If you’re in the mood for something soul-warming and wonderfully satisfying, Chicken Florentine Soup: A Creamy Delight Bursting with Flavor is exactly what you need. Imagine a cozy bowl filled with tender chicken, fresh spinach, sweet carrots, and a lusciously creamy broth kissed with Parmesan—this is comfort food at its best, and it’s the kind of dish you’ll crave again and again. Whether you’re cooking for a weeknight family dinner or a special gathering with friends, this soup brings everyone to the table and keeps them coming back for seconds!
Ingredients You’ll Need
What I love most about this recipe is how simple, everyday ingredients come together to make something truly memorable. Each component adds its own special touch—think silky creaminess, vibrant color, savory depth, and a hint of Italian flair. Here’s what you’ll need and why each one matters:
- Olive oil: Adds a subtle depth of flavor and helps the vegetables soften beautifully without burning.
- Butter: Brings a rich, velvety undertone to the soup, making every spoonful extra satisfying.
- Yellow onion: The aromatic base that infuses the entire pot with gentle sweetness and flavor.
- Garlic: Offers an irresistible aroma and signature Italian warmth that makes the soup sing.
- Carrots: Add natural sweetness and a pop of color, balancing the savory notes perfectly.
- Celery: Contributes subtle earthiness and a lovely crunch to the mix.
- Dried thyme: Brings a comforting, woodsy note that pairs beautifully with chicken.
- Dried basil: Infuses the soup with that unmistakable Italian essence.
- Red pepper flakes (optional): For a gentle heat that enlivens the creamy broth without overpowering it.
- All-purpose flour: Thickens the soup to a luxurious, spoon-coating consistency.
- Low-sodium chicken broth: The heart of the soup, providing savory depth while letting all the flavors shine.
- Cooked and shredded chicken breast: Makes the soup hearty and protein-rich; rotisserie chicken works in a pinch!
- Baby spinach: Wilts down into silky ribbons, adding freshness, color, and nutrients.
- Half-and-half or heavy cream: Gives the soup its signature creaminess—use whichever you prefer for richness.
- Grated Parmesan cheese: Melts into the broth for a nutty, salty finish that elevates every bite.
- Salt and black pepper: Essential for seasoning and bringing all the flavors into perfect harmony.
How to Make Chicken Florentine Soup: A Creamy Delight Bursting with Flavor
Step 1: Sauté the Vegetables
Start by heating the olive oil and butter in a large pot over medium heat. Once the butter is melted and bubbly, add the diced onion, carrots, and celery. Sauté these veggies for about 5–6 minutes, stirring often, until everything is softened and starting to smell amazing. This creates a flavorful, aromatic base that will carry every other ingredient in the soup.
Step 2: Add Aromatics and Seasonings
Next, stir in the minced garlic, dried thyme, dried basil, and (if you like a little kick) the red pepper flakes. Let everything cook together for just one minute—just long enough for the garlic to become fragrant and the herbs to bloom. You’ll notice the kitchen smells absolutely irresistible at this stage!
Step 3: Thicken with Flour
Sprinkle the flour over the sautéed vegetables and stir well to coat. This step is crucial for creating that luxuriously creamy texture you expect from Chicken Florentine Soup: A Creamy Delight Bursting with Flavor. Cook the flour and veggies together for another 1–2 minutes to remove any raw flour taste—patience here pays off!
Step 4: Add Broth and Simmer
Gradually pour in the chicken broth, whisking or stirring constantly to prevent lumps from forming. Bring the soup up to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer for about 10 minutes. This allows the flavors to meld and the soup to thicken just the right amount.
Step 5: Add Chicken
Stir in your cooked, shredded chicken breast and let it simmer for another 5 minutes. The chicken will warm through and soak up all the herby, savory goodness of the soup. This is also a great way to use up leftover chicken or make the most of a store-bought rotisserie bird for an easy shortcut.
Step 6: Wilt the Spinach
Add the baby spinach to the pot and stir until it wilts down—just about 2 minutes. The spinach adds a pop of bright green color and a fresh, earthy note that balances the rich broth beautifully.
Step 7: Finish with Cream and Cheese
Lower the heat and slowly pour in the half-and-half or heavy cream, followed by the grated Parmesan cheese. Stir gently and watch as the soup transforms into a creamy, dreamy masterpiece. Taste and adjust with salt and black pepper as needed, then get ready to serve hot bowls of Chicken Florentine Soup: A Creamy Delight Bursting with Flavor!
How to Serve Chicken Florentine Soup: A Creamy Delight Bursting with Flavor
Garnishes
A bowl of this soup absolutely shines with a sprinkle of extra Parmesan, a few fresh basil leaves, or a crack of black pepper over the top. If you love a bit of heat, add a tiny pinch of red pepper flakes right before serving, or swirl in a drizzle of good olive oil for extra richness. These little flourishes make every bowl feel special.
Side Dishes
Chicken Florentine Soup: A Creamy Delight Bursting with Flavor is practically a meal on its own, but it plays especially well with crusty bread for dipping, a simple green salad with a tangy vinaigrette, or some garlicky breadsticks. For something heartier, try serving it alongside a classic Caesar salad or even a small bowl of cooked pasta stirred right in.
Creative Ways to Present
Make dinner feel like an occasion by ladling the soup into warm bowls and topping each with a Parmesan crisp or a few homemade croutons. For a party, serve mini portions in espresso cups or shot glasses as an elegant little appetizer. However you present it, this soup will always steal the show!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you happen to have leftovers (lucky you!), let the soup cool to room temperature before transferring it to an airtight container. It will keep beautifully in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors actually deepen as it sits, making tomorrow’s lunch even more delicious.
Freezing
You can absolutely freeze Chicken Florentine Soup: A Creamy Delight Bursting with Flavor! Just be sure to let it cool completely and store in freezer-safe containers, leaving a little space for expansion. The creamy texture may separate slightly upon thawing, but it comes back together nicely with a gentle stir.
Reheating
To reheat, simply warm the soup gently in a pot over medium-low heat, stirring frequently. If it’s looking a little thick, add a splash of broth or milk to loosen it up. Avoid boiling, as this can cause the dairy to split—low and slow is the way to go for best results.
FAQs
Can I use rotisserie chicken instead of cooking chicken breast?
Absolutely! Rotisserie chicken is a fantastic and convenient substitute in Chicken Florentine Soup: A Creamy Delight Bursting with Flavor. Just shred or chop it and add it when the recipe calls for cooked chicken.
Is there a way to make this soup gluten-free?
Yes, simply swap the all-purpose flour for your favorite gluten-free flour blend. Everything else in the soup is naturally gluten-friendly, so it’s an easy adaptation.
Can I substitute the spinach with another green?
Of course! While baby spinach gives the soup its classic Florentine flair, you can use kale, Swiss chard, or even arugula. Just chop heartier greens a bit smaller and allow extra time for them to soften.
What’s the best way to make this soup lighter?
For a lighter version, use whole milk instead of half-and-half or cream, and consider reducing the Parmesan slightly. The soup will still be creamy, comforting, and full of flavor!
Can I add pasta or rice to make it even heartier?
Definitely! Stir in a handful of cooked pasta or rice during the last few minutes of simmering for a more filling meal. It’s a great way to stretch leftovers and make the soup extra satisfying.
Final Thoughts
If you’re ready to treat yourself and your loved ones to a bowl of pure comfort, you can’t go wrong with Chicken Florentine Soup: A Creamy Delight Bursting with Flavor. Give it a try, and don’t be surprised if it earns a regular spot at your table—it’s truly a heartwarming classic you’ll want to make again and again!
Print
Chicken Florentine Soup: A Creamy Delight Bursting with Flavor Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian-American
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
Chicken Florentine Soup is a creamy, flavorful delight combining tender shredded chicken, fresh spinach, and a rich Parmesan-infused broth. This comforting Italian-American soup is perfect for a cozy dinner and easy to prepare on the stovetop, delivering a hearty yet elegant meal.
Ingredients
Base Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 1 small yellow onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 medium carrots, peeled and sliced
- 1 celery stalk, chopped
Seasonings
- 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1/2 teaspoon dried basil
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- Salt and black pepper to taste
Thickening and Broth
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 6 cups low-sodium chicken broth
Main Ingredients
- 2 cups cooked and shredded chicken breast
- 2 cups baby spinach
- 1 cup half-and-half or heavy cream
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Instructions
- Sauté Vegetables: In a large pot, heat olive oil and butter over medium heat. Add diced onion, carrots, and celery and sauté for 5–6 minutes until softened, developing the flavor base.
- Add Aromatics and Spices: Stir in the garlic, thyme, basil, and red pepper flakes. Cook for 1 minute until fragrant to release the herbs’ aromas.
- Incorporate Flour: Sprinkle the flour over the vegetables and stir to coat evenly. Cook for 1–2 minutes to eliminate the raw flour taste, creating a roux to thicken the soup.
- Add Broth: Gradually whisk in the chicken broth, stirring constantly to prevent lumps. Bring the soup to a gentle boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 10 minutes for flavors to meld.
- Add Chicken and Simmer: Add the shredded chicken and continue simmering for 5 more minutes to warm the meat through and enrich the broth.
- Wilt Spinach: Stir in the spinach and cook just until wilted, about 2 minutes, preserving its vibrant color and nutrients.
- Add Cream and Cheese: Lower the heat and slowly pour in the half-and-half followed by the Parmesan cheese. Stir until the soup is creamy and well combined.
- Season and Serve: Season with salt and pepper to taste. Serve hot with crusty bread or a light salad for a complete meal.
Notes
- For a lighter soup, substitute whole milk for the cream.
- Rotisserie chicken is a convenient shortcut for shredded chicken.
- Consider adding cooked pasta or rice to make the soup heartier.
- Use gluten-free flour if you need a gluten-friendly version.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl (approximately 1.5 cups)
- Calories: 310
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 580mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 9g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 15g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 23g
- Cholesterol: 80mg
