Chicken Florentine with Creamy Spinach Sauce

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

Pan-seared chicken breasts served with a rich and creamy spinach sauce thickened with a touch of cornstarch. This italian-inspired low carb (low carb, gluten free) ready in about 30 minutes blends olive oil, fresh spinach, minced garlic into a versatile sauce that lifts everything from grain bowls and roasted vegetables to grilled proteins — a small-batch staple worth keeping in the fridge. Each serving lands at about 400 calories and feeds 4, so a small batch covers several meals across the week without taking over the fridge. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.

Prep: 10 min Cook: 20 min Serves 4 Italian cuisine 400 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Season 4 boneless skinless chicken breasts with 1 tsp salt and 1/2 tsp black pepper. Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat and cook chicken for 5-6 minutes per side until golden and cooked through. Remove and keep warm.
  2. Step 2: Reduce heat to medium and add 2 cloves minced garlic to the skillet. Sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant.
  3. Step 3: Add 5 cups fresh spinach and cook until wilted, about 3-4 minutes. Pour in 1/2 cup chicken broth and 1/2 cup heavy cream.
  4. Step 4: In a small bowl, mix 1 tsp cornstarch with 1 tbsp water until smooth, then stir into the skillet. Cook sauce for 2-3 minutes until thickened and creamy.
  5. Step 5: Stir in 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese until melted. Return chicken to the skillet to coat with sauce before serving.

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Chicken Florentine with Creamy Spinach Sauce take to make?

Total time is about 30 minutes (10 min prep + 20 min cook). A small batch typically covers several meals in the week — store as the recipe directs.

How do I store leftover Chicken Florentine with Creamy Spinach Sauce?

Transfer to an airtight jar and refrigerate for up to 5–7 days. Most sauces freeze well for up to 2 months — portion into small containers or freezer bags so you can thaw only what you need. Stir before serving; cream- or yogurt-based sauces may separate on standing.

Can I substitute ingredients in Chicken Florentine with Creamy Spinach Sauce?

Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.

How do I scale Chicken Florentine with Creamy Spinach Sauce for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.

Is Chicken Florentine with Creamy Spinach Sauce low carb?

Yes — this recipe is tagged low carb, gluten free based on its ingredient list. Always cross-check labels for packaged ingredients (sauces, broths, condiments) since formulations vary by brand.

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