Oh, let me tell you about Chicken Florentine style! This dish is like a cozy hug on a plate, blending tender chicken with vibrant spinach and a luscious, creamy sauce that just sings with flavor. Originating from Florence, Italy, it captures the essence of Italian cooking with its simple yet satisfying ingredients. I absolutely love how quick it is to whip up on a weeknight, but it feels fancy enough to impress guests! Trust me, the first time I made it, I felt like a chef in a bustling Italian kitchen. The aroma of garlic sizzling and the sight of that vibrant green spinach will have you feeling like a culinary rockstar. This recipe is not just a meal; it’s a celebration of flavors that brings everyone together at the table!
Ingredients
- 2 boneless chicken breasts, trimmed
- 2 cups fresh spinach, washed and roughly chopped
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
How to Prepare Chicken Florentine Style
Alright, let’s dive into the magic of making Chicken Florentine style! First things first, grab your skillet and let’s get cooking. This dish comes together beautifully, and I promise you’ll feel like a pro in no time!
Cooking the Chicken
Start by heating the olive oil in your skillet over medium heat. You want that oil to shimmer, not smoke—trust me, it makes a difference! While it’s warming up, season your chicken breasts generously with salt and pepper. Once the oil is ready, carefully place the chicken in the skillet. Cook them for about 6-7 minutes on each side until they’re golden brown and cooked through. Oh, the sound of that sizzle is music to my ears!
Sautéing the Vegetables
Once the chicken is beautifully browned, remove it from the skillet and set it aside (but don’t forget to keep it warm!). In the same skillet, toss in the minced garlic and sauté it for about a minute—just until it’s fragrant. Then, add the fresh spinach and let it cook down until it wilts, which should take just a couple of minutes. This step really brings out the vibrant colors and flavors!
Making the Creamy Sauce
Now it’s time for the star of the show—the creamy sauce! Pour in that luscious heavy cream and stir in the grated Parmesan cheese. As it melts, it creates this dreamy, velvety texture that you’ll want to pour over everything! Return the chicken to the skillet and let it simmer for about 5 minutes, soaking up all that creamy goodness. Just wait until you see how everything comes together—it’s pure comfort on a plate!
Tips for Success
To make your Chicken Florentine style truly shine, here are my top tips! First, make sure your skillet is preheated properly; you want that olive oil shimmering before adding the chicken. This helps achieve that gorgeous golden crust! Also, don’t rush the sautéing process—letting the garlic cook until fragrant and the spinach wilt perfectly enhances the flavors. If you want an extra creamy sauce, don’t skimp on the heavy cream or Parmesan; quality matters! And remember, always taste and adjust the seasoning. A little extra salt or pepper can elevate the dish even more!
Variations of Chicken Florentine Style
If you’re looking to mix things up a bit, there are plenty of delicious variations to explore! For a seafood twist, try swapping out the chicken for shrimp—just sauté them until they’re pink and tender. You can also go vegetarian by using tofu; just be sure to press it first to remove excess moisture. As for sides, this dish pairs beautifully with creamy risotto or a light, zesty lemon pasta. You could even serve it over a bed of quinoa for a healthy option. The possibilities are endless, and I love that about this recipe!
Nutritional Information
When you’re indulging in Chicken Florentine style, it’s nice to know what you’re serving up! Each serving is estimated to have around 450 calories, with about 30 grams of fat and 40 grams of protein—pretty impressive, right? You’ll also get roughly 5 grams of carbs, making it a low-carb option that doesn’t skimp on flavor. Just remember, these values can vary based on the specific ingredients you use, but this gives you a good idea of what to expect!
FAQ Section
Got questions about Chicken Florentine style? No worries, I’m here to help! Here are some common queries I hear:
How long do I cook the chicken?
Cook the chicken for about 6-7 minutes on each side, or until it’s golden brown and reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C). This ensures it’s juicy and cooked through!
Can I use frozen spinach?
Absolutely! Just make sure to thaw and drain it well before adding it to the skillet. Fresh is great, but frozen can save time and still taste delicious.
What can I substitute for heavy cream?
If you’re looking for a lighter option, you can use half-and-half or even a plant-based cream if you want a dairy-free version. Just keep in mind it might change the texture slightly.
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
While it’s best served fresh, you can prep the chicken and sauce in advance and reheat gently when you’re ready to serve. Just be careful not to overcook the chicken again!
What sides pair well with this dish?
This Chicken Florentine style is delightful with creamy mashed potatoes, a fresh salad, or even some crusty garlic bread to soak up that sauce!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and easy to prepare, perfect for busy weeknights.
- Rich, flavorful dish that feels indulgent yet healthy.
- Fresh ingredients like spinach and chicken provide a nutritious boost.
- A creamy sauce that’s simply irresistible and versatile.
- Impress your family or guests with minimal effort and maximum flavor!
For more delicious recipes, check out our all recipes page or try making a Greek Pasta Salad as a refreshing side!
For more information on the health benefits of spinach, you can visit Healthline.
Print
Chicken Florentine Style: 5 Reasons You’ll Love It
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 2 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Skillet
- Cuisine: Italian
- Diet: Low Calorie
Description
Chicken Florentine style is a flavorful dish featuring chicken, spinach, and creamy sauce.
Ingredients
- 2 boneless chicken breasts
- 2 cups fresh spinach
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat.
- Season chicken breasts with salt and pepper.
- Cook chicken in the skillet for 6-7 minutes on each side until golden brown.
- Remove chicken and set aside.
- Add garlic to the skillet and sauté for 1 minute.
- Add spinach and cook until wilted.
- Pour in heavy cream and stir in Parmesan cheese.
- Return chicken to the skillet and simmer for 5 minutes.
- Serve hot.
Notes
- Use fresh spinach for best flavor.
- You can substitute chicken with shrimp or tofu for variation.
- Serve with pasta or rice for a complete meal.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 30g
- Saturated Fat: 15g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 5g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 40g
- Cholesterol: 150mg
Keywords: chicken florentine style, chicken recipe, Italian chicken