If your weeknights are anything like mine, you’ve probably found yourself staring at a pack of chicken breasts, wondering how to turn them into something that doesn’t scream “plain old chicken again.” That’s where Chicken Florentine comes in—a creamy chicken recipe that feels indulgent enough for date night but is simple enough for a Tuesday dinner.
This dish is the kind of Italian chicken dinner that brings together golden seared chicken, velvety cream sauce, and tender spinach in a way that will make your kitchen smell like an upscale trattoria. And the best part? It all comes together in just 30 minutes in one skillet. Yes, one! Which means fewer dishes to wash—always a win in my book.
So, whether you’re cooking for your family, impressing a guest, or just treating yourself after a long day, this spinach chicken skillet recipe will deliver comfort, flavor, and just a touch of elegance without the fuss.
Why You’ll Love This Chicken Florentine
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Ready in 30 minutes—perfect for busy weeknights.
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A one-pan meal, so cleanup is blissfully minimal.
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Creamy, cheesy, and loaded with spinach for balance.
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Tastes like it came straight from a cozy Italian bistro.
Ingredients
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4 boneless skinless chicken breasts (about 1.5 lbs)
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2 tablespoons olive oil
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2 tablespoons butter
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3 cloves garlic, minced
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1 cup chicken broth
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1 cup heavy cream
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½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
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6 cups fresh spinach
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1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
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Salt and pepper, to taste
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Season the chicken
Pat dry the chicken breasts and season generously with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning.
2. Sear the chicken
Heat olive oil and butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Cook the chicken for 4–5 minutes per side, until golden and cooked through (165°F internal temp). Remove and keep warm.
3. Build the sauce
In the same skillet, sauté the garlic for 1 minute until fragrant. Add chicken broth, scraping the browned bits for extra flavor. Let simmer 2 minutes.
4. Make it creamy
Stir in the cream and Parmesan. Simmer 3–4 minutes until the sauce thickens.
5. Add the greens
Stir in spinach and cook until wilted.
6. Finish and serve
Return chicken to the skillet, spooning the sauce over each piece. Cook together 2–3 minutes, then serve hot.
Cooking Tips for the Best Chicken Florentine
A creamy chicken recipe like this is forgiving, but a few tricks can make it shine:
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Don’t crowd the pan. If your skillet feels packed, cook the chicken in batches for better browning.
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Fresh spinach works best, but if you only have frozen, thaw and squeeze it dry first. Nobody wants watery sauce.
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Check your sauce thickness. If it feels too thin, let it simmer a few extra minutes. Too thick? Add a splash more broth.
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Parmesan matters. Use freshly grated for maximum meltiness. Pre-shredded tends to clump.
And if your sauce looks a little “chunky” at first, don’t panic. It’ll smooth out once everything melds together—like family gatherings after the first glass of wine.
A Personal Note
This Chicken Florentine has a special spot in my kitchen story. I first made it on a night when I needed something “fancier” than baked chicken but had zero energy for a complicated recipe. My kids were still picky about spinach back then (aren’t they all?), but when I served this, they didn’t complain once—probably because the creamy sauce wrapped those greens in a hug no one could resist.
Now it’s become my go-to dish for family dinners and even for hosting. There’s something magical about putting a skillet of golden chicken in the center of the table and watching everyone dive in, bread slices ready to mop up that sauce. Honestly, sometimes I think the bread is the real star, but the chicken doesn’t seem to mind.
What to Serve with Chicken Florentine
This dish is rich and creamy, so pair it with something that complements without overpowering:
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Buttery pasta like fettuccine or angel hair is a classic choice.
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Crusty bread for sauce-dipping (mandatory, if you ask me).
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Light sides like roasted asparagus or a simple salad help balance the creaminess.
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Rice or mashed potatoes if you’re leaning into full comfort-food mode.
If you’re entertaining, a crisp white wine—think Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio—elevates the meal beautifully. But let’s be real, a cold glass of whatever you already have in the fridge works just fine, too.
How to Store Chicken Florentine
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Refrigerator: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or microwave, adding a splash of broth or cream to refresh the sauce.
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Freezer: This isn’t my favorite recipe to freeze because cream sauces can separate, but if you must, store in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight and reheat slowly, whisking to bring the sauce back together.
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Meal prep tip: Cook the chicken ahead of time and store separately from the sauce. This keeps the texture perfect when you reheat.
FAQs About Chicken Florentine
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Absolutely! Thighs stay juicy and flavorful—just adjust the cooking time slightly.
Can I substitute half-and-half for heavy cream?
Yes, but your sauce will be a bit thinner. If you prefer extra richness, stick with cream.
What can I use instead of spinach?
Kale, Swiss chard, or even arugula work well. Just adjust the cooking time since sturdier greens may take longer to soften.
Is this Italian chicken dinner kid-friendly?
In my house, yes! The creamy sauce often wins over spinach skeptics. If your kids balk at greens, chop the spinach smaller so it blends right in.
The Final Scoop
There’s a reason Chicken Florentine has stood the test of time. It’s creamy, comforting, and classy—all while being easy enough for a weeknight. With just one skillet and 30 minutes, you’ve got an Italian chicken dinner that feels restaurant-worthy but doesn’t leave you with a mountain of dishes.
Next time you’re craving a creamy chicken recipe that balances indulgence with just enough greens to keep things wholesome, let this spinach chicken skillet be your go-to. After all, good food isn’t just about feeding the body—it’s about those moments around the table that become family stories.
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Creamy Chicken Florentine
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Description
This Creamy Chicken Florentine is a 30-minute Italian chicken dinner that combines golden-seared chicken, a velvety Parmesan cream sauce, and tender spinach in one skillet. Comforting yet elegant, it’s perfect for busy weeknights, cozy family meals, or even date night.
Ingredients
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4 boneless skinless chicken breasts (about 1.5 lbs)
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2 tbsp olive oil
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2 tbsp butter
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3 cloves garlic, minced
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1 cup chicken broth
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1 cup heavy cream
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½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
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6 cups fresh spinach
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1 tsp Italian seasoning
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Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions
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Pat chicken dry and season with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning.
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Heat olive oil and butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Sear chicken 4–5 minutes per side until golden and cooked through (165°F). Remove and keep warm.
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In the same skillet, sauté garlic 1 minute. Add broth, scraping browned bits, and simmer 2 minutes.
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Stir in cream and Parmesan. Simmer 3–4 minutes until sauce thickens.
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Add spinach and cook until wilted.
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Return chicken to skillet, spoon sauce over top, and simmer 2–3 minutes. Serve hot.
Notes
Don’t crowd the skillet—sear chicken in batches if needed.
Use thawed and drained frozen spinach if fresh isn’t available.
Sauce too thick? Add a splash of broth. Too thin? Simmer longer.
Freshly grated Parmesan ensures smoother, creamier sauce.
Best fresh, but leftovers can be revived with a little cream or broth when reheating.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Skillet / One-Pan
- Cuisine: Italian-American