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5 from 2 votes

Chicken Florentine Pasta

This creamy chicken florentine pasta recipe is a delicious and comforting meal that combines tender chicken and spinach with a rich and flavorful cream sauce. This recipe is quick and easy to make and perfect for a weeknight dinner or special occasion.
Cook Time40 minutes
Total Time40 minutes
Course: Main Meal
Cuisine: Italian
Servings: 6
Calories: 559kcal
Author: Marie

Ingredients

  • 3 small chicken breasts grilled and sliced
  • 1 pound spaghetti
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil or butter
  • 3 tablespoons all purpose flour
  • 1 cup chicken broth
  • 1 cup whole milk
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1/2 cup reserved pasta water up to 1 cup
  • 3 ounces grated Parmesan cheese
  • 4 cups baby spinach leaves rinsed and dried

Instructions

  • In a large pot, cook pasta according to package instructions (ensure you salt the water appropriately, about 1 teaspoon per quart of water used)
  • In a small saucepan, combine the chicken broth and milk and warm gently but do not boil. Set aside.
  • In a large saute pan, heat the oil over medium heat, add the flour and stir to form a roux and cook over medium heat for 1 to 2 minutes. Do not allow the roux to brown.
  • Add the black pepper, and broth/milk mixture to the roux and whisk briskly until smooth. Continue heating gently until thickened, then remove from heat and add the Parmesan cheese.
  • When pasta is finished cooking, drain and reserve 1 cup of pasta water
  • To assemble dish, combine cheese sauce with pasta, spinach, and chicken. Stir to combine and very slowly add small amounts of the reserved pasta water, only if needed, to thin sauce.

Notes

Refrigeration: Transfer the Chicken Florentine Pasta to an airtight container once it has cooled to room temperature. It can be stored in the refrigerator for 3-4 days.
Sauce thickness: Add more milk or reserved pasta water if it is too thick. If it is too thin, let it simmer a bit longer, or consider adding a touch more roux.
To reheat: To best reheat a cream sauce, use low heat and stir continuously to prevent separation and maintain a smooth consistency. Add a small splash of milk or chicken broth if necessary. 
 

Nutrition

Calories: 559kcal | Carbohydrates: 64g | Protein: 41g | Fat: 14g | Saturated Fat: 4g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 3g | Monounsaturated Fat: 5g | Trans Fat: 0.03g | Cholesterol: 90mg | Sodium: 427mg | Potassium: 824mg | Fiber: 3g | Sugar: 4g | Vitamin A: 2098IU | Vitamin C: 7mg | Calcium: 219mg | Iron: 2mg