This creamy chicken Florentine soup is the epitome of comfort food, offering a rich and satisfying experience in every spoonful. It’s not just delicious; it’s also remarkably healthy, packed with fresh vegetables, tender chicken, and a harmonious blend of simple seasonings that will warm you from the inside out. Perfect for chilly evenings or a nourishing weeknight meal, this one-pot wonder brings restaurant-quality flavor right to your kitchen table with minimal effort.
Why You’ll Fall in Love with This Chicken Florentine Soup Recipe
Chicken Florentine Soup isn’t just another soup; it’s an experience. The “Florentine” style, originating from Florence, Italy, traditionally refers to dishes prepared “in the style of Florence,” often featuring spinach as a key ingredient, typically cooked with a creamy sauce. This soup embodies that classic elegance while being incredibly approachable for home cooks. Here’s why this particular recipe is destined to become a staple in your culinary repertoire:
- Effortless Preparation with Simple Ingredients: You won’t need to hunt for exotic items. This recipe relies on common pantry staples like butter, garlic, onion, and chicken broth, ingredients you likely already have on hand. This makes it a fantastic last-minute dinner solution. Furthermore, it’s an ideal way to use up any leftover pre-cooked chicken, whether it’s from a roasted chicken, rotisserie chicken, or even poached chicken breasts. This smart use of leftovers makes meal prep a breeze and reduces food waste.
- A True One-Pot Wonder: Say goodbye to stacks of dirty dishes! This entire meal comes together in just one large pot. From sautéing the aromatics to simmering the creamy broth and adding the final touches, everything happens in a single vessel. This drastically cuts down on cleanup time, leaving you more moments to savor your delicious creation and less time scrubbing pots and pans. It’s the ultimate convenience for busy weeknights.
- Ready in Under 30 Minutes: Time is often a luxury, especially on hectic days. This recipe respects your schedule, requiring less than 30 minutes from start to finish. It’s the perfect solution when you’re craving something light yet incredibly satisfying, without spending hours in the kitchen. Imagine coming home after a long day and having a hearty, homemade meal on the table in less time than it takes to order takeout.
- Nutrient-Packed Goodness: Beyond its comforting appeal, this soup is a powerhouse of nutrition. Fresh baby spinach wilts down into a vibrant, vitamin-rich addition, while lean chicken provides essential protein. Combined with a medley of fresh vegetables, you’re getting a well-rounded meal that nourishes your body and keeps you feeling full and energized.
- Incredibly Versatile: While the core recipe is stellar, it’s also highly adaptable. You can easily adjust the vegetables, swap proteins, or modify the creaminess to suit your dietary preferences or what you have available. It’s a forgiving recipe that encourages creativity in the kitchen.
This Chicken Florentine Soup is more than just a meal; it’s a warm hug in a bowl, delivering on taste, convenience, and health, making it a guaranteed crowd-pleaser for any occasion.
Decoding the Flavors: Key Ingredients for Chicken Florentine Soup
Each ingredient in this Chicken Florentine Soup plays a crucial role in creating its signature creamy texture and savory depth. Understanding their contribution and potential substitutions can help you customize the soup to your liking.
- Half and Half: The Secret to Irresistible Creaminess
Half and half, a dairy product consisting of half whole milk and half heavy cream, is what gives this soup its luxurious, velvety texture without being overly thick or heavy. It strikes a perfect balance, imparting a beautiful richness that elevates the entire dish. If you prefer a lighter soup, you can absolutely substitute whole milk for the half and half. For an even richer, more decadent soup, heavy cream can be used, though you might want to thin it slightly with a bit of chicken broth if it becomes too thick. For dairy-free alternatives, full-fat coconut milk or cashew cream can offer a similar creamy consistency, though they will subtly alter the flavor profile. - Baby Spinach: The Florentine Star & Health Powerhouse
The cornerstone of any Florentine dish, baby spinach, adds a vibrant color, subtle earthiness, and a fantastic nutritional boost. Don’t be alarmed by the seemingly large quantity of two cups; once cooked, spinach wilts down significantly, shrinking in volume to a fraction of its original size. Both fresh and frozen spinach work wonderfully in this soup. If using frozen spinach, ensure it’s thawed and thoroughly squeezed to remove excess water before adding it to prevent diluting the soup. Spinach is incredibly nutritious, loaded with vitamins (K, A, C, Folate), minerals (Iron, Manganese), and antioxidants, making this soup a truly wholesome meal. Feeling extra healthy? Feel free to toss in an extra handful or two of spinach – it’s always a welcome addition! - Tender Chicken: Your Protein Punch
Cooked chicken forms the hearty base of this soup. Using pre-cooked chicken, whether shredded or diced, is a fantastic time-saver. Rotisserie chicken is a popular choice for its flavor and convenience. If starting with raw chicken, simply poach or bake chicken breasts or thighs, then shred or dice them before adding to the soup. The chicken provides lean protein, making the soup a filling and satisfying main course. - Aromatic Foundation: Garlic, Onion, Carrots, and Celery
This classic combination, often referred to as a mirepoix (onion, carrots, celery), forms the aromatic base that gives the soup its fundamental savory flavor. Sautéing these vegetables in butter until tender unlocks their sweet and pungent notes, creating a rich backdrop for the other ingredients. Fresh garlic adds a pungent kick that is essential for depth of flavor. - Flour: The Natural Thickener
A small amount of all-purpose flour helps to create a roux with the butter, which then thickens the soup to that perfect comforting consistency. It ensures the broth is not watery but has a lovely body that clings to the other ingredients. For a gluten-free option, you can easily substitute cassava flour or a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend. - Italian Seasoning: The Spice Blend Hero
This convenient blend typically includes herbs like oregano, basil, thyme, rosemary, and marjoram, providing a complex and fragrant herbaceous note that perfectly complements the chicken and vegetables. It’s a simple way to infuse rich Mediterranean-inspired flavors into your soup without needing individual herbs. - Chicken Broth: The Flavorful Liquid Base
Good quality chicken broth is key to a flavorful soup. Opt for low-sodium broth if you prefer to control the salt content. Homemade chicken broth will always yield the best flavor, but store-bought varieties work perfectly fine for convenience.
By understanding and appreciating each component, you can truly master this Chicken Florentine Soup and even confidently experiment with your own variations.
Chef’s Pro Tips for the Perfect Chicken Florentine Soup
Elevate your Chicken Florentine Soup from good to absolutely outstanding with these expert tips and serving suggestions:
- Seasoning is Key, But Patience is a Virtue: The flavors in soup deepen and meld beautifully as they simmer. Therefore, it’s crucial to wait until the very end of the cooking process to taste and adjust any seasonings. Adding salt and pepper too early might result in an over-seasoned soup once the liquids reduce slightly and the flavors concentrate. Wait until the final step, after all ingredients have had time to become acquainted, to fine-tune the flavor profile to your preference. This allows for optimal taste development and ensures your soup is perfectly balanced.
- Serving Suggestions to Complement Your Cozy Bowl: This chicken Florentine soup is hearty enough to be a complete meal on its own, but it truly shines when paired with a few simple accompaniments.
- Crusty Bread: A thick slice of warm, crusty bread is my absolute favorite pairing. It’s perfect for soaking up every last drop of the creamy, flavorful broth – pure bliss! Garlic bread or a simple baguette works wonderfully.
- Over Rice or Pasta: For an even more substantial meal, serve this soup over a bowl of cooked white rice or your favorite pasta, such as orzo or small shell pasta. The starch absorbs the creamy broth, creating a comforting and filling dish that’s reminiscent of a deconstructed creamy chicken pasta.
- Side Salad: A crisp, light green salad with a simple vinaigrette offers a refreshing contrast to the richness of the soup.
- Croutons: For added texture, sprinkle some homemade or store-bought croutons just before serving.
- The Power of Fresh Garnishes: Don’t underestimate the impact of a fresh garnish. A sprinkle of fresh parsley, a generous grinding of cracked black pepper, and/or a dusting of grated Parmesan cheese over your finished dish can truly transform the soup. The fresh herbs and pepper add a bright, aromatic lift, while Parmesan contributes a salty, umami depth. These elements not only enhance the visual appeal but also add a fresh, zesty layer of flavor that helps to brighten this rich and hearty recipe.
- Storage and Reheating: Leftovers of this soup are often even more delicious the next day! Store cooled soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. To reheat, gently warm on the stovetop over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally. If the soup has thickened too much, you can add a splash of chicken broth or milk to reach your desired consistency. Avoid boiling vigorously, especially if using half and half, to prevent separation.
- Make Ahead Option: You can prepare the base of the soup (sautéing vegetables, adding flour and broth) ahead of time. When ready to serve, reheat the base, then stir in the half and half, cooked chicken, and spinach, simmering until heated through and spinach is wilted.
- Freezing (with caution): Dairy-based soups can sometimes separate or become grainy when frozen and thawed. If you plan to freeze, it’s best to freeze the soup *before* adding the half and half. When ready to serve, thaw the soup base, reheat, and then stir in the half and half, cooked chicken, and spinach as per the recipe instructions. This helps preserve the creamy texture.
- Gluten-Free Adaptation: As mentioned in the notes, for a gluten-free version, simply substitute the all-purpose flour with an equal amount of cassava flour or a good quality gluten-free all-purpose flour blend. These alternatives will still help thicken the soup beautifully.
With these tips in your arsenal, you’re ready to create a chicken Florentine soup that will impress and delight everyone who tries it.
More Easy Soup Recipes to Explore
If you enjoyed the simplicity and deliciousness of this Chicken Florentine Soup, you’re in for a treat! We love comforting and easy soup recipes, perfect for any season. Here are some other fantastic options that are sure to become family favorites:
- Hearty Irish Potato Soup
- Quick Keto Egg Drop Soup
- Creamy Vegan Potato Soup
- Comforting Keto Chicken and Dumplings
- Rich Cream of Mushroom Soup
- Savory Creamy Everything Bagel Chicken Soup
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For more delicious recipes, visit our sister sites, 40 Aprons and Easy Cheap Recipes.
Chicken Florentine Soup
Cheryl Malik
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Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 4 garlic cloves minced
- 1 medium onion diced
- 1 cup carrots diced (about 2 medium)
- 1 cup celery diced (about 2 stalks)
- 3 tablespoons all purpose flour (or gluten-free alternative)
- ½ teaspoon Italian seasoning
- ½ teaspoon salt (plus more to taste)
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper (freshly ground recommended)
- 1 quart chicken broth (low sodium recommended)
- 1 cup half and half (or whole milk for a lighter option)
- 2 cups cooked chicken diced or shredded
- 2 cups baby spinach (fresh or frozen, thawed and squeezed dry)
Equipment
- Large pot
Instructions
- In a large, heavy-bottomed pot or Dutch oven, melt the butter over medium heat. Once the butter is shimmering, add the minced garlic, diced onion, carrots, and celery. Sauté for 3-5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables have softened and the onion is translucent. This step builds the aromatic foundation of your soup.
- Sprinkle the all-purpose flour over the softened vegetables. Stir continuously for 1 minute, allowing the flour to cook and combine with the butter and vegetable juices. This creates a roux, which will act as the thickening agent for the soup, ensuring a smooth, creamy consistency.
- Gradually pour in the chicken broth, whisking constantly to prevent lumps, then add the half and half. Bring the soup to a gentle boil, stirring occasionally. Once boiling, reduce the heat to a simmer and let it cook for about 15 minutes, or until the soup begins to visibly thicken to your desired consistency. This simmering time allows the flavors to fully develop and meld together beautifully.
- Finally, stir in the cooked chicken and fresh baby spinach. Continue to simmer for another 5 minutes, or until the spinach has completely wilted and the chicken is heated through. At this stage, taste the soup and adjust the seasoning with additional salt and pepper as desired. Serve hot and enjoy your homemade creamy chicken Florentine soup!
Notes
- Make it Gluten-Free: For a gluten-free version of this delightful soup, simply substitute the all-purpose flour with an equal amount of cassava flour or a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend. These alternatives will still achieve the desired creamy thickness.
- Vegetarian Option: To make this soup vegetarian, omit the chicken and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth. You can add extra vegetables like mushrooms, zucchini, or cannellini beans for added substance.
- Add a Touch of Heat: If you enjoy a little spice, a pinch of red pepper flakes added with the Italian seasoning will give it a subtle kick.
- Herb Variations: Feel free to experiment with other fresh or dried herbs. A sprig of fresh thyme or a bay leaf added during simmering can introduce additional layers of flavor.
Recipe yields approximately 4 servings. Actual number of servings will depend on your preferred portion sizes.
Nutritional values shown are general guidelines and reflect information for 1 serving using the ingredients listed. Actual macros may vary slightly depending on specific brands and types of ingredients used.
To determine the weight of one serving, prepare the recipe as instructed. Weigh the finished recipe, then divide the weight of the finished recipe (not including the weight of the container the food is in) by 4. Result will be the weight of one serving.
Nutrition Information
Number of total servings shown is approximate. Actual number of servings will depend on your preferred portion sizes.
Nutritional values shown are general guidelines and reflect information for 1 serving using the ingredients listed, not including any optional ingredients. Actual macros may vary slightly depending on specific brands and types of ingredients used.
To determine the weight of one serving, prepare the recipe as instructed. Weigh the finished recipe, then divide the weight of the finished recipe (not including the weight of the container the food is in) by the desired number of servings. Result will be the weight of one serving.
Frequently Asked Questions About Chicken Florentine Soup
We’ve gathered some common questions to help you master this comforting chicken Florentine soup.
What exactly does “Florentine” mean in cooking?
“Florentine” in culinary terms refers to dishes prepared “in the style of Florence,” a city in Italy. It traditionally signifies that a dish features spinach, often cooked with a creamy sauce or cheese. In the context of this soup, it highlights the prominent use of fresh spinach alongside a rich, dairy-based broth and chicken.
Can I make this soup dairy-free?
Yes, you can adapt this recipe to be dairy-free. Instead of butter, use olive oil or a dairy-free butter alternative. For the half and half, substitute with full-fat canned coconut milk (which will impart a subtle coconut flavor) or a rich, unsweetened cashew cream for a neutral flavor. Ensure your chicken broth is also dairy-free.
Can I add other vegetables to this soup?
Absolutely! This soup is highly versatile. Feel free to add other vegetables like sliced mushrooms, zucchini, chopped bell peppers, or even a handful of green peas for added color and nutrients. Add heartier vegetables like mushrooms or bell peppers with the initial mirepoix, and softer vegetables like zucchini or peas towards the end of the simmering process.
What kind of chicken is best to use?
Any cooked chicken, diced or shredded, works wonderfully. Rotisserie chicken is a popular choice for its convenience and flavor. You can also boil, bake, or pan-fry chicken breasts or thighs, then shred or dice them before adding to the soup. If using raw chicken, cook it thoroughly before incorporating it into the simmering soup.
How can I make the soup thicker or thinner?
If your soup is too thin, you can create a slurry by whisking a tablespoon of flour or cornstarch with a few tablespoons of cold water, then slowly whisk it into the simmering soup until it reaches your desired thickness. For a thicker, more rustic soup, you could also mash some of the softened vegetables against the side of the pot. If the soup is too thick, simply add more chicken broth or a splash of milk/half and half until it reaches your preferred consistency.
Is this soup freezer-friendly?
Dairy-based soups can sometimes have issues with separation or graininess after freezing and thawing. To minimize this, it’s best to freeze the soup *before* adding the half and half. Prepare the soup through step 2, then cool and freeze the base. When you’re ready to enjoy, thaw the soup base, reheat it gently, and then stir in the half and half, cooked chicken, and spinach as instructed in steps 3 and 4. This method helps preserve the creamy texture.
What are the best accompaniments for Chicken Florentine Soup?
This soup is delicious on its own, but it pairs beautifully with warm, crusty bread (perfect for dipping!), garlic bread, or a side of fluffy white rice or small pasta for a heartier meal. A light green salad with a simple vinaigrette can also offer a refreshing contrast.
We hope these answers help you confidently prepare and enjoy this delightful Chicken Florentine Soup!
Enjoy crafting this wholesome and utterly delicious Chicken Florentine Soup. It’s a testament to how simple ingredients can come together to create something truly extraordinary and comforting. Don’t forget to share your creations and experiences with us!