
Indulge in the rich, comforting flavors of Creamy Chicken Florentine, a classic Italian-inspired dish that combines tender chicken, creamy sauce, and fresh spinach. This one-pan recipe is simple to prepare, making it perfect for weeknight dinners while elegant enough for special occasions.
What is This Italian-Inspired Chicken Dish?
Origins of the Dish
Chicken Florentine traces its name back to Florence, Italy. Traditionally, Florentine dishes highlight spinach, often paired with a creamy white sauce.
Why It’s Loved Today
Modern versions like Creamy Chicken Florentine bring together golden-seared chicken breasts, garlic, cream, and Parmesan with vibrant spinach for a hearty yet fresh flavor.
Ingredients Needed for Chicken Florentine
Essential Ingredients
- Chicken breasts (boneless, skinless)
- Fresh spinach
- Garlic & onion
- Heavy cream
- Chicken broth
- Parmesan cheese
- Olive oil & butter

Optional Add-Ins
- Sun-dried tomatoes for tang
- Mushrooms for earthiness
Step-by-Step Creamy Chicken Florentine
Preparing the Chicken
- Season chicken breasts with salt, pepper, and a touch of paprika.
- Sear in butter and olive oil until golden brown, then set aside.


Making the Sauce
- In the same skillet, sauté garlic and onion.
- Add chicken broth and heavy cream.
- Stir in Parmesan until creamy.
- Add spinach until just wilted, then return chicken to coat.


Tips for Perfect Creamy Chicken Florentine
Avoid Overcooking
Cook chicken until it reaches 165°F to keep it juicy.
Sauce Perfection
After adding the heavy cream and broth, keep the skillet at a gentle simmer instead of letting it reach a rapid boil. Boiling cream too aggressively causes the fat to separate, leaving behind a grainy or curdled texture that can ruin the smooth consistency of the sauce.
Storage & Reheating
Refrigeration and Reheating
Store your Creamy Chicken Florentine in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop with a broth to keep the sauce smooth.
Nutrition Breakdown
Calories & Macronutrients
- Calories: 420
- Protein: 32g
- Carbs: 6g
- Fat: 28g
Vitamins & Minerals
- High in Vitamin A & K (from spinach)
- Good source of calcium & iron
Recipes Links
- Gluten-Free Creamy Mushroom Soup
- Chicken and Rice Gluten-Free Meal Prep
- Chicken Noodle Soup with Egg Noodles
- Thai Chicken Soup
FAQs
What is chicken Florentine made of?
It’s made of chicken breasts, spinach, a creamy garlic-Parmesan sauce, and sometimes white wine or mushrooms.
What does Florentine style mean?
“Florentine” refers to a dish prepared with spinach, inspired by Florence, Italy.
What is the flavor of Florentine sauce?
It has a rich, creamy flavor enhanced by garlic, Parmesan, and earthy spinach.
What’s the difference between chicken Florentine and cordon bleu?
Chicken Florentine is a creamy spinach dish, while Chicken Cordon Bleu is chicken stuffed with ham and cheese, then breaded and baked or fried.
Conclusion
This Creamy Chicken Florentine recipe is more than just a quick one-pan meal—it’s a dish that brings comfort, elegance, and flavor to your table. With tender chicken, creamy Parmesan sauce, and the freshness of spinach, it’s a dinner you’ll want to make again and again. If you enjoyed this recipe, you can discover more inspiration and share your own kitchen creations with us on Pinterest, join the food conversation on Tumblr, stay updated with quick tips on X (Twitter), or explore more cooking stories on Medium.
Meet Emily Culino
Emily Culino is the recipe creator behind Easy Cooking US. She shares simple, comforting dishes with a focus on flavor and ease, helping home cooks enjoy delicious meals every day.
Table of Contents

Creamy Chicken Florentine
Equipment
- large skillet
- wooden spoon
- measuring cups and spoons
- tongs
- cutting board and knife
Ingredients
- 4 boneless skinless chicken breasts
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 2 tbsp butter
- 1 onion, finely chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 3/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 4 cups fresh spinach
- 1/2 tsp paprika
- to taste salt and black pepper
- 1/2 cup sliced mushrooms (optional)
- 1/4 cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped (optional)
Instructions
- Season chicken breasts with salt, pepper, and paprika.
- In a large skillet, heat olive oil and butter. Sear chicken on both sides until golden brown and cooked through (165°F internal temperature). Remove and set aside.
- In the same skillet, sauté onion and garlic until fragrant and softened.
- Add chicken broth and heavy cream. Stir gently and bring to a simmer.
- Stir in Parmesan until melted and creamy.
- Add spinach and cook until just wilted. Mix in sun-dried tomatoes or mushrooms if using.
- Return chicken to the skillet, coating well in sauce. Simmer 2–3 minutes before serving.