Creamy, savory, and packed with flavor, Chicken Florentine is the ultimate comfort dish that brings together juicy pan-seared chicken breasts, wilted spinach, and a rich, garlicky cream sauce. Whether you’re planning a cozy weeknight dinner or looking to impress guests, this elegant recipe delivers restaurant-quality taste without complicated steps.

The beauty of Chicken Florentine lies in its balance of simplicity and sophistication. It’s easy enough for beginner home cooks but delivers flavors so bold and satisfying that it will become a repeat request at the dinner table. This dish pairs beautifully with pasta, rice, or crusty bread—anything that helps you soak up every last drop of that irresistible sauce.

Why You’ll Love This Chicken Florentine

Quick and easy: Ready in under 30 minutes.
One-pan magic: Minimal cleanup, maximum flavor.
Rich but not heavy: Thanks to fresh spinach and a balanced cream sauce.
Customizable: Add mushrooms, sun-dried tomatoes, or swap chicken for salmon.
Family favorite: Loved by kids and adults alike.

What Cut of Chicken Should I Use for Chicken Florentine?

Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are the traditional choice for Chicken Florentine. They cook evenly, sear beautifully, and soak up the creamy sauce. However, chicken thighs can also be used for a juicier bite and slightly richer flavor. If using thighs, adjust cooking time to ensure they’re cooked through.

Ingredients for the Chicken Florentine

To bring this dish to life, each ingredient plays an essential role in creating the luxurious, creamy texture and deeply savory flavor Chicken Florentine is known for.

Chicken breasts: The protein centerpiece of the dish, seasoned and pan-seared to golden perfection.
Salt and black pepper: Simple yet crucial for enhancing every layer of flavor.
Garlic: Adds aromatic depth and a subtle bite that balances the richness.
Butter and olive oil: Used for searing the chicken and sautéing the aromatics. Butter enriches the flavor while olive oil raises the smoking point.
Baby spinach: Fresh spinach wilts into the sauce, adding nutrition and a vibrant green pop.
Heavy cream: The backbone of the luscious sauce; creates the silky, velvety texture.
Parmesan cheese: Infuses the sauce with umami and helps thicken it naturally.
Italian seasoning: A blend of herbs that complements both the chicken and creamy sauce.
Red pepper flakes (optional): A touch of heat to balance the creaminess.

How To Make the Chicken Florentine

Step 1: Season and Sear the Chicken

Pat chicken breasts dry, then season generously with salt, black pepper, and Italian seasoning. Heat a mix of butter and olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Sear the chicken on both sides until golden brown and cooked through, about 6-7 minutes per side. Remove and set aside.

Step 2: Sauté Garlic and Spinach

In the same skillet, lower the heat to medium. Add a bit more butter if needed, then sauté minced garlic for about 30 seconds until fragrant. Toss in the baby spinach and cook until wilted, about 2 minutes.

Step 3: Make the Cream Sauce

Pour in the heavy cream and stir in grated Parmesan cheese. Let the sauce simmer gently for a few minutes until it thickens slightly. Add a pinch of red pepper flakes if you like a little kick.

Step 4: Return Chicken and Simmer

Place the seared chicken breasts back into the pan, nestling them into the sauce. Let everything simmer together for another 3-5 minutes, spooning sauce over the top of the chicken.

Step 5: Serve and Enjoy

Garnish with fresh herbs if desired, and serve hot over pasta, rice, or with crusty bread to mop up the sauce.

Serving and Storing Chicken Florentine

This Chicken Florentine recipe is ideal for serving 4 people as a main course. The creamy sauce and tender chicken make it hearty and satisfying all on its own, but it shines even brighter when paired with your favorite sides.

To store: Let any leftovers cool completely, then transfer to an airtight container. Refrigerate for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave, adding a splash of cream or milk to loosen the sauce if needed.

To freeze: This dish can be frozen, but cream-based sauces may separate slightly when thawed. For best results, freeze just the chicken and spinach mixture without the sauce, then make the sauce fresh when reheating.

What to Serve With Chicken Florentine?

1. Fettuccine or Linguine

Classic pasta shapes that hold the creamy sauce perfectly.

2. Garlic Mashed Potatoes

Rich and fluffy potatoes complement the savory chicken and soak up the sauce.

3. Steamed Jasmine Rice

A lighter option that lets the flavors of the dish shine through.

4. Roasted Asparagus

Adds a crisp, fresh contrast to the creamy main dish.

5. Crusty Bread

Perfect for wiping the plate clean of every drop of sauce.

6. Caesar Salad

Crisp romaine, tangy dressing, and crunchy croutons balance out the richness.

7. Sauteed Mushrooms

Their earthy flavor is a natural pairing with creamy chicken dishes.

8. Zucchini Noodles

For a low-carb, gluten-free twist that still delivers on texture and flavor.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I use frozen spinach instead of fresh?
Yes! Thaw it completely and squeeze out as much moisture as possible before adding it to the sauce. This prevents the cream sauce from becoming watery.

2. Can I make this dish dairy-free?
You can substitute coconut cream or a dairy-free heavy cream alternative, and use nutritional yeast in place of Parmesan. Keep in mind the flavor will change slightly.

3. What if my sauce is too thin?
Let it simmer uncovered for a few more minutes to reduce and thicken. Adding more Parmesan also helps.

4. Is Chicken Florentine gluten-free?
Yes, as long as you pair it with gluten-free pasta or rice and ensure all other ingredients (like seasonings) are certified gluten-free.

5. Can I prep this ahead of time?
Absolutely. You can cook the chicken and spinach a day ahead. When you’re ready to serve, simply reheat and make the cream sauce fresh.

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Conclusion

Chicken Florentine is that perfect balance of creamy, savory, and satisfying—all made in one pan. Whether you’re cooking for a family meal or an intimate date night, this dish is guaranteed to impress. The ease of preparation, combined with the bold flavors of garlic, Parmesan, and tender chicken, will make it a recipe you’ll return to again and again.

Chicken Florentine

Author: Livia Scott
Total Time: 30 minutes
Yield: 4 servings

Print Recipe

Description

This Chicken Florentine is a creamy, one-pan dinner idea that’s bursting with flavor. Pan-seared chicken breasts rest in a velvety garlic-Parmesan cream sauce with fresh spinach, making it the perfect easy dinner recipe. Whether you’re craving quick comfort food or looking for healthy food ideas, this dish covers all the bases. Perfect for weeknight meals, quick dinners, or impressive date night cooking. It’s one of the best go-to dinner ideas for families.

Instructions

1. Pat chicken breasts dry and season both sides with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning.

2. In a large skillet, heat olive oil and 1 tablespoon of butter over medium-high heat.

3. Add chicken breasts and sear for 6–7 minutes per side, or until golden and cooked through. Remove and set aside.

4. Reduce heat to medium and add another tablespoon of butter if needed.

5. Sauté minced garlic for 30 seconds until fragrant.

6. Add baby spinach and cook until wilted, about 2 minutes.

7. Pour in heavy cream and stir in Parmesan cheese. Simmer 2–3 minutes until slightly thickened.

8. Add red pepper flakes if desired for heat.

9. Return chicken to skillet, spoon sauce over the top, and simmer 3–5 minutes.

10. Serve hot over pasta, rice, or with crusty bread.

Notes

For extra richness, add a touch of cream cheese to the sauce.

Chicken thighs can be used instead of breasts—just adjust cooking time.

Add mushrooms or sun-dried tomatoes for extra flavor and texture.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Category: Dinner
Method: Stovetop
Cuisine: Italian-American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 serving
Calories: 410
Sugar: 2g
Sodium: 520mg
Fat: 28g
Saturated Fat: 14g
Unsaturated Fat: 12g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 7g
Fiber: 1g
Protein: 33g
Cholesterol: 110mg

Keywords: chicken florentine, creamy chicken, one-pan dinner, dinner ideas, easy recipe