If you’re dreaming of a bowl of rich, soul-soothing comfort that dazzles with every spoonful, Chicken Florentine Soup: A Creamy Delight Bursting with Flavor, is your new best friend. This luxurious yet fuss-free soup unites tender chicken, fresh baby spinach, garden vegetables, and an irresistibly velvety broth kissed with Parmesan — perfect for a cozy night in or a crowd-pleasing weeknight dinner. With every bite, you’ll taste the perfect harmony of wholesome goodness and elegant flavor, all spun together in one creamy, dreamy dish.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of Chicken Florentine Soup: A Creamy Delight Bursting with Flavor lies in its balance of just a handful of kitchen staples. Each ingredient plays a starring role, contributing a unique texture, color, and flavor note that makes the final result greater than the sum of its parts.
- Olive Oil: Provides a silky base for sautéing aromatics, adding subtle fruitiness to every bite.
- Onion (diced): Brings gentle sweetness and depth, rounding out the soup’s flavors.
- Garlic (minced): Infuses the broth with unmistakable savory warmth and fragrance.
- Carrots (peeled and sliced): Add pops of color and a natural sweetness that pairs perfectly with the savory broth.
- Celery (sliced): Lends a delicate earthiness and classic soup texture.
- Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breast (cut into bite-sized pieces): Soaks up all the flavors, staying juicy and tender.
- Low-Sodium Chicken Broth: Forms the nourishing backbone of the soup, allowing you to control the seasoning.
- Dried Thyme: Offers an aromatic, woodsy note that complements both the chicken and vegetables.
- Dried Basil: Provides a hint of herbal sweetness to round out the flavor profile.
- Salt: Essential for bringing out the best in all the other ingredients.
- Black Pepper: Adds a gentle bite that perks up the savory flavors.
- Baby Spinach (roughly chopped): Wilts into the soup for a lively green burst and subtle earthiness.
- Heavy Cream: Creates the luxurious creamy texture that makes this soup truly decadent.
- Grated Parmesan Cheese: Melts into the broth for a cheesy finish you’ll adore.
How to Make Chicken Florentine Soup: A Creamy Delight Bursting with Flavor
Step 1: Sauté Aromatics
Start by heating olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the diced onion and give it a few minutes to soften and turn translucent. This is where those irresistible savory aromas begin. Next, toss in the garlic, carrots, and celery. Let them mingle together, sautéing until the vegetables start to soften and the base becomes wonderfully fragrant. You’re building big flavor from the very first step!
Step 2: Add Chicken
Scoop your bite-sized chicken pieces right into the pot with the veggies. Stir everything around, letting the chicken brown gently on the outside. This quick browning step locks in juiciness and infuses the whole pot with savory flavor. In just five minutes, you’ll notice the chicken turning opaque and the kitchen filling with delicious aromas.
Step 3: Simmer with Seasonings
Pour in the chicken broth, followed by the thyme, basil, salt, and pepper. Bring the soup to a gentle boil, then turn down the heat so it simmers away. This is the moment the flavors begin to meld: the chicken becomes succulent, the vegetables tender, and the herbs do their quiet, transformative work. Let everything cook together for about 15 minutes, just enough to bring harmony to the pot.
Step 4: Add Spinach
Once your chicken and veggies are cooked through, stir in the roughly chopped baby spinach. It will wilt almost instantly, adding vibrant color and freshness to the soup. This final pop of green signals that you’re just a couple of minutes from dining bliss.
Step 5: Stir in Cream and Cheese
Turn the heat down low and gently swirl in the heavy cream and grated Parmesan, making sure to stir until everything is fully blended. The transformation happens right before your eyes: the broth becomes creamy, dreamy, and utterly tempting. Keep the heat gentle so the cream and cheese melt smoothly into the soup without curdling. Now, your Chicken Florentine Soup: A Creamy Delight Bursting with Flavor is ready to serve!
How to Serve Chicken Florentine Soup: A Creamy Delight Bursting with Flavor
Garnishes
To make the most of every bowl, sprinkle extra grated Parmesan on top, or add a few fresh spinach leaves for an elegant touch. Cracked black pepper or a drizzle of good olive oil makes for a simple, beautiful finish that will impress anyone sitting at your table.
Side Dishes
Scoop up all the creamy goodness with a slice of warm, crusty bread, or serve a crisp green salad alongside for a bright, refreshing pairing. For heartier appetites, pair the soup with roasted potatoes or even a small bowl of cooked rice stirred right in — the options are as comforting as they are versatile.
Creative Ways to Present
Try ladling the soup into small cups for a charming appetizer, or serve it in large mugs for casual, fireside coziness. For an unforgettable dinner party, add a swirl of pesto or a sprinkle of herbed croutons for a chef-inspired presentation that transforms Chicken Florentine Soup: A Creamy Delight Bursting with Flavor into a showstopper.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Let any remaining soup cool completely, then transfer it to airtight containers. In the fridge, it holds up beautifully for up to three days, allowing the flavors to deepen and meld even further – a perfect make-ahead meal for busy weeks!
Freezing
If you want a freezer-friendly option, ladle the cooled soup (hold the cream and cheese for now) into freezer-safe bags or containers. Freeze for up to two months. Thaw completely, then gently reheat and stir in the cream and Parmesan right before serving for the best texture.
Reheating
Gently rewarm the soup over low heat on the stovetop, giving it frequent stirs until hot and creamy. If it seems a touch thick, add a splash of broth or water to loosen it up. Microwaving works too — just use short bursts, stirring in between to keep the soup silky-smooth.
FAQs
What makes Chicken Florentine Soup: A Creamy Delight Bursting with Flavor so special?
It’s the combination of tender chicken, wholesome garden veggies, vibrant spinach, and a neatly balanced creamy broth that makes every spoonful exciting and comforting at once. The subtle blend of herbs and Parmesan cheese brings everything together for a uniquely satisfying meal.
Can I use rotisserie chicken instead of raw chicken breast?
Absolutely! For a speedy shortcut, add shredded rotisserie chicken after the veggies are softened and right before adding the broth. It saves time and still soaks up all the delicious flavors in the soup.
Is this soup gluten-free?
Yes, Chicken Florentine Soup: A Creamy Delight Bursting with Flavor is naturally gluten-free as written! Just double-check your chicken broth and Parmesan labels to ensure there are no hidden gluten-containing ingredients.
Can I lighten up the recipe?
For a lighter version, simply swap in half-and-half or even whole milk for the heavy cream. You’ll still enjoy a creamy texture, but with fewer calories and less richness — perfect for everyday meals.
What’s the best way to add extra veggies?
You can add mushrooms, peas, or chopped zucchini when sautéing the carrots and celery. These additions will only enhance the fresh, wholesome vibe of Chicken Florentine Soup: A Creamy Delight Bursting with Flavor.
Final Thoughts
I hope you’re inspired to try Chicken Florentine Soup: A Creamy Delight Bursting with Flavor in your own kitchen soon. There’s nothing quite like a bowlful of creamy, colorful comfort — it’s a guaranteed hit for family dinners or whenever you need a little food hug. Enjoy every delicious spoonful!
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: Non-Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in the luxurious flavors of this Chicken Florentine Soup, a creamy delight that is both comforting and bursting with the goodness of tender chicken, fresh vegetables, and savory Parmesan cheese.
Ingredients
For the Soup:
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 small onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 carrots, peeled and sliced
- 2 celery stalks, sliced
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breast, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 4 cups low-sodium chicken broth
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1/2 teaspoon dried basil
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Additional Ingredients:
- 2 cups baby spinach, roughly chopped
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Instructions
- Heat the Olive Oil: In a large pot over medium heat, heat olive oil. Add the diced onion and sauté until translucent.
- Sauté Vegetables: Stir in garlic, carrots, and celery. Cook until softened.
- Cook Chicken: Add chicken pieces and cook until lightly browned.
- Add Broth and Seasonings: Pour in chicken broth, add thyme, basil, salt, and pepper. Simmer for 15 minutes.
- Finish Soup: Stir in spinach and cook until wilted. Gently add cream and Parmesan cheese. Heat through and serve.
Notes
- For a lighter version, use half-and-half instead of heavy cream.
- Save time by using shredded rotisserie chicken.
- Enhance the soup with cooked pasta or rice for a heartier meal.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 390
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 620mg
- Fat: 24g
- Saturated Fat: 11g
- Unsaturated Fat: 11g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 12g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 32g
- Cholesterol: 115mg
