Description
Chicken Florentine Soup is a creamy, comforting, and deliciously savory soup packed with tender shredded chicken and fresh spinach, enhanced by garlic, onions, Parmesan cheese, and a hint of Italian seasoning. This easy-to-make soup is perfect for cozy meals and brings a lovely balance of protein, greens, and rich creamy flavor.
Ingredients
Scale
Protein and Vegetables
- 2 cups cooked shredded chicken
- 3 cups fresh spinach, washed and chopped
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
Liquids and Dairy
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 2 tablespoons butter or olive oil
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Seasonings
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Salt, to taste
- Black pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Sauté Aromatics: Heat 2 tablespoons of butter or olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and minced garlic, sautéing until the onions are soft and translucent, about 4-5 minutes.
- Add Broth and Simmer: Pour in 4 cups of chicken broth and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, allowing the flavors to meld together.
- Incorporate Chicken and Seasoning: Stir in 2 cups of cooked shredded chicken and 1 teaspoon of Italian seasoning. Let it simmer for 5 minutes so the chicken warms through and absorbs the seasoning.
- Add Spinach: Add 3 cups of fresh spinach to the pot and cook until wilted, about 2-3 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Mix in Cream: Pour in 1 cup of heavy cream, stirring well to combine and create a rich, creamy soup base.
- Add Parmesan: Stir in 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese until melted and fully incorporated, giving the soup a smooth, velvety texture.
- Season to Taste: Finally, season the soup with salt and freshly ground black pepper according to your taste preferences. Serve hot for a comforting meal.
Notes
- You can substitute heavy cream with half-and-half for a lighter version, though it will be less creamy.
- Use fresh spinach for best texture and flavor; frozen spinach can be used but reduce broth slightly to avoid extra liquid.
- Leftover cooked chicken or rotisserie chicken can be used to save time.
- For a thicker soup, let it simmer a bit longer uncovered to reduce slightly.
- Adding a pinch of nutmeg enhances the creaminess and complements the spinach flavor.
