If you’re searching for a weeknight meal that feels restaurant-worthy yet impossibly easy to pull off, look no further than this Chicken Florentine Recipe (One Pan Dinner!). Imagine juicy, golden-seared chicken bathed in a creamy Parmesan sauce, nestled on a bed of luscious spinach, all cooked together in just one pan. It’s the kind of dish that brings a little magic to your table and makes you wish you’d discovered it ages ago!

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

Ingredients You’ll Need

Chicken Florentine Recipe (One Pan Dinner!) is all about fuss-free ingredients that shine with big flavor. Each component brings its own special something—whether it’s creamy richness, savory depth, or that gorgeous pop of color.

Chicken breasts: Lean, protein-packed, and perfect for soaking up all those creamy flavors.
Salt: Simple but essential for drawing out natural flavors in the chicken.
Black pepper: Adds a gentle, warming heat that balances the creaminess of the sauce.
Garlic powder: Layers in an extra punch of savory goodness with every bite.
Olive oil: For a golden, flavorful sear and a touch of Mediterranean flair.
Fresh garlic: Minced garlic wakes up the pan, creating a base of aromatic, irresistible flavor.
Chopped onion: Sweet and savory, it adds delicious depth to the sauce.
Chicken broth: Deglazes the pan and builds a rich, savory base for the sauce.
Heavy cream: Brings luxurious creaminess without any fussy steps.
Grated Parmesan cheese: Melts into the sauce, adding salty, nutty, umami-packed flavor.
Fresh baby spinach: Wilts into the sauce for color, nutrition, and classic Florentine flair.
Italian seasoning: This blend infuses the dish with herby, aromatic notes.
Lemon juice (optional): Just a squeeze totally brightens up each bite and cuts through the richness.
Fresh parsley: The perfect garnish for freshness and a pop of color on your finished plate.

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

Step 1: Season the Chicken

Start by seasoning both sides of the chicken breasts with salt, black pepper, and a touch of garlic powder. This simple blend creates a flavorful crust on the chicken and lays the foundation for everything delicious to come in your Chicken Florentine Recipe (One Pan Dinner!).

Step 2: Sear the Chicken

Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. When the oil shimmers, add the chicken breasts. Sear for about 5 to 6 minutes on each side, until they’re gloriously golden and cooked through. Transfer the chicken to a plate and set aside, keeping all those savory pan drippings right where they are.

Step 3: Sauté Aromatics

Add the minced garlic and chopped onion straight into the same skillet (no need to wipe it out). Sauté for 2 to 3 minutes, stirring frequently, until they become fragrant and just softened. It’s the beginning of that irresistible, cozy sauce aroma!

Step 4: Deglaze and Start the Sauce

Pour in your chicken broth, scraping the bottom of the pan to get up any browned bits—these little pieces are culinary gold and infuse the sauce with remarkable flavor. Let it bubble just a bit before moving on.

Step 5: Stir in Cream, Cheese, and Seasoning

Now, stir in the heavy cream, grated Parmesan cheese, and Italian seasoning. Let this luscious mixture simmer gently for 2 to 3 minutes, until it begins to thicken slightly and smells absolutely divine.

Step 6: Wilt the Spinach

Add your fresh baby spinach right into the pan. Stir it in and watch it wilt in just a minute or two, turning the sauce from creamy white to a gorgeous swirl of green and gold.

Step 7: Return Chicken and Finish

Return the chicken breasts to the skillet, nestling them into the sauce and spinach. Spoon some sauce over the top, let everything simmer together for another 2 to 3 minutes, and (if you love a bright finish) drizzle with lemon juice. Sprinkle on fresh parsley, and your masterpiece is ready!

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

Garnishes

A shower of fresh parsley adds bright color and life to your Chicken Florentine Recipe (One Pan Dinner!). For an extra flourish, try a dusting of Parmesan or thin lemon slices right before serving.

Side Dishes

This dish pairs beautifully with buttery mashed potatoes, fluffy rice, or even a tangle of pasta to soak up every drop of that creamy sauce. For a lower-carb twist, serve with roasted cauliflower, green beans, or a crisp side salad.

Creative Ways to Present

If you really want to wow your family or guests, serve each chicken breast spooned with plenty of sauce and a little pile of spinach. Try it over a bed of couscous for a Mediterranean vibe, or slice the chicken and layer it atop toasted bread for a rustic, open-faced sandwich.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Cool leftover Chicken Florentine Recipe (One Pan Dinner!) to room temperature, then transfer to an airtight container. It’ll keep happily in the fridge for up to 3 days while maintaining flavor and juiciness.

Freezing

If you’d like to make this ahead, you can freeze the cooked chicken and sauce together. Store in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating gently.

Reheating

Reheat your Chicken Florentine Recipe (One Pan Dinner!) in a covered skillet over low heat, splashing in a little extra cream or broth if the sauce seems too thick. Alternatively, microwave in short bursts, stirring occasionally for even heating.

FAQs

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?

Absolutely! Chicken thighs are a fantastic substitute; they’ll cook up tender and juicy, though you may need to add a couple extra minutes to the searing and simmering steps for larger pieces.

Is it necessary to use heavy cream, or are there lighter alternatives?

While heavy cream gives the sauce its luxurious texture, you can substitute half-and-half or even a mixture of milk and a spoonful of cream cheese for a lighter but still creamy sauce.

Does the spinach have to be fresh, or can I use frozen spinach?

Fresh spinach is best for texture and color, but frozen spinach will work in a pinch! Just be sure to thaw and squeeze out as much water as possible before adding it to the pan.

What’s the best way to avoid overcooking the chicken?

Keep an eye on your chicken as it sears; once it reaches a golden crust and an internal temperature of 165°F, pull it from the pan so it stays juicy. Returning it to finish in the sauce ensures it soaks up flavor without drying out.

Can I make this Chicken Florentine Recipe (One Pan Dinner!) dairy-free?

Absolutely! Substitute your favorite unsweetened dairy-free cream, use a plant-based Parmesan alternative, and opt for olive oil instead of butter if you like. The result will still be utterly delicious and rich.

Final Thoughts

This Chicken Florentine Recipe (One Pan Dinner!) is one of those magic meals that turns regular evenings into something memorable, with very little effort. It’s creamy, savory, and full of vibrant color—give it a try and watch it turn into a new staple at your table!

Chicken Florentine Recipe (One Pan Dinner!) Recipe

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4.8 from 23 reviews

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

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Description

A delightful Chicken Florentine recipe that brings together tender chicken breasts, creamy spinach sauce, and a touch of Parmesan for a satisfying one-pan dinner. Perfect for a cozy night in or entertaining guests.

Ingredients

Scale

Chicken:

4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder

Sauce:

2 tablespoons olive oil
3 cloves garlic (minced)
1/2 cup chopped onion
1 cup chicken broth
3/4 cup heavy cream
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
1 tablespoon lemon juice (optional)

Additional:

4 cups fresh baby spinach
Fresh parsley for garnish

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Instructions

Season the Chicken: Season chicken breasts with salt, pepper, and garlic powder.
Sear the Chicken: Sear chicken in olive oil until golden brown and cooked through. Set aside.
Prepare the Sauce: Sauté garlic and onion in the pan. Add chicken broth, cream, Parmesan, and seasoning. Simmer until thickened.
Add Spinach: Wilt spinach in the sauce. Return chicken to the pan and simmer.
Finish and Serve: Drizzle with lemon juice, garnish with parsley, and serve hot.