Creamy Chicken Florentine Pasta Recipe for Cozy Nights

Name: Creamy Chicken Florentine Pasta
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1.5 lbs); 4 cups fresh spinach; 12 oz fettuccine or penne pasta; 1 cup heavy cream; 4 cloves garlic, minced; 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese; 1 cup low-sodium chicken broth; 2 tbsp olive oil; Salt and pepper to taste

By Elisa Levine

June 18, 2025

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Indulging in a creamy Chicken Florentine Pasta Recipe is like wrapping yourself in a warm, cheesy blanket. Picture tender chicken nestled among fresh spinach, all swimming in a luscious, garlicky sauce that brings flavor to every delightful bite. It’s the kind of dish that makes you feel good from the very first whiff, and let’s be honest, who doesn’t want to be enveloped in aromatic goodness?

This creamy pasta dish is perfect for those cozy weeknights when you want something comforting but also fancy enough to impress your friends. I remember the first time I made this recipe; my kitchen smelled like an Italian bistro, and my family swore I had secretly signed up for culinary school. Spoiler alert: I hadn’t! With just the right balance of flavors and easy prep steps, you’ll find yourself making this Chicken Florentine Pasta for every occasion—from casual dinners to impressing your in-laws.

Why You'll Love This Recipe

This Chicken Florentine Pasta Recipe is quick and easy to prepare for any weeknight dinner
The rich, creamy sauce paired with tender chicken creates a flavor explosion
Visually stunning with vibrant greens and whites, it’s sure to impress on any table
Versatile enough to swap ingredients based on what you have at home while still delivering delicious results

Ingredients for Chicken Florentine Pasta Recipe

Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:

Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breasts: About 3-4 chicken breasts will do nicely; adjust according to how many hungry mouths you’re feeding.
Fresh Spinach: Use about 4 cups of fresh spinach; it wilts down beautifully and adds a pop of color.
Pasta (Fettuccine or Penne): Choose your favorite pasta shape; I recommend fettuccine for that extra creaminess.
Heavy Cream: This is where the magic happens—rich and velvety texture that makes the sauce irresistible.
Garlic: Fresh garlic cloves are essential; they pack a punch of flavor that elevates this dish.
Parmesan Cheese: Grate it fresh if possible; it adds depth and nuttiness to the sauce.

For the Sauce:

Chicken Broth: Low-sodium is best so you can control the saltiness while enhancing the flavor.
Olive Oil: A splash will help sauté your chicken and garlic perfectly without burning them.

The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.

Recipe preparation for Chicken Florentine Pasta Recipe

How to Make Chicken Florentine Pasta Recipe

Follow these simple steps to prepare this delicious dish:

Step 1: Prepare Your Ingredients

Start by gathering all your ingredients on the counter. Chop your garlic finely, and slice the chicken into bite-sized pieces for even cooking.

Step 2: Cook the Pasta

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add your pasta (fettuccine or penne) and cook according to package directions until al dente. Reserve about half a cup of pasta water before draining.

Step 3: Sauté Chicken

In a large skillet over medium heat, add olive oil. Once hot, toss in your chicken pieces seasoned with salt and pepper. Cook until golden brown and cooked through—about five minutes or so.

Step 4: Add Garlic and Spinach

Stir in minced garlic and cook until fragrant—roughly one minute. Then add fresh spinach gradually until wilted down into submission.

Step 5: Create Sauce

Pour in heavy cream and chicken broth into the skillet with chicken and spinach mixture. Stir well while bringing it to a gentle simmer. Gradually add grated Parmesan cheese while stirring until melted.

Step 6: Combine Pasta

Add drained pasta into the skillet with sauce; toss gently until evenly coated. If needed, add reserved pasta water bit by bit until you reach desired creaminess.

Transfer to plates and drizzle with additional Parmesan or fresh herbs for that perfect finishing touch!

Enjoy diving into this flavorful masterpiece! Whether it’s date night or just another Tuesday evening at home, this Chicken Florentine Pasta will have everyone asking for seconds—and maybe even thirds!

You Must Know

This Chicken Florentine Pasta Recipe offers more than just flavor; it makes meal prep a breeze
You can easily customize the ingredients based on what you have on hand
The vibrant colors and aromas make it visually stunning on any dinner table
Perfect for family dinners but versatile enough for meal prepping

Perfecting the Cooking Process

Start by searing the chicken until golden brown, then set it aside. Cook your pasta while preparing the creamy spinach sauce. Finish by combining everything together for optimal flavor integration and efficiency. This method ensures every bite sings with deliciousness.

Add Your Touch

Feel free to swap out the chicken for shrimp or mushrooms to cater to your preferences. Add some sun-dried tomatoes for a burst of flavor, or sprinkle in extra herbs like basil and oregano for that homemade touch.

Storing & Reheating

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. To reheat, gently warm it on the stove with a splash of milk or broth, ensuring the pasta doesn’t dry out while retaining its creamy goodness.

Chef's Helpful Tips

Use a high-quality olive oil for sautéing; it enhances flavors remarkably
Don’t skip seasoning your pasta water – it’s crucial for an overall tasty dish!
Allowing your chicken to rest after cooking keeps it juicy and tender

I vividly remember making this Chicken Florentine Pasta Recipe for my friends’ game night, and they couldn’t stop complimenting me (or maybe they were just hungry). Either way, their approval boosted my confidence in my culinary skills!

FAQs :

What ingredients are needed for Chicken Florentine Pasta Recipe?

To make a delicious Chicken Florentine Pasta Recipe, you will need chicken breasts, fresh spinach, garlic, heavy cream, parmesan cheese, and your choice of pasta. Olive oil is essential for sautéing the chicken and garlic. You may also want to include salt, pepper, and Italian herbs for seasoning. Fresh basil can enhance the flavor even further. Ensure that you have all these ingredients ready before you begin cooking to streamline the process.

How long does it take to prepare Chicken Florentine Pasta Recipe?

The preparation time for the Chicken Florentine Pasta Recipe is around 10 minutes, while the cooking time takes approximately 20 minutes. In total, you can expect to spend about 30 minutes from start to finish. This quick timeframe makes it perfect for busy weeknights or last-minute gatherings. By following the recipe closely, you can serve up a delightful dish in no time at all.

Can I substitute ingredients in this Chicken Florentine Pasta Recipe?

Yes, you can easily substitute some ingredients in this Chicken Florentine Pasta Recipe to suit your taste or dietary needs. For example, if you’re looking for a lighter option, consider using half-and-half instead of heavy cream. You can also replace chicken with shrimp or tofu for a vegetarian alternative. Feel free to experiment with different types of pasta or add other vegetables like mushrooms or bell peppers.

Is Chicken Florentine Pasta Recipe suitable for meal prep?

Absolutely! The Chicken Florentine Pasta Recipe works great for meal prep. You can cook a batch on the weekend and store individual portions in airtight containers. It keeps well in the refrigerator for up to four days and can be reheated easily in the microwave or on the stovetop. This makes it an excellent choice for quick lunches or dinners during a busy week.

Conclusion for Chicken Florentine Pasta Recipe :

In summary, the Chicken Florentine Pasta Recipe is a quick and satisfying dish that combines tender chicken with fresh spinach and creamy sauce over your favorite pasta. With simple ingredients and easy preparation steps, it’s perfect for busy weeknights or casual gatherings. Feel free to customize it by substituting ingredients as needed, making it versatile enough to suit any palate. Enjoy this flavorful dish that promises comfort and satisfaction every time!

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