Elegant Chicken Florentine Recipe for an Amazing Dinner Upgrade

If you’re craving an elegant, creamy, and flavor-packed meal that feels restaurant-worthy but is surprisingly easy to make at home, this Chicken Florentine Recipe is exactly what you need. A staple among chicken dinner entrees, it combines juicy pan-seared chicken breasts with a luscious spinach cream sauce for a timeless Italian-inspired dish.

Ideal for date nights, dinner parties, or just upgrading your weeknight meal rotation, this recipe is a versatile main course that’s both indulgent and adaptable. Whether you’re a fan of Florentine pasta recipes, building out a 5 course meal, or just looking for amazing chicken recipes, this dish delivers on every level.

Let’s dive into how you can make the best chicken Florentine recipe right in your own kitchen.

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What Is Chicken Florentine?

“Florentine” refers to dishes that are made in the style of Florence, Italy, typically featuring spinach and a creamy white sauce. In this case, tender chicken is nestled in a silky garlic cream sauce with wilted spinach and Parmesan cheese. It’s a classic comfort meal that can be served on its own or over pasta, mashed potatoes, or rice.

Many Italian healthy dinner recipes strike a balance between richness and wholesomeness, and Chicken Florentine is no exception. With lean protein and nutrient-rich spinach, it’s satisfying and nourishing.

Why You’ll Love This Chicken Florentine Recipe

This dish checks all the boxes:

• Elegant but easy – Made in one pan with basic ingredients.
• Ready in 30 minutes – Perfect for weeknights or when entertaining.
• Deliciously creamy – The sauce clings to each bite of chicken.
• Customizable – Serve over pasta, rice, or roasted vegetables.
• Versatile – Works well with boneless thighs or even tofu for a vegetarian version.

If you love dishes like Creamy Mushroom Pasta or Creamy Tuscan Salmon, this recipe will feel right at home in your rotation.

Ingredients for Chicken Florentine

To serve 4, you’ll need the following:

• 4 boneless skinless chicken breasts (about 1.5 lbs or 680g)
• Salt & pepper, to taste
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 3 tablespoons butter
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup heavy cream
• ½ cup chicken broth
• ½ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• 4 cups fresh baby spinach
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice (optional, for brightness)

This combination creates a sauce that’s rich and garlicky, with the nutty flavor of Parmesan melting into the creamy base. You can lighten it up or enhance it with other ingredients as you’ll see below.

How to Make Chicken Florentine at Home

1. Prep the chicken: Pat chicken breasts dry, then season both sides with salt, pepper, and garlic powder.
2. Sear the chicken: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add chicken and sear until golden and cooked through, about 6–7 minutes per side. Remove from pan and set aside.
3. Make the sauce: In the same pan, lower heat to medium and add butter. Sauté garlic for 30 seconds until fragrant.
4. Add liquids: Pour in the chicken broth and stir, scraping up any browned bits. Stir in the heavy cream and bring to a gentle simmer.
5. Melt the cheese: Add Parmesan and stir until the sauce is smooth and creamy.
6. Add spinach: Stir in the spinach and cook until wilted.
7. Return chicken: Place the chicken back in the pan and spoon sauce over each piece. Simmer for another 2–3 minutes to reheat and blend flavors.
8. Garnish and serve: Drizzle lemon juice if desired, and serve hot with pasta or crusty bread.

This method is simple and works well for all skill levels. For a plant-based twist, try something like Creamy Marry Me Chickpeas.

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Essential Kitchen Tools for Chicken Florentine Success

To execute this recipe with ease, make sure you have:

• Large skillet or sauté pan
• Tongs
• Whisk
• Garlic press or microplane
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Cutting board and knife

This one-pan recipe is ideal for reducing cleanup while still achieving an elegant presentation—something Lauren Nicholsen and Natasha Bull often emphasize in their recipes.

Florentine Pasta Recipes: Turn It Into a Full Meal

You can easily transform this Chicken Florentine recipe into a Florentine pasta recipe by serving it with:

• Fettuccine
• Penne
• Pappardelle
• Zoodles or gluten-free pasta

To turn the sauce into a pasta-friendly one:

• Increase cream to 1½ cups
• Add ½ cup reserved pasta water
• Toss pasta in the pan just before serving

It’s the perfect Italian-style upgrade to your weeknight pasta night.

Italian Healthy Dinner: Lighten Up This Chicken Florentine

To keep things light without sacrificing flavor:

• Use half-and-half instead of heavy cream
• Add more spinach or other greens like kale
• Swap in Greek yogurt for part of the cream
• Try with grilled or air-fried chicken breast
• Serve with cauliflower rice or spiralized veggies

Or pair with a veggie-packed side like Roasted Vegetable Quinoa Bowl for a balanced, fiber-rich plate.

Perfect for Fancy Chicken Entrees or 5 Course Meals

This chicken entree fancy enough for holidays or romantic dinners. Here’s how to use it in a 5 course meal:

1. Starter: Cucumber Dill Salad
2. Soup: Coconut Curry Pumpkin Soup
3. Main: Chicken Florentine
4. Side: Garlic Butter Corn
5. Dessert: Vanilla Bean Brown Butter Cheesecake

This flow brings elegance to your table without spending hours in the kitchen.

Common Mistakes to Avoid with Chicken Florentine

A few easy tips can help ensure your success:

• Don’t overcook the chicken: Use a thermometer; internal temp should be 165°F (74°C).
• Avoid boiling the cream: Simmer gently to prevent curdling.
• Season properly: Cream sauces need salt to avoid tasting flat.
• Use fresh spinach: Frozen can work, but must be drained thoroughly.

If you love mastering rich but refined dishes, this is just as foolproof as Creamy Tortellini or Chicken Cauliflower Rice Casserole.

Serving Suggestions & Flavor Pairings

Here are great side options that match the creamy richness:

• Crusty baguette or garlic bread
• Pasta or rice pilaf
• Couscous Salad
• Sweet Potato Toast
• Lemonade or Cucumber Mint Agua Fresca

Add a sprinkle of chopped parsley and a fresh grind of black pepper for the perfect finish.

Storing and Reheating Chicken Florentine Leftovers

Got leftovers? Here’s how to keep them just as tasty:

• Store in an airtight container in the fridge for 3–4 days.
• Reheat in a skillet over low heat with a splash of broth or cream.
• Avoid the microwave if possible—it may separate the sauce.
• Not ideal for freezing due to the cream base, but possible if sealed properly.

This makes it great for planning ahead or using up chicken from earlier in the week.

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FAQs: All About Chicken Florentine

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Yes! Thighs offer even more flavor and tenderness.

Is this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, as long as you pair it with gluten-free pasta or grains.

Can I make it dairy-free?
Use coconut cream or a vegan cooking cream, and nutritional yeast instead of Parmesan.

Can I prep it ahead?
Yes, the sauce can be made 1 day in advance. Store separately from the chicken.

What’s the best pasta to serve with this?
Fettuccine, tagliatelle, or penne are excellent choices.

Want More Recipes Like This? Explore More Elegant Chicken Dishes

If this Chicken Florentine Recipe inspired you, you’ll love exploring more comfort-forward, elevated meals. Here are a few to try next:

• Creamy Mushroom and Spinach Stuffed Chicken
• Garlic Parmesan Chicken Kebabs
• Keto Cheesy Bacon Chicken
• Ground Turkey Orzo for another protein-packed meal

If you enjoyed this recipe, please share it, leave a comment below, and subscribe to our newsletter for weekly elegant and easy dinner inspiration—just like you’d find in the best of Lauren Nicholsen or Natasha Bull recipes.

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