Description
Savor rich layers of creamy chicken florentine with spinach and parmesan nestled in a silky sauce. Hearty Italian-inspired comfort blends tender chicken and elegant flavors that elevate weeknight dining for passionate home cooks.
Ingredients
Scale
Protein:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
Herbs and Spices:
- Salt
- Freshly ground black pepper
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 teaspoon lemon zest
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh basil
Main Ingredients:
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
- 2 cups fresh spinach leaves, chopped
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
Instructions
- Generously coat chicken breasts with salt and pepper on both surfaces to enhance flavor profile.
- Warm olive oil and butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat (around 375°F). Sear chicken for 5-7 minutes per side until achieving a golden-brown exterior and ensuring internal temperature reaches 165°F.
- Remove chicken from skillet and set aside, maintaining its warmth.
- In the same skillet, sauté minced garlic for 60 seconds until aromatic and releasing its essential oils.
- Add fresh spinach and cook for 2-3 minutes, allowing leaves to wilt and reduce in volume, creating a vibrant green base.
- Stream heavy cream into the skillet, gently incorporating pan drippings and creating a rich, smooth foundation.
- Fold in grated Parmesan cheese, fresh lemon juice, and zest, stirring continuously to develop a creamy, tangy sauce with approximately 2-3 minutes of cooking.
- Carefully return chicken to the skillet, nestling pieces into the sauce and allowing them to reheat for 3-5 minutes, ensuring even coating and temperature.
- Finish by garnishing with delicate, torn fresh basil leaves for a fragrant, herbaceous touch before serving immediately.
Notes
- Use chicken breasts of uniform thickness to ensure even cooking and prevent dryness.
- Pat chicken dry before seasoning to help achieve a perfect golden-brown crust and enhance flavor absorption.
- Low-fat alternative: Replace heavy cream with Greek yogurt or half-and-half for a lighter sauce without compromising taste.
- Gluten-free option: Ensure all ingredients like Parmesan cheese are certified gluten-free for those with dietary restrictions.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Dinner, Lunch
- Method: Sautéing
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 1 g
- Sodium: 370 mg
- Fat: 34 g
- Saturated Fat: 15 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 17 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 6 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 32 g
- Cholesterol: 130 mg