Remember those creamy chicken dishes from the ’90s? The ones bubbling with goodness, served on your aunt’s chipped floral plates? Well, Chicken Florentine is doing a comeback—thank you, TikTok! This easy recipe is packed with cozy, buttery flavor, takes under 40 minutes, and yes, tastes just like your childhood, but with better lighting.
It’s a dreamy Italian chicken recipethat wraps you up like a soft blanket. Just chicken, garlic, and a swirl of cream over tender spinach. Stuff you already have. Like mom’s special occasion dinner, but Tuesday-ready. Full details in the blog!
First learned this one watching my mom stir sauce barefoot in slipper socks, yelling at the cat. Later, taught it to my daughter—with fewer spills, somehow. No fancy tools, just real flavor. I even added a little twist. You’ll love the secret!
Why This Recipe is a Keeper
Chicken Florentine is one of those dishes that feels like a hug in a skillet. It’s creamy, cozy, and exudes the charm of a classic Italian kitchen. For me, it’s a nostalgic nod to my mom’s weeknight magic, when she’d whip up something impressive with whatever happened to be in the fridge. This recipe is just that—unpretentious, totally doable, and perfect for both special occasions and busy weeknights. Who doesn’t love a dish that feels fancy but secretly takes 30 minutes?
This is also a one-pan wonder (score!). Because we all deserve delicious meals without the mountain of dishes afterward, right? Trust me, this creamy Chicken Florentine recipe will quickly become a favorite in your rotation.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This recipe keeps it simple with pantry staples and fresh ingredients:
Chicken: Boneless, skinless breasts are perfectly juicy here.
Olive Oil & Butter: For golden searing and creamy richness.
Garlic: Because no cozy meal is complete without it.
Chicken Broth: Builds depth in the sauce.
Heavy Cream: The star ingredient for that silky sauce.
Parmesan Cheese: Brings a salty, cheesy finish.
Spinach: Fresh, tender, and loaded with nostalgia—just like mom’s version.
Italian Seasoning: For a balance of herby goodness.
Salt & Pepper: Classic seasoning, always a must.
Pro Tip: If you only have half-and-half on hand, you can swap it for heavy cream, though the sauce won’t be as thick. Totally fine for a lighter version!
Step-by-Step Cooking Guide
Sear the Chicken: Heat the olive oil and butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper, then sear them for 4-5 minutes per side until golden and cooked through. Remove from the pan and set aside.
Make the Sauce: In the same skillet, sauté the minced garlic for 30 seconds until fragrant. Add the chicken broth, scraping up all those delicious browned bits. Stir in the heavy cream, Parmesan cheese, and Italian seasoning. Simmer for 3-4 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly.
Add the Spinach: Toss in the fresh spinach, stirring gently until wilted—just a minute or two.
Combine: Return the chicken to the skillet, spooning the creamy sauce over top. Let everything cook together for a couple more minutes to meld the flavors. And that’s it—you’re done!
Troubleshooting and Common Mistakes
Problem: Soggy spinach? Solution: Be sure to add it at the end and only wilt it lightly. Overcooking spinach can make it watery.
Problem: Overcooked chicken? Solution: Use a meat thermometer to ensure your chicken doesn’t exceed 165°F. If it’s cooked through after searing, you don’t need to simmer it for long in the sauce.
Problem: Sauce splitting? Solution: Keep your heat at a gentle simmer—not boiling—and stir as the cream combines into the broth.
Serving Suggestions and Storage
This Chicken Florentine recipe pairs beautifully with almost anything. Serve it over fluffy rice, spoon it onto buttery pasta, or mop up the sauce with a slice of crusty bread. You can even keep it low-carb by eating it straight from the skillet (no judgment!).
Storage Tips: Leftovers keep like a dream! Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm gently on the stovetop or in the microwave, stirring often to prevent the sauce from separating.
Ingredient Swaps & Enhancements
Ingredient
Possible Substitution
Heavy Cream
Half-and-half (lighter, but thinner sauce)
Fresh Spinach
Kale or frozen spinach (thaw and pat dry first)
Parmesan Cheese
Grana Padano or Pecorino Romano
Expert Insight: Mastering Chicken Florentine
Chicken Florentine perfectly balances tender chicken with nutrient-rich spinach, creating a dish that’s both flavorful and wholesome. The inclusion of creamy sauces enhances moisture without overpowering, making it a classic example of Italian-inspired comfort food that’s simple yet elegant.
For more delicious recipes and cooking inspiration, follow me on Facebook, Pinterest and Reddit!
A Little Kitchen Memory
This Chicken Florentine recipe always brings me back to the first time Rachel and I tried making it together—she bossed the spinach while I juggled the chicken, and yes, there was a little smoke. Somehow, despite the chaos, it turned out delicious and became a favorite we still laugh about every time we make it.
Can I use frozen spinach instead of fresh for Chicken Florentine?
Yes — frozen spinach works well in Chicken Florentine if you thaw and squeeze out excess water before adding to the pan. Use about 10 oz of frozen spinach (thawed) or roughly 5–6 cups fresh baby spinach, and add it toward the end of the sauté so it retains flavor without watering down the sauce. Be sure to squeeze tightly or press with a spoon to remove liquid, then fold it into the creamy sauce. This keeps the sauce rich and prevents it from becoming too thin.
How do I store and reheat leftovers?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3–4 days; freeze for up to 2–3 months for best quality. To reheat, thaw in the fridge if frozen, then warm gently in a 350°F oven until the center reaches 165°F, or reheat on the stovetop over low heat with a splash of broth or cream to revive the sauce. Microwaving works in a pinch but may separate the sauce — stir and add moisture as needed. Always check the internal temperature before serving.
Can I make Chicken Florentine in advance or freeze it?
Yes, Chicken Florentine is very make‑ahead friendly: assemble and cool completely, then refrigerate for up to 48 hours before baking or freeze in meal-sized portions for up to 3 months. When freezing, use airtight containers or vacuum bags and label with the date; thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating. Reheat gently and add a little cream or chicken broth if the sauce looks separated. This makes it perfect for busy weeknights or meal prep.
What are the best cheese and cream substitutes to make it lighter?
To lighten the dish, swap heavy cream for half-and-half or low-fat milk thickened with a teaspoon of cornstarch, or use plain Greek yogurt stirred in off the heat to avoid curdling. For cheese, choose part-skim mozzarella or a modest amount of grated Parmesan instead of lots of full-fat cheeses; ricotta blended with herbs can also add creaminess without heavy calories. These swaps cut fat while keeping the creamy texture and flavor. Taste as you go and adjust seasonings since lower-fat dairy can be milder.
How long should I cook the chicken to ensure it’s tender and safe?
Cook chicken until the internal temperature reaches 165°F for safety and juiciness — use an instant-read thermometer for best results. For boneless breasts about 1/2–3/4 inch thick, sear 3–5 minutes per side in a hot pan, or pound to even thickness and finish in a 375°F oven for 8–12 minutes. Thicker cuts will take longer; always rest the chicken 5 minutes before slicing to lock in juices. If you prefer, slice the chicken thinly and cook briefly to keep the dish tender.
Wrapping Up Your Chicken Florentine Adventure
Your Chicken Florentine turns out creamy, comforting, and downright charming in under 40 minutes—perfect for weeknight magic without fuss. Tender chicken, buttery spinach, and that silky sauce will have your kitchen smelling like a cozy Italian trattoria. Trust me, you’ll wanna make this on repeat.
Feel free to swap spinach for kale or lighten the sauce with half-and-half—simple tweaks that keep it fresh. Leftovers store beautifully too, so there’s always tomorrow’s dinner sorted. A little sprinkle of love (and Parmesan) goes a long way in family recipes like this one.
Got a favorite twist or family story with creamy chicken dishes? Share your photos or kitchen wins below—because meals this good deserve company. Pass this recipe on, make someone’s day, and savor every cozy bite together.
This easy Chicken Florentine combines tender chicken breasts with creamy spinach and Parmesan sauce, making a comforting and flavorful meal perfect for weeknight dinners or special occasions.
Ingredients
Scale
4 boneless skinless chicken breasts
2 tablespoons olive oil
2 tablespoons butter
3 cloves garlic minced
1 cup chicken broth
1 cup heavy cream
½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
6 cups fresh spinach about 6 ounces
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
Season chicken breasts with salt pepper and Italian seasoning.
Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat and cook chicken until golden brown and cooked through about 5-7 minutes per side.
Remove chicken from skillet and set aside.
In the same skillet, melt butter and sauté minced garlic until fragrant about 1 minute.
Add chicken broth and heavy cream to the skillet and bring to a simmer.
Stir in grated Parmesan cheese until sauce thickens.
Add fresh spinach and cook until wilted about 2-3 minutes.
Return chicken to the skillet and coat with sauce. Cook for another 2 minutes to heat through.
Serve warm.
Notes
For extra flavor, add a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes
Serve with pasta or crusty bread to soak up the sauce
Sharing a handpicked collection of easy, healthy recipes made in our family kitchen. Rachel brings comforting classics, while Emily adds fresh, modern ideas—together creating meals that are simple, flavorful, and family-friendly.
