When you’re in need of a comforting yet elegant dish that can be whipped up relatively quickly, Chicken Florentine Pasta is the answer. This dish beautifully marries tender grilled chicken with a creamy Parmesan sauce, silky spinach, and perfectly cooked spaghetti. From your first bite, this pasta will make you feel like you’re dining in a cozy Italian trattoria, whether you’re preparing it for a special occasion or a simple weeknight dinner.
Why We Love This Chicken Florentine Pasta Recipe
You might find yourself reaching for this recipe again and again, and for good reasons. First and foremost, it’s a well-rounded meal. You have beautiful greens, protein, and pasta all in one dish. The richness of the creamy sauce is perfectly balanced by the freshness of the spinach, making it satisfying without being overwhelming.
Moreover, this Chicken Florentine Pasta can easily be prepared in about 30 minutes, making it ideal for busy weeknights. It’s also incredibly versatile; you can adjust the ingredients or add extras based on what you have on hand. This recipe is perfect for families, as it’s both kid-friendly and impressive enough to serve to guests.
Ingredients for Chicken Florentine Pasta
Here’s what you’ll need to gather to create this delectable dish:
List of Ingredients with Measurements
- 3 small chicken breasts: grilled and sliced
- 1 pound spaghetti
- 2 tablespoons olive oil or butter
- 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1 cup whole milk
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 cup reserved pasta water (up to 1 cup)
- 3 ounces grated Parmesan cheese
- 4 cups baby spinach leaves: rinsed and dried
How to Make Chicken Florentine Pasta Directions
To craft this delicious Chicken Florentine Pasta, follow these straightforward steps:
- Prepare Your Pasta: Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil. Use about 1 teaspoon of salt for every quart of water you have. Once the water is boiling, add the spaghetti and cook according to package instructions. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
- Warm the Liquid: While the pasta is cooking, take a small saucepan and combine the chicken broth and whole milk. Warm this mixture over medium-low heat. Be careful not to let it boil. Set this aside for later use.
- Create the Roux: In a large sauté pan, heat the olive oil (or butter) over medium heat. Add the all-purpose flour to the pan, stirring continuously for about 1 to 2 minutes to form a roux. Your roux should not brown; it just needs to be cooked until slight bubbling occurs.
- Combine and Thicken: Once the roux is ready, add the black pepper followed by the warmed chicken broth and milk mixture. Use a whisk to blend everything smoothly, ensuring there are no lumps. Keep stirring until this mixture thickens, which typically takes several minutes. Once thickened, remove it from the heat and stir in the grated Parmesan cheese until melted and well incorporated.
- Drain the Pasta: Once your spaghetti is cooked to al dente perfection, drain it but save about 1 cup of the pasta water. This will help adjust the sauce’s consistency later if needed.
- Combine Everything: Now it’s time to bring it all together. Mix in the cooked pasta and the fresh baby spinach into the sauce in the sauté pan. Then add the sliced grilled chicken. Toss gently to combine all the elements well. If the sauce appears too thick, gradually add small amounts of the reserved pasta water until your desired consistency is achieved.
How to Serve Chicken Florentine Pasta
Serving your Chicken Florentine Pasta is just as enjoyable as making it. For appealing presentation, consider the following:
- Plate With Care: Use a pair of tongs to twist the pasta and fill individual serving bowls or plates. This creates beautiful spirals that look inviting.
- Garnish: Sprinkle extra grated Parmesan cheese on top for added flavor and visual appeal. For a touch of color, you can add a few fresh spinach leaves or even a sprinkle of black pepper.
- Accompaniments: This dish pairs well with a simple side salad drizzled with olive oil and lemon juice. Alternatively, a loaf of crusty bread can round out the meal nicely, perfect for sopping up any leftover creamy sauce.
Expert Tips: Chicken Florentine Pasta
To ensure your Chicken Florentine Pasta turns out perfectly every time, here are some expert tips:
- Cook the Chicken Properly: If you’re starting with raw chicken, seasoned grilled chicken breasts are best. Make sure to grill them until they are fully cooked and juicy.
- Don’t Overcook the Spinach: Add the spinach at the end of the cooking process. It should wilt just slightly to maintain a vibrant green color and fresh taste.
- Consistency Matters: Adjust the creaminess of your sauce with the reserved pasta water as necessary. A thicker sauce might not cling to the pasta as effectively, so don’t hesitate to use the reserved water to achieve a silky texture.
- Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh garlic or fresh basil can elevate the flavors. Add minced garlic when sautéing the flour, or include fresh basil at the end for an aromatic finish.
- Experiment With Cheese: While Parmesan cheese is traditional, you can mix it up with other cheeses like Asiago or even a little mozzarella for an extra creamy finish.
How to Store Chicken Florentine Pasta
If you find yourself with leftovers, no need to worry; Chicken Florentine Pasta stores well:
- Refrigeration: Place the pasta in an airtight container and store it in the refrigerator. It should remain fresh for about 3 to 4 days.
- Reheating: When ready to eat, reheat in a pan over medium-low heat. You might need to add a splash of milk or a little reserved pasta water to bring back its creaminess.
- Freezing: While you can freeze this dish, keep in mind that the texture might change when reheated. If you choose to freeze, seal in a freezer-safe container. Use within 2 months for the best quality.
Variation of Chicken Florentine Pasta
Don’t feel limited to just one version of Chicken Florentine Pasta. Here are a few variations to consider:
- Add More Vegetables: Feel free to include other vegetables such as sun-dried tomatoes, zucchini, or asparagus, which will add color and nutrition.
- Use Different Proteins: If you’re not a fan of chicken, consider substituting shrimp or turkey. Each protein provides a unique flavor profile to the dish.
- Pasta Alternatives: While spaghetti is traditional, other pasta shapes like fettuccine, penne, or even whole-grain pasta can work beautifully in this dish.
- Spice It Up: For those who enjoy a kick, adding a pinch of red pepper flakes can enhance the flavors and provide a bit of heat to the creamy sauce.
- Dairy-Free Version: For a dairy-free option, consider using cashew cream or almond milk in the sauce as a substitute for the milk and cheese.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Chicken Florentine Pasta?
Chicken Florentine Pasta is a delightful dish that combines pasta with grilled chicken, baby spinach, and a creamy Parmesan sauce. It’s both comforting and elegant, suitable for any occasion.
How do you ensure the sauce is creamy?
The secret to a creamy sauce lies in the roux and the correct ratio of milk to broth. Adding a splash of reserved pasta water helps adjust the consistency to a perfect creaminess.
Can I make Chicken Florentine Pasta ahead of time?
You can cook the components of the dish ahead of time. Simply store them separately in the fridge and combine when ready to serve. However, the pasta will reheat best when made fresh.
Is there a vegetarian version of this dish?
Absolutely! You can omit the chicken and instead use sautéed mushrooms or chickpeas for protein, along with plenty of fresh vegetables to replace the chicken.
What should I serve with Chicken Florentine Pasta?
A simple side salad, crusty bread, or garlic bread complements the rich flavors of Chicken Florentine Pasta well.
This Chicken Florentine Pasta dish is sure to become a favorite in your kitchen. Its ease of preparation, combined with its rich and satisfying flavors, makes it perfect for any occasion—be it casual dinners or festive gatherings. So grab those ingredients, follow the steps, and enjoy a delightful meal that you’ve made with your own hands. Happy cooking!
Chicken Florentine Pasta
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 3 small chicken breasts Grilled and sliced
- 1 pound spaghetti
- 2 tablespoons olive oil or butter For sautéing
- 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour For the roux
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1 cup whole milk
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 cup reserved pasta water Up to 1 cup, for adjusting sauce consistency
- 3 ounces grated Parmesan cheese
- 4 cups baby spinach leaves Rinsed and dried
Instructions
Preparation
- Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil, using about 1 teaspoon of salt for every quart of water. Once boiling, add the spaghetti and cook according to package instructions.
- While the pasta cooks, combine the chicken broth and whole milk in a small saucepan and warm over medium-low heat. Do not let it boil; set aside.
- In a large sauté pan, heat the olive oil (or butter) over medium heat. Add the all-purpose flour, stirring continuously for about 1–2 minutes to form a roux that should not brown.
- Add the black pepper to the roux, followed by the warmed chicken broth and milk mixture. Whisk until smooth and thickened, then remove from heat and stir in grated Parmesan until melted.
- Drain the cooked spaghetti, saving about 1 cup of the pasta water for later use.
- Mix in the cooked spaghetti and fresh spinach into the sauce, adding the sliced grilled chicken. Toss gently, using reserved pasta water to adjust the sauce consistency as needed.
Send me this recipe!
Just enter your email below and get it sent straight to your inbox!