Chicken Florentine Pasta Recipe – Italian Special
Chicken Florentine Pasta is a creamy, flavorful dish that combines tender chicken, fresh spinach, and rich, savory sauce over pasta. The creamy sauce, made with garlic, Parmesan, and a hint of lemon, perfectly complements the chicken and spinach, creating a comforting yet elegant meal. It’s an easy-to-make dish that’s perfect for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion, delivering a balance of flavors that will satisfy any pasta lover.
- Prep Time10 min
- Cook Time20 min
- Total Time30 min
Chicken Florentine Pasta Recipe Ingredients:
- 2 chicken breasts, boneless and skinless
- 8 oz pasta (penne, fettuccine, or spaghetti)
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 2 cups fresh spinach, chopped
- 1 cup heavy cream
- ½ cup chicken broth
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 tbsp butter (optional)
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Cook the Pasta:
Cook the pasta according to package instructions.
Drain and set aside, reserving about 1/2 cup of pasta water.
Cook the Chicken:
Season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper.
In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat.
Add the chicken breasts and cook for 6-7 minutes per side, or until golden brown and fully cooked.
Remove from the skillet, let rest for a few minutes, then slice into thin strips.
Make the Sauce:
In the same skillet, add the minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
Add the chicken broth and bring to a simmer. Stir in the heavy cream, Parmesan cheese, and lemon juice.
Cook, stirring occasionally, until the sauce thickens, about 3-4 minutes.
Add salt and pepper to taste.
Combine the Ingredients:
Add the chopped spinach to the skillet and cook for 1-2 minutes until wilted.
Stir in the cooked pasta, adding a little reserved pasta water if needed to help combine the sauce and pasta.
Add the sliced chicken and toss everything together.
Serve:
Once everything is well mixed and heated through, serve the pasta with an optional sprinkle of butter for extra richness.
Garnish with fresh parsley and extra Parmesan cheese, if desired.
Recipe Notes:
Chicken: Make sure to cook the chicken all the way through, about 6-7 minutes per side, depending on thickness.
Pasta: Reserve a bit of pasta water before draining, it helps thicken the sauce if needed.
Spinach: Fresh spinach wilts quickly, so add it at the end to avoid overcooking.
Cream Sauce: Stir the sauce occasionally as it simmers to prevent it from burning.
Cheese: Grated Parmesan melts better than shredded, so opt for grated for a smoother sauce.
