Creamy Chicken Florentine Pasta Recipe

Oh, I absolutely love sharing this Creamy Chicken Florentine Pasta Recipe with you because it just might become your new weeknight hero. There’s something so comforting about tender chicken, silky spinach, and that luscious creamy sauce that clings perfectly to every strand of pasta. When you’re craving something rich yet satisfying, this recipe hits the spot every single time.

What makes this one special is how it balances indulgence with freshness—thanks to a splash of lemon and plenty of spinach, you won’t feel weighed down after eating it. I first tried making this on a busy weeknight, and I was amazed at how impressively it tasted without tons of fuss. Trust me, once you make this Creamy Chicken Florentine Pasta Recipe, you’ll find yourself reaching for it again and again.

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Ingredients You’ll Need

These ingredients come together to create an incredible harmony of flavors — tender chicken, flavorful seasonings, and the perfect creamy sauce with fresh spinach. Shopping tip: try to get fresh baby spinach and good quality Dijon mustard for the best results.

• Chicken tenders or chicken breasts: I prefer tenders for tenderness and quick cooking, but breasts work just fine cut into strips.
• Garlic powder: Adds that warm garlic flavor without the fuss of mincing fresh cloves here.
• Italian seasoning: A blend of herbs that brings a classic savory note to the chicken.
• Kosher salt and black pepper: Essential for seasoning everything well and balancing flavors.
• Olive oil and butter: A combo I love for cooking chicken — the oil prevents burning and the butter adds richness.
• Linguine pasta: I like linguine for how well it holds the sauce, but feel free to use your favorite pasta shape.
• Onion: Diced small for sweet, aromatic depth into the sauce.
• Fresh garlic cloves: Minced finely for that fresh punch in the sauce.
• Red pepper flakes: Just a pinch adds a lovely subtle heat; adjust to taste.
• All-purpose flour: Helps thicken the sauce perfectly, creating that luscious texture.
• White wine: Adds acidity and complexity – don’t skip it if you have it on hand!
• Chicken broth: The base of the sauce, keeps it savory and flavorful.
• Dijon mustard: Sneaks in a tangy brightness to balance creaminess.
• Heavy cream: For that creamy, dreamy sauce that makes the dish comforting.
• Lemon juice: Freshly squeezed to add brightness and prevent the sauce from tasting too heavy.
• Baby spinach: Adds color, nutrition, and a mild green flavor that pairs perfectly with cream and chicken.
• Parmesan cheese: For topping, because pasta just isn’t complete without it.

Variations

I like to switch things up depending on what’s in my fridge or my mood. Feel free to make this Creamy Chicken Florentine Pasta Recipe your own by adding your favorite veggies or swapping out proteins.

• Vegetarian Variation: I often swap the chicken for sautéed mushrooms and extra spinach, and it’s surprisingly satisfying.
• Spice it up: Adding a dash more red pepper flakes or even a sprinkle of smoked paprika gives a nice kick.
• Different pasta shapes: Try penne or fusilli if you want pasta that holds onto that creamy sauce in fun little pockets.
• Lightened-up version: Use half-and-half instead of heavy cream and reduce butter for a lighter feel without losing richness.

How to Make Creamy Chicken Florentine Pasta Recipe

Step 1: Prep and Season Your Chicken

Start by patting your chicken tenders dry – this helps get a nice sear instead of steaming them. Mix garlic powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper, then sprinkle evenly all over the chicken. I like to flip the pieces to make sure both sides get seasoned thoroughly – this little step makes a big flavor difference.

Step 2: Sear the Chicken Until Golden and Cooked Through

Heat olive oil and butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat until the butter sizzles. Carefully lay the chicken in a single layer and let it cook undisturbed for about 4-5 minutes to get that golden crust. Flip and cook another 3-4 minutes or until the chicken registers 160°F (you can use a meat thermometer). Then transfer to a cutting board and slice into bite-sized pieces.

Step 3: Cook Pasta Just Short of Al Dente

Boil your linguine in salted water but pull it out about a minute before it’s fully al dente – it’ll finish cooking gently in the sauce and soak up all those flavors. This little trick means your pasta has the perfect bite and isn’t mushy.

Step 4: Build the Sauce in the Chicken Pan

Don’t clean that skillet—use the flavorful browned bits left behind! Over medium heat, add a splash of olive oil or a bit more butter if it looks dry. Toss in diced onion and cook until soft, about 4-5 minutes. Add minced garlic and red pepper flakes, stirring just until fragrant, about 30 seconds.

Now sprinkle in the flour and stir constantly until it’s fully incorporated and there are no lumps. Pour in the white wine and whisk it as it nearly evaporates, then gradually whisk in the chicken broth a splash at a time for a smooth sauce base. Whisk in Dijon mustard to lift the sauce with tanginess.

Step 5: Finish the Creamy Sauce and Toss Everything Together

Let the sauce bubble gently and thicken for about 5 minutes, then stir in the heavy cream. Brighten it further with lemon juice, plus salt and pepper to taste—remember your broth level before salting. When your pasta is just about done, drain it (saving a bit of the water!), then add it straight into the pan. Toss in the spinach and gently fold so it wilts perfectly and coats every noodle in that dreamy sauce.

Finally, fold the tender chicken back in to warm through. Plate it up and shower with shaved Parmesan. Serve immediately for the best melty, creamy goodness.

How to Serve Creamy Chicken Florentine Pasta Recipe

Garnishes

I love topping this dish with freshly shaved Parmesan—it melts slightly and adds a nutty, salty finish that makes it feel extra special. A sprinkle of chopped fresh parsley brightens it visually and flavor-wise, but I don’t always bother if I’m short on time.

Side Dishes

With such a creamy, filling main, I like simple sides like a crisp green salad with lemon vinaigrette or roasted asparagus for a bit of texture contrast. Garlic bread is a crowd-pleaser to mop up every bit of sauce, especially with my family!

Creative Ways to Present

For dinner parties, I sometimes plate this pasta in individual shallow bowls and garnish with delicate edible flowers or microgreens to impress guests. Drizzling a touch of high-quality olive oil right before serving also adds a silky glow and aroma.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. The sauce thickens slightly as it chills, so before reheating, I add a splash of chicken broth or cream to loosen it up again.

Freezing

Freezing this pasta works best if you keep the chicken separate from the pasta and sauce. Freeze in individual portions and thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating to preserve texture and flavor.

Reheating

I reheat leftovers gently on the stove over low heat, adding a touch of broth or cream to bring back the saucy texture. Microwave works too, but stirring halfway through helps keep the sauce smooth and delicious.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

This Creamy Chicken Florentine Pasta Recipe really holds a special place in my kitchen routine. It’s one of those comforting dishes that feels indulgent without being complicated, and it always brings a little joy to every meal. I hope you enjoy making it as much as I do—and remember, cooking meals like this isn’t just about feeding the body but sharing flavors and moments with those you love. Go on, give it a try; I have a feeling it’ll become a favorite in your home too.

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