Name: Chicken Florentine Pasta Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 8 ounces penne pasta (uncooked); 1 pound chicken breasts (boneless, skinless); 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt, plus more to taste; Freshly ground black pepper, to taste; Olive oil, for cooking; 1 medium onion, chopped; 5 cloves garlic, chopped; 4 cups chicken broth (regular strength); 5 ounces baby spinach leaves (fresh); 2/3 cup heavy cream; 1 cup pesto (prepared, store-bought or homemade); 2/3 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese, plus extra for garnish

Jump to Recipe· 4.3 from 5 reviews

If you are looking for a dish that bursts with comforting flavors and a creamy, savory sauce that wraps perfectly around tender pasta and juicy chicken, this Chicken Florentine Pasta Recipe will absolutely steal your heart. It brings together the freshness of spinach, the richness of pesto and parmesan, and luscious cream in a way that feels both indulgent and surprisingly simple. Whether you need a quick weeknight dinner or want to impress family or friends with minimal effort, this recipe hits every mark with its vibrant colors, balanced textures, and deeply satisfying taste.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The image shows a red pan with fresh spinach leaves piled on top of a layer of cooked onions at the bottom. The spinach is bright green with a smooth, slightly shiny texture. A wooden spoon is placed on the spinach, resting on the right side of the pan. The pan sits on a white marbled surface with a soft, neutral background. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

The beauty of this Chicken Florentine Pasta Recipe lies in its straightforward ingredients that pack maximum flavor. Each element contributes to a harmony of tastes—from the bright spinach and aromatic garlic to the silky cream and sharp parmesan, all coming together with tender chicken and perfectly cooked penne.

8 ounces penne pasta: Choose a quality penne that holds the sauce well and cooks al dente for the best texture.
1 pound chicken breasts (boneless, skinless): Pounded thin for quick, even cooking and a tender bite.
1/2 teaspoon kosher salt (plus more to taste): Enhances every layer of flavor throughout the dish.
Black pepper (freshly ground, to taste): Adds a mild heat and aromatic depth.
Olive oil (for cooking): Used to brown the chicken and sauté the aromatics, lending fruitiness and richness.
1 medium onion (chopped): Provides sweetness and a mild bite when sautéed.
5 cloves garlic (chopped): Infuses the sauce with an irresistible savory note.
4 cups chicken broth (regular strength): Adds a robust base that is reduced to concentrate flavor.
5 ounces baby spinach leaves (fresh): Offers vibrant color and a gentle earthiness that brightens the creamy sauce.
2/3 cup heavy cream: Creates the luxuriously smooth and rich sauce texture.
1 cup pesto (prepared, store-bought or homemade): Brings fragrant basil, pine nuts, garlic, and parmesan flavors straight to the dish.
2/3 cup freshly grated parmesan (plus extra for garnish): Melts into the sauce for sharp cheesiness and adds a delightful finishing touch on top.

How to Make Chicken Florentine Pasta Recipe

Step 1: Cook the Penne Pasta

Start by bringing a large pot of generously salted water to a boil—it seasons the pasta internally and boosts flavor. Cook the penne until al dente, meaning it still has a pleasant bite but is tender through. Drain the pasta carefully without rinsing, then toss it with a few tablespoons of olive oil to prevent sticking and keep it warm for the final assembly.

Step 2: Prep the Chicken

To ensure quick cooking and tender results, place cling wrap over each chicken breast and gently pound it to about a quarter-inch thickness. This step not only speeds cooking but also helps the chicken become juicy rather than dry. Once pounded, sprinkle both sides evenly with kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper for foundational seasoning.

Step 3: Sear the Chicken

Heat enough olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering. Add two chicken breasts at a time and brown them on both sides until fully cooked, which takes about 2 to 3 minutes per side. This quick sear locks in juices and develops a beautiful golden crust. Remove and slice each breast into strips before keeping them warm.

Step 4: Sauté Aromatics

In the same skillet, add two tablespoons of olive oil and toss in the chopped onion and garlic. Sauté for 2 to 3 minutes until fragrant and translucent—this builds the flavor base and sweetens the dish naturally.

Step 5: Reduce the Broth

Pour in the chicken broth and add half a teaspoon kosher salt. Bring the mixture to a vigorous boil and let it reduce by half, around 2 minutes, concentrating the savory notes for a richer sauce.

Step 6: Create the Sauce

Turn the heat to low and stir in the heavy cream and pesto, mixing them together until the sauce is smooth and heated through, about 1 minute. Taste and adjust seasoning with more salt and freshly ground black pepper if desired—this ensures every bite is perfectly balanced.

Step 7: Add Spinach

Fold in the fresh baby spinach leaves and stir gently over low heat just until they begin to wilt. Keeping the spinach vibrant and fresh-tasting preserves its nutrition and adds a lovely green pop to your dish.

Step 8: Combine Pasta and Sauce

Toss the warm penne pasta with your lush spinach-pesto sauce to coat every piece evenly. For a thicker, clingier sauce, let the pasta sit for about 5 minutes—this resting period allows the sauce to thicken beautifully.

Step 9: Finish with Parmesan and Chicken

Stir in freshly grated parmesan cheese for a velvety richness and sprinkle some reserved parmesan on top when serving for an eye-catching, flavorful garnish. Arrange the sliced chicken strips on top of the pasta and serve immediately for the best taste and texture.

How to Serve Chicken Florentine Pasta Recipe

A white pan holds a dish with three main layers: the bottom layer is white penne pasta mixed with cooked green spinach, scattered evenly around the pan; the middle layer consists of sliced cooked chicken with light golden brown edges placed over the pasta in the center; the top layer has a light sprinkling of shredded pale yellow cheese on the chicken and pasta. Next to the pan is a small white bowl filled with shredded cheese on a white marbled surface with a brown cloth napkin nearby. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

A little extra sprinkle of freshly grated parmesan is always a winner to enhance the cheesy notes and add a touch of visual appeal. You can also add a small handful of toasted pine nuts or a drizzle of extra pesto for even more texture and aroma.

Side Dishes

This dish pairs wonderfully with a crisp green salad dressed simply with lemon vinaigrette to balance the creamy pasta. Garlic bread or crusty baguette slices are also perfect for dipping into any leftover sauce and rounding out the meal.

Creative Ways to Present

For a fancy presentation, serve the pasta in shallow bowls with chicken strips fanned out on top and a sprig of fresh basil for color. Alternatively, try plating with a light drizzle of good quality olive oil and a sprinkle of chili flakes if you like a hint of heat.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover Chicken Florentine Pasta Recipe keeps well in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. Because the sauce thickens as it chills, you may want to stir in a splash of milk or broth when reheating to refresh its creamy texture.

Freezing

While this dish can be frozen, the texture of fresh spinach may change slightly upon thawing. If you want to freezer-friendly portions, consider freezing cooked chicken and sauce separately from the pasta and add fresh spinach when reheating for best quality.

Reheating

Reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat with a little added cream, broth, or water to loosen the sauce. Avoid microwaving at high heat to prevent the cream from breaking or the chicken from becoming tough.

FAQs

Can I use another type of pasta for the Chicken Florentine Pasta Recipe?

Absolutely! While penne is ideal for holding the sauce, other pasta shapes like fusilli, farfalle, or rigatoni will also work beautifully. Just be sure to cook them al dente to maintain a pleasant bite.

Is it okay to use frozen spinach instead of fresh?

Fresh spinach is preferred for its vibrant color and texture in this recipe, but you can substitute frozen spinach if needed. Just thaw and squeeze out excess moisture before adding to avoid thinning the sauce.

Can this Chicken Florentine Pasta Recipe be made dairy-free?

Yes, you can substitute heavy cream with coconut cream or a cashew cream for a dairy-free version, and use nutritional yeast or a dairy-free cheese alternative instead of parmesan. The dish will still be creamy and flavorful but with a slight twist.

How can I make the chicken more flavorful?

Marinating the chicken briefly in olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, and herbs before cooking can boost flavor. Alternatively, adding Italian seasoning or smoked paprika to the salt and pepper rub introduces wonderful nuances.

Is pesto necessary, or can I omit it?

Pesto is key for the signature herbal brightness and depth in a Chicken Florentine Pasta Recipe. If you don’t have it on hand, you can try substituting with fresh basil or spinach blended with garlic, olive oil, and parmesan to mimic the effect.

Final Thoughts

There’s something truly special about this Chicken Florentine Pasta Recipe that makes it a beloved go-to meal. From the tender chicken and silky sauce to the fresh spinach and comforting pasta, every bite feels like a warm hug on a plate. I encourage you to give this recipe a try—you’ll soon see why it’s such a favorite for busy nights and relaxed dinners alike!