Can I use gluten-free flour?

Yes — use a cup-for-cup gluten-free baking blend.

Do these freeze well?

Yes — freeze after cooling and thaw in the refrigerator.

You can reduce the brown sugar by ¼ cup without affecting texture.

Can I grill the chicken?

Absolutely. Grilling adds smoky Mediterranean flavor.

Can I make this dairy-free?

Yes — skip feta and tzatziki or use dairy-free versions.

Can I substitute the rice?

Yes — quinoa, orzo, couscous, or mixed greens all work well.

Is this recipe good for meal prep?

Yes — store ingredients separately and assemble when serving.

Is blackened tuna spicy?

It has a mild-to-moderate heat. Reduce the cayenne pepper or jalapeño for a milder version.

Can I grill the tuna instead?

Yes. Grill over high heat for the same amount of time, making sure the grates are well-oiled.

What type of tuna should I use?

Ahi (yellowfin) or sushi-grade tuna works best for searing.

Can I make the mango salsa ahead of time?

Yes. The mango salsa can be made up to 24 hours in advance and stored in the refrigerator.

Dirty rice has a mild-to-moderate heat. You can easily adjust the spice level by reducing the Cajun seasoning or cayenne pepper.

Can I make Cajun dirty rice ahead of time?

Yes. Store dirty rice in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to four days.

Can I freeze Cajun dirty rice?

Yes. Cajun dirty rice freezes well for up to three months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator and reheat gently.

What meat can I substitute for beef?

Ground turkey or ground chicken can be used as a lighter alternative to ground beef.

Is Cajun cornbread spicy?

Cajun cornbread has a mild-to-moderate heat. You can adjust the spice level by reducing the jalapeño or cayenne pepper.

Can I make Cajun cornbread ahead of time?

Yes. Cajun cornbread can be baked up to one day ahead and reheated gently before serving.

Can I freeze Cajun cornbread?

Yes. Wrap the cornbread tightly and freeze for up to three months. Thaw and reheat before serving.

Can I make Cajun cornbread without cheese?

Yes. You can omit the cheese for a dairy-light version without affecting the texture.

Gumbo is mildly spicy. You can adjust the heat by increasing or reducing the cayenne pepper or Cajun seasoning.

Can I make chicken and sausage gumbo ahead of time?

Yes. Gumbo tastes even better the next day and keeps well in the refrigerator for up to four days.

Can I freeze chicken and sausage gumbo?

Yes. Gumbo freezes well for up to three months. Thaw overnight and reheat gently.

Do I have to use okra in gumbo?

No. Okra helps thicken gumbo, but you can omit it or use filé powder if preferred.

Are Cajun roasted potatoes spicy?

They have a mild-to-moderate heat. You can adjust the spice level by using more or less Cajun seasoning.

Can I make Cajun roasted potatoes ahead of time?

They are best served fresh, but leftovers reheat well in the oven or air fryer.

Can I use red or russet potatoes?

Yes. Just cut the potatoes into evenly sized pieces to ensure even roasting.

Are Cajun roasted potatoes vegan?

Yes. This recipe is naturally dairy-free and vegan as written.

Is Cajun shrimp & grits spicy?

Cajun shrimp and grits has a mild-to-moderate heat. You can reduce the Cajun seasoning or cayenne pepper to make it milder.

Can I make Cajun shrimp and grits ahead of time?

The shrimp are best cooked fresh, but the grits can be made ahead and reheated gently with a splash of broth or milk.

Can I use instant grits?

Yes, but stone-ground grits provide the best flavor and creamiest texture.

Can I substitute milk for cream?

Yes, whole milk can be used, though the grits will be slightly less rich.

Chicken Florentine (Creamy, Garlicy & Spinach-Rich!)

Sarah Smith
Dec 12, 2025
3 min read

Updated: 1 day ago

Golden seared chicken breasts simmered in creamy garlic Parmesan Florentine sauce with spinach in a black skillet

This Chicken Florentine is a cozy, creamy skillet dinner made with tender pan-seared chicken simmered in a rich garlic-Parmesan sauce with fresh spinach. It feels elegant enough for date night but comes together quickly, making it perfect for family meals or busy weeknights. The sauce is silky and flavorful — similar in comfort to favorites like Marry Me Chicken, Honey Garlic Chicken, and Chicken Pot Pie Casserole — but with its own Italian-inspired twist.

Fresh spinach adds color and gentle earthiness, while the Parmesan and cream create a luscious texture that’s delicious over pasta, rice, or Creamy Mashed Potatoes. For a complete meal, try pairing it with salads like Classic Caesar Salad, Broccoli Bacon Salad, or even a side of Garlic Parmesan Bubble Bread to soak up every bit of the sauce. If you love creamy, cozy meals with lots of flavor, this Chicken Florentine will quickly become a go-to recipe on your table.

Why You’ll Love This

Tender chicken simmered in a creamy spinach sauce
Rich, comforting flavor with a touch of elegance
One-pan dinner made with simple ingredients
Perfect for weeknight meals or an easy, restaurant-style dinner at home

Recipe Card

Prep Time: 10 minutes Cook Time: 20 minutes Servings: 4

Ingredients

For the Chicken

4 chicken breasts (or 6 thighs)
1 tsp salt
½ tsp black pepper
1 tsp garlic powder
2 tbsp olive oil

For the Florentine Sauce

3 tbsp butter
4 cloves garlic, minced
½ cup white wine (or chicken broth)
1 cup heavy cream
½ cup chicken broth
½ cup grated Parmesan
2 cups fresh spinach (lightly packed)
1 tsp Italian seasoning
Salt & pepper to taste
Fresh parsley for garnish

Instructions

Season & Sear the Chicken: Season chicken with salt, pepper, and garlic powder. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Sear chicken 4–5 minutes per side until golden. Remove and set aside.
Make the Florentine Sauce: Add butter to the skillet. Stir in garlic and cook 20–30 seconds. Pour in white wine (or broth), scraping the bottom to release browned bits. Simmer 1–2 minutes. Add heavy cream, ½ cup chicken broth, Parmesan, Italian seasoning, salt & pepper. Simmer until the sauce starts to thicken.
Add Spinach: Stir in spinach and let it wilt, 1–2 minutes.
Finish the Dish: Return chicken to the skillet. Spoon sauce over the top and simmer 5 minutes until cooked through.
Serve Warm: Garnish with parsley and extra Parmesan if desired.

Serving Suggestions

Over pasta, mashed potatoes, or rice
With Garlic Parmesan Bubble Bread
Paired with a simple salad like Classic Caesar Salad or Apple Pecan Salad

FAQ

Can I use chicken thighs?

Yes! Thighs stay juicy and add even more flavor.

Can I make this without wine?

Absolutely — just replace it with chicken broth.

What does “Florentine” mean?

It refers to dishes cooked with spinach, inspired by Florence, Italy.

Can I add mushrooms or sun-dried tomatoes?

Yes — both taste incredible in this creamy sauce.

Can I use frozen spinach?

You can, but thaw it first and squeeze out all the water to avoid thinning the sauce.

Conclusion

Chicken Florentine is the perfect balance of comforting and refined — a creamy, spinach-studded chicken dish that feels special without requiring much time or effort. With familiar ingredients, a vibrant sauce, and plenty of versatility, it’s a recipe that works for both casual weeknights and cozy nights in. Serve it with your favorite sides, add extra spinach or Parmesan if you like, and enjoy a warm, satisfying dinner that always hits the spot.