If you are craving a comforting meal that brings together a luscious sauce, tender chicken, and vibrant spinach, you must try this Creamy Chicken Florentine Pasta Recipe. It’s a glorious celebration of rich, velvety textures with a touch of brightness from lemon and a gentle kick from red pepper flakes, all tossed with perfectly cooked linguine. This dish feels like a warm hug at the end of a busy day, effortlessly combining simple ingredients into something truly special. Whether you’re cooking a casual dinner or impressing guests, this Creamy Chicken Florentine Pasta Recipe is one you’ll return to again and again.

Ingredients You’ll Need

A black pan filled with creamy white sauce at the bottom holds a layer of fresh green spinach leaves all around. On top, a woman’s hand uses silver tongs with black tips to lift a nest of pale yellow spaghetti noodles that are mixed with some of the spinach, showing steam rising from the hot pasta. The pan sits on a white cloth with a black grid pattern on a white marbled surface. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

These ingredients might look straightforward, but each one plays a crucial role in building layers of flavor and texture that make this dish unforgettable. From the tender chicken to the fresh baby spinach, every element is essential in creating a harmonious balance of creamy, savory, and slightly tangy notes.

1 pound chicken tenders: These cook quickly and remain juicy, making them perfect for this pasta.
1½ teaspoons garlic powder: Adds fragrant depth to the chicken seasoning.
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning: Brings classic herbaceous notes that complement the sauce.
½ teaspoon kosher salt and ½ teaspoon black pepper: Essential for seasoning the chicken and sauce properly.
2 tablespoons olive oil and 2 tablespoons butter: Create the perfect cooking base with richness and flavor.
8 oz linguine pasta: Its long strands hold the creamy sauce beautifully.
1 small onion (diced): Adds sweetness and texture once softened.
3 garlic cloves (finely chopped): Deliver that punch of fresh aroma and flavor.
½ teaspoon red pepper flakes: Provides a subtle spicy warmth that lifts the creaminess.
2 tablespoons all-purpose flour: Helps thicken the sauce for that perfect cling to pasta.
¼ cup white wine: Brings acidity and complexity to balance the richness.
1½ cups chicken broth: Builds the sauce’s savory base.
2 teaspoons Dijon mustard: Adds a hint of tang and sharpness to brighten the sauce.
½ cup heavy cream: The heart of the luscious, silky sauce.
2 teaspoons lemon juice: Offers a fresh, zesty contrast that brightens every bite.
6 oz baby spinach: Adds vibrant color and a gentle earthiness once wilted into the sauce.
Parmesan cheese: For topping, adding nutty, salty richness to finish the dish beautifully.

How to Make Creamy Chicken Florentine Pasta Recipe

Step 1: Prepare and Season the Chicken

Start by patting your chicken tenders dry, which helps them sear beautifully. Mix garlic powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper, then sprinkle this blend evenly over each piece of chicken. This seasoning combo perfumes the chicken and adds the foundational flavor that will complement the creamy sauce later on.

Step 2: Cook the Chicken

Heat olive oil and butter together in a large skillet until sizzling, then add the chicken in a single layer. Cooking over medium-high heat gives the chicken a gorgeous golden-brown crust while sealing in the juices. Once cooked through, transfer the chicken to a cutting board and slice it into bite-sized pieces. Do not skip the browning step as it adds crucial flavor layers.

Step 3: Boil the Pasta

While the chicken cooks, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and add the linguine. Cook it just shy of al dente (about one minute less than the package recommends) because it will finish cooking when mixed into the sauce. This method ensures every strand is perfectly tender and coated with that luscious creamy sauce.

Step 4: Sauté Aromatics and Build the Sauce Base

In the same skillet used for the chicken (leave all those flavorful browned bits!), add diced onion and cook until soft and translucent. Add garlic and red pepper flakes for a spicy, fragrant punch, stirring constantly. Next, sprinkle in the flour and stir until it’s fully incorporated, which will help thicken the sauce beautifully. Pour in white wine, whisking until it mostly evaporates, then gradually add chicken broth, stirring continuously to create a smooth, savory base. Whisk in Dijon mustard to add a subtle tang.

Step 5: Finish the Creamy Sauce

Bring the sauce to a gentle bubble and cook until slightly thickened. Stir in heavy cream, then add lemon juice, salt, and pepper to balance the richness with a bright, fresh zing. Adjust seasoning carefully here; the blend of broth saltiness, cream, and lemon should hang perfectly together.

Step 6: Combine Pasta, Spinach, and Chicken

Using a slotted spoon or colander, transfer the pasta directly to the sauce, reserving some pasta water just in case the sauce needs loosening. Top with baby spinach and gently fold everything together. Allow the spinach to wilt gently in the sauce while the pasta finishes cooking and thickens. Finally, fold in the juicy chicken pieces to warm through, fully marrying the delicious flavors.

Step 7: Serve and Garnish

Spoon the creamy chicken Florentine pasta into bowls and finish with a generous sprinkling of freshly shaved Parmesan cheese. This finishing touch adds that irresistible salty nuttiness and a delightful textural contrast to the dish.

How to Serve Creamy Chicken Florentine Pasta Recipe

A white bowl filled with a creamy pasta dish, consisting of thick strands of yellowish pasta coated in a white cream sauce mixed with bright green spinach leaves scattered throughout. On top of the pasta, there is a sliced serving of golden brown seasoned grilled chicken arranged in a neat row. A generous pile of finely grated white cheese is sprinkled over the chicken and pasta. In the background, a small black bowl filled with more grated cheese and a black bowl with seasoning sit on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

A simple handful of shaved Parmesan cheese is classic, but you can also sprinkle freshly chopped parsley or a squeeze of extra lemon juice for a pop of color and zest. These small additions brighten the plate and enhance the visual appeal and flavor complexity.

Side Dishes

This pasta pairs beautifully with a crisp green salad dressed lightly with balsamic vinaigrette or simply garlic bread to soak up any leftover sauce. Roasted vegetables like asparagus or Brussels sprouts add a lovely earthy counterpoint without stealing the spotlight.

Creative Ways to Present

Serve the dish family-style in a large, colorful serving bowl for a cozy, communal feel. For an elegant dinner, plate individual portions on warmed dishes, and garnish each with a parmesan crisp or edible flower petals to impress guests with a gourmet touch.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep any uneaten Creamy Chicken Florentine Pasta Recipe in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. To preserve the texture and flavor, it’s best to store the pasta and sauce together and reheat gently for an even taste experience.

Freezing

While cream-based sauces can sometimes separate when frozen, this recipe freezes reasonably well. Place leftovers in a freezer-safe container and freeze for up to two months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Reheating

Warm leftovers slowly in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of broth or water to loosen the sauce as it reheats. Stir frequently to keep the chicken tender and the sauce creamy without drying out or curdling.

FAQs

Can I use chicken breasts instead of tenders?

Absolutely! Cut chicken breasts into 1-inch strips to mimic tenders for even cooking and similar tenderness in this recipe.

What pasta types work best in this recipe?

Linguine is traditional here, but feel free to use fettuccine, penne, or even rigatoni depending on your preference. Just adjust cooking times accordingly.

Is it possible to make this recipe dairy-free?

You can substitute heavy cream with coconut cream or a cashew cream, and omit butter or replace with a plant-based alternative. Keep in mind the flavor profile will shift slightly.

How can I make the sauce thicker or thinner?

To thicken, cook the sauce a few minutes longer before adding cream. For a thinner sauce, add reserved pasta water gradually until you reach your desired consistency.

Can I add other vegetables to this dish?

Definitely! Mushrooms, sun-dried tomatoes, or artichoke hearts add wonderful texture and flavors that pair nicely with the creamy, garlicky sauce.

Final Thoughts

There’s something so satisfying about a dish that combines creamy sauce, tender chicken, and fresh spinach all in one comforting bowl. This Creamy Chicken Florentine Pasta Recipe has become a cherished favorite for so many reasons — it’s straightforward to make, packed with flavor, and feels wonderfully indulgent without any fuss. I can’t wait for you to try it and see just how special a simple dinner can be when done right. Trust me, this one is destined to be a staple in your kitchen!