Name: Creamy Chicken Florentine Soup Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 45 min
Cuisine: Italian-American
Ingredients: 2 tbsp butter; 1 tbsp olive oil; 1 medium onion, diced; 3 cloves garlic, minced; 2 carrots, diced; 2 celery stalks, diced; ¼ cup all-purpose flour; 6 cups chicken broth; 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded or diced; 1 tsp Italian seasoning; Salt and black pepper, to taste; 1 cup heavy cream or half-and-half; 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese; 3 cups fresh spinach, roughly chopped; 1 tbsp fresh parsley (optional)

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If you are craving a bowl of warmth that combines creamy goodness with fresh, vibrant flavors, the Creamy Chicken Florentine Soup Recipe is going to quickly become your new go-to comfort food. This soup brings together succulent chicken, tender spinach, and a luscious Parmesan-infused broth in a way that feels both indulgent and wholesome, inspired by the classic Florentine taste you love. It’s simple enough for a weeknight but elegant enough to impress anyone around your table.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The image shows ingredients neatly arranged on a white marbled surface. In the top left corner, there is a small glass of orange liquid, next to a small pile of white flour. Below that, a small white bowl holds orange carrot slices, and beside it, another white bowl contains chopped green celery. Toward the top right, there is a white bowl full of uncooked yellow egg noodles. Next to it, a small white bowl of pale yellow liquid is placed. Two lemon halves are on the right side with a small glass bowl of shredded light brown chicken meat nearby. In the middle, there is a cluster of whole white garlic bulbs, a small pile of salt, and black pepper. Close to the bottom left, fresh green parsley leaves lay on the surface. Small glass bowls contain peas, white diced onions, and two different kinds of dried herbs or spices. The items are all brightly colored and clearly visible, arranged in an orderly way. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Each ingredient in this recipe plays a crucial role in building layers of flavor, texture, and that gorgeous creamy color that makes the Creamy Chicken Florentine Soup Recipe so special. From the aromatic vegetables to the rich cheeses, every component is essential.

2 tbsp butter: Adds a silky richness and helps sauté the veggies perfectly.
1 tbsp olive oil: Boosts the depth of flavor and prevents the butter from burning.
1 medium onion, diced: Provides a subtle sweetness and aroma as a savory base.
3 cloves garlic, minced: Infuses the soup with a bright, warm note.
2 carrots, diced: Adds gentle sweetness and delightful texture.
2 celery stalks, diced: Offers a crisp freshness and earthy undertone.
¼ cup all-purpose flour: Thickens the broth, creating that creamy consistency.
6 cups chicken broth: The heart of the soup that brings everything together.
2 cups cooked chicken, shredded or diced: The protein star that makes this soup hearty and satisfying.
1 tsp Italian seasoning: A fragrant blend that evokes those classic Florentine herbs.
Salt and black pepper, to taste: Enhances and balances all the flavors.
1 cup heavy cream or half-and-half: Makes the soup luxuriously creamy without overpowering it.
1 cup grated Parmesan cheese: Adds sharp, nutty notes and melts beautifully into the broth.
3 cups fresh spinach, roughly chopped: Offers vibrant color and a gentle earthy bite.
1 tbsp fresh parsley (optional): Brightens the bowl with fresh herbal notes for garnish.

How to Make Creamy Chicken Florentine Soup Recipe

Step 1: Sauté the Aromatics

Start by melting the butter with olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Once shimmering, add the diced onion, carrots, and celery. Cook them gently for about five to six minutes until they become soft and fragrant. This step builds the backbone flavor for the entire soup.

Step 2: Add Garlic and Flour

Next, stir in the minced garlic and cook it for just 30 seconds — you want that inviting aroma without any bitterness. Then sprinkle the flour over the veggies and continue stirring for a minute to create a roux. This will help thicken the soup and give it a creamy texture later on.

Step 3: Pour in Chicken Broth

Slowly whisk the chicken broth into the pot, making sure to blend it smoothly with the roux. This step transforms the mixture into a silky base that will carry all the delicious flavors. Once combined, it’s time to bring this to a gentle simmer.

Step 4: Add Chicken and Seasonings

Now, toss in the cooked chicken along with Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. These ingredients bring robust flavor and warmth. Let the soup simmer on low heat for about 15 minutes to allow the flavors to marry beautifully.

Step 5: Stir in Cream and Parmesan

Lower the heat and gently mix in the heavy cream and grated Parmesan. Stir until the cheese melts completely, creating a rich and velvety broth. Be careful not to let it boil after adding the cream and cheese — you want to keep the soup smooth and silky.

Step 6: Wilt the Spinach

Finally, add the fresh chopped spinach and cook for two to three minutes until just wilted. This adds a lovely green pop and a burst of freshness to each spoonful. Taste the soup and adjust the salt and pepper as needed before serving.

How to Serve Creamy Chicken Florentine Soup Recipe

A close-up of a ladle holding creamy white soup with visible layers: shredded light beige chicken pieces, soft pale yellow pasta shells, and bright green spinach leaves, all immersed in a smooth, milky broth. The ladle is silver and sits inside a black pot filled with the same soup, placed on a white marbled surface. The image captures the texture of the veggies and chicken floating in the liquid, highlighting the mix of creamy and fresh elements. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

Adding a sprinkle of fresh parsley brightens the soup both visually and in flavor. A little extra grated Parmesan on top is always a welcome touch for cheese lovers who want that extra umami oomph.

Side Dishes

This soup pairs beautifully with a crusty garlic bread or a warm, buttery baguette. A fresh green salad with a light vinaigrette also balances the creaminess perfectly, making your meal feel well-rounded and satisfying.

Creative Ways to Present

For an elegant presentation, serve the soup in individual bowls garnished with a Parmesan crisp or drizzle a touch of high-quality olive oil on top. You can also ladle it into bread bowls for a cozy, rustic vibe that guests will adore.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Let the soup cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. It will keep well in the fridge for up to three days, allowing you to enjoy the Creamy Chicken Florentine Soup Recipe again with minimal effort.

Freezing

This soup freezes beautifully. Just make sure to leave out the cream and Parmesan when freezing; add them fresh when reheating to keep the texture perfect. Freeze in portions for easy future meals, and it will stay fresh for up to three months.

Reheating

When ready to enjoy leftovers, thaw the frozen soup overnight in the fridge, then gently warm it over medium-low heat. Add the cream and Parmesan during reheating, stirring frequently to maintain that creamy consistency. If it thickens too much, a splash of chicken broth helps loosen it right up.

FAQs

Can I use fresh chicken instead of cooked chicken?

Absolutely! You can poach or roast chicken breasts first, then shred or dice them before adding to the soup. Using cooked chicken speeds up the process, but fresh chicken works just as well if you prefer.

Is it possible to make this soup dairy-free?

Yes, to create a dairy-free version, substitute the heavy cream with coconut cream or a plant-based alternative, and use nutritional yeast instead of Parmesan. This keeps the creaminess and depth of flavor without dairy.

Can I add other vegetables?

Definitely. Mushrooms, zucchini, or even some diced potatoes can add more texture and nutrients. Just keep the cooking times in mind to ensure everything cooks evenly.

How thick should the soup be?

It should be creamy and slightly thickened but still spoonable—like a hearty broth with body. If it gets too thick after cooling, simply thin with a splash of chicken broth when reheating.

What is the best way to reheat the soup without it curdling?

Reheat gently over low heat and stir often. Avoid boiling after adding cream and Parmesan to keep the texture smooth. Slow warming helps maintain that beautiful creaminess.

Final Thoughts

There’s something truly special about a bowl of homemade soup that feels like a warm hug, and this Creamy Chicken Florentine Soup Recipe delivers just that. With its comforting, rich flavors and fresh ingredients, it’s a dish you’ll want to make again and again. Trust me, once you try it, this soup will have a permanent spot in your recipe rotation.