Description
Creamy Chicken Florentine is a comforting dish featuring tender chicken breasts simmered in a rich, creamy sauce with garlic, Parmesan cheese, and fresh spinach. The addition of lemon juice brightens the flavors, making it a perfect, indulgent meal.
Ingredients
Scale
For the Chicken:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
For the Sauce:
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard (optional)
- 4 cups fresh baby spinach
- 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare the Chicken: Season both sides of the chicken breasts with salt and pepper. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Cook the chicken for 6-8 minutes on each side until golden brown and cooked through (internal temperature should reach 165°F). Remove chicken from the skillet and set aside.
- Make the Sauce: In the same skillet, add minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant. Pour in chicken broth and scrape the browned bits from the skillet to deglaze. Simmer for 2-3 minutes to reduce slightly.
- Add the Cream and Spinach: Stir in heavy cream, Parmesan cheese, and Dijon mustard (if using). Simmer for 3-5 minutes, allowing the sauce to thicken slightly. Add spinach and cook until wilted, stirring occasionally. Add crushed red pepper flakes if desired.
- Combine the Chicken and Sauce: Return the chicken to the skillet and spoon some of the creamy spinach sauce over the top. Simmer for an additional 2-3 minutes to let the chicken absorb the flavors.
- Finish and Serve: Stir in lemon juice and garnish with freshly chopped parsley if desired. Serve hot with pasta, rice, or mashed potatoes.
Notes
- For a richer sauce, consider using half-and-half instead of heavy cream.
- If you prefer a bit of tanginess, increase the lemon juice or add a splash of white wine to the sauce.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 chicken breast with sauce
- Calories: 430
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 550 mg
- Fat: 30 g
- Saturated Fat: 14 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 8 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 32 g
- Cholesterol: 150 mg