There’s a special joy that comes from a perfectly crafted pasta dish, a culinary embrace that brings families together around the dinner table. Our Chicken Mushroom Florentine Pasta is precisely that—an exquisite fusion of tender chicken, earthy mushrooms, and vibrant spinach, all bathed in a luxurious, creamy sauce and served over perfectly al dente fettuccine. This recipe isn’t just food; it’s an experience, a heartwarming bowl of ultimate comfort that transforms any meal into a cherished moment.
This Florentine pasta dish is a true showstopper, elegant enough to impress guests at your next dinner party, yet surprisingly simple to prepare for a bustling weeknight. The secret lies in its commitment to fresh, wholesome ingredients. Forget anything from a can; we’re talking about vibrant, high-quality components that elevate every bite. The result is a homemade pasta dish that will not only tantalize your taste buds but also fill you with a sense of pride and accomplishment in the kitchen.
Indulge in Creamy Chicken Mushroom Florentine Pasta
At the heart of this dish is its rich, velvety pasta sauce, a decadent blend of premium cheese and fresh cream. This luxurious base cradles an abundance of fresh, sautéed mushrooms and tender, wilted spinach, creating a symphony of flavors and textures. All these delightful elements are generously layered over succulent chicken and strands of satisfying fettuccine. What makes this recipe truly remarkable is its efficiency: it comes together in approximately 30 minutes, making it an ideal choice for a quick yet gourmet weeknight meal. However, its sophisticated presentation and profound flavors also make it perfectly suited for a special occasion, celebrating with loved ones. We highly recommend serving this delightful creation with a side of warm, crusty bread, perfect for soaking up every last drop of the delectable sauce.
The Allure of One-Pot Chicken Mushroom Pasta
While this pasta dish is a delicious choice for any time of year, it truly shines as a comforting fall or winter meal. Its robust and satisfying nature makes it your ultimate go-to for those chilly evenings when you crave warmth and nourishment. Imagine a single pot transforming simple ingredients into a rich, creamy, and deeply satisfying meal that will keep you feeling full and content for hours. The convenience of a one-pot preparation combined with the gourmet taste makes this Chicken Mushroom Florentine a staple in any home kitchen.
If you’ve fallen in love with the flavors of this chicken mushroom Florentine, we’re sure you’ll enjoy these other fantastic pasta dishes: Lemon Basil Pasta Salad, Creamy Chicken Penne Pasta, or our delightful Turkey Pasta Bake. Each offers a unique and satisfying culinary experience.
Essential Ingredients for Your One-Pot Chicken Mushroom Florentine
Crafting this incredible one-pot Chicken Mushroom Florentine Pasta begins with selecting the finest ingredients. For a complete list and detailed instructions, remember to scroll to the bottom of this post for the full printable recipe card.
- Chicken Breasts: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are the star protein, offering lean, tender bites. We recommend thinly slicing or pounding them for even cooking and optimal texture within the creamy sauce.
- Flour, Salt, and Pepper: These simple seasonings are used for dredging the chicken cutlets, creating a delicate crust that locks in moisture and adds a foundational layer of flavor when seared.
- Fettuccine: This classic pasta shape, with its broad, flat ribbons, is perfect for holding the rich, creamy sauce. Cook it according to package directions, aiming for an al dente texture that offers a slight bite.
- Olive Oil: Extra virgin olive oil is our preferred choice for its robust flavor and healthy properties, but any quality cooking oil will work beautifully to sear the chicken and sauté the aromatics.
- All-Purpose Flour: A small amount of flour serves as a crucial thickening agent for the sauce, helping to create its signature rich and smooth consistency.
- Butter: Whether salted or unsalted, butter adds an incredible depth of flavor and richness to our creamy spinach sauce, forming the perfect foundation for the vegetables.
- Chicken Stock: Opt for low-sodium chicken stock. This allows you complete control over the salt levels in your delicious pasta dish, ensuring a perfectly balanced flavor profile.
- Heavy Cream: Essential for the luxurious, velvety texture of the sauce. For a lighter alternative, milk or half-and-half can be substituted, though heavy cream delivers the most decadent result.
- Salt: A touch of salt is vital for enhancing and balancing the flavors of all the ingredients, bringing out their best characteristics.
- Black Pepper: Freshly ground black pepper adds a subtle kick and aromatic warmth, complementing the richness of the cream sauce.
- Mushrooms: Sliced white button mushrooms are commonly used, but feel free to experiment with cremini (baby bellas) or even portabella for a deeper, more earthy flavor. Fresh mushrooms are always preferred; use canned only as a last resort.
- Garlic: Freshly minced garlic provides an indispensable aromatic base, infusing the sauce with its pungent and savory essence. Jarred minced garlic can be used in a pinch.
- Shredded Gouda Cheese: Gouda melts beautifully, lending a wonderfully nutty and slightly sweet cheesy goodness that makes the sauce irresistibly creamy and flavorful.
- Baby Spinach Leaves: Fresh baby spinach cooks down quickly and beautifully, offering a vibrant color and a mild, earthy taste. Chopped regular fresh spinach works just as well. If fresh is unavailable, frozen spinach (thawed and squeezed dry) can be used.
Crafting Your Chicken Florentine Pasta: A Step-by-Step Guide
This Florentine chicken dish is renowned for its speed and simplicity, allowing you to create a gourmet meal with minimal fuss. Here’s how to bring it all together:
- **Prepare the Pasta:** Begin by cooking your fettuccine according to the package instructions. It’s best to err on the side of al dente; this ensures the pasta retains a pleasant chew and won’t become mushy when tossed with the sauce.
- **Sear the Chicken:** In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. While the oil is heating, dredge your chicken breasts in a mixture of flour, salt, and pepper, ensuring they are evenly coated.
Carefully place the coated chicken into the hot skillet. Cook for about 5 minutes per side, until the chicken is beautifully golden brown and thoroughly cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside on a plate. At this point, you can discard any browned bits left in the pan or deglaze with a splash of chicken stock for added flavor, then proceed with adding butter.
- **Sauté Mushrooms and Garlic:** Add the butter to the same skillet and allow it to melt over medium heat. Once melted, add the sliced mushrooms and minced garlic. Sauté for approximately 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the mushrooms are tender and slightly browned, and the garlic is fragrant.
- **Build the Creamy Sauce:** In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, heavy cream, chicken stock, salt, and black pepper until smooth.
Pour this creamy mixture over the sautéed mushrooms in the skillet. Bring it to a gentle simmer and cook for about 5 minutes, stirring continuously, until the sauce begins to thicken. Remove from heat and whisk in the shredded Gouda cheese until it’s completely melted and incorporated, creating a rich, smooth, and cheesy sauce.
Return the cooked chicken breasts to the skillet, nestling them into the sauce. Cover the skillet and allow it to simmer for an additional 5-10 minutes, letting the flavors meld beautifully and the chicken absorb some of that incredible sauce.
- **Finish and Serve:** Finally, add the fresh baby spinach leaves to the skillet, stirring gently until they wilt into the sauce. Toss the prepared fettuccine directly into the skillet with the chicken and sauce, ensuring every strand is coated in the creamy goodness. Serve immediately and savor every comforting bite!
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3-4 days, or frozen for up to 3 months for a convenient future meal.
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Frequently Asked Questions About Creamy Chicken and Mushroom Florentine Pasta
Got questions about this beloved dish? We’ve got answers to help you perfect your creamy chicken and mushroom Florentine pasta experience.
What is Florentine sauce made of? The term “Florentine” in cuisine typically refers to dishes prepared “in the style of Florence,” most notably featuring spinach. A classic Florentine sauce often includes heavy cream, white wine, butter, garlic, Parmesan cheese, and fresh spinach. While our recipe captures the essence of Florentine by featuring fresh spinach and a rich cream sauce, we’ve intentionally excluded wine to keep it accessible for all preferences, focusing on the foundational flavors of dairy, garlic, and savory chicken stock.
What to serve with Chicken Florentine? Chicken Florentine is incredibly versatile. It pairs wonderfully with various types of pasta, such as the fettuccine suggested here, or even spaghetti and penne. For a lighter, low-carb option, consider serving it over spiralized vegetable noodles like zucchini or sweet potatoes. It also makes a fantastic topping for creamy mashed potatoes or fluffy white rice, offering a comforting alternative to pasta. A crisp green salad or some roasted asparagus would also make excellent companions to cut through the richness of the sauce.
Can I prepare Chicken Mushroom Florentine Pasta ahead of time? While best served fresh, you can certainly prepare components ahead. Cook the chicken and make the sauce (without the spinach) up to 1-2 days in advance. Store separately in the refrigerator. When ready to serve, reheat the sauce gently, add the chicken and fresh spinach until wilted, then toss with freshly cooked pasta. This helps maintain the best texture and flavor.
How do I prevent the cream sauce from curdling? The key to a smooth cream sauce is gentle heat and gradual addition of ingredients. Always use room temperature cream if possible, and avoid bringing the sauce to a rolling boil once the cream or cheese has been added. Simmer gently and stir consistently to ensure even heating and melting.
Creative Substitutions for Your Florentine Pasta
Cooking is an art, and recipes are merely guidelines! Don’t hesitate to get creative and customize this Chicken Mushroom Florentine Pasta to better suit your taste preferences, dietary needs, or what you have on hand. Make this dish truly your own!
- Mushroom Varieties: For a more profound, earthier mushroom flavor in your Florentine pasta, consider using baby portobello (cremini) mushrooms instead of white button mushrooms. Wild mushrooms like shiitake or oyster mushrooms would also add an exquisite gourmet touch.
- Garlic Alternatives: If you find yourself without fresh garlic, a teaspoon of garlic powder can be stirred into the sauce for a convenient alternative. Keep in mind that fresh garlic provides the most potent and authentic flavor.
- Cheese Swaps: While Gouda offers a unique nutty sweetness, feel free to experiment with other cheeses. Grated Parmesan, Pecorino Romano, or even a blend of Italian cheeses can offer a delightful variation in flavor and creaminess.
- Protein Options: For a different take on this dish, try using thinly sliced turkey breasts or even pork tenderloin instead of chicken. If you prefer a vegetarian version, omit the chicken entirely and perhaps add some extra vegetables like artichoke hearts or sun-dried tomatoes.
- Dairy-Free Option: To make this dish dairy-free, use a plant-based cream alternative (like cashew cream or full-fat coconut milk for a subtle tropical hint) and a dairy-free shredded cheese that melts well. Ensure your chicken stock is also dairy-free.
Expert Tips & Tricks for Perfect Florentine Pasta
Elevate your Chicken Mushroom Florentine Pasta to restaurant-quality with these helpful tips and tricks:
- A Hint of Wine: For an added layer of sophisticated flavor and a slight fruity note, consider incorporating a splash of dry white wine into the sauce. Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc are excellent choices that will complement the richness of this mushroom Florentine pasta beautifully. Add about half a cup after sautéing the mushrooms and garlic, letting it simmer for a minute to reduce before adding the cream and stock.
- Umami Boost: To enhance the savory depth of your sauce, stir in about a cup of chopped sun-dried tomatoes (oil-packed, drained). Their concentrated flavor adds a delightful tang and richness that pairs wonderfully with the creamy sauce and mushrooms.
- Herbaceous Notes: For a more aromatic and complex flavor profile, mix a teaspoon of Italian seasoning into the creamy pasta sauce along with the flour and liquid ingredients. Fresh herbs like chopped parsley or thyme can also be stirred in at the end for brightness.
- Even Cooking Chicken: To ensure your chicken breasts cook quickly and evenly, pound them to a uniform thickness (about ½ inch) using a meat mallet. This not only speeds up cooking but also makes for more tender chicken that’s easier to slice or enjoy whole.
- Pasta Water Magic: Don’t discard all your pasta water! Reserve about a cup before draining. If your sauce becomes too thick, a tablespoon or two of this starchy water can help thin it out to the perfect consistency while also helping the sauce cling better to the pasta.
More Delicious Recipes to Love
If you enjoyed crafting and devouring this Chicken Mushroom Florentine, explore these other fantastic recipes from our collection:
- Creamy Chicken Penne Pasta
- Instant Pot Fettuccine Alfredo
- Spinach Artichoke Alfredo Pizza
- Easy Weeknight Chicken Parmesan Bake
- Homemade Cream of Mushroom Soup
- Cool Spinach Dip
- Southwest Chicken Linguine
- Spinach & Artichoke Dip
Busy weeknights don’t have to mean sacrificing flavor or quality. This spinach Florentine pasta is a testament to how simple ingredients can come together to create an extraordinary meal. The smooth, luxurious sauce, generous chunks of savory chicken, tender mushrooms, and vibrant, creamy spinach combine to form a dish that is both satisfying and delightfully easy to prepare. Get it on your table quickly and effortlessly, and watch your family gather with happy anticipation.
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Rating: 4.84 from 12 votes
Print Recipe
Chicken and Mushroom Florentine Pasta
Creamy pasta sauce with fresh mushrooms and spinach over chicken and fettuccine.
Equipment
- Whisks for Cooking, 3 Pack Stainless Steel Whisk
- 12-Piece Black Sharp Knife Set with Covers, Cutting Board and Sharpener
- Stainless Steel Pasta Cooker Steamer Multipots, 12 Quart, Silver
- Cuisinart Stainless Steel Pasta Server
Ingredients
- 6 small chicken breasts
- Flour, salt, and pepper, for dredging
- 1 pound fettuccine, cooked according to package directions
- 4 Tablespoons olive oil
- 1/3 cup flour
- 2 Tablespoons butter
- 2 cups chicken stock
- 2 cups cream (milk or half and half can be used)
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 8 ounces fresh white mushrooms, sliced
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 6-ounce package shredded Gouda cheese
- 2 cups baby spinach leaves
Instructions
- Heat oil in a large skillet. Dredge chicken in flour seasoned with salt and pepper. Place in skillet, cook 5 minutes, flip chicken and cook 5 minutes more. Remove from skillet, set aside.
- Place butter in skillet, melt. Add mushrooms and garlic, cook for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Whisk together flour, cream, chicken stock, salt and pepper. Pour over mushrooms, bring to a simmer, cook for 5 minutes. Whisk in cheese. Add chicken back in, cover and simmer for 5-10 minutes.
- Add spinach in, allow to wilt. Toss with prepared fettuccine. Serve and enjoy!
Notes
Nutrition
This recipe was originally posted on May 15, 2016. It has been updated to improve user experience and reshared on September 28, 2023.
