If you’re craving a meal that feels like a warm hug in a bowl, look no further than this Chicken Florentine Soup Recipe. It’s a comforting, creamy delight loaded with tender shredded chicken, vibrant fresh spinach, and savory herbs, all brought together by a luscious Parmesan-infused broth. Whether you’re chasing away a chill or simply want to savor something nourishing and bursting with flavor, this soup hits every comfort food note while feeling delightfully elegant and satisfying.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of this Chicken Florentine Soup Recipe lies in its simple yet powerful ingredients. Each component plays a vital role—adding layers of flavor, creaminess, and nourishing goodness that create the perfect cozy bowl.
- Olive oil: Provides a rich, fruity base to sauté the aromatics, enhancing the soup’s depth.
- Butter: Adds creaminess and helps create a dreamy, silky texture.
- Yellow onion (diced): Offers sweetness and a subtle punch to build the flavor foundation.
- Garlic (minced): Brings warmth and aromatic intensity to every spoonful.
- Dried thyme: Infuses the soup with a gentle earthy note that complements the chicken beautifully.
- Dried basil: Adds a hint of sweet herbal brightness, tying the flavors together.
- Crushed red pepper flakes (optional): Gives a mild kick to awaken the palate, perfect for those who love a bit of heat.
- All-purpose flour: Acts as a thickening agent to create that beloved creamy consistency.
- Low-sodium chicken broth: Serves as the flavorful liquid base, ensuring the soup isn’t too salty.
- Heavy cream: Makes the soup irresistibly rich and velvety.
- Cooked shredded chicken: Rotisserie chicken works wonders here for quick, tender protein.
- Fresh baby spinach: Adds a burst of color, nutrition, and delicate earthiness.
- Shredded carrots: Contribute a subtle sweetness and delightful texture contrast.
- Grated Parmesan cheese: Brings a nutty, savory finish that truly elevates the entire dish.
- Salt and black pepper: Essential seasonings to balance and brighten every bite.
How to Make Chicken Florentine Soup Recipe
Step 1: Sauté the Aromatics
Start by heating olive oil and butter together in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Once melted and warm, add your diced onion and cook until they become soft and translucent, which usually takes about 4 to 5 minutes. This step builds the savory backbone of your soup and gives it a wonderfully fragrant base.
Step 2: Add Garlic and Herbs
Next, stir in the minced garlic, dried thyme, dried basil, and if you like a little spice, the crushed red pepper flakes. Let them cook for just one minute until the garlic is fragrant. This layering of herbs and spice unlocks a beautifully aromatic quality that will complement the rich broth.
Step 3: Create the Roux
Sprinkle the flour over the softened onions and herbs, stirring constantly. Cook this mixture for another 1 to 2 minutes. This step is crucial because the flour will help thicken the soup later, giving it that creamy texture we all crave.
Step 4: Gradually Add Chicken Broth
Slowly whisk in the low-sodium chicken broth, being careful to stir constantly to prevent lumps from forming. Once it’s fully combined, bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. Letting it simmer for about 5 minutes allows the broth to thicken slightly, setting the stage for the rich creaminess to come.
Step 5: Stir in the Cream
Add the heavy cream to the pot and bring everything back to a gentle simmer. This is where the soup really transforms into a luxurious, velvety delight that wraps around the chicken and vegetables perfectly.
Step 6: Add Chicken, Spinach, and Carrots
Fold in the cooked shredded chicken, fresh baby spinach, and shredded carrots. Simmer for an additional 5 to 7 minutes, or until the spinach wilts beautifully and the soup is heated through. This final simmer lets all the flavors meld into one irresistibly tasty bowl of comfort.
Step 7: Finish with Parmesan and Season
Turn off the heat and stir in the grated Parmesan cheese, letting it melt into the soup to add a nutty, savory richness. Taste and season with salt and black pepper to your liking. Now your Chicken Florentine Soup Recipe is ready to dazzle your taste buds!
How to Serve Chicken Florentine Soup Recipe
Garnishes
To elevate your presentation and add an extra dimension of flavor, sprinkle a little extra Parmesan on top just before serving. A few fresh spinach leaves or a drizzle of olive oil can also add a lovely pop of color and freshness. Don’t underestimate the power of a well-chosen garnish to make your soup feel even more special.
Side Dishes
This soup is hearty but pairs wonderfully with simple sides like warm crusty bread, garlic bread, or a crisp garden salad. Each side perfectly complements the creamy soup’s richness and keeps the meal balanced and satisfying.
Creative Ways to Present
For a cozy gathering, serve the Chicken Florentine Soup Recipe in rustic bread bowls for a fun and edible presentation. You could also ladle it over cooked pasta or rice for a different take on comfort food. Presentation can totally change the dining experience, making this soup just right for any occasion.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Cool your soup completely before transferring it to an airtight container for refrigeration. It will stay fresh for up to 3 days, making it perfect for a quick reheat on a busy weeknight. The flavors often deepen overnight, which means your leftovers can taste even better!
Freezing
This Chicken Florentine Soup Recipe freezes beautifully. Store it in freezer-safe containers, leaving some space at the top for expansion. It will keep well for up to 3 months. Keep in mind that the texture of the spinach may change slightly after freezing, but the deliciousness remains intact.
Reheating
Reheat the soup gently over low to medium heat on the stove, stirring occasionally until warmed through to prevent the cream from separating. Adding a splash of broth or cream can help revive that fresh, creamy texture if it seems too thick after storage.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of greens instead of spinach?
Absolutely! Kale or Swiss chard can be great substitutes if you want a heartier leafy green. Just be sure to adjust the simmer time so they soften properly without losing their vibrant color.
Is there a lighter version of this Chicken Florentine Soup Recipe?
Yes, if you’d prefer a lighter soup, substitute the heavy cream with half-and-half or whole milk. It won’t be quite as rich, but still deliciously creamy and comforting.
Can I make this soup vegetarian?
While this recipe relies on chicken for its signature flavor and protein, you can adapt it by using vegetable broth and adding plant-based protein like chickpeas or tofu. Keep in mind it won’t be a Chicken Florentine Soup Recipe anymore, but it will still be tasty!
How do I know when the soup is thick enough?
The soup should coat the back of a spoon but not be overly heavy like a stew. If it’s too thin, simmer a bit longer to reduce or add a touch more flour slurry. Just watch closely so it doesn’t become too thick or pasty.
Can I prep ingredients in advance to save time?
Definitely! You can dice the onions, shred the chicken, and grate the cheese ahead of time. Store them in separate containers in the fridge for up to one day before cooking. This really speeds up the process when you’re ready to make the soup.
Final Thoughts
This Chicken Florentine Soup Recipe has a special way of turning simple ingredients into an unforgettable, cozy meal that feels like it was made just for you. Its creamy texture, fresh spinach, and tender chicken make every spoonful a joy to savor. I encourage you to try this recipe soon and bring a little Italian-American comfort food magic into your kitchen—it just might become a new favorite!
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Chicken Florentine Soup Recipe
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
Chicken Florentine Soup is a creamy, comforting Italian-American soup featuring tender shredded chicken, fresh baby spinach, and rich Parmesan cheese simmered in a flavorful herb-infused broth with a touch of heavy cream. This hearty yet elegant soup combines mild spices and fresh vegetables, making it perfect for a nourishing meal any day of the year.
Ingredients
Soup Base
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 1 small yellow onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1/2 teaspoon dried basil
- 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 4 cups low-sodium chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
Main Ingredients
- 2 cups cooked shredded chicken (rotisserie chicken works well)
- 3 cups fresh baby spinach
- 1 cup shredded carrots
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Salt and black pepper to taste
Instructions
- Heat Oil and Butter: In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat olive oil and butter over medium heat until melted and combined.
- Sauté Onion: Add the diced onion and cook for about 4 to 5 minutes until softened and translucent.
- Add Garlic and Herbs: Stir in minced garlic, dried thyme, dried basil, and crushed red pepper flakes (if using), cooking for 1 minute until fragrant.
- Incorporate Flour: Sprinkle flour over the onion mixture and stir to coat, cooking for 1 to 2 minutes to remove the raw flour taste.
- Add Broth: Gradually whisk in the chicken broth, stirring constantly to prevent lumps, then bring the mixture to a simmer and cook for 5 minutes to slightly thicken.
- Mix in Cream: Stir in heavy cream and return to a gentle simmer.
- Add Chicken, Spinach, and Carrots: Incorporate the shredded chicken, fresh baby spinach, and shredded carrots; simmer for 5 to 7 minutes until the spinach wilts and the soup is heated through.
- Finish with Cheese and Seasoning: Stir in grated Parmesan cheese, then season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste.
- Serve: Ladle the soup into bowls and serve warm, optionally with crusty bread or a side salad.
Notes
- For a lighter version, substitute heavy cream with half-and-half.
- Add sliced mushrooms when sautéing the onions for added flavor and texture.
- This soup pairs wonderfully with crusty bread or a fresh side salad for a complete meal.
- Use gluten-free flour to make the recipe gluten-free.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian-American
