Get ready to delight your taste buds with this Easy Creamy Chicken Florentine Recipe, a dish that brings together tender chicken, vibrant spinach, and a luxuriously creamy sauce all in one skillet. This recipe perfectly balances rich Parmesan cheese and a hint of garlic, creating a comforting meal that’s surprisingly simple to make. Whether you’re cooking a weeknight dinner or impressing guests, this easy creamy chicken Florentine recipe will quickly become your go-to for a flavorful, satisfying supper.

The image shows two browned, cooked chicken pieces sitting in a creamy sauce filled with wilted dark green spinach leaves and small bits of cooked red tomatoes. The sauce is light yellow with specks of black pepper scattered throughout, covering the chicken and spinach evenly. The dish is in a white pan, placed on a white marbled surface. The chicken's surface is slightly shiny, showing the moist and seasoned texture of the meat coated in the creamy sauce. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients You’ll Need

These ingredients are straightforward and essential, each playing a key role in building the perfect harmony of flavors, texture, and color for your dish.

4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts: The star protein, juicy and tender when cooked right.
Salt and pepper, to taste: Simple seasoning that enhances all the other flavors.
2 tablespoons olive oil: For perfectly searing the chicken with a light, fruity flavor.
3 cloves garlic, minced: Adds aromatic depth and a touch of zest to the sauce.
1 cup heavy cream: Creates the rich, creamy texture that defines this dish.
1/2 cup chicken broth: Adds savory moisture and helps build a luscious sauce.
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese: Delivers nutty richness and helps thicken the sauce.
3 cups fresh spinach leaves: Brings vibrant color and fresh earthiness to the recipe.
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning: A blend of herbs that infuses warmth and complexity.
1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional): Adds a gentle touch of heat for those who like a bit of spice.
1 tablespoon butter: Enhances the sauce’s silkiness and rounds out the flavor.

How to Make Easy Creamy Chicken Florentine Recipe

Step 1: Season the Chicken

Start off by generously seasoning both sides of the chicken breasts with salt and pepper. This foundational step might seem simple, but it’s crucial because it unlocks the chicken’s natural flavors and sets the stage for everything that follows.

Step 2: Cook the Chicken

Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering. Carefully add the seasoned chicken breasts and cook for about 5 to 7 minutes on each side. You’re looking for a golden-brown crust on the outside while ensuring the inside is fully cooked and juicy. Once cooked, transfer the chicken to a plate and keep it warm as you prepare the sauce.

Step 3: Prepare the Sauce Base

In the same skillet, add the butter and minced garlic. Sauté for approximately one minute, stirring frequently so the garlic becomes fragrant without burning. This step unlocks the garlicky aroma that will infuse the sauce with irresistible flavor.

Step 4: Add the Liquids

Pour in the chicken broth and heavy cream, scraping the bottom of the skillet to loosen any flavorful bits left from cooking the chicken. This mixture will form the creamy foundation of your sauce and meld all those savory flavors together.

Step 5: Stir in Flavor

Next, sprinkle in the grated Parmesan cheese along with Italian seasoning and the optional crushed red pepper flakes. Stir well until the cheese melts and the sauce thickens slightly, becoming beautifully velvety. This step introduces layers of depth and a touch of heat if you prefer.

Step 6: Add the Spinach

Now it’s time to bring in the fresh green goodness. Toss the spinach into the skillet and cook for 2 to 3 minutes until it wilts and brightens. This not only adds color but also a slight freshness and vitality to balance the creamy richness.

Step 7: Combine Chicken and Sauce

Return the cooked chicken breasts to the skillet, nestling them into the creamy sauce and spooning extra on top. Let everything simmer together for a couple more minutes so the chicken warms through and soaks up some of the sauce’s wonderful flavors.

Step 8: Serve and Enjoy

Your Easy Creamy Chicken Florentine Recipe is ready to shine! Serve it hot with plenty of that luscious sauce drizzled over the top for a meal that’s truly comforting and satisfying.

How to Serve Easy Creamy Chicken Florentine Recipe

Easy Creamy Chicken Florentine Recipe - Recipe Image

Garnishes

For a finishing touch, sprinkle freshly chopped parsley or a light dusting of extra Parmesan. This adds both a pop of color and a refreshing hint of herbaceousness that brightens each bite.

Side Dishes

This dish pairs beautifully with soft pasta like fettuccine or penne, fluffy rice to soak up the creamy sauce, or even crusty bread ideal for mopping up every last bit of flavor. For a lighter option, steamed veggies or a crisp mixed green salad provide a lovely contrast.

Creative Ways to Present

To impress guests, serve the chicken sliced atop a bed of sautéed garlic mushrooms or creamy mashed potatoes, layering the spinach sauce over everything. You can also plate it with a swirl of pesto or drizzle a balsamic glaze around the dish for an elegant restaurant-quality look.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

After enjoying your meal, cool any leftovers to room temperature within two hours and store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. The creamy chicken Florentine will keep well for 3 to 4 days, making it a great candidate for next-day lunches or quick dinners.

Freezing

While this Easy Creamy Chicken Florentine Recipe tastes best fresh, you can freeze leftovers in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. Keep in mind the texture of the spinach may change slightly upon thawing, but the overall flavor will remain delicious.

Reheating

To reheat, thaw refrigerated leftovers gently in the microwave or over low heat on the stove. Stir occasionally and add a splash of chicken broth or cream if the sauce thickens too much to restore its creamy consistency.

FAQs

Can I use frozen spinach instead of fresh?

Yes, you can substitute frozen spinach, but be sure to thaw and drain it well to avoid excess water diluting the sauce. Fresh spinach is preferred for its vibrant color and texture.

Is it possible to make this dish dairy-free?

Absolutely! Use coconut cream or a dairy-free cream alternative and substitute Parmesan with a plant-based cheese to create a dairy-free version without sacrificing creaminess.

What cut of chicken works best for this recipe?

Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are ideal here because they cook evenly and remain juicy. However, chicken thighs can also be used for a richer flavor and slightly different texture.

Can I add mushrooms to this recipe?

Mushrooms are a great addition and pair nicely with the creamy sauce. Sauté them along with the garlic in Step 3 for extra earthy flavor and texture.

How spicy is the dish with crushed red pepper flakes?

The crushed red pepper flakes add a gentle warmth rather than intense heat. You can adjust the amount to suit your spice preference or omit them entirely for a milder flavor.

Final Thoughts

Trying out this Easy Creamy Chicken Florentine Recipe will quickly fill your kitchen with irresistible aromas and reward you with a deeply satisfying meal. It’s the kind of dish that feels special but comes together without fuss, perfect for sharing with loved ones or treating yourself on any night. So go ahead, gather those simple ingredients and dive into the rich, creamy, and vibrant world of chicken Florentine — you’re going to love every bite!

Easy Creamy Chicken Florentine Recipe