Chicken Florentine Pasta Recipe – Italian Special
Chicken Florentine Pasta is a creamy, flavorful Italian dish that brings together tender chicken, fresh spinach, and a rich garlic-Parmesan sauce coated over your choice of pasta. The heavy cream and chicken broth form a lusciously smooth base, while a splash of lemon juice brightens everything up. With quick prep and cook times, this dish strikes the perfect balance between comforting indulgence and weeknight simplicity. Whether for family dinners or when you want a touch of elegance without hours in the kitchen, it delivers classic Italian flavor that satisfies.
- 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 Doneness: Ensure chicken breasts are cooked through (~6-7 min per side) but don’t overcook; resting a few minutes before slicing helps keep them juicy.
Pasta Water Trick: Reserve about ½ cup of the pasta cooking water. Adding it back helps the sauce cling to the pasta and improves sauce texture.
Wilt Spinach Properly: Add chopped fresh spinach near the end. It wilts fast—overcooked spinach loses its bright color and texture.
Cream Sauce Care: Stir the sauce gently while simmering to prevent burning. Using grated Parmesan (not pre-shredded) gives a smoother melt.
Finishing Touches: Finish with a squeeze of lemon juice for brightness, and garnish with fresh parsley and extra Parmesan. A pat of butter can add richness if desired.
