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
Scale
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
