Chicken Florentine Soup blends tender chicken, fresh spinach, and a silky broth with Italian Seasoning and Parmesan cheese. It is flavorful and satisfying, perfect for a cold fall day. Best of all, using pre-cooked chicken means you can enjoy this soup during a busy week.
Chicken Florentine soup has become one of our favorite ways to warm up on a chilly day. It has a lot of fresh chicken and vegetables, so it can be a main dish. However, the luxurious broth, made with a bit of heavy cream, is still light compared to many cream-based soups.
Another light spinach soup you will want to try is my Rosa Marina Tomato and Spinach Soup. It is also comforting, hearty, and easy to make!.
Like my Italian Minestrone and this Chicken Noodle Soup, this soup is loaded with carrots, celery, onion, and potatoes. I add Spinach and either leftover chicken or a rotisserie chicken chopped into bite-size chunks. All of this goodness is cooked in a light but creamy broth flavored with tomato paste and Parmigiano Reggiano cheese. All you need is a loaf of crusty bread, and dinner is ready!.
I don’t use a thickener in this soup recipe, so although the broth is made with heavy cream, it remains light and silky—so we tend to return for seconds (and sometimes thirds)!.
Chicken Florentine soup is a creamy, flavorful soup that combines chicken, spinach, and aromatic vegetables in a savory broth. With its origins linked to Florence, Italy, this soup has become a beloved classic for its simple yet satisfying flavors. In this article, we’ll uncover everything you need to know about this soup, from its history and key ingredients to how to make it and fun ways to put your own spin on the recipe.
A Brief History of Chicken Florentine Soup
The exact place where chicken Florentine soup came from is unknown, but the name gives us a hint: it comes from Italy. When used in cooking, the word “Florentine” usually means that spinach is used, since it is a main ingredient in food from Florence, Italy. Soup probably started as a way for Italian cooks to make a hearty, healthy meal out of simple ingredients like chicken, spinach, and broth.
Over time, the recipe spread beyond Italy, with iterations popping up in different cuisines and regions. Some cooks may have added cream or other dairy for extra richness, while others kept it lighter and more broth-focused. The core pairing of chicken and spinach remained consistent. Through adaptation and variation, chicken Florentine soup became a beloved staple around the globe.
The Essential Ingredients That Make the Soup
To truly understand the flavors and texture of chicken Florentine soup, it helps to take a closer look at its key ingredients:
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Chicken: The soup’s main ingredient is cooked, shredded chicken, which adds protein, richness, and depth of flavor. Both white and dark meat work beautifully.
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Spinach Fresh baby spinach adds color, nutrients, and subtle earthiness. Frozen spinach can be used if fresh is unavailable.
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Broth Chicken or vegetable broth provides a savory base. Homemade is ideal but quality store-bought works too.
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Onion and garlic: Sautéed onion and garlic offer aromatic flavor. Carrots and celery can also be used.
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Herbs and spices: Common seasonings include thyme, bay leaf, Italian seasoning, nutmeg, salt, and pepper.
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Cream or milk (optional): Adding dairy provides creamy texture and richness. Heavy cream, half-and-half, or milk are typical choices.
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Pasta or grains (optional): Orzo, rice, or small pasta make it heartier.
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Cheese (optional): Grated Parmesan or shreds of melty mozzarella lend a delicious cheesy note.
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Lemon (optional): A squeeze of lemon brightens the flavors.
Tips for Making the Perfect Bowl
Here are some helpful tips for making foolproof chicken Florentine soup at home:
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Sauté aromatics first. Cook onion, garlic, carrots, and celery to build a flavor base before adding broth.
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Simmer the chicken in broth. This infuses the broth with more chicken flavor. Shred or dice after cooking.
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Add spinach at the end. Spinach only needs a minute or two to wilt. Adding it too early makes it mushy.
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Use quality ingredients. Splurge on organic chicken and vegetables whenever possible, and use homemade broth if you have it.
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Adjust texture if needed. If the soup seems thin, thicken it with a roux or cornstarch slurry. If too thick, add more broth.
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Finish with cheese and lemon. Stir in grated Parmesan and a squeeze of lemon right before serving. Their flavors shine through best when freshly added.
Serving Suggestions and Pairings
Chicken Florentine soup pairs beautifully with:
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Crusty bread or rolls for dipping
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A fresh green salad
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Grilled cheese sandwich or panini
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Wine, like Pinot Grigio or Chardonnay
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Simple appetizers, like marinated olives
For easy but impressive presentation when serving, top each bowl with:
- Shaved Parmesan
- Croutons
- Fresh cherry tomatoes
- Chopped fresh basil
- Drizzle of olive oil or pesto
Creative Ways to Put Your Own Spin on Chicken Florentine Soup
Once you master the classic recipe, try these fun variations:
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Add cubes of potato, pumpkin, or sweet potato for heartiness
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Use kale or collard greens instead of spinach
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Top with crispy bacon pieces or pancetta
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Swap chicken for turkey, shrimp, or white beans
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Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a kick
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Simmer rind of Parmesan to infuse broth with cheesy umami
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Blend soup to make a silky cream of spinach soup
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Mix in pesto or sun-dried tomatoes for a flavor twist
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Make it vegan with coconut milk and vegetable broth
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Cook in a slow cooker or Instant Pot for easy hands-off cooking
Storing and Freezing Leftover Chicken Florentine Soup
Chicken Florentine soup stores easily:
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Fridge: Leftovers will keep for 3-4 days in an airtight container.
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Freezer: Let cool completely before freezing. Keeps for 2-3 months. When ready to eat, thaw in fridge overnight and reheat on stove over low until hot.
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Freezer tips: For best texture, freeze soup without cream or spinach, and add those after reheating. Or make soup base and freeze, adding chicken during reheating.
A Satisfying and Nutritious Addition to Your Dinner Rotation
From its Italian origins to the endless ways to adapt it today, chicken Florentine soup has cemented itself as a hearty, comforting classic. Packed with protein, vegetables, and enticing flavors and textures, it’s a nutritious one-pot meal that’s simple to whip up any night of the week. Whether you stick with the traditional recipe or get creative with your own version, you’re sure to fall in love with this satisfying soup.
Storing Leftover Chicken Florentine Soup
Leftover soup that is refrigerated in an airtight container and will stay fresh for several days. You can reheat it in the microwave for a few minutes or on the stove. It makes a perfect lunch on a cold day!.
What Makes this “Florentine”?
Chicken Florentine soup is inspired by the flavors of Florence, Italy. The term “Florentine” typically refers to dishes made with spinach. The addition of Parmigiano adds to the Florentine influence in this dish.
Fresh Veggies: Carrots, Yellow Onion, Celery, Potatoes, and Fresh Baby Spinach. Peel the carrots and potatoes, then dice everything except the spinach into equal-sized pieces. Cutting the vegetables into similar-sized pieces will allow them to cook evenly.
Tomato Paste: Adds some tomato flavor and gives the soup a little color.
Italian Seasoning: It’s easy for me to find dried seasoning in the winter when fresh herbs might be hard to find. Of course, you can use a blend of fresh herbs if you have them.
Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese: You will need the rind (which adds so much flavor) and grated cheese to add to the soup and pass at the table.
Chicken Stock or Broth: Make your own stock or broth if you can, but low-sodium chicken broth or stock from the store will work great in this soup recipe too. It keeps things simple!.
Heavy Cream: This adds just enough creamy texture.
Pre-cooked Cubed Chicken: This is a great way to use leftover chicken. Rotisserie chicken works great in this soup.
Salt and Black Pepper
Chicken Florentine Soup
FAQ
What ingredients are in chicken Florentine soup?
Ingredients2 tablespoons olive oil. 1 onion, chopped. 1 cup diced carrots. 1 cup diced celery. 2 cloves garlic, minced. 1 cup baby spinach leaves. 4 cups 99% fat-free chicken broth. 1 (15 ounce) can diced tomatoes.
What is chicken Florentine made of?
Chicken Florentine typically consists of chicken (often chicken breasts) cooked in a creamy sauce with spinach, and sometimes includes Parmesan cheese, white wine, and garlic.
What is the meaning of Florentine soup?
Florentine or à la Florentine is a term from classic French cuisine that refers to dishes that typically include a base of cooked spinach, a protein component and Mornay sauce. Chicken Florentine is the most popular version.
What do you eat with chicken Florentine?
What to serve with Chicken Florentine: You can have rice, pasta, or these Easy Garlic Mashed Potatoes or my Roasted Red Potatoes. Steamed vegetables are another great option, or serve with Brussels Sprouts Gratin or Easy Roasted Green Beans. For a salad pairing, this Parmesan Arugula Salad is simple yet elegant.