Chicken Florentine Soup | Creamy & Comforting Recipe
Comfort food often brings warmth not just to the body but also to the soul, and nothing does that quite like a hearty bowl of soup. Among the many varieties, Chicken Florentine Soup stands out as a delightful blend of creaminess, protein, and freshness. The dish gets its name from the Italian word “Florentine,” which typically refers to a recipe that incorporates spinach. Paired with tender chicken, aromatic herbs, and a velvety broth, this soup offers a restaurant-quality experience right from your kitchen.
What makes this soup so appealing is its balance of flavors and textures—juicy chicken pieces, vibrant green spinach, and a creamy base that ties everything together. Whether you’re preparing dinner for the family or serving guests at a gathering, this recipe is both comforting and elegant. Plus, it’s easy enough to whip up on a weeknight while being impressive enough for a dinner party.
Ingredients Needed
| Ingredient | Quantity | Calories (approx.) |
|---|---|---|
| Chicken breast, diced | 1 lb | 500 |
| Olive oil | 2 tbsp | 240 |
| Onion, chopped | 1 medium | 45 |
| Garlic cloves, minced | 3 | 15 |
| Carrots, sliced | 2 medium | 50 |
| Celery stalks, chopped | 2 | 20 |
| Chicken broth | 6 cups | 60 |
| Heavy cream | 1 cup | 400 |
| Fresh spinach | 4 cups | 30 |
| Parmesan cheese, grated | ½ cup | 200 |
| Italian seasoning | 1 tsp | 5 |
| Salt & black pepper | To taste | 0 |
Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions
- Prepare the chicken
Heat olive oil in a large soup pot over medium heat. Add the diced chicken and cook until golden brown on all sides. Remove and set aside. - Sauté the vegetables
In the same pot, add onion, garlic, carrots, and celery. Cook for 5–7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until softened and fragrant. - Build the base
Pour in the chicken broth and stir in Italian seasoning. Let the mixture simmer for about 10 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together. - Add chicken and cream
Return the cooked chicken to the pot. Stir in the heavy cream and let the soup simmer gently for another 5–7 minutes. - Incorporate spinach and cheese
Add the fresh spinach and cook until wilted. Stir in grated Parmesan cheese until melted and well combined. - Season and serve
Taste the soup and adjust with salt and black pepper as needed. Serve hot with a sprinkle of extra Parmesan if desired.
Tips for Customizing the Recipe
- Lighter version: Swap heavy cream for half-and-half or unsweetened coconut milk for fewer calories.
- Protein boost: Add cannellini beans for extra texture and protein.
- Gluten-free option: Pair with gluten-free bread or add cooked rice instead of pasta.
- Spice it up: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for subtle heat.
- Make it hearty: Stir in small pasta shells or orzo for a more filling soup.
Nutritional Information (per serving, serves 6)
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | ~260 |
| Protein | 24g |
| Fat | 14g |
| Carbohydrates | 10g |
| Fiber | 2g |
| Sugars | 3g |
| Sodium | ~520mg |
Serving Suggestions
Chicken Florentine Soup pairs beautifully with crusty garlic bread, warm baguettes, or homemade focaccia for dipping into the creamy broth. A simple side salad with a tangy vinaigrette makes a refreshing contrast to the richness of the soup. For a cozy dinner, serve it with roasted vegetables or even a light pasta dish to create a complete Italian-inspired meal.
Chicken Florentine Soup
4
servings15
minutes30
minutes260
kcalIngredients
1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts (cooked & shredded)
2 tbsp olive oil or butter
1 medium onion, diced
2 carrots, sliced
3 garlic cloves, minced
4 cups chicken broth
1 cup heavy cream (or half-and-half for lighter)
4 cups fresh spinach, roughly chopped
1 tsp Italian seasoning
Salt & pepper to taste
Optional: ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese for garnish
Directions
- Heat olive oil or butter in a large pot over medium heat.
- Add diced onion and carrots; sauté for 5 minutes until softened.
- Stir in garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
- Pour in chicken broth and bring to a simmer.
- Add shredded chicken and Italian seasoning, cooking for 10 minutes to blend flavors.
- Lower heat and stir in cream. Simmer gently for 5 minutes.
- Add fresh spinach and cook just until wilted.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Serve hot, garnished with Parmesan cheese if desired.
Recipe Video
Notes
- For best flavor, use freshly shredded chicken from baked or rotisserie chicken—it adds depth compared to pre-cooked options. If you plan to freeze the soup, leave out the cream and spinach until reheating to avoid separation and sogginess.
FAQs
1: What is Chicken Florentine Soup made of?
Chicken Florentine Soup is typically made with tender chicken, spinach, garlic, onions, carrots, broth, cream, and Italian herbs. The “Florentine” in the name refers to the addition of spinach, a classic ingredient in Florentine-style dishes.
2: Can I make Chicken Florentine Soup without cream?
Yes! If you prefer a lighter version, you can substitute cream with half-and-half, coconut milk, or even leave it out entirely. The soup will still be flavorful thanks to the broth, garlic, and herbs.
3: Is Chicken Florentine Soup gluten-free?
Yes, it can be! As long as you use gluten-free broth and avoid thickeners containing gluten, this soup is naturally gluten-free.
4: Can I use rotisserie chicken instead of cooking chicken from scratch?
Absolutely. Rotisserie chicken is a great shortcut and adds depth of flavor to the soup. Just shred the meat and add it toward the end of cooking.
5: How do I store leftovers?
Store Chicken Florentine Soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3–4 days. Reheat gently on the stove over medium heat, stirring occasionally.
Conclusion
Chicken Florentine Soup is more than just a comforting bowl of food—it’s a combination of wholesome ingredients, creamy texture, and fresh flavors that create a satisfying meal any time of the year. With its simple preparation and versatile customization options, this dish easily becomes a go-to recipe for families looking to enjoy a hearty and nutritious dinner. Next time you’re craving a warm and nourishing soup, let this Italian-inspired classic be your answer.
