Name: Creamy Chicken Florentine
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 35 min
Ingredients: 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts; 4 cups fresh spinach; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 1 cup heavy cream; ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese; 2 tablespoons olive oil or butter; ¼ cup white wine (optional); Salt, to taste; Black pepper, to taste

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Creamy Chicken Florentine is one of my favorite comfort meals—a perfect balance of tender chicken breasts, fresh spinach, and a rich, velvety cream sauce. It’s elegant enough for special occasions but easy and quick enough to make on any weeknight.

Creamy Chicken Florentine

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

I love how this dish brings together wholesome ingredients and indulgent flavor. The creamy Parmesan sauce pairs beautifully with the juicy chicken and sautéed spinach, creating a meal that feels both satisfying and nourishing. Plus, it’s gluten-free and takes just over 30 minutes from start to finish.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Proteins

2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts

Vegetables

4 cups fresh spinach
2 cloves garlic, minced

Dairy & Fats

1 cup heavy cream
½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
2 tablespoons olive oil or butter

Seasonings & Extras

Salt, to taste
Black pepper, to taste

Directions

I season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper, then heat olive oil or butter in a pan over medium heat.
I cook the chicken for about 4–5 minutes per side, until golden brown and fully cooked through, then remove it from the pan and set it aside.
In the same pan, I sauté the minced garlic for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
I add the spinach and cook until it wilts, which takes around 2–3 minutes.
I pour in the heavy cream and I let it simmer gently for a few minutes until the sauce begins to thicken.
I stir in the Parmesan cheese until it melts into a smooth, creamy sauce.
I return the cooked chicken to the pan, letting it simmer in the sauce for another 2 minutes.
I taste and adjust the seasoning, then serve the dish hot.

Servings and timing

This recipe makes 2 servings.
Prep time: 10 minutes
Cook time: 25 minutes
Total time: 35 minutes

Storage/reheating

If I have leftovers, I let them cool completely before storing in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, I warm the chicken gently on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of cream or broth to loosen the sauce. I avoid high heat to prevent the sauce from separating.

FAQs

Can I use frozen spinach instead of fresh?

I prefer fresh spinach because it gives a better texture and flavor. Frozen spinach can release excess moisture and make the sauce watery.

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?

Absolutely. I like using boneless, skinless thighs if I want something more tender and juicy.

Is this dish keto-friendly?

Yes, this recipe is naturally low in carbs and works well for a keto diet.

What’s the best way to get juicy chicken?

I always pound the chicken breasts to an even thickness before cooking, and I let them rest a few minutes before slicing to lock in the juices.

Can I add mushrooms to this recipe?

Definitely. I sometimes sauté sliced mushrooms with the garlic for an earthy twist.

How do I prevent the sauce from curdling?

I keep the heat low after adding the cream and avoid letting it boil—that helps maintain a smooth, silky texture.

What sides go well with Chicken Florentine?

I love serving this with mashed potatoes, rice, or cauliflower mash. A simple salad or roasted vegetables also make great companions.

Can I make this ahead of time?

Yes. I cook everything up to the point of combining the chicken with the sauce. I store them separately and reheat gently before serving.

How do I make this dairy-free?

For a dairy-free version, I substitute the cream with full-fat coconut milk and use nutritional yeast instead of Parmesan.

Conclusion

Creamy Chicken Florentine is a dish I come back to time and again for its simplicity, elegance, and flavor. With just a handful of ingredients and under 40 minutes of cook time, I can create a restaurant-quality meal that satisfies every time. Whether it’s a quiet dinner or a date night in, this recipe never disappoints.