When serving Easy Creamy Chicken Florentine Pasta, the right sides can elevate the meal and add balance to the richness of the dish. Garlic bread is an obvious choice – crispy and buttery, it’s perfect for soaking up the creamy sauce.
Slathered with garlic, herbs, and olive oil, it adds a classic touch to the meal. For a refreshing contrast, a mixed green salad with tomatoes and a light vinaigrette helps cut through the richness of the pasta. Tossing in avocado or almonds brings extra texture and flavor, creating a well-rounded side.
Roasted vegetables like asparagus, zucchini, or bell peppers add natural sweetness and a savory crunch, while their roasting brings out their full flavor. Lastly, steamed broccoli is a simple yet nutritious side that not only adds a pop of color but also provides a slight bitterness to balance the creamy pasta.
These pairings complement the dish beautifully, offering a variety of textures and flavors to create a satisfying and complete meal.
What is Easy Creamy Chicken Florentine Pasta?
Easy Creamy Chicken Florentine Pasta is a delightful dish that brings together succulent chicken, vibrant spinach, and a luscious cream sauce. It’s about comfort food elevated to a new level.
Each bite tells a story of rich, savory flavors mingling with the freshness of spinach. This dish originated from the classic Italian “Florentine” preparations, which usually highlight spinach. But fear not, this version is all about accessibility and ease.
What Does It Taste Like?
Imagine a blend of savory chicken bathed in a creamy, garlicky sauce, enriched by the earthiness of fresh spinach. The flavors dance together, creating a medley that’s both hearty and light.
The slight tang from the lemon juice and white wine cuts through the creaminess, making the dish wonderfully balanced. Each forkful hits that sweet spot between indulgence and freshness, leaving you craving more.
Why This Recipe Works
1. Quick and Easy Preparation
This dish can be on your table in about 30 minutes. The chicken cooks rapidly, and while it does, the sauce comes together smoothly. Perfect for those evenings when time is of the essence.
2. Versatility
Want to change things up? You can easily swap the chicken for shrimp or keep it vegetarian by adding more vegetables. It’s adaptable to what you have on hand, making it a solid go-to recipe.
3. Nutritional Balance
Packed with protein from the chicken and a generous serving of spinach, this dish covers your bases. It’s comforting without feeling heavy. You get your carbs, protein, and greens all in one bowl.
4. Family-Friendly Flavor
Kids and adults alike will love this dish. The creamy sauce and familiar pasta shapes make it appealing. Plus, it’s a great way to sneak in some greens without anyone noticing.
Ingredients for Easy Creamy Chicken Florentine Pasta
For the Chicken:
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 pound chicken tenders (or boneless, skinless chicken breasts cut into 1-inch strips)
- 1½ teaspoons garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon dried Italian herbs
- ½ teaspoon kosher salt
- ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
For the Sauce:
- 1 small yellow onion, diced
- 3 cloves of garlic, finely minced
- ½ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- ¼ cup dry white wine
- 1½ cups low-sodium chicken stock
- 2 teaspoons Dijon mustard
- ½ cup heavy whipping cream
- 2 teaspoons freshly squeezed lemon juice
- ½ teaspoon kosher salt
- ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- 6 oz fresh baby spinach, roughly chopped
- Freshly grated parmesan cheese, for garnish
- 1 tablespoon fresh basil, chopped
- 8 oz linguine pasta (or any pasta of your choice)
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Chicken
Begin by seasoning your chicken. In a bowl, combine smoked paprika, garlic powder, Italian herbs, salt, and pepper. Toss the chicken strips in the spice mix until well coated. This adds a depth of flavor right from the start.
Step 2: Cook the Chicken
Heat olive oil and butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Once hot, add the chicken in a single layer. Let it sear undisturbed for about 5 minutes until golden. Flip and cook for another 5 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through. Remove it from the pan and set aside.
Step 3: Make the Sauce
In the same skillet, add diced onion and garlic. Sauté until the onion becomes translucent. This should take about 3-4 minutes. The aroma alone will make your stomach growl.
Step 4: Create the Base
Sprinkle the flour over the sautéed vegetables. Stir constantly for about a minute to get rid of the raw flour taste. Gradually pour in the white wine, scraping up any brown bits from the bottom of the pan. Let it simmer for a minute until slightly reduced.
Step 5: Add Liquid Ingredients
Slowly pour in the chicken stock while stirring to avoid lumps. Add Dijon mustard, heavy cream, lemon juice, salt, and pepper. Let the sauce simmer for about 5 minutes until it thickens slightly.
Step 6: Toss in the Spinach
Stir in the chopped spinach and let it wilt in the sauce—this literally takes just a minute. Then, return the chicken to the skillet to warm through.
Step 7: Combine with Pasta
Meanwhile, cook your pasta according to package directions. Drain and add the pasta to the skillet, tossing everything together until well combined. You want each piece of pasta coated in that luscious sauce.
Step 8: Plate and Garnish
Serve the dish warm, garnished with freshly grated parmesan and basil. Dig in and enjoy the comforting flavors!
Notes
- Cooking Time: Make sure not to overcook the chicken. Remove it from the heat as soon as it’s no longer pink to keep it juicy.
- Sauce Consistency: For a thicker sauce, allow it to simmer longer; for a thinner sauce, add more chicken stock.
- Cheese: Feel free to mix it up. Try adding mozzarella for a creamy melt.
- Vegetable Additions: Carrots or mushrooms can be excellent additions to the mix—just sauté them with the onions.
- Pasta Choices: Use any pasta you love, including whole grain or gluten-free options.
How to Store the Leftovers?
If you happen to have leftovers (which is rare because it’s so delicious), let the pasta cool down to room temperature. Store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. When reheating, a splash of water can help bring back the creaminess.
Sides for Easy Creamy Chicken Florentine Pasta
1. Garlic Bread
Everyone adores garlic bread. Its crunch pairs nicely with this creamy dish. Use a good quality baguette, spread with a mix of butter and minced garlic, and toast until golden.
2. Mixed Green Salad
A light salad acts as a refreshing balance. Use a mix of arugula, spinach, and radicchio, topped with a zesty lemon vinaigrette. It’ll cleanse your palate!
3. Roasted Brussels Sprouts
Toss Brussels sprouts with olive oil and seasoning, roast until crispy. Their nutty flavor and crunch make for a delightful contrast.
4. Grilled Corn on the Cob
Sweet corn is a great summer side. Slather it with herb butter, sprinkle with parmesan, and serve alongside. The sweetness complements the savory pasta beautifully.
Alternative Choices for Ingredients
1. Chicken Options
If you don’t have chicken tenders, any boneless cut works. Thighs add more flavor, while turkey can serve as a lean substitute.
2. Cream Alternatives
Coconut cream or cashew cream can replace heavy cream for a dairy-free version. They both yield a creamy texture without compromising taste.
3. Pasta Variations
Don’t have linguine? Use penne, fusilli, or even zoodles (zucchini noodles) for a low-carb option!
.4 Spinach Alternatives
Fresh kale or Swiss chard can replace spinach. Just ensure you cook them a bit longer as they can take more time to soften.
Conclusion
Easy Creamy Chicken Florentine Pasta is more than just a meal; it’s an experience that brings people together.
The simplicity of preparation, combined with its creamy goodness and nutritional balance, makes it a standout. Whether served on a weeknight or at a gathering, it consistently impresses.
Next time you’re in a rush but craving something delicious, remember this recipe. It shines when paired with the right sides and can accommodate your pantry’s offerings. With just a little effort, you can whip up a dish that warms hearts and fills bellies.
So grab your apron, and let’s get cooking!
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Easy Creamy Chicken Florentine Pasta Recipe – Treat Indulgently
Description
A busy weeknight, the clock ticking closer to dinnertime, and you’ve got a family eager for something comforting and delicious. Enter Easy Creamy Chicken Florentine Pasta. This dish combines tender chicken, fresh spinach, and a rich, velvety sauce, all wrapped around perfectly cooked pasta.
It’s the kind of meal that makes everyone gather around the table, sharing stories and laughter. Trust me, as a registered dietitian and food enthusiast, I’ve seen this dish work wonders in my kitchen. It's simple, satisfying, and packed with flavor.
Ingredients
For the Chicken:
For the Sauce:
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Chicken
-
Begin by seasoning your chicken. In a bowl, combine smoked paprika, garlic powder, Italian herbs, salt, and pepper. Toss the chicken strips in the spice mix until well coated. This adds a depth of flavor right from the start.
Step 2: Cook the Chicken
-
Heat olive oil and butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Once hot, add the chicken in a single layer. Let it sear undisturbed for about 5 minutes until golden. Flip and cook for another 5 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through. Remove it from the pan and set aside.
Step 3: Make the Sauce
-
In the same skillet, add diced onion and garlic. Sauté until the onion becomes translucent. This should take about 3-4 minutes. The aroma alone will make your stomach growl.
Step 4: Create the Base
-
Sprinkle the flour over the sautéed vegetables. Stir constantly for about a minute to get rid of the raw flour taste. Gradually pour in the white wine, scraping up any brown bits from the bottom of the pan. Let it simmer for a minute until slightly reduced.
Step 5: Add Liquid Ingredients
-
Slowly pour in the chicken stock while stirring to avoid lumps. Add Dijon mustard, heavy cream, lemon juice, salt, and pepper. Let the sauce simmer for about 5 minutes until it thickens slightly.
Step 6: Toss in the Spinach
-
Stir in the chopped spinach and let it wilt in the sauce—this literally takes just a minute. Then, return the chicken to the skillet to warm through.
Step 7: Combine with Pasta
-
Meanwhile, cook your pasta according to package directions. Drain and add the pasta to the skillet, tossing everything together until well combined. You want each piece of pasta coated in that luscious sauce.
Step 8: Plate and Garnish
-
Serve the dish warm, garnished with freshly grated parmesan and basil. Dig in and enjoy the comforting flavors!
Nutrition Facts
Servings 6
- Amount Per Serving
- Calories 443kcal
- % Daily Value *
- Total Fat 16.5g26%
- Saturated Fat 6.4g32%
- Cholesterol 182mg61%
- Sodium 720mg30%
- Total Carbohydrate 18g6%
- Dietary Fiber 3g12%
- Sugars 1g
- Protein 55g111%
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily value may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.
Note
- Cooking Time: Make sure not to overcook the chicken. Remove it from the heat as soon as it's no longer pink to keep it juicy.
- Sauce Consistency: For a thicker sauce, allow it to simmer longer; for a thinner sauce, add more chicken stock.
- Cheese: Feel free to mix it up. Try adding mozzarella for a creamy melt.
- Vegetable Additions: Carrots or mushrooms can be excellent additions to the mix—just sauté them with the onions.
- Pasta Choices: Use any pasta you love, including whole grain or gluten-free options.
