Creamy Chicken Florentine – Easy and Delicious Italian Classic

After a long day at work, you deserve something special that doesn’t require hours in the kitchen. That’s where this Creamy Chicken Florentine comes in – a restaurant-quality dish you can prepare in your own kitchen in just 30 minutes. The tender chicken breasts nestled in a velvety sauce with vibrant spinach creates a symphony of flavors that will transport you straight to Italy.

When you take that first bite, you’ll experience the rich, garlicky cream sauce coating perfectly seared chicken, while the wilted spinach adds a fresh, earthy contrast. The aroma of herbs and garlic will fill your kitchen, making everyone wonder what delicious magic you’re creating. This Creamy Chicken Florentine isn’t just a meal; it’s a simple luxury that makes any ordinary evening feel special.

Why You’ll Love This Creamy Chicken Florentine

• ✅ This homemade Creamy Chicken Florentine uses simple ingredients you likely already have
• ✅ Ready in just 30 minutes – perfect for busy weeknight dinners
• ✅ One-pan Creamy Chicken Florentine means minimal cleanup after cooking
• ✅ The Creamy Chicken Florentine sauce is versatile and pairs with pasta, rice, or cauliflower rice
• ✅ Low-carb Creamy Chicken Florentine fits perfectly into keto and gluten-free diets
• ✅ Impressive enough for guests but easy enough for beginners

Ingredients for Creamy Chicken Florentine

For this delicious Creamy Chicken Florentine, you’ll need:

• 2 large chicken breasts (about 1¼ pounds total)
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon pepper
• 1 tablespoon butter
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes
• ½ cup dry white wine (or chicken broth)
• ⅔ cup heavy whipping cream
• ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese (about 1 ounce)
• 8 ounces fresh spinach, washed and chopped

Ingredient Notes and Substitutions

• Chicken: Feel free to use boneless thighs instead of breasts for juicier results
• Heavy Cream: For a lighter version, substitute half-and-half, but the sauce won’t be as thick
• Wine: A dry Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc works perfectly, but chicken broth makes a great alcohol-free alternative
• Spinach: Frozen spinach can be used in a pinch – just thaw and squeeze out excess water first

How to Make Creamy Chicken Florentine – Step by Step

Preparing the Chicken

1. Slice the chicken breasts: Cut each breast horizontally into two even cutlets to create 4 thinner pieces. This helps them cook more quickly and evenly.
2. Season the chicken: In a small bowl, mix the Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Sprinkle this seasoning mix evenly over both sides of the chicken cutlets.
3. Sear the chicken: Heat the butter and olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the seasoned chicken and cook for 4-5 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through (internal temperature should reach 165°F/74°C). Transfer to a plate and cover with foil to keep warm.

Creating the Creamy Chicken Florentine Sauce

1. Sauté aromatics: In the same skillet, add minced garlic and red pepper flakes. Cook for 30 seconds until fragrant, being careful not to burn the garlic.
2. Deglaze the pan: Pour in the white wine (or chicken broth) and use a wooden spoon to scrape up all the flavorful brown bits from the bottom of the pan. Let simmer for 2-3 minutes until reduced by half.
3. Make it creamy: Reduce heat to medium-low and pour in the heavy cream. Bring to a gentle simmer (never boil cream or it may separate).
4. Add cheese: Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese until melted and smooth.
5. Wilt the spinach: Add the chopped spinach to the sauce in batches, stirring until wilted. This should take about 2 minutes.

Finishing the Dish

1. Reunite the ingredients: Return the chicken to the skillet, nestling the pieces into the creamy spinach sauce. Spoon some sauce over the chicken and let everything simmer together for 1-2 minutes to warm through.
2. Serve: Transfer to plates and spoon extra sauce over the top. Garnish with additional grated Parmesan if desired.

Pro Tips for Making the Best Creamy Chicken Florentine

• Temperature matters: Always bring the chicken to room temperature before cooking for more even results
• Don’t overcrowd: Cook the chicken in batches if your pan isn’t large enough
• The secret to the best Creamy Chicken Florentine is deglazing: Those brown bits on the bottom of the pan after searing the chicken are packed with flavor
• For a thicker sauce: Mix 1 teaspoon of cornstarch with 1 tablespoon cold water and stir into the simmering sauce
• Fresh herbs elevate the dish: Try adding a handful of chopped fresh basil or parsley just before serving

Best Ways to Serve Creamy Chicken Florentine

This versatile dish pairs beautifully with so many sides:

• Serve over pasta (linguine or fettuccine work wonderfully)
• Pair with fluffy white rice or garlic mashed potatoes to soak up the delicious sauce
• For a low-carb meal, serve with cauliflower rice or extra vegetables
• Add a side of roasted asparagus or broccoli for extra green goodness
• Include a fresh garden salad with a light vinaigrette dressing for a complete meal

The best way to serve Creamy Chicken Florentine is family-style, right in the skillet at the center of the table, letting everyone spoon this delicious creation onto their plates.

Nutritional Information for Creamy Chicken Florentine

Per serving (serves 4):

• Calories: 385 kcal
• Protein: 29g
• Fat: 27g
• Carbohydrates: 5g
• Fiber: 2g
• Sugar: 1g
• Sodium: 450mg

This Creamy Chicken Florentine fits perfectly into low-carb and keto diet plans with only 3g net carbs per serving.

Storage & Leftovers

Can you make Creamy Chicken Florentine ahead of time? Absolutely! It actually tastes even better the next day as the flavors have time to meld.

• Refrigeration: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
• Freezing: While you can freeze this dish, the cream sauce may separate slightly upon thawing. If freezing, store in freezer-safe containers for up to 2 months.
• Reheating: The best way to reheat Creamy Chicken Florentine is slowly on the stovetop over medium-low heat. Add a splash of cream or milk if the sauce needs thinning.
• Meal prep: This dish works wonderfully for meal prep – portion into individual containers with a side of your choice for quick lunches or dinners.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Creamy Chicken Florentine made of?

Creamy Chicken Florentine consists of seared chicken breast in a rich sauce made with garlic, heavy cream, Parmesan cheese, and spinach. The term “Florentine” in cooking specifically refers to a dish prepared in the style of Florence, Italy, featuring spinach as a key ingredient.

How do you make Creamy Chicken Florentine?

To make Creamy Chicken Florentine, you season and sear chicken breasts, then create a sauce in the same pan using garlic, wine (or broth), heavy cream, and Parmesan. Finish by wilting fresh spinach into the sauce and returning the chicken to warm through before serving.

Can you use frozen spinach in Creamy Chicken Florentine?

Yes, you can use frozen spinach in Creamy Chicken Florentine. Just make sure to thaw it completely and squeeze out all excess water using a kitchen towel or cheesecloth before adding it to your sauce. Fresh spinach is preferred for better texture, but frozen works in a pinch.

Is Creamy Chicken Florentine good for meal prep?

Creamy Chicken Florentine is excellent for meal prep! The flavors actually improve after a day in the refrigerator. Store in airtight containers for up to 3 days and reheat gently to prevent the cream sauce from separating. It pairs well with various side dishes for complete make-ahead meals.

Conclusion

This Creamy Chicken Florentine is one of those rare recipes that manages to be both impressively elegant and surprisingly simple. Whether you’re cooking for a quiet weeknight dinner or hosting special guests, this recipe delivers restaurant-quality taste with minimal effort.

The combination of tender chicken, creamy garlic sauce, and nutritious spinach creates a balanced meal that satisfies on every level. Plus, with its one-pan preparation, cleanup is a breeze.

Now that you have mastered this classic Creamy Chicken Florentine, why not add it to your regular dinner rotation? Your family will thank you, and you’ll love having such a versatile, delicious recipe in your cooking arsenal.

Have you tried making Creamy Chicken Florentine before? What sides did you pair it with? Share your experience in the comments below!

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