If you’re on the hunt for an effortless yet impressive dinner, look no further than this Chicken Florentine Recipe (One Pan Dinner!). This dish is the definition of cozy comfort: juicy chicken breasts bathed in a creamy, garlicky sauce, laced with bright spinach and a touch of Parmesan. And the best part? It all comes together in one skillet, making cleanup a breeze. Whether you’re cooking for family or hosting friends, this recipe is a weeknight hero that feels like a restaurant treat right at your own table.

Chicken Florentine Recipe (One Pan Dinner!) Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of this Chicken Florentine Recipe (One Pan Dinner!) lies in its simplicity. Each ingredient brings something special—richness, depth, freshness, or a pop of color—to the final dish. Here’s what you’ll need, along with some tips to make every bite absolutely delicious.

Chicken breasts: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are lean and soak up all the creamy flavors—try to use thin-cut for the quickest results.
Salt and pepper: Don’t skimp—seasoning both sides of the chicken is key for flavor in every bite.
Olive oil: For a golden, flavorful sear on your chicken (plus a little Mediterranean flair!).
Unsalted butter: Adds richness to the sauce—if you only have salted, adjust your seasoning accordingly.
Garlic: Freshly minced garlic gives the sauce its irresistible aroma—don’t rush this step!
Chicken broth: Deglazes the pan and adds savory depth; low-sodium works best so you can control the salt.
Heavy cream: The secret to a luscious, velvety sauce that clings perfectly to the chicken.
Parmesan cheese: Grated Parmesan melts into the sauce, bringing a nutty, salty bite.
Italian seasoning: This blend of herbs infuses the dish with classic Italian flavor—feel free to add a pinch more if you’re feeling bold.
Fresh baby spinach: Adds vibrant color and a gentle earthiness; it wilts beautifully into the sauce without overpowering it.
Lemon juice: A splash at the end brightens up the whole dish, cutting through the richness with a sunny zing.

How to Make Chicken Florentine Recipe (One Pan Dinner!)

Step 1: Season and Sear the Chicken

Begin by generously seasoning both sides of your chicken breasts with salt and pepper—this is your foundation for flavor, so don’t be shy! Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Once shimmering, add the chicken and let it cook undisturbed for 5 to 6 minutes per side. You’re aiming for a golden crust and fully cooked centers. When done, transfer the chicken to a plate and keep it warm. This step locks in all those savory juices.

Step 2: Sauté the Garlic

In the same skillet (no need to wipe it out; those browned bits mean flavor!), melt your butter. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about a minute, just until fragrant. Keep a close eye—garlic can go from golden to burnt fast, and you want that gentle aroma, not bitterness.

Step 3: Build the Creamy Sauce

Pour in the chicken broth, using a wooden spoon to scrape up any tasty browned bits stuck to the bottom of the pan. Those little bits are gold! Next, stir in the heavy cream, grated Parmesan, and Italian seasoning. Let the sauce gently simmer for 2 to 3 minutes until it starts to thicken and coats the back of your spoon. The kitchen will smell incredible at this point.

Step 4: Wilt the Spinach

Add the fresh baby spinach by the handful—it will look like a lot at first, but trust me, it wilts down beautifully. Stir continuously for 1 to 2 minutes until the spinach is soft and vibrant green. Right before you finish, add in the lemon juice to brighten everything up and balance out the richness.

Step 5: Finish and Serve

Return the chicken breasts (and any juices from the plate) to the skillet, nestling them into the creamy spinach sauce. Spoon some of that gorgeous sauce over the top, and let everything simmer together for another 2 minutes to warm through. Serve hot, making sure every plate gets plenty of sauce and spinach!

How to Serve Chicken Florentine Recipe (One Pan Dinner!)

Garnishes

A sprinkle of extra grated Parmesan and a scattering of freshly cracked black pepper are classic finishing touches. For a pop of color, add a few fresh basil leaves or even a couple of thin lemon slices right before serving. These little touches make your Chicken Florentine Recipe (One Pan Dinner!) look as good as it tastes.

Side Dishes

This dish is a natural match for anything that will soak up its dreamy sauce. Try serving it over buttery pasta, creamy mashed potatoes, or a slice of crusty bread to scoop up every last drop. If you’re aiming for lighter fare, a simple green salad or steamed veggies on the side work wonderfully too.

Creative Ways to Present

For a special occasion, slice the chicken breasts and fan them out over a bed of spinach and sauce on each plate. You can also serve Chicken Florentine Recipe (One Pan Dinner!) family-style, right from the skillet for a rustic, inviting vibe—just bring the pan to the table and let everyone dig in!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Let any leftovers cool to room temperature, then transfer to an airtight container. Your Chicken Florentine Recipe (One Pan Dinner!) will keep in the fridge for up to 3 days. The sauce may thicken a bit as it sits, but it stays rich and flavorful.

Freezing

If you’d like to freeze this dish, let everything cool completely. Place the chicken and sauce in a freezer-safe container, and freeze for up to 2 months. Keep in mind that creamy sauces can sometimes separate when frozen, but a gentle reheat usually brings everything back together.

Reheating

For best results, reheat your Chicken Florentine Recipe (One Pan Dinner!) gently on the stovetop over low heat, stirring often until warmed through. If the sauce is too thick, add a splash of chicken broth or cream to loosen it up. The microwave works in a pinch—just be sure to cover the dish and heat in short intervals, stirring in between.

FAQs

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?

Absolutely! Boneless, skinless chicken thighs work beautifully in this recipe. They’re a bit juicier and add even more flavor. Just adjust the cooking time as needed to ensure they’re cooked through.

Is there a lighter version of this Chicken Florentine Recipe (One Pan Dinner!)?

Definitely. Swap the heavy cream for half-and-half or even evaporated milk for a lighter sauce. You can also use less butter or opt for low-fat Parmesan, though the sauce will be a bit less rich.

Can I add extra vegetables?

Yes! Mushrooms, sun-dried tomatoes, or even artichoke hearts can be sautéed with the garlic for extra color and flavor. They blend perfectly with the creamy spinach sauce.

How do I know when the chicken is fully cooked?

The safest way is to use an instant-read thermometer—the internal temperature should reach 165°F (74°C). Otherwise, cut into the thickest part and check for clear juices and no pinkness.

Can I make this Chicken Florentine Recipe (One Pan Dinner!) ahead of time?

You can cook the chicken and make the sauce a day in advance. Store them separately in the fridge, then reheat gently and combine just before serving. Add a splash of broth or cream if needed to keep the sauce silky.

Final Thoughts

If you’ve been searching for a dish that’s both simple and spectacular, this Chicken Florentine Recipe (One Pan Dinner!) is calling your name. It’s the kind of meal that feels special enough for guests yet easy enough for any night of the week. Give it a try—I think you’ll fall in love with every creamy, garlicky, spinach-laced bite!

Chicken Florentine Recipe (One Pan Dinner!) Recipe

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4.8 from 7 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 30 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Diet: Non-Vegetarian

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Description

A creamy and delicious Chicken Florentine recipe that combines tender chicken breasts with a rich Parmesan cream sauce and fresh baby spinach. This easy one-pan stovetop meal is perfect for a quick weeknight dinner and pairs wonderfully with pasta, mashed potatoes, or crusty bread.

Ingredients

Scale

Chicken

4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
Salt and pepper to taste
2 tablespoons olive oil

Sauce

2 tablespoons unsalted butter
3 cloves garlic, minced
1/2 cup chicken broth
1 cup heavy cream
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
3 cups fresh baby spinach
1 tablespoon lemon juice

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Instructions

Season the Chicken: Season both sides of the chicken breasts with salt and pepper evenly to enhance flavor.
Cook Chicken: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chicken breasts and cook for 5–6 minutes on each side until golden brown and fully cooked. Transfer the chicken to a plate and set aside.
Sauté Garlic: In the same skillet, melt the unsalted butter and sauté minced garlic for about 1 minute until it becomes fragrant without burning.
Make Sauce: Pour in the chicken broth, scraping up any browned bits from the pan to add depth of flavor. Stir in heavy cream, grated Parmesan cheese, and Italian seasoning. Allow the sauce to simmer for 2–3 minutes until it slightly thickens.
Add Spinach: Add fresh baby spinach to the sauce and cook until wilted, about 1–2 minutes. Stir in the lemon juice to brighten the sauce.
Combine and Simmer: Return the cooked chicken breasts to the pan. Spoon the creamy sauce over the chicken, and simmer together for an additional 2 minutes to warm everything through.
Serve: Serve the hot Chicken Florentine immediately, paired with your choice of pasta, mashed potatoes, or crusty bread.

Notes

For extra flavor, add sun-dried tomatoes or mushrooms to the sauce.
This dish pairs well with pasta, mashed potatoes, or crusty bread for a satisfying meal.
Use thin-cut chicken breasts for quicker cooking while ensuring tenderness.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Category: Main Course
Method: Stovetop
Cuisine: Italian-American