Chicken Florentine Pasta is a creamy and flavorful dish that combines tender chicken, fresh spinach, and a rich parmesan sauce. With its smooth texture and delightful taste, this dish is a perfect choice for a comforting weeknight dinner. The combination of savory ingredients and quick preparation makes it a go-to for busy nights when you need a satisfying meal in less than 30 minutes.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Creamy and Flavorful: The creamy parmesan sauce, combined with Italian seasoning and garlic, creates a rich and indulgent flavor that coats the pasta perfectly.
- Quick and Easy: With only 30 minutes of cooking time, this recipe is ideal for a busy evening when you want a homemade, comforting meal.
- Healthy and Delicious: The addition of fresh spinach and tomatoes not only enhances the flavor but also adds nutrients, making this dish a balanced option.
- One-Pan Meal: You’ll use one skillet for the chicken, sauce, and vegetables, which makes cleanup easier.
Ingredients
- 12 oz penne pasta
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 2 cups baby spinach
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
Directions
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Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the penne pasta according to the package instructions. Drain and set aside.
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Cook the Chicken: In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Season the chicken pieces with Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Cook for 6-7 minutes until the chicken is golden brown and fully cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
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Sauté the Garlic and Tomatoes: In the same skillet, melt the butter. Add the minced garlic and cook until fragrant. Stir in the halved cherry tomatoes and cook for another 2-3 minutes, or until softened.
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Make the Sauce: Pour in the heavy cream, chicken broth, and grated parmesan cheese. Stir until the sauce thickens slightly. If desired, add red pepper flakes for a touch of heat.
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Combine Everything: Return the cooked chicken to the skillet along with the fresh spinach. Stir until the spinach wilts. Add the cooked pasta and toss everything together to coat in the creamy sauce.
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Serve & Enjoy: Garnish with extra parmesan cheese and serve warm!
Servings and Timing
- Servings: This recipe yields 4 servings.
- Preparation Time: 10 minutes
- Cooking Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
Variations
- Add More Vegetables: You can add other veggies like mushrooms or bell peppers to increase the nutritional value and flavor of the dish.
- Spicy Version: Increase the amount of red pepper flakes or add a splash of hot sauce for an extra kick.
- Gluten-Free Option: Swap out the penne pasta for gluten-free pasta to make this dish suitable for those with gluten sensitivities.
Storage/Reheating
- Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Reheating: Reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop, adding a little extra cream or chicken broth to loosen the sauce if it becomes too thick.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of pasta?
Yes, you can use any type of pasta, such as fettuccine, spaghetti, or farfalle, as a substitute for penne.
Can I use frozen spinach?
Yes, frozen spinach works well in this recipe. Just make sure to thaw it and drain any excess moisture before adding it to the dish.
How can I make the dish richer?
For a richer flavor, you can add a little more heavy cream or parmesan cheese to the sauce.
Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
While this dish is best served fresh, you can prepare the sauce and chicken ahead of time, and simply reheat and add the pasta and spinach when ready to serve.
How do I know when the chicken is fully cooked?
The chicken should reach an internal temperature of 165°F. You can check with a meat thermometer or cut into a piece to ensure the meat is no longer pink inside.
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Yes, boneless skinless chicken thighs work great in this recipe and will add a bit more flavor due to their higher fat content.
Can I freeze this dish?
This dish is best served fresh, but you can freeze the cooked pasta and sauce (without the spinach) for up to 2 months. Add fresh spinach and reheat when ready to serve.
What other herbs can I add?
You can add fresh basil, oregano, or parsley for extra flavor and garnish.
Can I make it dairy-free?
To make this dish dairy-free, use a plant-based cream alternative, dairy-free cheese, and omit the butter.
What should I serve with this dish?
This pasta is hearty enough on its own, but a side salad or garlic bread would make a great accompaniment.
Conclusion
Chicken Florentine Pasta is a simple, creamy, and satisfying meal that brings together chicken, spinach, tomatoes, and a parmesan-rich sauce. It’s quick to make, comforting, and perfect for any weeknight dinner. Whether you’re cooking for a family or just craving something indulgent, this dish is sure to hit the spot!
Print
Chicken Florentine Pasta
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
This Chicken Florentine Pasta is a creamy, comforting dish featuring tender chicken, fresh spinach, and a rich parmesan sauce. Perfect for busy weeknights, this easy recipe delivers a flavorful meal in just 30 minutes. The addition of cherry tomatoes and Italian seasoning brings extra layers of taste to this delicious pasta dish.
Ingredients
For the Pasta:
- 12 oz penne pasta
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 2 cups baby spinach
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 1 tbsp butter
- 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
Instructions
1. Cook the Pasta
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook penne pasta according to the package instructions.
- Drain and set aside.
2. Cook the Chicken
- In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high heat.
- Season the chicken with Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper.
- Cook for 6-7 minutes, until golden brown and fully cooked.
- Remove from the skillet and set aside.
3. Sauté the Garlic and Tomatoes
- In the same skillet, melt butter over medium heat.
- Add garlic and cook until fragrant.
- Stir in cherry tomatoes and cook until softened, about 2-3 minutes.
4. Make the Sauce
- Pour in heavy cream, chicken broth, and parmesan cheese.
- Stir until the sauce thickens slightly.
- Add red pepper flakes for extra heat, if desired.
5. Combine Everything
- Return the cooked chicken to the skillet along with baby spinach.
- Stir until the spinach wilts.
- Add the cooked pasta and toss everything together.
6. Serve & Enjoy
- Garnish with extra parmesan cheese and serve warm!
Notes
- Vegetarian Version: Omit the chicken and use mushrooms or another plant-based protein for a vegetarian twist.
- Spicy Kick: Adjust red pepper flakes for more heat.
- Creamy Sauce: For a richer sauce, add a little more cream or cheese.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Skillet
- Cuisine: Italian
