Chicken Florentine is a classic dish that features tender chicken breasts served over a bed of sautéed spinach and topped with a creamy sauce. This flavorful dish is both elegant and easy to prepare, making it perfect for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion.

Ingredients

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• Salt and pepper (to taste)
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 4 cloves garlic (minced)
• 6 cups fresh spinach (washed and roughly chopped)
• 1/2 cup heavy cream
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
• Fresh parsley (for garnish, optional)

Timing

Making Chicken Florentine Style takes about 10 minutes for preparation and 20-25 minutes for cooking.

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Chicken

1. Season Chicken: Season both sides of the chicken breasts with salt and pepper.
2. Heat Oil: In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat.

Step 2: Cook the Chicken

1. Sear Chicken: Add the chicken breasts to the skillet and cook for about 6-7 minutes on each side, or until the chicken is cooked through and golden brown. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.

Step 3: Sauté the Spinach

1. Melt Butter: In the same skillet, add the butter and let it melt.
2. Add Garlic: Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
3. Add Spinach: Add the chopped spinach to the skillet and cook until wilted, about 2-3 minutes.

Step 4: Make the Cream Sauce

1. Add Cream: Pour in the heavy cream and stir to combine. Bring to a simmer.
2. Add Cheese and Seasonings: Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese, Italian seasoning, and red pepper flakes (if using). Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly.

Step 5: Combine and Serve

1. Return Chicken: Place the cooked chicken breasts back into the skillet, spooning the sauce over them to coat.
2. Garnish: Garnish with fresh parsley if desired.

Step 6: Serve

1. Enjoy: Serve the Chicken Florentine hot, accompanied by your choice of side dishes such as pasta, rice, or a fresh salad.

Nutritional Information

Here’s a quick overview of the nutritional content of Chicken Florentine Style (per serving, based on 4 servings):

Nutrient	Amount per Serving
Calories	350
Protein	30g
Fat	22g
Carbohydrates	4g
Fiber	2g
Sugar	1g

Tips for Customization

• Add Other Vegetables: Incorporate mushrooms, sun-dried tomatoes, or artichokes for additional flavor and texture.
• Use Different Cheeses: Substitute Parmesan with mozzarella or feta cheese for a different taste.
• Make it Lighter: Use half-and-half or Greek yogurt instead of heavy cream for a lighter version.

Conclusion

Chicken Florentine Style is a deliciously creamy and satisfying dish that highlights the flavors of spinach and cheese. This recipe is quick to prepare and perfect for any occasion, making it a wonderful addition to your dinner repertoire. Enjoy this delightful recipe!