Description
This Chicken Florentine recipe features tender, seared chicken breasts cooked in a creamy Parmesan spinach sauce. With garlic, chicken broth, and Italian seasoning, it’s a comforting and elegant dish ready in just 30 minutes, perfect for a delicious weeknight dinner or special occasion.
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 tablespoons butter
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
Sauce
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 6 cups fresh spinach (about 6 ounces)
Instructions
- Season the Chicken: Sprinkle both sides of the chicken breasts with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning thoroughly to infuse flavor.
- Sear the Chicken: Heat olive oil and butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. When the butter melts and the pan is hot, add the chicken breasts and sear for 4-5 minutes per side until golden brown and fully cooked (internal temperature 165°F). Remove and set aside.
- Sauté Garlic: In the same skillet, add minced garlic and cook for about 1 minute until fragrant, taking care not to burn it.
- Deglaze the Pan: Pour in the chicken broth, scraping up any browned bits stuck to the bottom with a wooden spoon. Let the broth simmer for about 2 minutes to concentrate flavor.
- Add Cream and Cheese: Stir in the heavy cream and Parmesan cheese. Continue cooking and stirring occasionally until the sauce thickens and turns creamy, about 3-5 minutes.
- Wilt the Spinach: Add the fresh spinach to the skillet and stir gently until the spinach wilts and softens, about 2 minutes.
- Combine Chicken and Sauce: Return the chicken breasts to the skillet, spoon the creamy spinach sauce over them, and simmer together for 5 more minutes to marry the flavors.
- Serve: Remove from heat and plate the chicken breasts topped with the creamy Florentine sauce. Enjoy immediately for best taste.
Notes
- Ensure chicken is cooked to an internal temperature of 165°F for safety.
- Use fresh spinach for best flavor and texture; frozen spinach can be used but drain excess moisture.
- Grated Parmesan cheese adds a savory richness; do not omit.
- Adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper if desired after sauce is prepared.
- Serve over pasta, rice, or with crusty bread for a complete meal.
