If you love cozy pasta nights, get ready to fall in love with this Creamy Chicken Florentine Pasta. Imagine tender strips of golden chicken nestled throughout a bed of twirly, sauce-coated fettuccine, all mingling with vibrant spinach and a velvety, garlicky Parmesan cream sauce. It’s a weeknight miracle that feels and tastes like a treat worthy of a special occasion, but is so easy to whip up, you’ll probably find yourself making it again and again.

Creamy Chicken Florentine Pasta Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

You’ll be amazed at how such straightforward ingredients come together to create something so memorable. Each ingredient in Creamy Chicken Florentine Pasta plays a starring role, contributing to the irresistible flavor, creamy texture, and gorgeous green pop that make this dish so inviting.

Boneless, skinless chicken breasts: These cook up juicy and flavorful, offering plenty of satisfying protein in every bite.
Fettuccine or penne pasta: Choose your favorite; fettuccine is classic, while penne holds that luscious sauce in every tube.
Olive oil: Adds a fruity richness and helps the chicken achieve a gorgeous, golden sear.
Garlic: Three cloves give the sauce its signature aroma and deep, savory backbone.
Baby spinach: For earthy flavor and a beautiful hit of color, spinach wilts right into the creamy sauce.
Heavy cream: This is the secret to the lush, decadent texture you’ll crave after the first bite.
Chicken broth: It adds depth and keeps the sauce balanced, never heavy.
Grated Parmesan cheese: Parmesan melts into the sauce, giving nutty richness and a touch of tang.
Italian seasoning: A ready-made blend that brings those classic Mediterranean notes to life.
Salt: Just enough to make all the other flavors shine.
Black pepper: A subtle heat that brings roundness and warmth to the sauce.
Butter: Finishes the sauce with that irresistible, silky gloss.
Red pepper flakes (optional): For a little gentle kick, sprinkle these in to wake up your palate.

How to Make Creamy Chicken Florentine Pasta

Step 1: Cook the Pasta

Get things started by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add your fettuccine or penne, stirring occasionally so nothing sticks to the bottom. Cook until the pasta is al dente, just tender with a bit of bite. Drain the pasta and set it aside—but don’t forget to reserve a splash of pasta water in case you want to loosen the sauce later!

Step 2: Sear the Chicken

While the pasta works its magic, heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Lay in the chicken strips in a single layer and let them sizzle, undisturbed, for four to five minutes on each side. You want a beautiful golden color and juicy interior. Once the chicken is perfectly cooked, transfer it to a plate and keep it warm.

Step 3: Build the Creamy Sauce

In the same skillet, melt a tablespoon of butter, then toss in the garlic. Sauté for about a minute, just until fragrant—it should smell amazing but not brown. Pour in the chicken broth and heavy cream, stirring gently to create a smooth base. Sprinkle in the grated Parmesan, Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper. Let this lovely mixture simmer for three to four minutes until it thickens slightly and becomes wonderfully creamy.

Step 4: Add the Spinach

Time to invite a bit of green goodness to the party! Stir the baby spinach right into the sauce—it’ll wilt in a flash, turning silky and tender while soaking up all that rich flavor. Don’t worry if it looks like a lot at first; spinach shrinks beautifully.

Step 5: Bring It All Together

Return the golden chicken strips to the pan, then drop in the cooked pasta. Use tongs or a big spoon to toss everything together, making sure every noodle is lovingly coated by the luscious sauce and dotted with spinach and chicken. If your sauce is a little thick, add a splash of that reserved pasta water until it hugs the pasta just right. Now your Creamy Chicken Florentine Pasta is ready to enjoy!

How to Serve Creamy Chicken Florentine Pasta

Garnishes

Give this creamy masterpiece a finishing touch with a generous extra sprinkle of grated Parmesan and a shower of freshly cracked black pepper. If you love a touch of heat, a pinch of red pepper flakes or even a handful of chopped fresh parsley works wonders for brightness and color.

Side Dishes

Crusty garlic bread to soak up every last dribble of sauce is always a favorite. For something refreshing, try a crisp arugula salad with lemon vinaigrette. Roasted vegetables or simple steamed broccoli also make perfect partners for Creamy Chicken Florentine Pasta, balancing out all the creamy richness.

Creative Ways to Present

Level up your presentation by twirling the pasta into high, elegant nests using tongs. Serve in shallow wide bowls for a restaurant-worthy look, or sprinkle with toasted pine nuts for a bit of crunch. Individual skillets or mini cocottes make each serving feel special and inviting.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you have leftovers, store your Creamy Chicken Florentine Pasta in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will keep well for up to three days. The sauce may thicken in the fridge, but don’t worry—reheating with a splash of milk or cream will bring it right back to life.

Freezing

While cream-based sauces aren’t always perfect candidates for freezing, you can freeze portions of this pasta for up to one month. Store in well-sealed containers and let thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating. The sauce may separate a bit, but a quick stir and gentle reheating will help it come together.

Reheating

Reheat Creamy Chicken Florentine Pasta gently on the stovetop over medium-low heat, adding a splash of milk, cream, or reserved chicken broth to loosen the sauce if needed. Stir often to prevent sticking and restore its creamy consistency. For a quick fix, microwaving on medium power in short bursts, stirring in between, works too.

FAQs

Can I use a different type Main Course

Absolutely! While fettuccine is traditional and penne is hearty, you can use any pasta shape you love or have on hand. Short shapes like rigatoni or farfalle work just as well and hold the creamy sauce beautifully.

How can I make this recipe dairy-free?

You can substitute plant-based cream and non-dairy Parmesan for the heavy cream and cheese. There are many great dairy-free alternatives available now that melt well and still give a lovely texture and flavor.

What protein alternatives can I use for a vegetarian version?

Skip the chicken and try sautéed mushrooms, crispy tofu, or canned white beans for a satisfying vegetarian take. The creamy sauce and spinach are flexible partners for all sorts of proteins!

Can I add extra vegetables to Creamy Chicken Florentine Pasta?

Of course! Sliced mushrooms, sun-dried tomatoes, or zucchini are delicious stir-ins. Add heartier veggies like mushrooms or broccoli before the spinach to allow them time to cook through.

Is it possible to lighten up the sauce?

If you want to reduce the richness, swap out half the heavy cream for whole milk or even evaporated milk. The sauce won’t be quite as thick but will remain creamy and flavorful.

Final Thoughts

If you’re craving something comforting yet a little elegant, Creamy Chicken Florentine Pasta is the answer you’ve been searching for. Give it a try, and don’t be surprised if it becomes the dish everyone requests again and again—there’s just something irresistible about a pan full of creamy, garlicky pasta, spinach, and tender chicken. Happy cooking!

Creamy Chicken Florentine Pasta Recipe

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4.7 from 22 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 30 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Diet: Non-Vegetarian

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Description

Indulge in a rich and satisfying meal with this Creamy Chicken Florentine Pasta recipe. Tender chicken strips, hearty pasta, and vibrant spinach come together in a creamy Parmesan sauce with a hint of garlic and Italian seasoning. This dish is perfect for a cozy night in or entertaining guests with its comforting flavors.

Ingredients

Scale

For the Chicken:

2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (sliced into strips)
2 tablespoons olive oil

For the Pasta:

12 oz fettuccine or penne pasta
3 cloves garlic (minced)
2 cups baby spinach
1 cup heavy cream
1/2 cup chicken broth
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
1 tablespoon butter
Optional: red pepper flakes for heat

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Instructions

Cook the Pasta: Prepare pasta according to package instructions; set aside.
Cook the Chicken: In a skillet, cook chicken strips in olive oil until golden; set aside.
Make the Sauce: Saute garlic in butter, then add broth, cream, Parmesan, seasoning, salt, and pepper. Simmer until thickened.
Finish the Dish: Add spinach to the sauce, then return chicken to the skillet. Add cooked pasta, toss to combine.
Serve: Garnish with extra Parmesan and red pepper flakes if desired.

Notes

Use rotisserie chicken for convenience.
Substitute kale for spinach or add mushrooms for variation.
Adjust seasonings to taste and consider a pinch of nutmeg for extra depth of flavor.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Category: Main Course
Method: Stovetop
Cuisine: Italian-American