Chicken Florentine Pasta Recipe

I absolutely love sharing this Chicken Florentine Pasta Recipe because it combines creamy, comforting flavors with vibrant greens and tender chicken all in one delicious dish. It’s such a satisfying meal that feels fancy yet comes together quickly, perfect for any time I want to treat myself and my loved ones to something special without spending hours in the kitchen.

Why You’ll Love This Chicken Florentine Pasta Recipe

From the first bite, I’m always struck by the amazing balance of flavors in this Chicken Florentine Pasta Recipe. The juicy, seasoned chicken perfectly complements the richness of the creamy sauce, while the sun-dried tomatoes add a bright, tangy pop. The fresh baby spinach adds that fresh note and a lovely touch of color, making every forkful feel hearty but not heavy. It’s like comfort food elevated with fresh, vibrant ingredients, and that contrast makes it incredibly satisfying.

One of the biggest reasons I keep coming back to this recipe is how simple it is to prepare without sacrificing flavor. Everything cooks in one skillet, which means fewer dishes and a lot less stress, especially on busy nights. I love making this for weeknight dinners, but it also impresses when friends drop by unexpectedly. Whether it’s a cozy family dinner or a casual get-together, it’s a crowd-pleaser that doesn’t require a lot of fuss. It really stands out because of its creamy texture combined with fresh ingredients, making it both indulgent and wholesome.

Ingredients You’ll Need

A clear glass bowl in the center holds light pink pieces of raw chicken, showing a slightly chunky texture. Surrounding the chicken bowl are several white bowls and one whole light brown onion on a white marbled surface. Clockwise from the top, there is a small white bowl with pale yellow broth, a small white bowl with creamy white half and half, two silver shakers for salt and pepper, and the onion. Below the onion, there is a glass bowl filled with uncooked yellow penne pasta. To the left of the penne, there is another clear glass bowl filled with fresh dark green spinach leaves, and above that is a small white bowl containing grated white parmesan cheese. Near the top left corner is a small white dish with a rectangular piece of pale yellow butter, and below that a small white bowl with dark red sun-dried tomatoes. The whole setup is neatly arranged on the white marbled surface, with clear labels in bold text on each ingredient. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Each ingredient in this dish plays an essential role—from creating the creamy sauce to building layers of flavor and texture. I keep the list simple but thoughtfully chosen so that each element really shines through.

Butter: Adds richness and helps develop a flavorful base for cooking the chicken and onion.
Chicken breasts (diced): Tender protein that cooks quickly and soaks up the sauce beautifully.
Salt and pepper: Essential seasonings that bring out the natural flavors of the chicken and vegetables.
Sweet onion (diced): Provides a mild sweetness and depth to the savory sauce.
Sun-dried tomatoes: Offer a tangy, slightly chewy contrast that brightens the dish.
Penne pasta: Holds the creamy sauce well and offers a satisfying bite.
Chicken broth: Adds savory depth and moisture to cook the pasta right in the skillet.
Half and half: Creates a luscious, creamy sauce that isn’t too heavy.
Parmesan cheese (grated): Melts into the sauce for a nutty, cheesy finish.
Fresh baby spinach: Adds color, nutrients, and a fresh flavor that lightens the whole dish.

Directions

Step 1: Heat a 12-inch skillet over medium heat and add the butter. Stir it around the pan until it melts and coats the surface evenly. This step makes sure everything you cook next has that lovely buttery flavor.

Step 2: Add the diced chicken to the skillet and sprinkle with salt and pepper. Cook the chicken, stirring often, until it’s nicely browned all over and no longer pink inside—about 5 minutes. Browning the chicken well here really builds flavor.

Step 3: Toss the diced sweet onion into the skillet with the chicken and cook for an additional 2 minutes while stirring frequently. The onion softens and adds sweetness that balances the tangy sun-dried tomatoes.

Step 4: Stir in the penne pasta and sun-dried tomatoes, then pour in the chicken broth and half and half. Give everything a good stir to combine all the ingredients in one nice pot of creamy goodness.

Step 5: Bring the mixture to a boil, then cover the skillet and reduce heat to a simmer. This lets the pasta cook perfectly in the flavorful liquid.

Step 6: Let the pasta simmer for about 12 minutes, checking occasionally to see if it’s tender and cooked through. This method infuses the pasta with the sauce flavors rather than draining them away.

Step 7: Remove the lid and stir in the grated Parmesan cheese until it fully melts and thickens the sauce further. The cheese adds a creamy, savory finish that makes the dish irresistible.

Step 8: Gently fold in the fresh baby spinach. Then, remove the skillet from the heat, cover it again, and let it sit for 5 minutes. The spinach will wilt beautifully in the residual heat, keeping its bright color and tender texture.

Step 9: Give everything one last good stir before serving to evenly distribute the spinach and cheese throughout the pasta and chicken. Now you’re ready to enjoy this comforting meal!

Servings and Timing

This Chicken Florentine Pasta Recipe serves about 6 hearty portions, which is perfect for family dinners or meal prepping for the week. The prep time is a quick 5 minutes since most ingredients just need simple dicing. Cooking takes around 20 minutes total, including browning the chicken and simmering the pasta in the sauce. Altogether, you’re looking at about 25 minutes from start to finish, with no additional resting or cooling time needed beyond the 5 minutes for wilting spinach. It’s a true one-pan wonder that saves time without compromising on taste.

How to Serve This Chicken Florentine Pasta Recipe

A white round plate is filled with penne pasta mixed with pieces of light tan cooked chicken, dark green spinach leaves, and small chunks of reddish sun-dried tomatoes. The pasta and chicken are coated evenly with a creamy light orange sauce with specks of black pepper. A silver fork rests on the right side of the plate. In the background, there is a small white bowl filled with sun-dried tomatoes and another white plate with more pasta, all set on a white marbled surface. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

When it comes to serving this Chicken Florentine Pasta Recipe, I love to keep things simple but thoughtful. A fresh, crisp green salad with a light vinaigrette pairs so well with the creamy richness of the pasta. Roasted vegetables like asparagus or Brussels sprouts make for a nice seasonal side that adds extra texture and flavor contrasts. Sometimes, I serve it with garlic bread or a warm baguette to soak up every luscious drop of sauce.

For garnishes, a sprinkle of extra grated Parmesan and a few fresh basil leaves or chopped parsley really brighten the whole presentation. I like to spoon the pasta into shallow bowls and add the garnishes right before serving to keep everything vibrant. If I’m entertaining, I sometimes drizzle a little good-quality olive oil on top for an elegant finish.

This dish shines best when served warm, fresh from the skillet, but it also reheats well if you want to enjoy leftovers. For beverages, a chilled glass of crisp white wine like Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio complements the creamy sauce beautifully. If you prefer non-alcoholic choices, a sparkling water with lemon or a light iced tea enhances the meal without overpowering the flavors. Whether it’s a casual weeknight, a holiday, or a small gathering, I find this recipe easy to customize and serve for almost any occasion.

Variations

I love experimenting with variations on this Chicken Florentine Pasta Recipe because it’s so versatile. If you want to switch the protein, turkey breast or even shrimp work wonderfully in place of chicken. For a vegetarian version, you can skip the meat entirely or substitute with mushrooms or chickpeas for a hearty boost. I have also tried swapping out penne for gluten-free pasta or zucchini noodles, both giving a nice twist to accommodate dietary preferences without losing any flavor.

For creaminess, some days I replace half and half with coconut milk to add a subtle tropical note and make it dairy-free, which still blends well with the savory ingredients. I also sometimes add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of smoked paprika to introduce a mild spicy warmth that gives the dish a little kick. The cooking method is quite flexible too; I’ve prepared this in an oven-safe skillet and finished it with a short bake for a golden top, which adds a lovely texture contrast.

Overall, this recipe invites creativity while staying approachable. I encourage trying whatever swaps suit your tastes and pantry, always working to keep the balance of creamy sauce, fresh spinach, and the savory umami flavors that make this dish a true favorite in my kitchen.

Storage and Reheating

Storing Leftovers

If you have any leftovers, I recommend transferring the Chicken Florentine Pasta into an airtight container as soon as it’s cooled to room temperature. It will keep well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Storing it properly helps maintain the creamy texture and freshness of the spinach without turning the pasta mushy.

Freezing

This recipe freezes okay, although the texture of the spinach may change slightly after thawing. To freeze, place cooled portions into freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags, removing as much air as possible. Label with the date—leftovers are best enjoyed within 1 to 2 months for optimal taste. When you’re ready to eat, thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating gently.

Reheating

For reheating, I suggest warming the pasta in a skillet over low to medium heat, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking and ensure even heating. Adding a splash of chicken broth or half and half during reheating helps restore creaminess that might have thickened in the fridge. I avoid microwaving when possible because it can make the sauce separate or the spinach rubbery, but if you do, use a low power setting and stir frequently for best results.

FAQs

Can I use frozen spinach instead of fresh spinach?

While fresh baby spinach gives the best texture and color, you can substitute frozen spinach if you drain it very well first to avoid excess moisture. Add it toward the end of cooking and allow the heat to wilt it, but expect a softer texture.

Is it possible to make this recipe dairy-free?

Absolutely! You can replace the half and half with a dairy-free alternative like coconut milk or almond milk, and use a vegan Parmesan cheese substitute or nutritional yeast. Adjust seasonings accordingly to keep the flavor balanced.

What type of pasta works best for this recipe?

Penne pasta is ideal because it holds the creamy sauce nicely and cooks evenly in the skillet. However, you can also use other short pasta shapes like rigatoni, fusilli, or farfalle if you prefer.

Can I prepare this recipe ahead of time?

You can dice the chicken and prep your ingredients ahead to save time. However, I recommend cooking it fresh for the best flavor and texture. If necessary, reheat gently and add fresh spinach when serving for that fresh, bright note.

How spicy is this recipe? Can I make it spicier?

This Chicken Florentine Pasta Recipe is mild by default, focusing on creamy and savory flavors. If you want to add heat, try including red pepper flakes, diced jalapeños, or a dash of hot sauce while cooking the chicken or in the sauce for a pleasant spicy kick.

Conclusion

I truly hope you give this Chicken Florentine Pasta Recipe a try because it’s become such a beloved staple in my cooking routine. It’s a beautiful mix of creamy, fresh, and savory flavors that come together quickly yet taste like you spent hours preparing. Whether you’re feeding family or friends, or just treating yourself, this dish has a wonderful way of making every meal feel warm, comforting, and a little special. Enjoy!