Creamy Spinach Parmesan Chicken Florentine Without the Fuss

Creamy Chicken Breast in Spinach Olive Garden Schmolive Garden
Creamy Chicken Breast in Spinach Olive Garden Schmolive Garden
By Zelia ThorneUpdated:

Creamy Spinach Parmesan Chicken Florentine Witho

Creamy Chicken Breast in Spinach Olive Garden Schmolive Garden Recipe Card
Creamy Chicken Breast in Spinach Olive Garden Schmolive Garden Recipe Card
0.0 / 5 (0 Review)
Preparation time:15 Mins
Cooking time:25 Mins
Servings:4 servings

Ingredients:

Instructions:

Nutrition Facts

Calories450
Fat25g
Fiber2g

Recipe Info

CategoryMain Course
CuisineItalian American

Creamy Spinach Parmesan Chicken: Florentine Without the Fuss!

Fancy Olive Garden's Chicken Florentine but wanna make it even better ? You know, properly delicious? This recipe is your answer.

We are making Creamy Chicken Breast in Spinach Parmesan Sauce . Think of it as fancy pants food, but dead easy.

Weeknight Chicken With Spinach Wonder

This isn't some ancient family secret recipe. Nope! Chicken Spinach in a creamy sauce is a classic. It's based on the beloved Italian Chicken Florentine recipe .

It's easier than you think. This is a speedy take on a comforting dish. It's totally doable on a weeknight.

You’ll be serving up a weeknight chicken and spinach dinner that tastes like a weekend treat.

Dinner's Sorted in Under an Hour

This creamy spinach chicken recipe is proper easy. Expect to be prepping for about 15 mins. It takes about 25 minutes to cook and is all done in 40 minutes.

This recipe makes 4 hearty servings, perfect for the family. Trust me, even I can whip this up. A friend told me that this is an Easy creamy chicken dinner .

Goodness in Every Bite

The combo of chicken and spinach is actually pretty healthy, too. Spinach is packed with vitamins! And, honestly, the creamy Parmesan sauce just makes everything better.

I’ve swapped the cream for half fat creme fraiche when trying to be good. This dish is perfect for a chilly evening or when you need a bit of comfort food.

What makes it special? It tastes like you’ve been slaving away for hours, when, in reality, you just nailed a quick and delicious dinner!

Right then, let's get our aprons on and talk ingredients!

Ingredients & Equipment: Your Shopping List for Creamy Chicken Goodness

Creamy Spinach Parmesan Chicken Florentine Without the Fuss presentation

Alright, mates, let's nail down what you need for this ridiculously good Creamy Chicken Breast in Spinach . It's not rocket science, promise.

Think simple, flavorful, and quick. We want that Easy creamy chicken dinner on the table pronto.

Main Ingredients: The Stars of the Show

  • Chicken Breasts: You'll need 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, about 6 oz/170g each. Get good quality chicken you can taste the difference, honestly.

    If they're super thick, bash them a bit with a rolling pin to about ½ inch/1.25 cm thick. This helps them cook evenly.

  • Olive Oil: 1 tablespoon ( 15 ml ) for searing.

  • Seasoning: ½ teaspoon ( 2.5 ml ) salt, ¼ teaspoon ( 1.25 ml ) black pepper.

  • Flour: 1 tablespoon ( 7.5 g ) all-purpose flour for a light dusting.

  • Butter: 1 tablespoon ( 15 g ) unsalted butter.

  • Garlic: 2 cloves, minced. Fresh is best, trust me!

  • Chicken Broth: ½ cup ( 120 ml ). Low-sodium is a good shout.

  • Heavy Cream: ½ cup ( 120 ml ). This is what makes the sauce creamy !

  • Parmesan Cheese: ¼ cup ( 25 g ) grated Parmesan, plus more for serving. Go for proper Parmesan, not that powdery stuff.

  • Fresh Spinach: 5 ounces ( 140g ), roughly chopped. Don't stress too much about the chopping.

  • Salt: ¼ teaspoon ( 1.25 ml ), or to taste.

  • Red Pepper Flakes (Optional): ⅛ teaspoon ( 0.625 ml ) for a tiny kick.

Seasoning Notes: It's All About the Flavor

Garlic and Parmesan are your best friends here! They create that classic Creamy Parmesan flavor. A pinch of red pepper flakes adds a lovely warmth.

If you're feeling adventurous, a tiny grating of nutmeg also goes amazingly with spinach. It's a classic combo. If you want to change the cheese, feel free to use any hard grating cheese you like.

I have a friend who's made this exact recipe with Gruyere and it blew my mind!!

Equipment Needed: Keep it Simple

  • Large Skillet (12 inch/30 cm): This is your workhorse.

  • Meat Mallet (Optional): For tenderizing those chicken breasts if they're chunky. A rolling pin does the job too!

  • Measuring Cups and Spoons: Pretty self explanatory.

  • Alternative Tip: Honestly, if you don't have measuring spoons, just eyeball it! Cooking is about feeling, not precise measurements.

That's it! Nothing fancy. This Chicken With Spinach recipe proves you don't need a million gadgets to make something spectacular.

Let's cook this Creamy spinach chicken recipe ! It will become a Weeknight chicken and spinach dinner regular.

Creamy Spinach Parmesan Chicken: Florentine Without the Fuss!

Alright, let's get cracking! We're making Creamy Chicken Breast in Spinach , a dish that's basically Olive Garden's Chicken Florentine recipe , but BETTER because YOU made it.

Honestly, you'll feel like a top chef. This is a proper easy creamy chicken dinner even on a busy weeknight.

It's Chicken With Spinach Heaven!.

Prep Like a Pro

First, the mise en place ! It sounds fancy, but it just means getting everything ready. Chop your spinach (fresh is best, trust me!), mince your garlic, and measure out your Parmesan.

It takes about 15 minutes and is time well spent. A good plan of attack makes everything flow smooth. Also, flatten those chicken breasts to about ½ inch.

I use a rolling pin. Feels like a mini therapy session, you know?

Step-by-Step to Deliciousness

This is where the magic happens!

  1. Pound those chicken breasts thin and season. Dredge them lightly in flour.
  2. Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in your skillet. Sear those chickens until they are golden brown on both sides and cooked through. This should take about 5- 7 minutes per side . Internal temperature should be 165° F/ 74° C . Safety first, yeah? Take them out and set aside.
  3. Melt 1 tablespoon of butter in the same pan. Toss in two minced garlic cloves. Sauté for about 30 seconds , till fragrant.
  4. Pour in ½ cup of chicken broth and scrape all those yummy browned bits off the bottom of the pan. Simmer!
  5. Stir in ½ cup of heavy cream and ¼ cup of Parmesan cheese. Let that simmer for about 2- 3 minutes till it thickens. Think creamy parmesan sauce perfection.
  6. Add 5 ounces of chopped spinach and those optional red pepper flakes. Cook until spinach wilts, about 1- 2 minutes.
  7. Return the chicken to the pan. Nestle it in the sauce. Spoon that goodness over the chicken. Simmer for another minute.

Boom! Serve it up with extra Parmesan. That's how you create the perfect Spinach and chicken in cream sauce for weeknight chicken and spinach dinner .

Pro Tips to Blow Your Mind

Don't overcrowd the pan when searing! You want that golden crust, not steamed chicken. Fresh spinach wilts down quickly, so don’t overcook it.

You can prep this dish ahead of time! Make the sauce, sear the chicken, then combine it all just before serving.

I promise, this Creamy Spinach Chicken recipe will become a family favorite!

Recipe Notes for the Perfect Creamy Chicken Breast in Spinach

Right, so you've got the recipe for my Creamy Chicken Breast in Spinach. Now, let's talk a bit about making it your own , yeah? It’s already an Easy Creamy Chicken Dinner , but there are always ways to jazz things up.

Serving Up Style: Plating and Presentation Ideas

Honestly, this Creamy Spinach Chicken Recipe is gorgeous as it is. But presentation matters! A sprinkle of extra Parmesan Cheese and a sprig of fresh parsley makes it restaurant worthy.

I once served this at a dinner party over a bed of wild rice. Fancy , but so easy. You can also consider serving with Roasted vegetables or steamed asparagus.

Storage Savvy: Keeping it Fresh

If you're lucky enough to have leftovers (honestly, it's rare in my house!), store the Creamy Chicken Breast in Spinach in an airtight container in the fridge.

It'll be good for up to three days. Reheat gently in a pan over low heat. Avoid microwaving! Frozen? It can be done, although the sauce might separate a bit.

I don't recommend freezing it though!

Twists and Turns: Variations on a Theme

Want to tweak the Chicken With Spinach ? Go wild! For a Dairy Free version, use coconut cream instead of heavy cream. It changes the flavour profile, but it’s still delicious.

Or if you're feeling fancy, add mushrooms to the Creamy Parmesan Sauce! I sometimes throw in some sun-dried tomatoes for a Mediterranean twist. It's a Weeknight Chicken and Spinach Dinner game changer!

Nutrition Nugget

Okay, nutrition time. This Chicken Spinach dish is packed with protein from the chicken and vitamins from the spinach. The Creamy Parmesan sauce adds healthy fats.

It's a satisfying meal that won't leave you feeling guilty. The Spinach and Chicken in Cream Sauce is not only tasty but beneficial.

Honestly, give this Chicken Florentine Recipe a whirl! It's far easier than you might think. I am positive this will become your family's go-to dish.

You've got this. Now go and create some magic in the kitchen!

Delicious Chicken With Spinach Secret Creamy Parmesan Recipe Inside

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make this Creamy Chicken Breast in Spinach ahead of time? It would be perfect for my next "Bake Off" viewing party!

While the Creamy Chicken Breast in Spinach is best served fresh, you can prep some components ahead. You can pound and season the chicken, chop the spinach, and measure out the sauce ingredients. However, it's best to cook the chicken and sauce closer to serving to maintain optimal texture.

Reheating can sometimes cause the sauce to separate slightly, though it will still taste delicious!

Is there a substitute for heavy cream in this Creamy Chicken Breast in Spinach recipe? I'm trying to cut back on dairy, mate!

You can try using half and-half or even a lighter cream alternative, but be aware that the sauce won't be as thick and rich. For a dairy free option, coconut cream can be used, though it will impart a slight coconut flavor.

You could also try a cashew cream by soaking cashews and blending them into a smooth cream, then stirring that into the sauce. Just remember to adjust the seasoning accordingly!

My sauce isn't thickening up! What am I doing wrong with this Creamy Chicken Breast in Spinach? I'm feeling like a contestant on Hells Kitchen!

Don't panic! A few things could be happening. Make sure you're simmering the sauce, not boiling it, as boiling can prevent thickening. If it's still not thickening, try creating a cornstarch slurry (1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons cold water) and whisk it into the sauce gradually.

Alternatively, you can simmer the sauce for a few more minutes to allow it to reduce and concentrate the flavors and thicken naturally.

Can I use frozen spinach instead of fresh spinach for this Creamy Chicken Breast in Spinach? My fridge is looking a bit sad!

Absolutely! Frozen spinach is a perfectly acceptable substitute. Just make sure to thaw it completely and squeeze out as much excess water as possible before adding it to the sauce. This will prevent the sauce from becoming watery.

You'll typically need about half the amount of frozen spinach as you would fresh, so around 2.5 ounces (70g) should do the trick.

How long does Creamy Chicken Breast in Spinach last in the fridge? Planning my meal prep like a pro!

Properly stored in an airtight container, leftover Creamy Chicken Breast in Spinach will last for 3-4 days in the refrigerator. Make sure to cool it completely before refrigerating. When reheating, do so gently over low heat on the stovetop or in the microwave, stirring occasionally, until heated through.

Adding a splash of chicken broth or cream during reheating can help restore the sauce's creamy consistency.

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