Luscious Chicken Florentine Pasta Recipe: A Cheesy Delight

Weeknight dinners call for something special, and this mouthwatering chicken florentine pasta delivers pure comfort on a plate.

Tender chicken nestled in a rich, garlic-infused cream sauce creates a luxurious meal that sings with Italian-inspired flavors.

Spinach adds a vibrant green splash of nutrition to every twirled forkful.

The combination of silky pasta, perfectly seasoned chicken, and velvety sauce makes this dish irresistibly delicious.

Fresh parmesan cheese sprinkled on top adds a salty, nutty finish that brings all the elements together.

Weeknight cooking just got a whole lot more exciting with this restaurant-quality recipe that comes together in under 30 minutes.

Dive into this decadent pasta and savor every single bite.

Quick Recipe Overview

Creamy Chicken Florentine Pasta Ingredient Breakdown

• Chicken Tenders: Lean protein that adds heartiness and satisfies hunger, choose fresh, plump tenders without discoloration or strong odor.
• Parmesan Cheese: Adds rich, salty depth and creamy texture, select authentic Parmigiano-Reggiano for best flavor.

• Garlic Powder, Italian Seasoning, Salt, Pepper: Create robust, aromatic base for chicken, use freshly ground black pepper for maximum punch.
• Red Pepper Flakes: Introduces subtle heat and complexity, adjust quantity based on spice preference.
• Mustard: Provides tangy undertone and helps emulsify sauce, Dijon works best for smooth, bright flavor.
• Lemon Juice: Brightens overall dish with fresh, citrusy notes, use fresh-squeezed for most vibrant taste.

• Olive Oil, Butter: Provide rich, golden foundation for cooking, use unsalted butter for better flavor control.
• Onion, Garlic: Build deep, savory foundation, choose firm, aromatic fresh produce.
• Chicken Broth: Creates liquid base for sauce, opt for low-sodium varieties to manage salt levels.
• Heavy Cream: Delivers luxurious, silky consistency, select high-quality cream for smoothest texture.
• Flour: Thickens sauce and creates velvety mouthfeel, use all-purpose for reliable results.
• Spinach: Adds nutritional value and vibrant color, select fresh, crisp leaves.
• Linguine Pasta: Serves as hearty base, choose high-quality pasta for best texture.

Tools Needed for Chicken Florentine Pasta

• Large pot: For boiling pasta with salted water.
• Large skillet: Primary cooking surface for chicken and sauce preparation.
• Small bowl: For mixing spice blend to season chicken.
• Cutting board: Used for cutting chicken into bite-sized pieces.
• Large slotted spoon or colander: For draining pasta.
• Plate: To hold and pat dry chicken tenders.
• Whisk: Essential for creating smooth sauce and incorporating broth.
• Measuring spoons: For accurately measuring spices and salt.

Cooking Instructions for Chicken Florentine Pasta

Comfort Chicken Florentine Journey

• Seasoning Preparation Lay chicken tenders on a clean surface and generously coat with a blend of aromatic spices.
• Chicken Cooking Heat skillet with butter and oil, creating a golden sear on chicken pieces until perfectly cooked through. Remove and slice into delectable bites.
• Pasta Foundation Boil water and cook pasta slightly under recommended time for that perfect al dente texture.
• Sauce Creation Return skillet to stove and sauté onions until soft. Add garlic and spices, creating a fragrant base. Gradually whisk in broth and cream, developing a silky smooth sauce.
• Flavor Fusion Add spinach to sauce, gently folding pasta until greens soften and sauce becomes luxuriously creamy.
• Final Touch Incorporate sliced chicken into pasta, warming gently. Plate and sprinkle with fresh parmesan for a restaurant-quality meal that feels like a warm embrace.

Flavor Tips for Chicken Florentine Pasta

• Replace chicken tenders with shrimp, turkey breast, or plant-based protein for a unique twist on this classic dish.
• Experiment with different herbs like fresh basil, thyme, or rosemary to create a personalized flavor profile that tantalizes your taste buds.
• Use cornstarch instead of flour as a thickening agent and choose gluten-free pasta to accommodate dietary restrictions without sacrificing taste.
• Toss in additional vegetables like roasted bell peppers, sun-dried tomatoes, or artichoke hearts to increase nutritional value and add exciting texture to the pasta.

How to Serve Chicken Florentine Pasta

• Dinner Party Delight: Impress guests by serving this creamy chicken florentine pasta in elegant white bowls, garnished with fresh basil leaves and extra parmesan shavings for a restaurant-style presentation.
• Cozy Family Meal: Create a comforting family dinner experience by pairing the pasta with a crisp green salad and warm garlic bread, allowing everyone to enjoy the rich, creamy flavors together.
• Wine Pairing Perfection: Complement the dish’s creamy texture and subtle spice with a chilled glass of crisp chardonnay or a light pinot grigio, enhancing the overall dining experience.
• Leftover Lunch Transformation: Repurpose any remaining pasta by serving it cold as a delightful next-day lunch, potentially adding some cherry tomatoes or extra spinach for a fresh twist.

Storing Chicken Florentine Pasta

• Refrigerator Storage Magic: Keep leftovers in an airtight container for 3-4 days, ensuring maximum flavor and food safety without compromising taste quality.
• Quick Meal Prep Strategy: Chop chicken and slice vegetables in advance, storing separately to streamline cooking process and save precious weeknight minutes.
• Freezer-Friendly Technique: Portion cooled pasta in freezer-safe containers, removing air pockets to prevent freezer burn. Freeze for up to 2 months, thawing overnight in refrigerator before reheating.
• Reheating Smart Solution: Gently warm pasta in skillet with splash of chicken broth or water to restore creamy texture, stirring frequently to prevent sauce separation and maintain original deliciousness.

Velvety Chicken Florentine Pasta Recipe

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4.6 from 29 reviews

• Total Time: 50 minutes
• Yield: 5 1x

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Description

Delectable creamy chicken Florentine pasta combines Italian-inspired flavors with rich, comforting ingredients. Spinach, garlic, and parmesan create a luxurious sauce that elevates this classic weeknight meal you’ll crave time and again.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 6 oz / 170 g baby spinach
• 8 oz / 227 g linguine pasta
• 1 small onion
• 3 garlic cloves
• chicken (amount not specified)
• 1½ cups / 300 g chicken broth
• ½ cup / 75 g heavy cream
• 2 tbsps all-purpose flour
• 2 tsps Dijon mustard
• 2 tsps lemon juice
• ½ tsp red pepper flakes
• ½ tsp kosher salt
• ½ tsp freshly ground black pepper
• Parmesan cheese (for topping)

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Instructions

1. Seasoning Preparation: Craft a flavor-enhancing blend by mixing garlic powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper in a compact bowl.
2. Chicken Preparation: Meticulously dry chicken tenders and lavishly coat with the spice mixture, ensuring comprehensive coverage.
3. Searing Technique: Ignite a large skillet over medium-high heat, introducing a harmonious blend of oil and butter until butter begins to shimmer and dance.
4. Chicken Cooking: Strategically place chicken tenders in a pristine single layer, searing for 4-5 minutes until achieving a rich golden-brown crust.
5. Protein Completion: Flip tenders, continuing cooking for an additional 3-4 minutes, verifying internal temperature reaches 160 degrees F.
6. Pasta and Sauce Foundation: Simultaneously, launch pasta into a vigorously boiling, salted water, cooking slightly less than package guidelines for perfect al dente texture; in the same skillet, sauté onions until translucent and tender.
7. Aromatic Layer: Introduce minced garlic and red pepper flakes, rapidly stirring to unleash their intense fragrance.
8. Sauce Development: Dust flour across the skillet, whisking diligently to eliminate potential lumps; gradually stream chicken broth while continuously whisking to create a velvety smooth base.
9. Flavor Enhancement: Incorporate mustard, lemon juice, and cream, allowing the sauce to gently bubble and transform into a luxurious consistency.
10. Final Assembly: Drain pasta directly into the sauce, gently fold in fresh spinach until wilted, and integrate sliced chicken pieces.
11. Plating Finale: Transfer to individual serving vessels, crowning each portion with an abundant sprinkle of shaved parmesan cheese, ready to be savored immediately.

Notes

• Chicken Doneness Check: Use a meat thermometer to verify chicken reaches 160°F for safe consumption, preventing undercooking.
• Pasta Texture Tip: Cook pasta slightly under package instructions to maintain al dente texture, as it will continue cooking in the sauce.
• Sauce Consistency Hack: Keep reserved pasta water to adjust sauce thickness, helping create a perfectly creamy and smooth texture.
• Flavor Boosting Technique: Toast spices and seasonings briefly in the pan to enhance their aromatic oils and deepen overall dish flavor.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 35 minutes
• Category: Dinner
• Method: Frying
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 5
• Calories: 450
• Sugar: 2 g
• Sodium: 800 mg
• Fat: 22 g
• Saturated Fat: 12 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 50 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 18 g
• Cholesterol: 80 mg