This recipe delivers big flavor with minimal cleanup. The creamy sauce infused with garlic and herbs pairs beautifully with juicy chicken and tender spinach. It feels like a restaurant-quality dish but is simple enough to make at home. Plus, it’s versatile and pairs well with pasta, rice, or crusty bread.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.) chicken breast or thighs olive oil or butter garlic onion fresh spinach heavy cream chicken broth parmesan cheese salt black pepper italian seasoning nutmeg (optional) flour (optional, for thickening)
Directions
Heat olive oil or butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Season the chicken with salt, pepper, and italian seasoning, then cook until golden and fully cooked. Remove from the pan and set aside.
In the same pan, sauté chopped onion and garlic until soft and fragrant.
Add chicken broth and scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan. Stir in the heavy cream and bring to a gentle simmer.
Add parmesan cheese and stir until melted and the sauce becomes smooth. If needed, add a little flour slurry to thicken.
Stir in fresh spinach and cook until wilted. Add a pinch of nutmeg if using.
Return the chicken to the pan and spoon the sauce over it. Let everything simmer together for a few minutes until well combined. Taste and adjust seasoning, then serve warm.
Servings and timing
Servings: 4 servings Prep time: 10–15 minutes Cook time: 20–25 minutes Total time: about 35–40 minutes
Variations
You can substitute spinach with kale or Swiss chard for a different green. For a lighter version, use half-and-half instead of heavy cream. Add mushrooms for extra depth or sun-dried tomatoes for a tangy twist. You can also make it low-carb by serving it on its own or pair it with pasta, rice, or mashed potatoes.
Storage/Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat or in the microwave, stirring occasionally. Add a splash of broth or milk to loosen the sauce if it thickens too much.
FAQs
What does “Florentine” mean in cooking?
It refers to dishes prepared with spinach, often in a creamy sauce.
Can I use frozen spinach?
Yes, just thaw and drain it well before adding.
What cut of chicken works best?
Both chicken breasts and thighs work well depending on your preference.
Can I make this dairy-free?
You can use coconut cream and a dairy-free cheese alternative.
How do I thicken the sauce?
Use a flour slurry or let the sauce simmer to reduce.
Can I add pasta directly to the pan?
Cooked pasta can be added at the end and tossed with the sauce.
Is this recipe keto-friendly?
Yes, it is low in carbs when served without pasta or bread.
Can I prepare this ahead of time?
It’s best fresh, but you can prep ingredients in advance.
What other cheeses can I use?
Mozzarella or cream cheese can be used for a different texture.
Can I add more vegetables?
Yes, mushrooms, tomatoes, or zucchini are great additions.
Conclusion
One-pan chicken Florentine is a creamy, comforting dish that brings together simple ingredients in a delicious and elegant way. With minimal cleanup and maximum flavor, it’s a go-to recipe for busy nights or when you want to impress with little effort.
This One-Pan Chicken Florentine is a creamy, comforting dish made with tender chicken, fresh spinach, and a rich garlic parmesan sauce. Ready in under 40 minutes, this easy skillet recipe is perfect for weeknight dinners or an elegant homemade meal.
Ingredients
1 lb chicken breast or boneless skinless chicken thighs
1 tablespoon olive oil or butter
3 cloves garlic, minced
1/2 small onion, finely chopped
3 cups fresh spinach
1 cup heavy cream
1/2 cup chicken broth
1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese
1 teaspoon salt (or to taste)
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
Pinch of nutmeg (optional)
1 teaspoon flour (optional, for thickening)
1 tablespoon water (if using flour)
Instructions
Heat olive oil or butter in a large skillet over medium heat.
Season chicken with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning.
Cook chicken for 6–8 minutes per side until golden and fully cooked. Remove and set aside.
In the same skillet, sauté onion for 2–3 minutes until soft. Add garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
Pour in chicken broth and scrape up any browned bits from the pan.
Stir in heavy cream and bring to a gentle simmer.
Add parmesan cheese and stir until melted and the sauce is smooth.
If needed, mix flour with water and stir into the sauce to thicken.
Add spinach and cook until wilted. Stir in nutmeg if using.
Return chicken to the skillet and spoon sauce over the top.
Simmer for 3–5 minutes until everything is well combined.
Taste and adjust seasoning, then serve warm.
Notes
Use half-and-half instead of heavy cream for a lighter option.Substitute spinach with kale or Swiss chard if desired.Add mushrooms or sun-dried tomatoes for extra flavor.Serve with pasta, rice, or crusty bread to soak up the sauce.For a low-carb version, enjoy it on its own or with cauliflower rice.
