If you’re craving a soup that feels like a warm hug on a chilly day, then you’re in for a real treat with this Chicken Florentine Soup Recipe. It’s a delicious balance of creamy, savory, and bright flavors with tender shredded chicken, vibrant spinach, and just the right touch of Parmesan cheese to bring it all together. This soup isn’t just comforting; it’s also packed with wholesome ingredients that make it a perfect meal any time you want something hearty but uplifting.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of the Chicken Florentine Soup Recipe comes from its simple yet essential ingredients. Each component plays a crucial role in building layers of flavor, texture, and color that make this soup irresistible.
- 1 tablespoon olive oil: Adds a fruity richness and helps soften the vegetables perfectly.
- 1 tablespoon unsalted butter: Brings a silky, creamy start to the base of the soup.
- 1 small yellow onion (diced): Offers sweetness and depth of flavor once sautéed.
- 2 cloves garlic (minced): Infuses the soup with that unmistakable aromatic warmth.
- 2 medium carrots (sliced): Provide subtle sweetness and a nice pop of color.
- 1 rib celery (sliced): Adds a fresh, crisp note that balances the richness.
- 1/2 teaspoon salt: Enhances every ingredient’s natural flavor.
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper: Gives gentle spice and depth.
- 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme: Brings an earthy, herbal hint.
- 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional): For just a whisper of heat.
- 6 cups low-sodium chicken broth: The flavorful, savory foundation of the soup.
- 2 cups cooked shredded chicken: Tender and juicy, it makes the soup hearty and satisfying.
- 1 cup heavy cream: Offers that luxuriously creamy texture we’re all craving.
- 3 cups fresh baby spinach: Adds a vibrant green color and a boost of nutrients.
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese: Contributes salty, nutty richness.
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice (optional): A bright note that lifts and balances the soup.
How to Make Chicken Florentine Soup Recipe
Step 1: Sauté the Vegetables
Start by heating olive oil and butter in a large soup pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the diced onion, sliced carrots, and celery. Cook for 5 to 7 minutes until the vegetables are tender and the onion is translucent. This step is important because it builds the flavorful base of your soup, softening the veggies so they meld beautifully with the broth.
Step 2: Add Seasonings and Garlic
Next, stir in the minced garlic, salt, black pepper, dried thyme, and, if you like a bit of heat, the crushed red pepper flakes. Let everything cook together for about a minute to release the wonderful aroma and to slightly toast the spices, which deepens the flavor of the soup overall.
Step 3: Pour in the Chicken Broth and Simmer
Pour the chicken broth into the pot, bringing the mixture to a gentle boil. Then reduce the heat and simmer for about 10 minutes. This simmering stage gives the ingredients time to marry, allowing the vegetables to infuse their taste into the broth for maximum flavor.
Step 4: Add Shredded Chicken
Stir in the cooked shredded chicken and cook for another 5 minutes. Using shredded chicken makes this soup so easy and comforting, while ensuring every spoonful is packed with protein and satisfying bite-sized pieces.
Step 5: Finish with Cream, Spinach, and Parmesan
Lower the heat and gently stir in the heavy cream, grated Parmesan cheese, and fresh baby spinach. Let the soup simmer for 2 to 3 minutes until the spinach wilts and the soup becomes deliciously creamy. If you want a lively twist, add the lemon juice here for a subtle zing. Taste and adjust seasoning to your liking before serving.
How to Serve Chicken Florentine Soup Recipe
Garnishes
Adding garnishes can elevate this Chicken Florentine Soup Recipe to restaurant-quality meals at home. Consider topping each bowl with extra grated Parmesan or freshly cracked black pepper. A sprinkle of fresh chopped parsley or a few chili flakes can brighten and cozy up every spoonful.
Side Dishes
This soup shines with simple sides like crusty bread or a fresh side salad. Garlic bread makes a perfect companion for dipping, while a crisp green salad adds refreshing contrast and keeps your meal balanced but hearty.
Creative Ways to Present
For an inviting presentation, serve the soup in rustic bowls and fold a soft kitchen towel underneath for a cozy feel. You can swirl in a drizzle of extra cream or a tiny handful of spinach leaves on top for color. If you want a crowd-pleaser, serve it family-style in a big pot and let everyone ladle their own bowl with garnishes on the side.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Chicken Florentine Soup Recipe keeps well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Store it in airtight containers to preserve freshness and prevent the spinach from becoming too wilted overnight.
Freezing
This soup freezes beautifully, making it easy to enjoy later. Freeze in portions in freezer-safe containers for up to 3 months. Keep in mind the texture of fresh spinach may slightly change after freezing, so you might want to add a handful of fresh spinach after reheating.
Reheating
Reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat, stirring occasionally until warmed through. Avoid boiling to maintain creamy texture and to keep the delicate flavors intact.
FAQs
Can I use leftover chicken or rotisserie chicken for this recipe?
Absolutely! Using leftover or rotisserie chicken is a fantastic shortcut that saves time without compromising flavor. Just make sure to shred it before adding to the soup.
Is it possible to make this soup dairy-free?
Yes, you can substitute the heavy cream with coconut milk or a dairy-free cream alternative. For Parmesan, you can omit it or use a dairy-free cheese substitute, though it will slightly change the flavor profile.
Can I add pasta or rice to make this soup more filling?
Definitely! Add cooked pasta like small shells or bow ties, or some cooked rice in the final minutes of cooking for a heartier meal. Just be mindful to add extra broth or liquid if needed to maintain your preferred soup consistency.
What type of spinach is best for this soup?
Fresh baby spinach is ideal as it wilts gently and adds beautiful color. You can use regular spinach, but it may need a little longer to cook down and can be a bit tougher in texture.
Can I prepare any parts of this soup in advance to save time?
You can sauté the vegetables and prepare your shredded chicken ahead of time, storing them separately in the fridge. When you’re ready, just combine everything and finish cooking, which cuts down the overall prep time on busy days.
Final Thoughts
This Chicken Florentine Soup Recipe is truly a comforting classic that you’ll find yourself coming back to again and again. It’s easy to make, bursting with flavor, and flexible enough to suit your kitchen style. Give it a go to experience a heartwarming dinner that’s as soothing as it is delicious—you’ll wonder how you ever lived without it!
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Chicken Florentine Soup Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian-American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
Chicken Florentine Soup is a creamy, comforting Italian-American soup loaded with tender shredded chicken, fresh baby spinach, and Parmesan cheese. This hearty recipe combines aromatic vegetables and herbs simmered in a rich chicken broth with a touch of heavy cream, making it a perfect warm meal for any day. Easy to prepare and gluten-free, it’s an ideal dinner option served with crusty bread or a side salad.
Ingredients
Soup Base
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
- 1 small yellow onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 medium carrots, sliced
- 1 rib celery, sliced
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
- 6 cups low-sodium chicken broth
Chicken and Greens
- 2 cups cooked shredded chicken
- 3 cups fresh baby spinach
Finishing Ingredients
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare the Vegetables: In a large soup pot or Dutch oven, heat olive oil and butter over medium heat until melted and combined. Add diced onion, sliced carrots, and celery. Cook for 5–7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables are softened and fragrant.
- Add Aromatics and Seasonings: Stir in minced garlic, salt, black pepper, dried thyme, and crushed red pepper flakes (if using). Cook for an additional 1 minute until the garlic is aromatic, being careful not to burn it.
- Simmer the Broth: Pour in the low-sodium chicken broth and bring the mixture to a gentle boil. Reduce heat and let it simmer for 10 minutes to let the flavors meld together.
- Incorporate Chicken: Add the cooked shredded chicken to the pot and continue cooking for another 5 minutes to warm the chicken through and infuse the soup with its flavor.
- Finish with Cream and Spinach: Lower the heat to low. Stir in the heavy cream, grated Parmesan cheese, and fresh baby spinach. Allow the soup to simmer gently for 2–3 minutes until the spinach has wilted and the soup is creamy.
- Add Lemon Juice and Season: Stir in lemon juice if desired to brighten the flavors. Taste and adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper if needed. Serve hot alongside crusty bread or a fresh side salad.
Notes
- To reduce the richness, substitute heavy cream with half-and-half or whole milk.
- Using rotisserie chicken is a convenient shortcut that works well in this recipe.
- For a heartier meal, add cooked pasta or rice to the soup before serving.
