Creamy Chicken Florentine Recipe

When you’re in the mood for a delicious, comforting meal that feels both fancy and easy to make, look no further than this creamy chicken florentine recipe.
Tender chicken breasts are cooked in a rich, creamy sauce with spinach, garlic, and Parmesan cheese. It’s a dish that feels indulgent but doesn’t take hours to prepare—perfect for busy weeknights or a special dinner for guests.
What makes this recipe extra special is its balance of flavors. The creamy sauce coats the chicken and spinach beautifully, while the garlic and Parmesan add depth.
It’s the kind of meal that feels like a treat, yet it’s made with simple ingredients you likely already have in your kitchen.
Whether you’re preparing a cozy dinner for the family or making something a little more impressive for a dinner party, this creamy chicken florentine hits the spot.
And, as we’re in the middle of the chilly season, the warmth and richness of this dish are just what you need to enjoy the season to its fullest.
Why You’ll Love It
This creamy chicken florentine is the perfect combination of savory, creamy, and comforting. The chicken comes out juicy and flavorful, paired with a creamy, cheesy sauce that’s just the right amount of richness.
Spinach adds a touch of freshness, balancing the richness of the cream and cheese.
Plus, it’s an all-in-one dish, so there’s minimal cleanup—just a skillet to wash at the end.
It’s also a versatile meal. If you’re not a fan of chicken, you can swap it for turkey or even a plant-based protein like tofu.
And since it’s so easy to make, it’s a great option for busy nights when you still want something delicious and satisfying.
Ingredient List
For the Chicken:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 tablespoon butter
For the Creamy Sauce:
- 2 cups fresh spinach (roughly chopped)
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1 tablespoon flour (to thicken)
For Serving:
- Optional: Cooked pasta or rice for a complete meal
- Fresh parsley (for garnish)
This dish is not only delicious but comes together quickly and is perfect for making ahead if you’re preparing for a busy week!
Kitchen Tools Needed
To make this creamy chicken florentine recipe, you’ll need the following kitchen tools:
- A large skillet or sauté pan
- A sharp knife (for chopping spinach and mincing garlic)
- A cutting board
- A measuring cup and spoons
- A spatula or tongs for flipping the chicken
- A whisk (for making the creamy sauce)
- A spoon or ladle for serving
Cooking Instructions
1 Prepare the chicken:
- Season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper on both sides.
2 Cook the chicken:
- In a large skillet, heat the olive oil and butter over medium heat.
- Add the chicken breasts and cook for 6-7 minutes on each side, or until the chicken is golden brown and cooked through (internal temperature should reach 165°F).
- Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
3 Make the creamy sauce:
- In the same skillet, add the minced garlic and cook for 1 minute, stirring constantly until fragrant.
- Sprinkle the flour over the garlic and stir to combine, cooking for about 1 minute to remove the raw flour taste.
4 Add liquids:
- Slowly pour in the chicken broth while whisking to prevent lumps.
- Next, add the heavy cream and stir until the mixture is smooth.
5 Simmer and thicken:
- Bring the sauce to a simmer and cook for 3-4 minutes, allowing it to thicken slightly.
- Add the Parmesan cheese and Italian seasoning, stirring until the cheese melts into the sauce.
6 Add spinach:
- Add the chopped spinach to the sauce and cook for 2-3 minutes, until it wilts down.
7 Combine chicken and sauce:
- Return the cooked chicken breasts to the skillet and spoon the creamy sauce over the top.
- Let everything simmer together for 2-3 minutes to meld the flavors.
8 Serve:
- Serve the creamy chicken florentine on its own or over pasta or rice.
- Garnish with fresh parsley, if desired.
More Recipes >>>>>>>> Baked Chicken Thighs

Tips and Tricks for Success
- Chicken Breasts: If your chicken breasts are very thick, consider cutting them in half horizontally to make them cook faster and more evenly. This also helps create a better ratio of sauce to chicken.
- Creamy Sauce: If the sauce is too thick for your liking, you can thin it out by adding a bit more chicken broth or cream. If it’s too thin, just let it simmer a little longer to thicken up.
- Spinach: Fresh spinach wilts down a lot, so don’t be afraid to add a generous amount. You can also use frozen spinach if you don’t have fresh on hand—just be sure to thaw and squeeze out the excess water before adding it to the sauce.
- Make it ahead: This dish can be made ahead and stored in the fridge for up to 3 days. Just reheat it gently on the stove over low heat.
- For Extra Flavor: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a slight kick or some fresh lemon juice to balance out the richness of the cream. A sprinkle of fresh Parmesan cheese right before serving is always a good touch.
Ingredient Substitutions and Variations
- Chicken: If you prefer a different protein, you can swap the chicken breasts for boneless skinless thighs, turkey breasts, or even a plant-based option like tofu or tempeh.
- Spinach: If fresh spinach isn’t available, you can use frozen spinach. Be sure to thaw and squeeze out any excess moisture. Alternatively, kale can work as a hearty substitute for spinach.
- Heavy Cream: For a lighter version, you can replace the heavy cream with half-and-half, whole milk, or a dairy-free cream substitute like coconut cream or cashew cream.
- Parmesan Cheese: While Parmesan adds a distinct flavor, you can substitute with Pecorino Romano or a mix of other hard cheeses like Asiago or Grana Padano.
- Chicken Broth: Vegetable broth can be used instead of chicken broth to make this dish vegetarian-friendly.
- Flour: If you’re gluten-free, you can use cornstarch as a thickener instead of flour.
More Recipes >>>>>>> Creamy Tomato Ground Beef Pasta
Serving Suggestions
This creamy chicken florentine is incredibly versatile and can be served with a variety of sides:
- Pasta: Serve the chicken and sauce over spaghetti, fettuccine, or penne pasta for a classic pairing.
- Rice: Pair it with white rice, brown rice, or cauliflower rice for a lighter option.
- Bread: A side of crusty bread or garlic bread is perfect for dipping into the creamy sauce.
- Salad: A light green salad with a tangy vinaigrette complements the richness of the dish and adds freshness.
- Roasted Vegetables: Pair with roasted vegetables like broccoli, asparagus, or carrots for a healthy and well-rounded meal.

Storage and Reheating Instructions
- Storage: Allow the creamy chicken florentine to cool completely before storing. Place it in an airtight container and store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Freezing: This dish can be frozen, though the texture of the cream sauce may change upon reheating. To freeze, store the dish in a freezer-safe container for up to 2-3 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.
- Reheating: To reheat, gently warm the chicken florentine in a skillet over low heat. Add a splash of chicken broth or cream to restore the sauce’s creamy consistency. You can also reheat it in the microwave, stirring every 30 seconds to ensure even heating.
More Recipes >>>>>> Italian Sausage Tortellini Soup
FAQ
- Can I make this recipe with boneless skinless chicken thighs?
Yes! Boneless, skinless chicken thighs work just as well as chicken breasts and provide extra flavor and juiciness. Just cook them the same way as the chicken breasts.
2. Can I use frozen spinach instead of fresh?
Absolutely! Frozen spinach is a great substitute. Just make sure to thaw it first and squeeze out the excess moisture to prevent the sauce from getting too watery.
3. Can I make this dish dairy-free?
Yes, you can make this recipe dairy-free by using non-dairy cream (such as coconut cream or cashew cream), dairy-free Parmesan, and substituting vegetable broth for chicken broth.
4. How do I make the sauce thicker?
If you prefer a thicker sauce, let it simmer for a few more minutes to reduce, or you can whisk in a little more flour or cornstarch. Be sure to adjust the seasoning afterward to taste.
5. Can I add other vegetables?
Yes, feel free to add mushrooms, sun-dried tomatoes, or artichokes for a more complex flavor. Just sauté them with the garlic before adding the cream and broth.
This recipe is a protein-packed, moderately low-carb meal, perfect for those following a keto or low-carb diet. For a lighter version, you can substitute ingredients like heavy cream with half-and-half or reduce the cheese.
Did you try this recipe? Let me know in the comments how it turned out!
Don’t forget to share your photos on Instagram and tag me @tasiahub. I’d love to see your creations!

Creamy Chicken Florentine Recipe
Equipment
- A large skillet or sauté pan
- A sharp knife
- A cutting board
- A measuring cup and spoons
- A spatula or tongs
- A whisk
- A spoon or ladle
Ingredients
For the Chicken:
- 4 boneless skinless chicken breasts
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 tablespoon butter
For the Creamy Sauce:
- 2 cups fresh spinach roughly chopped
- 3 cloves garlic minced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1 tablespoon flour to thicken
For Serving:
- Optional: Cooked pasta or rice for a complete meal
- Fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions
Prepare the chicken:
- Season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper on both sides.
Cook the chicken:
- In a large skillet, heat the olive oil and butter over medium heat.
- Add the chicken breasts and cook for 6-7 minutes on each side, or until the chicken is golden brown and cooked through (internal temperature should reach 165°F).
- Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
Make the creamy sauce:
- In the same skillet, add the minced garlic and cook for 1 minute, stirring constantly until fragrant.
- Sprinkle the flour over the garlic and stir to combine, cooking for about 1 minute to remove the raw flour taste.
Add liquids:
- Slowly pour in the chicken broth while whisking to prevent lumps.
- Next, add the heavy cream and stir until the mixture is smooth.
Simmer and thicken:
- Bring the sauce to a simmer and cook for 3-4 minutes, allowing it to thicken slightly.
- Add the Parmesan cheese and Italian seasoning, stirring until the cheese melts into the sauce.
Add spinach:
- Add the chopped spinach to the sauce and cook for 2-3 minutes, until it wilts down.
Combine chicken and sauce:
- Return the cooked chicken breasts to the skillet and spoon the creamy sauce over the top.
- Let everything simmer together for 2-3 minutes to meld the flavors.
Serve:
- Serve the creamy chicken florentine on its own or over pasta or rice.
- Garnish with fresh parsley, if desired.
Notes
Nutritional Value (Per Serving)
- Calories: ~450-500
- Protein: ~35g
- Fat: ~30g
- Saturated Fat: ~15g
- Carbohydrates: ~6g
- Fiber: ~1g
- Sugars: ~1g
- Cholesterol: ~150mg
- Sodium: ~700mg
The nutritional information on this website is only an estimate and is provided for convenience and as a courtesy only. The accuracy of the nutritional information for any recipe on this site is not guaranteed. It should not be used as a substitute for a professional nutritionist’s advice.