Soup season is here, am I right? There are few things as comforting as a warm bowl of creamy soup, especially when it’s loaded with tender chicken, fresh spinach, and just the right amount of seasoning. Enter chicken Florentine soup, the hearty-yet-elegant whole-meal-in-a-bowl dish you can have ready in just one evening for the biggest weeknight dinner: that’s right-going into a Wednesday night, work week, with a gorgeously cozy soup you can impress with on Friday again.
And the good thing? You will be surprised how simple it is to make! You won’t have to be a culinary expert to create this very classic Italian-inspired soup. A few fresh ingredients, a good pot, and around 30 minutes are all you need. Let’s get started!
If you love soups that are big on flavor, don’t miss this Marry Me Chicken Soup, which brings another layer of richness and warmth to the table.
Why You’ll Love Chicken Florentine Soup
Chicken Florentine soup is like a hug in a bowl. The combination of creamy broth, tender chicken, earthy spinach, and a hint of garlic and nutmeg is pure perfection. It’s filling without being too heavy and feels fancy enough to serve guests while still being family-friendly.
Another reason to love it? It’s versatile. You can easily adapt this recipe to suit your tastes or dietary needs. Swap out the cream for a lighter option, add mushrooms for extra depth, or toss in some cooked pasta or rice to make it even heartier.
Ingredients for Chicken Florentine Soup
Here’s what you’ll need to bring this delicious soup to life:
- Chicken: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs work best.
- Spinach: Fresh baby spinach is ideal, but frozen spinach works in a pinch.
- Butter: For sautéing and adding richness.
- Garlic: Freshly minced for the best flavor.
- Onion: Adds a savory base to the soup.
- Chicken Broth: A good-quality broth makes all the difference.
- Heavy Cream: For that luscious, creamy texture.
- Parmesan Cheese: Adds a salty, nutty depth of flavor.
- Nutmeg: Just a pinch enhances the creaminess and adds warmth.
- Salt and Pepper: To taste.
- Optional Add-Ins: Mushrooms, cooked pasta, rice, or a squeeze of lemon juice for brightness.
Looking for other chicken soup variations? Try this flavorful Panera Chicken Tortilla Soup, packed with Tex-Mex spices and hearty ingredients.
How to Make Chicken Florentine Soup
Making chicken Florentine soup is surprisingly simple. This is a detailed step-by-step guide to help you figure everything out right:
Step 1: Cook the Chicken
Start by seasoning your chicken with salt and pepper. In a large pot or Dutch oven, melt 2 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Add the chicken and cook until golden brown on both sides and fully cooked through (about 5-7 minutes per side). Remove the chicken from the pot and set it aside to cool.
Step 2: Sauté the Aromatics
In the same pot, add another tablespoon of butter if needed, then toss in your diced onion. Sauté for 3-4 minutes until softened, then add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
Step 3: Build the Broth
Pour in the chicken broth, scraping the bottom of the pot to deglaze and get all those flavorful bits. Bring the broth to a simmer.
Step 4: Add the Spinach and Cream
Stir in the fresh spinach and let it wilt slightly. Lower the heat and slowly pour in the heavy cream, stirring to combine. Add a pinch of nutmeg for that classic Florentine flavor.
Step 5: Shred and Add the Chicken
Once the chicken is cool enough to handle, shred it into bite-sized pieces and return it to the pot. Let the soup simmer for 5-7 minutes to meld the flavors together.
Step 6: Add Parmesan and Adjust Seasoning
Stir in grated Parmesan cheese until it melts into the broth. Taste the soup and adjust the salt and pepper as needed.
Step 7: Serve and Enjoy
Ladle the soup into bowls and serve it hot. If you’re feeling fancy, garnish with a sprinkle of Parmesan, a crack of black pepper, or a sprig of fresh parsley. Serve it with crusty bread or a side salad for a complete meal.
Tips for the Best Chicken Florentine Soup
- Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh spinach, garlic, and Parmesan cheese make a big difference in flavor.
- Don’t Rush the Cream: Add the cream slowly over low heat to avoid curdling.
- Deglaze the Pot: Scrape up the browned bits from cooking the chicken—they add amazing flavor to the broth.
- Make It Your Own: Feel free to add mushrooms, diced carrots, or celery for extra veggies. Want it heartier? Stir in cooked pasta, rice, or gnocchi.
- Leftovers: This soup reheats beautifully. Store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
For more soup inspiration, explore this easy guide to making Mexican Chicken Soup, a zesty and hearty recipe perfect for weeknights.
Why Is It Called Florentine?
The term “Florentine” in cooking refers to dishes that are prepared with spinach, inspired by the cuisine of Florence, Italy. While this soup may not be an authentic Italian recipe, the use of spinach and cream is a nod to the classic Florentine style.
Nutrition Information
Here’s a rough breakdown of the nutrition per serving (based on 6 servings):
- Calories: 320
- Protein: 22g
- Fat: 20g
- Carbohydrates: 8g
- Fiber: 2g
- Sodium: 700mg
Serving Suggestions
Chicken Florentine soup is a meal in itself, but it pairs beautifully with:
- Crusty Bread: For dipping into the creamy broth.
- Side Salad: A light green salad with a tangy vinaigrette balances the richness of the soup.
- Wine Pairing: A crisp white wine like Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio complements the flavors.
Key Takeaways
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Rich and Creamy | A luscious broth made with heavy cream, chicken, and Parmesan cheese. |
| Quick to Make | Ready in about 30 minutes, making it perfect for weeknight dinners. |
| Customizable | Add pasta, rice, or mushrooms to make it your own. |
| Nutritional Benefits | Packed with protein from the chicken and spinach for added fiber and vitamins. |
| Great for Leftovers | Reheats well for easy meal prep or next-day lunches. |
Conclusion: Try This Easy Chicken Florentine Soup Today
Chicken Florentine soup is the kind of recipe that makes you feel a master at the cooking craft without any real work attached to it. Creamy, tasty, and delivering on chicken and spinach, this dish is anything but lightweight and can be appreciated for many different scenarios. Whether the weather is cold and you need to warm up on a cold evening or it is to impress your visitors, this soup is a guaranteed winner. So grab your pot because you’re about to prepare a bowl of comforting tasty goodness. And don’t forget the crusty bread to pipe right beside it-you want every last drop! 🍲
FAQs About Chicken Florentine Soup
1. What is chicken Florentine soup made of?
Chicken Florentine soup is a creamy, comforting soup made with tender chicken, fresh spinach, and a rich, flavorful broth. Key ingredients include chicken broth, heavy cream, butter, garlic, onions, and Parmesan cheese. A pinch of nutmeg enhances the creaminess, while spinach gives it the signature Florentine touch, inspired by Florence, Italy. Optional add-ins like mushrooms, pasta, or rice can make it even heartier.
2. What is the secret ingredient in soup?
I would tell you that each soup has its own ‘secret ingredient,’ but the standout component for chicken Florentine soup would have to be nutmeg. A small sprinkle imparts warmth and lustres the creaminess. Another trick? Use chicken broth of the highest quality, for that’s most basic flavor for this soup. For added brightness, a splash of lemon juice can balance the richness.
3. What goes with chicken Florentine?
Chicken Florentine soup pairs wonderfully with:
Pasta or rice served on the side or mixed into the soup for a heartier meal.
Crusty bread for dipping into the creamy broth.
Side salads with tangy vinaigrettes to balance the richness.
White wine, such as Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio, which complements the creamy, savory flavors.
4. Is there a difference between condensed cream of chicken soup and cream of chicken soup?
Yes! Condensed cream of chicken soup is a thick, concentrated product that needs to be diluted with water or milk before use. It’s commonly used in casseroles and sauces. Regular cream of chicken soup is thinner and ready to eat, suitable as-is or in soups like chicken Florentine.
5. What is Florentine sauce made of?
Florentine sauce is a creamy mixture made with butter, garlic, heavy cream, Parmesan cheese, and fresh spinach. Some variations include onions, white wine, or nutmeg. It’s rich and flavorful, ideal for chicken, fish, or pasta dishes.