Creamy Chicken Florentine is the ultimate comfort food that feels fancy but is unbelievably simple to whip up—even on the busiest of weeknights. This skillet chicken dish features golden, tender chicken breasts nestled in a rich, velvety cream sauce with garlic, parmesan, and a generous helping of fresh spinach. It’s hearty without being heavy, and every bite is full of savory, creamy goodness that’s hard to resist.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Ready in 30 Minutes: You can have this creamy masterpiece on the table in half an hour, making it perfect for weeknight dinners or last-minute guests.
Restaurant-Quality Taste: Rich, creamy, and loaded with flavor, it tastes like something you’d order at your favorite bistro—but it’s so easy to make at home.
Simple Ingredients, Big Flavor: A few pantry staples and fresh spinach come together for a luxurious, satisfying meal.
One-Pan Wonder: Fewer dishes to clean means more time to relax and enjoy your dinner.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Let’s break down what goes into this creamy dream:

Chicken Breasts: Boneless, skinless—pounded to even thickness for fast, even cooking and that golden sear.
Salt and Pepper: Essential for seasoning the chicken and balancing the richness of the sauce.
Garlic: Freshly minced for deep, aromatic flavor that ties everything together.
Butter: Adds richness to the pan sauce and helps brown the chicken.
Olive Oil: Keeps the chicken juicy and gives a lovely sear.
Chicken Broth: Adds depth to the sauce and keeps it from getting too thick or heavy.
Heavy Cream: This is what makes the sauce luxuriously smooth and creamy.
Parmesan Cheese: Freshly grated for the best melt and that signature nutty flavor.
Spinach: Baby spinach wilts down into the sauce beautifully—adds color, nutrition, and a fresh finish.
Italian Seasoning: For a subtle herbaceous note that enhances the sauce.

Variations

Feel like switching things up? Here are a few delicious twists:

Mushroom Florentine: Add sliced mushrooms and sauté them before adding the chicken back in—earthy and delicious.
Dairy-Free Version: Use full-fat coconut milk and vegan parmesan for a dairy-free twist that still feels indulgent.
Add Pasta: Serve over cooked fettuccine or penne for a creamy pasta dish the whole family will love.
Sun-Dried Tomato Kick: A handful of chopped sun-dried tomatoes adds a tangy punch that complements the creaminess perfectly.

How to Make Creamy Chicken Florentine

Step 1: Prepare the Chicken

Season the chicken breasts on both sides with salt and pepper. In a large skillet over medium-high heat, add olive oil and butter. Once hot, sear the chicken for 4–5 minutes on each side until golden and cooked through. Remove from the skillet and set aside.

Step 2: Make the Sauce Base

In the same skillet, reduce the heat to medium and add a little more butter if needed. Add the minced garlic and sauté until fragrant—about 30 seconds.

Step 3: Deglaze and Simmer

Pour in the chicken broth, scraping up any bits from the bottom of the pan. Let it simmer for a minute or two, then stir in the heavy cream and Italian seasoning.

Step 4: Add Cheese and Spinach

Lower the heat and stir in the parmesan cheese until melted and the sauce thickens slightly. Add the baby spinach and stir until it wilts down into the sauce.

Step 5: Return the Chicken

Place the cooked chicken back into the skillet, spoon some sauce over the top, and let it all simmer together for a couple of minutes so the flavors meld.

Step 6: Serve and Enjoy

Turn off the heat and serve hot with your favorite sides.

Pro Tips for Making the Recipe

Pound the Chicken: It helps the chicken cook evenly and faster—no dry or undercooked spots.
Use Fresh Parmesan: Pre-grated versions often contain anti-caking agents that won’t melt as smoothly.
Don’t Rush the Simmer: Letting the sauce simmer gently brings out its richness and helps it thicken just right.
Taste As You Go: Always taste your sauce before serving—you might want a pinch more salt, or a splash more broth if it’s too thick.

How to Serve

Creamy Chicken Florentine is incredibly versatile when it comes to pairing:

Pasta:

Serve over fettuccine, linguine, or pappardelle to soak up all that luscious sauce.

Rice or Quinoa:

A great gluten-free option that keeps the meal light but still satisfying.

Bread:

A hunk of crusty sourdough or garlic bread is perfect for sopping up the sauce—don’t skip this!

Veggies:

Roasted broccoli, asparagus, or even sautéed zucchini makes a great side.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. The sauce may thicken slightly but can easily be loosened with a splash of broth or cream when reheating.

Freezing

Cream-based sauces don’t always freeze perfectly, but this one holds up decently. Freeze in a sealed container for up to 1 month. Thaw in the fridge overnight.

Reheating

Gently reheat on the stove over low heat, adding a bit of broth or cream as needed. Microwave works too—just cover and use 50% power to avoid drying out the chicken.

FAQs

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Absolutely! Boneless, skinless chicken thighs work beautifully here. They’re juicy, flavorful, and cook up just as well in the sauce.

Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes, you can make the whole dish in advance and reheat it when you’re ready to serve. Just keep the sauce slightly thinner if planning to reheat—it will thicken as it sits.

Is it possible to make this gluten-free?
Yes, this dish is naturally gluten-free as long as your chicken broth and parmesan are safe. Just serve with gluten-free pasta or rice.

Can I add more vegetables?
Definitely. Mushrooms, sun-dried tomatoes, or even steamed broccoli make excellent additions and blend well with the creamy sauce.

Final Thoughts

This Creamy Chicken Florentine is everything a weeknight dinner should be: quick, comforting, and absolutely delicious. It’s a foolproof recipe that brings bold flavors with minimal effort—perfect for impressing guests or treating yourself to something special. Give it a try, and don’t be surprised if it becomes a regular in your dinner rotation!

Creamy Chicken Florentine Recipe