This Easy Creamy Chicken Florentine is a delightful dish with tender chicken, fresh spinach, and a rich, creamy sauce. It’s quick to whip up, making dinner a breeze!
You won’t believe how tasty this dish is, and the spinach makes it feel a bit fancy! I love serving it over pasta for a complete meal. It’s so good, you might just want seconds! 😊
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken Breasts: Boneless, skinless chicken is perfect here for its quick cooking time. If you’re looking for a lighter option, you can also use turkey cutlets or even tofu for a vegetarian twist.
Heavy Cream: For creaminess, heavy cream is best. If you’re looking to make it lighter, you could swap it for half-and-half or a dairy-free cream alternative like coconut cream. Just note that the flavor may change slightly.
Parmesan Cheese: Grated Parmesan adds a salty, nutty flavor. If you don’t have it on hand, you can switch to Pecorino Romano or a nutritional yeast option for a vegan version.
Spinach: Fresh spinach is key for its bright taste and nutrition. Frozen spinach can work in a pinch, but make sure to thaw and drain it well to avoid a watery sauce.
How Can I Get the Chicken Perfectly Cooked?
Cooking chicken just right can be tricky, but here’s a simple method to follow:
- Start with even thickness in chicken breasts. You could pound them a little if they’re uneven, ensuring they cook uniformly.
- Use medium-high heat for a good sear. This helps lock in the juices and gives a nice golden color.
- Don’t rush it! Cooking for about 5-7 minutes on each side helps avoid dryness. Check with a meat thermometer; 165°F (75°C) is the safe internal temperature.
Following these steps will give you juicy, tender chicken every time, which is just what you need for this creamy dish!
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
- 4 cups fresh spinach leaves
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This tasty dish will take about 30 minutes from start to finish, including prep time and cooking. In just a short while, you’ll have a delicious meal ready to enjoy!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Chicken:
Start by seasoning the chicken breasts generously with salt and pepper on both sides. This step adds foundational flavor to your dish!
2. Cook the Chicken:
In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Carefully add the seasoned chicken breasts to the skillet and cook for about 5-7 minutes on each side until they are golden brown and cooked through. When they’re done, remove them from the skillet and place them on a plate. Set aside for now.
3. Sauté the Garlic:
In the same skillet, add the minced garlic and sauté it for about 1 minute or until it becomes fragrant. Stir it around to make sure it doesn’t burn—it should smell amazing!
4. Make the Creamy Sauce:
Now, add the heavy cream, chicken broth, grated Parmesan cheese, Italian seasoning, and red pepper flakes (if you’re using them) to the skillet. Stir everything well to combine, then bring it to a gentle simmer. You can reduce the heat if needed to avoid boiling.
5. Add the Spinach:
Next, add the fresh spinach leaves to the sauce. Cook for about 2-3 minutes or until the spinach wilts down and becomes tender. The vibrant color will brighten up the dish!
6. Return the Chicken:
Place the cooked chicken back into the skillet and spoon the creamy spinach sauce over them. Allow the chicken to simmer in the sauce for another 2-3 minutes to heat through and absorb some of that delicious flavor.
7. Garnish and Serve:
Finally, garnish your dish with freshly chopped parsley for a pop of color! Serve hot, and I recommend pairing it with pasta, rice, or some crusty bread to soak up the creamy goodness.
Enjoy your Easy Creamy Chicken Florentine! This meal is sure to impress without requiring a ton of effort. Happy cooking! 🥳
FAQ About Easy Creamy Chicken Florentine
Can I Use Frozen Chicken for This Recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen chicken, but make sure it’s fully thawed before cooking for even results. Thaw it overnight in the fridge or quickly in a sealed bag submerged in cold water. Pat it dry before seasoning!
What Can I Substitute for Heavy Cream?
If you’re looking for a lighter option, you can substitute heavy cream with half-and-half or a dairy-free alternative like coconut cream. Just keep in mind that the taste may differ slightly, especially with coconut cream.
Can I Make This Dish Ahead of Time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the chicken and sauce ahead of time, then store them separately in the fridge for up to 2 days. When you’re ready to serve, heat everything together in a skillet over low heat until warmed through.
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm gently on the stove or in the microwave, stirring occasionally to ensure even heating. Enjoy your creamy leftovers!
