If you have been searching for a comforting, creamy soup that feels like a warm hug in a bowl, then the Chicken Florentine Soup: A Creamy Delight Bursting with Flavor Recipe is exactly what you need. This delightful dish brings together tender chicken, fresh spinach, and a luscious blend of cream and Parmesan to create a rich, satisfying soup that is as nutritious as it is delicious. Every spoonful overflows with vibrant flavors and a velvety texture that make it perfect for any day you want a cozy, homemade meal without any fuss.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity and the way each ingredient plays a crucial role in building layers of flavor and texture. From the fragrant garlic to the fresh spinach and creamy finish, every element is essential to make this soup a standout in your kitchen.
- 1 tablespoon olive oil: Provides a flavorful base and helps sauté the vegetables to perfection.
- 1 small onion (diced): Adds natural sweetness and depth to the broth.
- 3 cloves garlic (minced): Infuses the soup with a warm, aromatic punch.
- 2 carrots (peeled and sliced): Bring a subtle sweetness and bright color to the dish.
- 2 celery stalks (sliced): Adds a fresh, earthy crunch that balances the creaminess.
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breast (cut into bite-sized pieces): The hearty protein that makes this soup filling and nutritious.
- 4 cups low-sodium chicken broth: Creates the flavorful liquid foundation without overpowering saltiness.
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme: Offers a fragrant herbal note that complements the chicken perfectly.
- 1/2 teaspoon dried basil: Adds hints of sweetness and slight pepperiness.
- 1/2 teaspoon salt: Balances and enhances all the flavors.
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper: Gives a subtle spice that livens up each bite.
- 2 cups baby spinach (roughly chopped): Loads the soup with bright, fresh greens and vibrant color.
- 1 cup heavy cream: Creates the silky, rich texture that defines this creamy delight.
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese: Adds savory, salty richness and melts into a luscious finish.
How to Make Chicken Florentine Soup: A Creamy Delight Bursting with Flavor Recipe
Step 1: Sauté the Aromatics and Vegetables
Start by heating olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Toss in the diced onion and cook gently until it turns translucent, about 3 to 4 minutes. Then stir in the minced garlic alongside the sliced carrots and celery. This trio softens and releases their natural sweetness, creating a fragrant base that welcomes the star ingredients.
Step 2: Brown the Chicken
Add the bite-sized chicken pieces to the pot and cook until they start to develop a light golden color, around 5 minutes. This step not only seals in the chicken’s juices but also adds a touch of savory complexity to the soup as the browned bits mingle with the vegetables.
Step 3: Simmer with Herbs and Broth
Pour in the low-sodium chicken broth and sprinkle in the dried thyme, basil, salt, and pepper. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to let it gently simmer. Allow the soup to cook for 15 minutes, so the chicken becomes tender and the vegetables soften to the perfect bite.
Step 4: Add Spinach and Finish with Cream and Parmesan
Stir in the roughly chopped baby spinach and cook just until wilted, which should take about 2 minutes. Lower the heat and carefully fold in the heavy cream and grated Parmesan cheese, stirring until the soup turns luxuriously creamy and heated through. This final touch is what makes the Chicken Florentine Soup: A Creamy Delight Bursting with Flavor Recipe so irresistibly smooth and satisfying.
How to Serve Chicken Florentine Soup: A Creamy Delight Bursting with Flavor Recipe
Garnishes
To elevate your soup experience, sprinkle a bit of extra grated Parmesan on top or add a few fresh basil leaves for a bright, herbaceous pop. A light drizzle of good quality olive oil or a dash of cracked black pepper can also add a charming finishing touch that makes every bowl feel special.
Side Dishes
This creamy soup pairs beautifully with crusty bread for dipping or a crisp green salad that contrasts the rich texture with refreshing crunch. Garlic bread or a warm baguette also complements the soup perfectly, soaking up every bit of that delicious creamy broth.
Creative Ways to Present
For a dinner party or casual gathering, serve the soup in small, elegant bowls or even hollowed-out mini bread bowls to add a fun, rustic appeal. Garnishing each serving with a sprinkle of Parmesan and a mini sprig of thyme will make it look as appetizing as it tastes. You can also stir in cooked pasta or rice to transform it into a more substantial meal.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Chicken Florentine Soup keeps well in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. This allows the flavors to meld even more, so you might find it tastes just as amazing, if not better, the next day.
Freezing
This soup freezes wonderfully. Just make sure to leave out or add the cream after reheating, as dairy can sometimes separate when frozen. Freeze in portion-sized containers and enjoy a comforting meal ready to go on any busy day.
Reheating
When you’re ready to enjoy your leftovers, thaw the soup in the fridge overnight and reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat. Stir in any cream if needed and add a little extra broth or water if the soup has thickened too much during storage.
FAQs
Can I use rotisserie chicken instead of raw chicken breast?
Absolutely! Using shredded rotisserie chicken is a fantastic shortcut that saves time without sacrificing flavor, making this recipe even more accessible on busy days.
Is it possible to make this soup dairy-free?
Yes, you can substitute heavy cream with coconut milk or a dairy-free cream alternative. However, the Parmesan cheese adds a distinctive flavor, so consider using a vegan Parmesan substitute or nutritional yeast for that cheesy note.
Can I add other vegetables to this soup?
Definitely! Feel free to add mushrooms, zucchini, or peas to enhance texture and flavor. Just add any extra veggies when you add the carrots and celery so they cook evenly.
What can I do to make this soup lighter?
To lighten it up, substitute half-and-half for heavy cream or skip the cream altogether and use a bit more chicken broth. Adding extra spinach can increase fiber and nutrients without adding many calories.
How do I keep the spinach from being overcooked?
Be sure to add the spinach towards the very end of cooking—just a couple of minutes before serving. This keeps it vibrant, tender, and fresh-tasting instead of mushy.
Final Thoughts
I can’t recommend the Chicken Florentine Soup: A Creamy Delight Bursting with Flavor Recipe enough for anyone craving a soul-warming, deliciously creamy soup. Its blend of wholesome ingredients and luxurious creaminess makes every bite feel like a celebration of comfort food done right. Give it a try soon and enjoy a bowl of happiness that’s simple to make and impossible not to love!
Print
Chicken Florentine Soup: A Creamy Delight Bursting with Flavor Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
Chicken Florentine Soup is a creamy and flavorful soup featuring tender chicken breast, fresh spinach, and a blend of aromatic vegetables simmered in a savory broth enriched with Parmesan cheese and heavy cream. This comforting soup is perfect for a cozy meal and is easy to prepare on the stovetop.
Ingredients
Soup Base
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 small onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 carrots, peeled and sliced
- 2 celery stalks, sliced
Protein and Broth
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breast, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 4 cups low-sodium chicken broth
Seasonings
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1/2 teaspoon dried basil
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Greens and Cream
- 2 cups baby spinach, roughly chopped
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Instructions
- Sauté Vegetables: Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the diced onion and sauté for 3 to 4 minutes until translucent. Stir in the garlic, carrots, and celery, and cook for another 3 to 4 minutes until softened.
- Cook Chicken: Add the chicken pieces to the pot and cook until lightly browned on the outside, about 5 minutes.
- Simmer Soup: Pour in the chicken broth and add thyme, basil, salt, and black pepper. Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer for 15 minutes or until the chicken is cooked through and the vegetables are tender.
- Add Spinach: Stir in the chopped spinach and cook for 2 minutes until wilted.
- Finish with Cream and Cheese: Lower the heat and gently stir in the heavy cream and Parmesan cheese until the soup is creamy and heated through. Serve warm.
Notes
- For a lighter version, substitute half-and-half for the heavy cream.
- You can use shredded rotisserie chicken to save time.
- Add cooked pasta or rice for a heartier meal.
