Amazing Creamy Chicken Florentine Pasta
Introduction
This creamy and luxurious Chicken Florentine Pasta combines tender chicken, fresh spinach, and rich Parmesan in a velvety sauce that coats every strand of pasta. It’s an elegant restaurant-quality dish that comes together in about 30 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights or special occasions alike.
Ingredients
- 12 oz penne or fettuccine pasta
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 5 oz fresh spinach, roughly chopped
- 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 tsp freshly grated nutmeg
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter
Instructions
- Cook the pasta according to package directions until al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup pasta water before draining.
- Season chicken pieces with salt and pepper. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add chicken and cook for 6-7 minutes until golden and cooked through. Remove from skillet and set aside.
- In the same skillet, add garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant. Pour in heavy cream and chicken broth, stirring to combine. Bring to a gentle simmer.
- Add spinach to the cream mixture and cook for 2-3 minutes until wilted. Stir in grated Parmesan cheese and nutmeg. Continue cooking until cheese melts and sauce thickens slightly.
- Return cooked chicken to the skillet. Add drained pasta and butter. Toss everything together, adding pasta water as needed to reach desired consistency. Season with additional salt and pepper to taste.
- Serve immediately, garnished with extra Parmesan if desired.
Pro Tips & Notes
- Protein Swap: Substitute chicken with shrimp or mushrooms for a vegetarian version.
- Creaminess Boost: Add an extra 1/4 cup cream cheese for an even richer sauce.
- Pasta Choice: Penne, fettuccine, or rigatoni work best to hold the creamy sauce.
- Fresh Herbs: Stir in fresh basil or parsley at the end for added freshness.
- Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Reheat gently with a splash of cream.
Nutrition Facts (per serving)
- Calories: 720
- Protein: 42g
- Carbohydrates: 68g
- Fat: 32g
- Sodium: 680mg
- Fiber: 4g
Frequently Asked Questions
- Q: Can I use frozen spinach instead of fresh? A: Yes, thaw and drain frozen spinach well before adding to avoid excess moisture.
- Q: Is heavy cream necessary? A: For authentic creaminess, yes. Half-and-half can work but will be less rich.
- Q: How do I prevent the sauce from curdling? A: Keep heat at medium-low when adding cheese, and stir constantly.
- Q: Can I make this gluten-free? A: Absolutely! Use your favorite gluten-free pasta and ensure chicken broth is gluten-free.