This simple yet rich Chicken Florentine Soup is a creamy, rustic dish that’s easy to prepare and full of flavor. Tender pieces of chicken and a medley of vegetables, including fresh spinach, simmer in an indulgent creamy broth. Ready in about 30 minutes, it’s the perfect bowl of comfort for busy weeknights.
I first encountered this version of Chicken Florentine at a restaurant one leisurely afternoon. It combined two of my favorite things — the classic Florentine flavors with the cozy comfort of a creamy soup — and I was hooked after the first spoonful. I set out to recreate that same balance of savory chicken, aromatic vegetables, and bright spinach at home, and developed this straightforward recipe that’s both budget-friendly and quick to make.
This Chicken Florentine Soup is an ideal one-pot meal: it delivers comforting creaminess without requiring hours at the stove. Make a double batch for easy leftovers, or add cooked pasta to stretch it for a crowd. Serve with warm crusty bread to soak up the flavorful broth.
Ingredients Needed
This rustic soup uses simple, easy-to-find ingredients that come together quickly.
- Chicken – 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1 1/2 pounds), trimmed and cut into bite-sized pieces.
- Olive Oil & Butter – Olive oil for searing the chicken and butter for sautéing the vegetables.
- Vegetables – Carrots, celery, and onion form a classic aromatic base that adds depth of flavor.
- Garlic – Freshly minced garlic for the best flavor.
- Flour – Used with the vegetables to create a light roux that thickens the soup.
- Seasonings – Dried thyme, a pinch of cayenne, salt, and black pepper balance the flavors.
- Broth – Low-sodium chicken broth or stock so you can control the salt level.
- Half & Half – Adds creaminess and a silky finish.
- Spinach – Fresh baby spinach, left whole or roughly chopped for a uniform texture.
With these ingredients ready, you can assemble the soup in about 30 minutes.
How To Make
Follow these clear, simple steps to make a flavorful Chicken Florentine Soup.
- Cut the chicken into bite-size pieces and season with salt and pepper.
- Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a heavy-bottomed pot over medium heat. Add the chicken and cook, stirring occasionally, until no longer pink. Remove with a slotted spoon and set aside.
- Add 2 tablespoons of butter to the same pot. Add diced onion, carrots, and celery. Cook, stirring often, until the onion is translucent, about 5 minutes.
- Add minced garlic, 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme, 1/4 teaspoon cayenne (optional), and salt and pepper to taste. Cook for about 3 minutes to let the flavors bloom.
- Sprinkle 3 tablespoons flour over the vegetables and stir to coat. Cook for about 1 minute to remove the raw flour taste.
- Slowly whisk in 4 cups chicken broth, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pot. Bring to a simmer and cook for 20 minutes, until vegetables are tender and the soup has thickened slightly.
- Stir in 1 cup half & half, then return the cooked chicken to the pot. Add 3 cups fresh baby spinach and cook 5–10 minutes more, until the spinach is wilted and the soup is heated through. Adjust seasoning to taste.
- Ladle into bowls and serve with warm crusty bread for dipping.
This soup is lovely as-is, or finished with a sprinkle of grated Parmesan for extra richness.
Storing
Store leftover soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. If you plan to freeze, omit adding pasta and freeze in airtight containers for up to three months. Thaw in the refrigerator before reheating gently on the stove.
What Does “Florentine” Mean?
“Florentine” refers to dishes prepared in the style associated with Florence, Italy, and typically indicates the presence of spinach. Many Florentine recipes also include a creamy component, which is why this creamy chicken soup fits the name well.
Tips & Variations
- Add a cup or two of cooked pasta to stretch the soup and make it more filling.
- Use chopped rotisserie chicken to save time and simplify preparation.
- A pinch of nutmeg complements the cream and spinach—optional but delicious.
- For a richer texture, substitute heavy cream for the half & half or add up to an extra cup of cream.
- Top with freshly grated Parmesan for a cheesy finish.
Recipe Summary
Prep Time: 10 minutes | Cook Time: 20 minutes | Total Time: 30 minutes | Servings: 6
Nutrition (per serving, approximate): 237 kcal; carbohydrates 10 g; protein 19 g; fat 13 g.
Other Simple Soup Ideas
If you enjoy this creamy Chicken Florentine Soup, try pairing it with other comforting soups such as French onion, spinach and artichoke, or classic potato soup for a variety of easy weeknight meals.
Did you make this recipe? Share your experience and favorite tweaks to make the soup your own.