If you’re craving a cozy, comforting bowl that’s rich in flavor yet surprisingly light, this Chicken Florentine Soup Recipe is your new best friend in the kitchen. Creamy, cheesy, and packed with tender chicken and vibrant spinach, every spoonful feels like a warm hug. Whether you’re looking to impress dinner guests or just want a delicious weeknight meal, this soup delivers hearty satisfaction with an Italian flair that’s both familiar and fulfilling.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This recipe shines because it keeps things simple but purposeful. Each ingredient plays a crucial role, from building layers of savory flavor to adding creamy texture and freshness. Here’s what you’ll gather:
- 1 tablespoon olive oil: Adds subtle richness and helps soften the onions perfectly.
- 1 tablespoon unsalted butter: Balances the olive oil with creamy depth and a golden sauté.
- 1 small onion, diced: Provides aromatic sweetness for a comforting base.
- 3 cloves garlic, minced: Brings a punch of fragrant warmth that wakes up the dish.
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breast, diced or shredded: The hearty protein star that soaks up all the flavors beautifully.
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning: A blend that infuses classic Mediterranean herbs into the soup’s soul.
- 1/2 teaspoon salt: Enhances all the natural flavors with just the right amount of seasoning.
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper: Adds a gentle, spicy edge without overpowering.
- 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional): Perfect if you like a subtle heat kick.
- 4 cups chicken broth: The savory liquid foundation that keeps everything moist and flavorful.
- 1 cup heavy cream: Offers luscious creaminess to make every bite silky smooth.
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese: Brings sharp, nutty notes that make the soup irresistible.
- 2 cups fresh spinach, chopped: A bright, healthy touch that adds lovely color and nutrition.
- 1 cup cooked pasta (like orzo or small shells, optional): Adds a delightful bite if you want a more filling meal.
How to Make Chicken Florentine Soup Recipe
Step 1: Sauté Your Aromatics
Start by heating olive oil and butter in a large pot over medium heat. Toss in the diced onion and cook until it softens and turns translucent, about 3 to 4 minutes. Then add the minced garlic and let it cook for just a minute until it becomes fragrant. This step builds the flavor base you’ll love throughout the soup.
Step 2: Cook the Chicken with Seasonings
Add the chicken pieces along with Italian seasoning, salt, black pepper, and crushed red pepper flakes if you want some heat. Stir everything together and let the chicken brown gently for 5 to 6 minutes. This locks in juiciness and infuses the meat with fragrant herbs and spices.
Step 3: Simmer in Chicken Broth
Pour in the chicken broth and bring the mixture to a simmer. Reduce the heat to a low boil and let it cook for 10 to 15 minutes so the chicken becomes tender and the flavors meld beautifully together. This slow simmer is where the magic deepens.
Step 4: Enrich with Cream and Parmesan
Turn the heat down to low and stir in the heavy cream and grated Parmesan cheese. Let the soup simmer gently for another 5 minutes. This step is what makes the soup luxuriously creamy and adds depth with the nuttiness of Parmesan.
Step 5: Add Spinach and Optional Pasta
Finally, stir in the fresh chopped spinach and cook for 2 to 3 minutes until it’s just wilted, maintaining its bright color and fresh flavor. If you’re including pasta, toss that in now for a comforting bite that completes the meal.
How to Serve Chicken Florentine Soup Recipe
Garnishes
Topping your soup with a little extra Parmesan and freshly cracked black pepper instantly amps up its appeal. For a fresh twist, consider a sprinkle of chopped fresh parsley or a drizzle of good-quality olive oil. These simple touches add aroma, color, and a pop of freshness that makes each bowl inviting.
Side Dishes
Serve this Chicken Florentine Soup Recipe alongside crusty bread or garlic toast to sop up every luscious drop. A crisp green salad dressed lightly with lemon vinaigrette provides a refreshing contrast, balancing the soup’s creamy texture beautifully. Roasted vegetables like asparagus or Brussels sprouts also pair wonderfully if you want to round out your meal.
Creative Ways to Present
For a charming presentation, serve the soup in individual bread bowls — hollowed-out round rolls or sourdough loaves work great. This not only looks stunning but adds extra heartiness. Alternatively, ladle the soup into attractive bowls and garnish with a lemon twist or colorful microgreens for a restaurant-quality touch at home.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Chicken Florentine Soup Recipe keeps well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Store it in an airtight container to preserve its creamy texture and fresh flavors. Before reheating, give it a good stir because the spinach and cream might settle at the bottom.
Freezing
You can freeze the soup, but keep in mind that the cream and spinach might change texture slightly after thawing. To minimize this, freeze the soup without the cream and spinach, then add them freshly when reheating. This trick helps maintain the soup’s signature creamy, vibrant quality.
Reheating
Rewarm your leftover soup gently on the stovetop over medium-low heat. Stir frequently to prevent the cream from separating and add a splash of broth or water if it feels too thick. Heat just until warmed through, then finish by stirring in fresh spinach if needed to bring back that lovely color and texture.
FAQs
Can I use pre-cooked chicken for this soup?
Absolutely! Rotisserie or leftover cooked chicken works wonderfully and can save you time. Just add it toward the end of simmering to warm through without overcooking.
Is there a lighter option for the cream in this recipe?
Yes, you can substitute half-and-half or evaporated milk for heavy cream to reduce the fat content. Keep in mind the soup will be less rich but still delicious and creamy enough.
What kind of pasta works best in Chicken Florentine Soup Recipe?
Small pastas like orzo, small shells, or ditalini are perfect because they cook quickly and blend nicely without overpowering the broth or ingredients.
Can I make this soup dairy-free?
You can try using coconut milk and a dairy-free cheese alternative, but the flavor profile will shift. For best results, keep the Parmesan and cream if possible, or choose a non-dairy creamy substitute and nutritional yeast for that cheesy kick.
How do I prevent the spinach from overcooking?
Add the chopped spinach during the last few minutes of cooking and cook just until wilted. Overcooking spinach turns it mushy and diminishes color and flavor, so a quick stir is key.
Final Thoughts
This Chicken Florentine Soup Recipe is like wrapping yourself in a cozy blanket of flavors. It’s creamy, nourishing, and delightfully easy to make, making it a must-try for anyone who loves classic Italian-American comfort food. Once you taste this soup, it will likely become a trusted favorite on your menu that brings warmth and joy to any meal.
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Chicken Florentine Soup Recipe
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4–6 servings 1x
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
This Chicken Florentine Soup is a comforting and creamy Italian-American dish featuring tender chicken, fresh spinach, and Parmesan cheese simmered in a savory broth. Perfect for a cozy meal, it blends flavorful herbs and a hint of spice with rich creaminess, making it both hearty and satisfying.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
- 1 small onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breast, diced or shredded
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 cups fresh spinach, chopped
- 1 cup cooked pasta such as orzo or small shells (optional)
Instructions
- Sauté Onion and Garlic: In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat olive oil and butter over medium heat. Add diced onion and cook for 3–4 minutes until softened. Stir in minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
- Cook Chicken and Season: Add diced chicken, Italian seasoning, salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes if using. Cook for 5–6 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the chicken is lightly browned and mostly cooked through.
- Add Broth and Simmer: Pour in the chicken broth and bring the mixture to a simmer. Reduce heat and cook for 10–15 minutes until the chicken is tender and fully cooked.
- Incorporate Cream and Cheese: Lower the heat and stir in the heavy cream and grated Parmesan cheese. Let the soup simmer gently for 5 minutes to meld the flavors and thicken slightly.
- Add Spinach and Pasta: Add the chopped spinach and cook for 2–3 more minutes until wilted. Stir in cooked pasta if using, ensuring everything is well combined.
- Adjust and Serve: Taste the soup and adjust seasoning as needed. Serve warm, topped with extra Parmesan cheese and freshly cracked black pepper.
Notes
- For a quicker option, use rotisserie chicken instead of raw chicken breast.
- For a lighter version, substitute heavy cream with half-and-half or evaporated milk.
- Omit pasta to keep it gluten-free and lower in carbs.
- Adjust red pepper flakes based on your preferred spice level.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian-American
