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- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts - 2 cups fresh spinach leaves, washed and dried - 1 cup heavy cream - 1 cup chicken broth The main ingredients come together to create a rich and filling dish. The chicken breasts are the star of the show. They provide protein and a nice texture. Fresh spinach adds a lovely color and a boost of nutrients. Heavy cream and chicken broth create a smooth and creamy sauce that ties everything together. - 3 cloves garlic, minced - 1 small onion, finely chopped - 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese - 2 tablespoons olive oil - 1 tablespoon lemon juice - 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning - Salt and pepper to taste The seasonings elevate the dish's flavor. Garlic and onion add depth and aroma. Parmesan cheese gives a salty, nutty taste that blends beautifully with the cream. Olive oil helps cook the chicken and add richness. Lemon juice brightens the sauce and cuts through the creaminess. Italian seasoning provides a warm, herbal note that makes this dish feel comforting. Each ingredient plays a vital role in creating a balanced and delicious meal. {{ingredient_image_1}} Seasoning Techniques Start by seasoning the chicken breasts. Use salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. Make sure to coat both sides well. This step adds flavor and depth to your dish. Cooking Chicken to Perfection Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Once it's hot, add the chicken breasts. Cook them for 6-7 minutes on each side. Look for a golden brown color and ensure they are cooked through. After cooking, remove the chicken and set it aside. Sautéing Aromatics In the same skillet, add the chopped onion and minced garlic. Sauté them for about 3-4 minutes. You want the onion to become soft and see-through. This will build a great base for your sauce. Combining Ingredients for the Sauce Pour in the chicken broth. Use a spatula to scrape up any brown bits. This adds flavor! Let the broth simmer for about 3 minutes. Next, stir in the heavy cream and bring it to a gentle simmer. Add the grated Parmesan cheese and lemon juice. Mix until the cheese melts and everything combines well. Wilting the Spinach Now it’s time to add the fresh spinach leaves to your creamy sauce. Stir them in and let them wilt for about 2 minutes. They should become tender but still bright green. Final Steps Before Serving Return the cooked chicken to the skillet. Spoon the creamy spinach sauce over the chicken. Heat everything through for an additional 2-3 minutes. Your dish is now ready to serve! Enjoy this warm, rich meal. - Ensuring the Chicken Stays Moist To keep the chicken juicy, do not overcook it. Cook it for 6-7 minutes per side. Use a meat thermometer to check for doneness. The chicken should reach 165°F. Resting the chicken for a few minutes before slicing helps keep moisture inside. - Perfecting Cream Consistency To make the cream sauce thick and smooth, stir the heavy cream gently. Avoid boiling the sauce too hard; this can cause it to split. If the sauce is too thick, add a bit of chicken broth. For a richer flavor, use more Parmesan cheese. - Garnishing Ideas For a beautiful touch, sprinkle extra Parmesan cheese on top before serving. Add a slice of lemon or a sprig of fresh parsley for color. You can also drizzle a bit of olive oil for shine. - Serving Suggestions Plate the chicken on a bed of creamy spinach sauce. Serve it with crusty bread or over pasta for a filling meal. You can also pair it with a side salad to balance the richness. Pro Tips Perfectly Cooked Chicken: Use a meat thermometer to ensure your chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C) for optimal juiciness. Customize the Greens: Experiment with different leafy greens such as kale or Swiss chard for a unique twist on flavor and nutrition. Make it Lighter: Substitute half-and-half or a plant-based cream alternative if you want a lighter version of the dish without sacrificing creaminess. Add Extra Flavor: Incorporate sun-dried tomatoes or olives into the creamy sauce for an added layer of flavor that complements the spinach beautifully. {{image_2}} Using Different Proteins You can use other proteins for this dish. Try using turkey or shrimp. Both options work well and add a twist. You can even use tofu for a vegetarian choice. It absorbs flavors nicely and complements the creamy sauce. Alternative Cream Options Heavy cream gives the dish a rich flavor, but you have options. You can swap it with half-and-half for a lighter taste. Coconut milk is another option for a unique flavor. It adds a hint of sweetness and works great with the spices. Pairing with Sides Creamy Chicken Florentine is best with sides that balance its richness. Serve it with rice or mashed potatoes. A fresh salad also pairs well, adding crunch and brightness. Garlic bread is a great choice too, perfect for soaking up the sauce. Serving as a Pasta Dish You can turn this dish into a pasta delight. Simply serve the creamy chicken and spinach over cooked pasta. Fettuccine or penne works best, as they hold the sauce well. This creates a filling meal that everyone will love. Best Methods for Reheating You can reheat Creamy Chicken Florentine in a skillet or microwave. If using a skillet, heat it on low. Add a splash of chicken broth or cream to keep it moist. Stir gently until it’s hot. In a microwave, place the dish in a safe bowl. Cover it and heat in 30-second bursts. Stir in between until warm. Maintaining Flavor and Texture To keep the flavor and texture, avoid high heat. High heat can dry out the chicken and make the sauce grainy. Adding a little liquid when reheating helps keep the cream smooth. How to Freeze Creamy Chicken Florentine To freeze, let the dish cool completely. Place it in an airtight container or freezer bag. Make sure to remove as much air as possible. Label the bag with the date. It can last for up to three months in the freezer. Thawing and Reheating Tips Thaw Creamy Chicken Florentine in the fridge overnight. This keeps the chicken safe and helps it thaw evenly. When ready to heat, follow the same reheating tips. Adding a little broth or cream will help bring back its creamy texture. Enjoy your meal just like fresh! Creamy Chicken Florentine is a rich dish made with chicken and spinach. The tender chicken cooks in a creamy sauce made from heavy cream, chicken broth, and Parmesan cheese. Fresh spinach adds bright color and nutrients. This dish is not only hearty but also full of flavor. It's perfect for a cozy dinner at home. You can add more flavor in several ways. Here are some ideas: - Add more spices: Try using red pepper flakes for heat or smoked paprika for depth. - Use fresh herbs: Basil, thyme, or parsley can brighten the dish. - Incorporate sun-dried tomatoes: They add a tangy taste and extra color. - Mix in different cheeses: Goat cheese or feta can add creaminess and zest. These tweaks can make your dish unique and exciting. Yes, you can make this dish ahead. Here are some tips: - Cook the chicken and sauce: Prepare everything as per the recipe, but don’t add the spinach yet. - Store in the fridge: Keep the chicken and sauce in an airtight container for up to 2 days. - Reheat before serving: When ready, heat the dish on low and stir in fresh spinach until it wilts. This way, you can enjoy a delicious meal without stress on busy days. Creamy Chicken Florentine combines tender chicken, fresh spinach, and a rich sauce. We discussed key ingredients, cooking steps, and tasty variations. You can switch proteins and cream types for a new twist. Remember to follow the reheating tips to keep flavors intact. This dish not only delights your taste buds but also impresses at dinner. Enjoy making it your own, and don’t hesitate to experiment. Your culinary journey with Creamy Chicken Florentine can be both fun and rewarding.

Creamy Chicken Florentine

A delicious and creamy chicken dish with fresh spinach and Parmesan cheese.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine Italian
Servings 2

Ingredients
  

  • 2 pieces boneless, skinless chicken breasts
  • 2 cups fresh spinach leaves, washed and dried
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 1 cup chicken broth
  • 0.5 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 small onion, finely chopped
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 tablespoon lemon juice
  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
  • to taste salt and pepper

Instructions
 

  • Begin by seasoning the chicken breasts with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning on both sides.
  • In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Once hot, add the chicken breasts and cook for about 6-7 minutes on each side until golden brown and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
  • In the same skillet, add the chopped onion and minced garlic. Sauté until the onion becomes translucent, about 3-4 minutes.
  • Pour in the chicken broth, scraping up any brown bits from the bottom of the skillet. Allow it to simmer for about 3 minutes.
  • Stir in the heavy cream and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. Add the grated Parmesan cheese and lemon juice, stirring until the cheese is melted and well combined.
  • Add the fresh spinach leaves to the creamy sauce and stir until the spinach wilts, about 2 minutes.
  • Return the cooked chicken to the skillet, spooning the creamy spinach sauce over the top. Allow everything to heat through for an additional 2-3 minutes.
  • Serve warm, garnished with additional Parmesan if desired.

Notes

Plate the chicken on a bed of creamy spinach sauce, and sprinkle with extra Parmesan and fresh pepper for a touch of elegance. Consider garnishing with a slice of lemon or a sprig of fresh parsley for color.
Keyword chicken, creamy, Parmesan, spinach