Chicken Florentine Pasta is not just a dish; it’s an experience that brings comfort and satisfaction to your dinner table. This flavorful combination of chicken, pasta, and fresh spinach, all enveloped in a creamy sauce, makes for an unforgettable meal that’s both hearty and wholesome. With just the right balance of protein and greens, this dish beautifully marries simplicity with taste, ensuring it becomes a family favorite. Whether you’re cooking for loved ones or treating yourself to a delightful meal, Chicken Florentine Pasta is sure to impress.
Why We Love This Chicken Florentine Pasta Recipe
So, what makes Chicken Florentine Pasta so delightful? For starters, it encompasses a wide range of flavors and textures. The tender chicken pieces provide protein, while the spinach adds vibrant color and nutrition. The creamy sauce, made from half and half and Parmesan cheese, envelopes the pasta in a comforting embrace, making every bite a creamy delight. Additionally, with sun-dried tomatoes adding a tangy contrast, the flavor profile is anything but dull.
You’ll love the flexibility of this recipe, as it allows for simple modifications based on your preferences. Whether you want to up the veggie content or adjust the creamy sauce to your liking, you’ll find this dish accommodating and forgiving. It strikes the perfect balance between being hearty yet light, making it suitable for any occasion. Plus, it’s a great way to get your family to eat their greens without any fuss!
Ingredients for Chicken Florentine Pasta
To whip up this delicious Chicken Florentine Pasta, you’ll need the following ingredients. Each one plays a vital role in bringing this dish to life:
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 1 pound chicken breasts, diced
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon pepper
- 1 sweet onion, diced
- 4 ounces sun-dried tomatoes
- 8 ounces penne pasta
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 3/4 cups half and half
- 3/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 6 ounces fresh baby spinach, rinsed and dried
How to Make Chicken Florentine Pasta Directions
Crafting this delightful meal is a straightforward process that can be completed in just a matter of minutes. Here’s how you can bring Chicken Florentine Pasta to your table.
Prepare Your Skillet: Start by heating a 12-inch skillet over medium heat and add the butter. Allow it to melt completely, ensuring it coats the bottom of the pan.
Cook the Chicken: Once the butter is melted, add the diced chicken breasts to the skillet. Season the chicken with salt and pepper. Cook, stirring frequently, until the chicken is browned and cooked through. This should take about 5 minutes.
Add the Sweet Onion: Next, introduce the diced sweet onion to the pan. Cook for an additional 2 minutes, stirring often until the onion becomes slightly translucent and tender.
Incorporate Pasta and Sun-Dried Tomatoes: Now, it’s time to add the penne pasta and sun-dried tomatoes to the skillet. Pour in the chicken broth and half and half. Stir everything together until well combined.
Bring to a Boil: Increase the heat to bring the mixture to a boil. Once boiling, cover the skillet, reduce the heat to a simmer, and cook for about 12 minutes. During this time, the pasta will absorb the flavors and become tender.
Add Cheese and Spinach: After 12 minutes, remove the lid and stir in the grated Parmesan cheese. Continue stirring until the cheese is fully melted and mixed throughout the pasta. Gently fold in the fresh baby spinach, allowing it to wilting into the dish.
Final Touches: Remove the skillet from heat, cover it again, and let it sit for another 5 minutes. This will ensure the spinach wilts perfectly and all the flavors meld together. Finally, stir once more before serving.
How to Serve Chicken Florentine Pasta
Serving Chicken Florentine Pasta is just as delightful as making it. Here are some tips to ensure your dish looks as good as it tastes:
- Presentation Matters: Use a large serving bowl or individual plates to serve the pasta. This will not only highlight the vibrant colors but also make it more enticing.
- Garnish for Color: Consider garnishing with a sprinkle of extra Parmesan cheese or a dash of freshly cracked black pepper. You can even throw in a couple of fresh basil leaves for a pop of freshness.
- Pair with Sides: To complement your Chicken Florentine Pasta, you might want to serve a crisp green salad or some garlic bread. Both pair excellently, offering a balanced meal that everyone will enjoy.
- Perfect for Leftovers: If you have any leftover pasta, it makes for an excellent lunch the next day. Simply reheat and enjoy!
Expert Tips for Chicken Florentine Pasta
- Selecting Chicken: Opt for boneless, skinless chicken breasts for quicker cooking. You can also use rotisserie chicken for a faster preparation.
- Adjusting Creaminess: If you prefer a richer sauce, feel free to add more half and half or cheese. Conversely, for a lighter version, you can reduce the amount of cream and substitute with additional broth.
- Optimize Cooking Time: Keep an eye on the pasta’s tenderness. You want it perfectly al dente, which will ensure it doesn’t become mushy when mixed with the sauce.
- Store for Later: If you’re making a larger batch, store the pasta sauce and noodles separately. This will help preserve the texture of the pasta when reheating.
How to Store Chicken Florentine Pasta
If you happen to have leftovers, don’t fret! You can easily store Chicken Florentine Pasta for future enjoyment. Here’s how:
- In the Refrigerator: Place your cooled pasta into an airtight container. It can stay fresh in the refrigerator for about 3 to 4 days.
- For Longer Storage: If you plan to keep it for more than a few days, consider freezing the pasta. Use a freezer-safe container or resealable plastic bag, and it can last for up to 3 months in the freezer.
- Reheating Tips: When you’re ready to enjoy it again, allow the pasta to thaw in the refrigerator overnight, then reheat on the stove or in the microwave. Adding a splash of chicken broth can help prevent it from drying out.
Variation of Chicken Florentine Pasta
Get creative with your Chicken Florentine Pasta by exploring various delicious variations. Here are a few ideas to inspire your culinary journey:
- Add More Veggies: Incorporate other vegetables such as bell peppers, zucchini, or mushrooms to enhance the nutritional value and add more textures.
- Cheese Alternatives: While Parmesan is classic, feel free to experiment with different kinds of cheese such as mozzarella or provolone for a different flavor.
- Spice It Up: For those who love a bit of heat, consider adding crushed red pepper flakes while cooking to give the dish an exciting kick.
- Opt for Whole Wheat or Gluten-Free Pasta: If you prefer healthier options, whole wheat penne can add more fiber. Likewise, gluten-free pasta caters to those with dietary restrictions.
FAQ about Chicken Florentine Pasta
What is Chicken Florentine Pasta?
Chicken Florentine Pasta is a creamy pasta dish featuring diced chicken, fresh spinach, sun-dried tomatoes, and Parmesan cheese. It’s cooked in a rich sauce alongside penne pasta.
How long does it take to make Chicken Florentine Pasta?
With a cook time of just around 30 minutes, this dish is quick to prepare, making it perfect for busy weeknights.
Can I use other types of pasta for this recipe?
Absolutely! While penne is commonly used, feel free to swap it for your favorite pasta shape such as rotini or fettuccine.
Is Chicken Florentine Pasta gluten-free?
You can easily make this recipe gluten-free by using gluten-free pasta. Just ensure that all other ingredients you use are also gluten-free.
How do I make Chicken Florentine Pasta vegetarian?
To make a vegetarian version, simply omit the chicken and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth. You can add more vegetables like mushrooms and artichokes for flavor and texture.
Chicken Florentine Pasta
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon butter For sautéing
- 1 pound chicken breasts, diced Use boneless, skinless chicken for quick cooking
- 1 teaspoon salt To season chicken
- 1 teaspoon pepper To season chicken
- 1 medium sweet onion, diced Adds sweetness and flavor
- 4 ounces sun-dried tomatoes Adds a burst of flavor
- 8 ounces penne pasta Can substitute with other pasta types
- 2 cups chicken broth For cooking pasta
- 3/4 cup half and half For creaminess; can adjust to preference
- 3/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese Adds rich flavor
- 6 ounces fresh baby spinach, rinsed and dried For added nutrition
Instructions
Preparation
- Heat a 12-inch skillet over medium heat and add the butter, allowing it to melt completely.
- Add the diced chicken breasts, seasoning with salt and pepper. Cook until browned and cooked through, about 5 minutes.
- Introduce the diced sweet onion to the pan and cook for another 2 minutes until slightly translucent.
- Add the penne pasta and sun-dried tomatoes, then pour in chicken broth and half and half. Stir well.
- Bring the mixture to a boil, cover, reduce heat to a simmer, and cook for about 12 minutes or until pasta is tender.
- Remove the lid and stir in the grated Parmesan cheese. Fold in the fresh baby spinach until wilted.
- Remove from heat, cover again, and let sit for 5 minutes before serving.
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