Description
This Chicken Florentine Soup is a creamy, comforting, and flavorful dish featuring tender chicken, fresh spinach, and herbs in a rich Parmesan-infused broth. Perfect for an easy yet elegant weeknight meal inspired by classic Florentine flavors.
Ingredients
Base Ingredients
- 2 tbsp butter
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 carrots, diced
- 2 celery stalks, diced
Soup Thickener
- ¼ cup all-purpose flour
Broth and Protein
- 6 cups chicken broth
- 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded or diced
Seasonings
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
Dairy and Greens
- 1 cup heavy cream or half-and-half
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 3 cups fresh spinach, roughly chopped
- 1 tbsp fresh parsley (optional)
Instructions
- Heat fats: Melt the butter and olive oil in a large pot over medium heat to create the base for your soup.
- Sauté vegetables: Add the diced onion, carrots, and celery to the pot. Cook for 5–6 minutes until the vegetables are softened and aromatic.
- Add garlic: Stir in the minced garlic and cook for about 30 seconds until fragrant, taking care not to burn it.
- Incorporate flour: Sprinkle in the all-purpose flour and stir constantly, cooking for 1 minute to form a roux which will thicken the soup.
- Add broth: Slowly whisk in the chicken broth to the pot until the mixture is smooth and no lumps remain.
- Add protein and season: Stir in the cooked chicken, Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper to flavor the broth.
- Simmer: Bring the soup to a gentle simmer and cook for 15 minutes to meld the flavors and cook the ingredients thoroughly.
- Add cream and cheese: Stir in the heavy cream and grated Parmesan cheese until the cheese has melted completely, creating a creamy texture.
- Add spinach: Fold in the chopped fresh spinach and cook for 2–3 minutes until the spinach is wilted but still vibrant.
- Final touches: Taste the soup and adjust seasoning if needed. Garnish with fresh parsley before serving for a pop of color and flavor.
Notes
- Do not boil the soup after adding cream and Parmesan to prevent curdling.
- Use freshly grated Parmesan cheese for the best, rich flavor.
- Add mushrooms if you want to deepen the flavor profile of the soup.
- The soup will thicken as it cools; add extra chicken broth when reheating to reach desired consistency.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian-American
