a skillet over low heat, stirring occasionally until heated through. You might want to add a splash of cream or broth to refresh the sauce!
Can I Use Frozen Spinach Instead of Fresh?
Yes, you can use frozen spinach! Just make sure to thaw it completely and squeeze out any excess moisture before adding it to the sauce. This will help maintain the right texture and prevent the sauce from becoming watery.
What Should I Serve With This Dish?
This creamy Chicken Florentine pairs wonderfully with pasta, rice, or even mashed potatoes. For a lighter meal, serve it over a bed of greens or alongside steamed vegetables!
