This Creamy Chicken Florentine Skillet Recipe is an absolute game-changer for busy weeknights when you crave something rich, comforting, and packed with vibrant flavors. Imagine tender chicken breasts perfectly browned and nestled in a luscious sauce of garlic, mushrooms, creamy Parmesan, and fresh spinach, all made effortlessly in one pan. The way the spinach wilts into the silky sauce adds a beautiful pop of color and a fresh earthiness that balances the indulgence. This dish feels fancy enough for guests but comes together in just about 30 minutes, making it an everyday favorite you’ll turn to again and again.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Each ingredient in this recipe plays a crucial role, blending simplicity and freshness to create a dish that’s both flavorful and satisfying. From the juicy chicken breasts to the creamy Parmesan cheese, every element contributes to the taste, texture, and vibrant presentation of this skillet dinner.
- 4 (8-oz) boneless, skinless chicken breasts: The star protein, yielding juicy, tender bites after a quick sear.
- 1 teaspoon sea salt: Enhances all the natural flavors without overpowering the dish.
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper: Adds a subtle, warming hint of spice.
- 2 tablespoons olive oil (plus more if needed): Essential for browning the chicken and sautéing vegetables to golden perfection.
- 4 cloves garlic, minced: Brings aromatic depth and a punch of savory richness.
- 6 oz cremini mushrooms, sliced (~2 cups): Earthy and meaty, they absorb the flavors and add heartiness.
- 1 tablespoon unsalted butter: Introduces a silky texture and a subtle richness to the sauce.
- ½ cup reduced-sodium chicken broth: Helps build a flavorful base while keeping sodium in check.
- ¼ cup dry white wine: Perfect for deglazing the pan, adding acidity and depth.
- 1 cup heavy cream: Creates that irresistible creamy texture that coats every ingredient.
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese: Melts into the sauce, lending a sharp, savory finish.
- 6 cups fresh spinach, packed: Adds vibrant color and a fresh, slightly sweet contrast to the creamy sauce.
How to Make Creamy Chicken Florentine Skillet Recipe
Step 1: Prep and Season the Chicken
Start by patting your chicken breasts dry; this step is key to achieving that beautiful golden sear later on. Season both sides generously with sea salt and black pepper, allowing those simple seasonings to highlight the natural flavor of the chicken perfectly.
Step 2: Brown the Chicken
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering. Carefully place the chicken breasts in the pan and brown them on both sides, about 4-5 minutes per side. You’re looking for a caramelized crust that locks in the juices. Once browned, remove the chicken from the pan and set it aside for now.
Step 3: Sauté Garlic and Mushrooms
Into the same skillet, add minced garlic and sliced cremini mushrooms. The garlic releases its fragrant aroma, and the mushrooms begin to brown and soften, releasing earthy liquids. Cook until the mushrooms are nicely browned and the liquid has mostly evaporated, creating an intensely flavorful base.
Step 4: Create the Sauce Base
Lower the heat to medium, then stir in the butter to enrich the pan. Pour in the chicken broth and dry white wine next, scraping the bottom of the pan with your spatula to deglaze and lift up all those tasty brown bits—this step packs in tons of flavor. Let the liquid simmer until it reduces by half, concentrating the taste beautifully.
Step 5: Add Cream and Parmesan
Pour in the heavy cream, stirring continuously as it begins to thicken slightly over gentle heat. Once the sauce has softened up, sprinkle in the grated Parmesan cheese and stir well to melt it through, creating a luxuriously creamy, slightly cheesy sauce that clings to everything perfectly.
Step 6: Wilt the Spinach
It’s time to add the fresh spinach, packing in the nutrients and those gorgeous green hues. Stir the spinach into the creamy sauce just until it wilts down, softening into the luscious mixture and balancing the richness with a fresh, mildly sweet flavor.
Step 7: Return Chicken and Finish Cooking
Gently nestle the browned chicken breasts back into the skillet sauce. Reduce the heat to low and cook for another 3-5 minutes, allowing the chicken to absorb the creamy goodness and heat through fully. This final step melds the flavors so that every forkful is pure comfort.
How to Serve Creamy Chicken Florentine Skillet Recipe
Garnishes
To brighten up the dish and add a festive touch, sprinkle freshly chopped parsley or chives on top right before serving. A light grating of extra Parmesan cheese adds a sharp, salty finish that guests adore. A pinch of freshly cracked black pepper can also enhance the presentation and flavor.
Side Dishes
This creamy chicken Florentine skillet shines on its own but pairs beautifully with simple sides that soak up the sauce. Think fluffy garlic mashed potatoes, buttery rice pilaf, or warm crusty bread to mop up every last bit. For something lighter, a crisp green salad with lemon vinaigrette offers a refreshing contrast.
Creative Ways to Present
If you’re feeling a bit fancy or want to impress, serve this dish in individual cast iron skillets or beautifully rustic bowls. For family-style dinners, plating it in a large skillet on the table invites everyone to savor each bite together. A drizzle of extra virgin olive oil or a squeeze of fresh lemon juice over the top just before serving adds a zesty freshness that elevates the meal.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
This Creamy Chicken Florentine Skillet Recipe keeps well in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. Make sure the chicken and sauce have cooled to room temperature before sealing to preserve the flavors and textures.
Freezing
If you want to stash some away for future meals, freeze leftovers in a freezer-safe container for up to two months. Keep in mind that the spinach may become a bit softer after freezing, but the rich cream sauce still tastes delicious once reheated.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers gently on the stovetop over low heat, stirring frequently to warm the sauce evenly and prevent it from separating. Adding a splash of chicken broth or cream can refresh the sauce’s creaminess. Microwave reheating works too but is best done in shorter intervals to keep the chicken tender.
FAQs
Can I use other types of mushrooms in this recipe?
Absolutely! While cremini mushrooms provide a nice earthiness and texture, you can swap in button mushrooms, shiitake, or even porcini for a more intense flavor. Just adjust cooking time slightly to ensure they brown nicely without becoming soggy.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
Yes! This Creamy Chicken Florentine Skillet Recipe uses no flour or wheat-based thickeners, making it naturally gluten-free. Just double-check that your chicken broth and Parmesan cheese are gluten-free, which most brands are.
Can I make this dish dairy-free?
You can lighten it up by substituting heavy cream with full-fat coconut milk or a dairy-free cream alternative and using a dairy-free cheese substitute or nutritional yeast instead of Parmesan. The taste will be a bit different but still delectably creamy and flavorful.
What wine is best for cooking this dish?
A dry white wine like Sauvignon Blanc, Pinot Grigio, or Chardonnay works wonderfully here. Choose something you enjoy drinking since the wine’s flavor concentrates during cooking and significantly influences the sauce’s final taste.
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Yes, boneless skinless chicken thighs are a great alternative if you prefer darker meat. They stay juicy and flavorful, though you may need to adjust cooking time slightly to ensure even browning and doneness.
Final Thoughts
Once you experience this Creamy Chicken Florentine Skillet Recipe, it’s easy to see why it quickly becomes a beloved favorite. It’s the perfect combination of simple ingredients, minimal cleanup, and indulgent flavors that embrace you like a warm hug. Whether for a cozy family night or an impressive yet effortless dinner, this recipe promises delicious results every time. Give it a try—you’ll wonder how you ever lived without it!
Print
Creamy Chicken Florentine Skillet Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
Description
This Chicken Florentine recipe is a quick and delicious one-pan dinner combining tender pan-seared chicken breasts with a creamy mushroom, spinach, and Parmesan sauce. Ready in just 30 minutes, it offers a flavorful and comforting meal perfect for weeknights.
Ingredients
Chicken
- 4 (8-oz) boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 teaspoon sea salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- 2 tablespoons olive oil (plus more if needed)
Sauce
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 6 oz cremini mushrooms, sliced (~2 cups)
- 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
- ½ cup reduced-sodium chicken broth
- ¼ cup dry white wine
- 1 cup heavy cream
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 6 cups fresh spinach, packed
Instructions
- Prep Chicken: Pat the chicken breasts dry with paper towels and season both sides evenly with sea salt and black pepper to enhance the flavor before cooking.
- Brown Chicken: Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the chicken breasts and cook until golden brown on both sides, about 3-4 minutes per side. Remove the chicken from the pan and set aside.
- Cook Mushrooms: In the same skillet, add the minced garlic and sliced cremini mushrooms. Sauté until the mushrooms are browned and their liquid has evaporated, stirring occasionally to prevent burning.
- Make Sauce: Reduce the heat to medium and stir in 1 tablespoon of unsalted butter. Pour in the chicken broth and white wine, scraping the bottom of the pan with a wooden spoon to deglaze and incorporate all the flavorful browned bits. Let the mixture simmer until the liquid reduces by half.
- Add Cream and Cheese: Stir in 1 cup of heavy cream and continue to simmer until the sauce slightly thickens. Lower the heat to low and mix in ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese until melted and creamy.
- Wilt Spinach: Add the packed fresh spinach to the skillet and cook, stirring gently, until the spinach is wilted and tender, integrating it fully into the sauce.
- Return Chicken and Finish: Nestle the browned chicken breasts back into the creamy sauce. Cover and cook for an additional 3-5 minutes, or until the chicken is heated through and fully cooked to an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C). Serve hot.
Notes
- Make sure not to overcrowd the skillet when browning the chicken for even cooking and a nice crust.
- If you prefer a thicker sauce, simmer it a bit longer before adding spinach.
- Dry white wine is used to add depth to the sauce; you can substitute with additional chicken broth if avoiding alcohol.
- Use fresh spinach for best texture and flavor; frozen spinach will release excess moisture affecting the sauce consistency.
- For a lighter version, substitute heavy cream with half-and-half, though the sauce will be less rich.
