Name: Chicken Florentine with Garlicky Spinach Cream Cheese Sauce Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 40 min
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 4 large chicken breasts, pounded; 1 tsp salt; ½ tsp pepper; ⅓ cup flour for dredging; 2 Tbsp olive oil; 4 Tbsp butter, divided; 5 cloves garlic, minced; ¾ cup dry white wine; ½ tsp Italian seasoning; 1 cup heavy whipping cream; 3 cups fresh baby spinach; ¾ cup freshly grated parmesan cheese; Parsley for garnish (optional)

Jump to Recipe· 4.1 from 7 reviews

If you’re craving a dish that feels like a warm hug on a plate, the Chicken Florentine with Garlicky Spinach Cream Cheese Sauce Recipe is here to delight you. This classic Italian-inspired meal brings tender, golden chicken breasts swimming in a luscious, creamy sauce packed with garlicky sautéed spinach and parmesan. It’s quick to prepare yet so rich in flavor that it’ll have everyone asking for seconds. The combination of the creamy texture and vibrant greens creates an irresistible harmony that makes this dish both comforting and elegant, perfect for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The first image shows two pieces of golden brown cooked meat with a slightly crispy texture, placed side by side in a black frying pan on a gas stove; the meat has darker spots indicating a well-cooked surface with a warm yellow corn tortilla on the stove nearby. The second image shows a close-up of the same black frying pan with foaming melted butter bubbling around the edges and a clear liquid being poured into the center, creating a swirling effect in the pan. The background is a white marbled texture. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Getting the flavors right in the Chicken Florentine with Garlicky Spinach Cream Cheese Sauce Recipe is all about simple, fresh ingredients that work beautifully together. Each ingredient plays a key role in crafting a dish that’s creamy, perfectly seasoned, and balanced with a hint of acidity from the wine.

4 large chicken breasts, pounded: Flattened for even cooking and a tender bite.
1 tsp salt: Enhances all the flavors in the dish.
½ tsp pepper: Adds just enough subtle heat.
⅓ cup flour: For dredging, to create a golden crust on the chicken.
2 Tbsp olive oil: Provides a healthy base for searing.
4 Tbsp butter, divided: Adds richness and helps develop flavor layers.
5 cloves garlic, minced: The star of the garlicky sauce.
¾ cup dry white wine: Adds acidity and depth to the sauce.
½ tsp Italian seasoning: Brings aromatic herbs like oregano and basil.
1 cup heavy whipping cream: Creates the luscious, creamy texture.
3 cups fresh baby spinach: Wilted into the sauce, offering freshness and color.
¾ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese: Melts into the sauce for that savory finishing touch.
Parsley, optional: For a bright, herbal garnish.

How to Make Chicken Florentine with Garlicky Spinach Cream Cheese Sauce Recipe

Step 1: Prep the Chicken and Dredge

Start by pounding your chicken breasts to an even thickness of about one inch. This ensures that they cook evenly without drying out. Season them generously on both sides with salt and pepper, then dredge in the seasoned flour. Remember to tap off the excess flour so the coating is light and crisp rather than gloopy.

Step 2: Sear the Chicken

Heat some olive oil and butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add two chicken breasts at a time and cook covered until they develop a golden crust, about 4 minutes per side. A perfectly seared chicken breast is the foundation of this dish, locking in the juices and adding texture. Once cooked through to an internal temperature of 165°F, transfer them to a plate and repeat with the remaining breasts.

Step 3: Build the Garlicky Cream Sauce

Lower the heat to medium and melt butter in the same pan. Toss in the minced garlic and stir constantly for 30 to 45 seconds until its aroma fills your kitchen. Pour in the white wine and let it reduce by half, which concentrates the flavors and removes any harsh alcohol bite.

Step 4: Add Cream, Cheese, and Spinach

Pour the heavy cream into the skillet and bring to a gentle simmer. Sprinkle in the freshly grated parmesan cheese and stir until melted into the silky sauce. Add the fresh baby spinach last, cooking just until wilted. This step ensures the vibrant green color and nutrients of the spinach remain intact while blending beautifully with the creamy, cheesy sauce.

Step 5: Finish Cooking the Chicken in the Sauce

Return the seared chicken breasts along with any juices on the plate back into the skillet. Reduce the heat to medium-low and let everything simmer together until the chicken warms through and the sauce thickens slightly, about 4 minutes. This melding time helps the chicken soak up the flavor and creates a rich, cozy finish.

How to Serve Chicken Florentine with Garlicky Spinach Cream Cheese Sauce Recipe

The image shows a black cast iron pan with three browned cooked chicken pieces covered in creamy white sauce with dark specks, surrounded by scattered wilted bright green spinach leaves. Below the pan, a white plate with blue patterns holds one piece of the chicken topped with the same creamy sauce and spinach, resting on a soft pink cloth. To the right of the plate, there is a glass of light yellow drink, and a gold fork and knife lie on the pink cloth next to the plate. The whole scene is set on a smooth white marbled surface with whole garlic bulbs and loose spinach leaves scattered nearby. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

Fresh parsley sprinkled on top adds a burst of color and a fresh brightness that complements the creamy sauce perfectly. For an extra touch, a little more parmesan grated over the finished dish crowds the senses in all the best ways.

Side Dishes

This Chicken Florentine with Garlicky Spinach Cream Cheese Sauce Recipe pairs wonderfully with simple sides like buttery mashed potatoes, garlic roasted potatoes, or even a bed of fluffy rice to soak up every last drop of sauce. For a lighter contrast, a crisp green salad with a tangy vinaigrette works beautifully.

Creative Ways to Present

Serve the chicken over a nest of freshly cooked pasta or creamy polenta for an elegant plating. Alternatively, spoon the sauce generously over open-faced toasted bread for a rustic, cozy vibe that makes dinner feel like a warm gathering.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Transfer any leftovers into an airtight container and store them in the refrigerator. The rich cream sauce keeps well for up to 3 days, allowing you to enjoy this comforting meal all week without losing its deliciousness.

Freezing

This dish freezes well if you want to prep in advance. Be sure to cool it completely before freezing in a sealed container. For best quality, consume within 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating gently.

Reheating

Reheat leftover Chicken Florentine with Garlicky Spinach Cream Cheese Sauce Recipe slowly over low heat on the stove or in the microwave. Add a splash of cream or water if the sauce needs loosening up, stirring occasionally to maintain its creamy texture.

FAQs

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?

Absolutely! Boneless, skinless chicken thighs work beautifully in this recipe and add a bit more juicy flavor. Just adjust the cooking time slightly to ensure they reach the right internal temperature.

What can I substitute for white wine?

If you prefer to avoid alcohol, chicken stock is a perfect substitute. It still adds savory depth to the sauce without altering the flavor drastically.

Is it possible to add other vegetables to this dish?

Yes! Mushrooms are a classic addition that you can sauté with the garlic before adding the wine. Kale or Swiss chard can replace spinach for a slight twist that keeps the recipe fresh and nutritious.

How do I get a perfect sear on the chicken?

Pat your chicken dry, don’t overcrowd the pan, and avoid moving the chicken around once placed in the skillet. This helps develop that irresistible golden crust which seals in the juices.

Can I prepare this dish ahead of time?

You can prep the ingredients and cook the chicken ahead, then finish the sauce just before serving for the freshest taste. The dish is best enjoyed soon after cooking for maximum creaminess.

Final Thoughts

There’s something truly special about the Chicken Florentine with Garlicky Spinach Cream Cheese Sauce Recipe that makes it a standout comfort food. Whether you’re cooking for family, friends, or just indulging yourself, this dish brings warmth, flavor, and just the right touch of elegance to your table. Give it a try and watch it become one of your cherished go-to recipes!

Chicken Florentine with Garlicky Spinach Cream Cheese Sauce Recipe

Ingredients You’ll Need