Effortless One Pot Chicken Florentine Pasta: Your Quick & Creamy Weeknight Dinner Solution
Imagine a meal so incredibly delicious, so rich and creamy, that your family will be asking for seconds and licking their plates clean. Now imagine that meal is ready in just 30 minutes, all cooked in a single pot! This One Pot Chicken Florentine Pasta is exactly that: a culinary dream come true for busy weeknights. It combines tender chicken, vibrant spinach, and a lusciously creamy sauce with pasta for an unforgettable, fuss-free dinner experience.
Indulge in the Creamy Goodness of One Pot Chicken Florentine Pasta
Let’s face it, in today’s fast-paced world, finding time for elaborate cooking is a luxury many of us don’t have. Busy parents, professionals, and anyone looking to simplify their routine will deeply appreciate the magic of a one-pot meal. It’s about maximizing flavor and minimizing effort, allowing you to spend more precious moments with your loved ones and less time scrubbing pots and pans. That’s precisely where this incredible One Pot Chicken Florentine Pasta truly shines.
I absolutely adore cooking, but even I have those days when getting dinner on the table quickly is the top priority. This recipe is a genuine game-changer for those moments! In just 30 minutes from start to finish, you can serve a hearty, wholesome, and incredibly satisfying meal that your entire family will rave about. Picture this: a delicious dinner enjoyed, and then you can actually kick back and relax in the evening, rather than facing a mountain of dirty dishes. Less mess, less stress – it’s a motto I live by in the kitchen, and it’s embodied in every spoonful of this easy Florentine pasta.
This creamy pasta Florentine dish instantly became a huge hit in my household. Even my husband, who is typically not a fan of spinach, couldn’t get enough of this chicken Florentine and went back for seconds! The spinach wilts down beautifully into the rich sauce, adding a touch of vibrant color and an extra boost of nutrients without overpowering the dish. It’s truly a fantastic and delicious way to sneak in some healthy greens that even the pickiest eaters will happily devour.
If you’ve recently had chicken and are looking for other effortless one-pot inspirations, don’t worry! You might enjoy this One Pot Pizza Pasta for a fun twist, or this comforting One Pot Hamburger Stroganoff for a hearty classic. But for a truly elegant yet simple and quick meal, this One Pot Chicken Florentine Pasta is simply unbeatable.
Why This One Pot Chicken Florentine Pasta Will Become Your Family’s Favorite
There are countless reasons to fall in love with this One Pot Chicken Florentine Pasta. It’s meticulously designed to make your life easier and your taste buds happier, without compromising on flavor or nutrition. Here are some of the standout benefits that make it a must-try:
- Effortless Cleanup: The “one pot” promise isn’t just a catchy phrase; it’s a reality that significantly simplifies your post-dinner routine. Cooking everything in a single skillet or Dutch oven means you’ll have dramatically less washing up afterwards, giving you precious extra time to relax and unwind instead of being chained to the sink.
- Simple, Accessible Ingredients: You won’t need any exotic, expensive, or hard-to-find items for this recipe. All the ingredients – from boneless, skinless chicken breasts to pantry staples like pasta and canned tomatoes – are readily available at any local grocery store, making it a convenient and budget-friendly choice for last-minute meal planning.
- Incredible Speed – Done in 30 Minutes: This is a true 30-minute meal! From the moment you start prepping your ingredients to the point where you’re serving a hot, delicious, and fully cooked meal, this dish truly takes only half an hour. It’s absolutely perfect for those demanding weeknights when time is of the essence but you still crave a homemade, satisfying, and wholesome dinner.
- Cleverly Incorporates Vegetables: This recipe is a parent’s secret weapon for boosting veggie intake! The fresh spinach wilts down gracefully into the creamy sauce, adding essential vitamins and minerals, and a subtle earthy flavor that even the most discerning vegetable skeptics won’t notice, or will actually find delightful. It’s a healthy boost hidden in plain sight.
- Bursting with Flavor: Despite its remarkable simplicity and speed, this Florentine pasta is incredibly rich and full of complex, well-balanced flavors. The harmonious combination of savory, tender chicken, aromatic garlic and onion, tangy fire-roasted tomatoes, and a lusciously creamy, cheesy sauce creates a truly delightful and unforgettable taste experience that will satisfy every palate.
- Universal Family-Friendly Appeal: Pasta is a beloved, universal crowd-pleaser, and this dish is certainly no exception. Its creamy texture, comforting pasta, and familiar flavors make it an instant hit with kids and adults alike, ensuring that everyone at the dinner table leaves feeling happy, satisfied, and well-fed.
Essential Ingredients for Your Perfect One Pot Pasta Florentine
Creating this flavorful One Pot Chicken Florentine Pasta relies on a few key components that work harmoniously to build its incredible taste and texture. Here’s a closer look at what you’ll need and why each ingredient plays a crucial role in delivering that “lick your plate clean” experience:
- CHICKEN BREAST: We recommend using two boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into uniform bite-sized pieces. This preparation ensures quick and even cooking, and the chicken provides a lean, satisfying protein boost that makes the meal hearty and complete. For a slightly richer flavor, you could also substitute boneless, skinless chicken thighs.
- ONION AND GARLIC: These classic aromatics form the indispensable foundation of flavor for our sauce. The chopped onion adds a subtle sweetness and a crucial depth of taste, while the minced garlic infuses the entire dish with its irresistible, pungent aroma and savory notes. Do not skip these – they are absolutely essential for building a complex and robust flavor profile!
- TUBULAR PASTA OF CHOICE: The shape of your pasta truly matters here! Tubular pastas like penne or ziti are excellent choices because their hollow centers and ridged surfaces are perfectly designed for catching and holding onto that luscious, creamy Florentine sauce. This ensures every bite is packed with flavor. Other good options that work well include rigatoni or even cavatappi.
- BROTH OR STOCK: This is the liquid gold that transforms our ingredients into a rich, flavorful sauce. Chicken broth or stock provides a savory, umami-rich base for the pasta to cook in, allowing the pasta to absorb all the delicious flavors as it softens. Using a good quality broth will significantly enhance the overall taste and depth of your dish.
- FRESH SPINACH: A defining ingredient of all “Florentine” dishes, fresh baby spinach adds a beautiful vibrant green color, a subtle earthy flavor, and a powerful nutritional punch. It’s packed with essential vitamins and minerals, and conveniently wilts down quickly and seamlessly into the sauce, making it an incredibly easy and delicious way to incorporate healthy vegetables.
- FIRE-ROASTED TOMATOES: There’s something truly special and unique about fire-roasted tomatoes. Their smoky, slightly sweet, and concentrated tomato flavor adds a wonderful depth and a touch of acidity that perfectly balances the richness of the creamy sauce. They bring a unique warmth and complexity that regular diced tomatoes simply can’t quite match.
- DAIRY DELIGHTS (Mozzarella, Parmesan, Heavy Cream): These three ingredients are the secret to the unbelievably creamy, cheesy, and utterly decadent sauce that defines this dish. Each plays a specific role:
- Shredded Mozzarella Cheese: Melts beautifully, providing that classic gooey, stretchy, and mild cheese factor that makes every forkful so satisfying.
- Grated Parmesan Cheese: Adds a sharp, salty, and intensely umami kick that elevates and enhances all the other flavors in the dish. Always use freshly grated Parmesan for the best possible results!
- Heavy Cream: This is the star for creating the velvety-smooth, rich, and luxurious texture of the sauce, transforming it into something truly decadent and irresistible.
Step-by-Step Instructions to Master Your One Pot Chicken Florentine Pasta
You won’t believe how incredibly simple this One Pot Chicken Florentine Pasta recipe is to prepare. Even novice cooks can achieve delicious results! Just follow these straightforward steps, and refer to the process shots above if you need a visual guide to ensure perfection:
- COOK THE AROMATICS AND CHICKEN: Begin by heating 1 to 2 tablespoons of your preferred oil (such as olive oil or avocado oil) in a large, deep skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add your bite-sized chicken pieces and the chopped small onion. Sauté, stirring occasionally, until the chicken is no longer pink and is beautifully browned on all sides, and the onion has softened and turned translucent. This crucial step typically takes about 5-7 minutes and builds the first layer of flavor. Next, stir in the minced garlic and cook for just another minute until it becomes wonderfully fragrant. Be very careful not to burn the garlic, as it can turn bitter quickly!
- INCORPORATE THE OTHER MAIN INGREDIENTS: Now it’s time to add the dry tubular pasta, the chicken stock or broth, and the fire-roasted tomatoes (undrained, so all their flavorful juices are included) to the skillet. Stir everything together thoroughly, making sure the pasta is mostly submerged in the liquid. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, then immediately reduce the heat to low, cover the skillet with a tight-fitting lid, and let it simmer for approximately 12 minutes. During this simmering time, it’s essential to stir the pasta occasionally to prevent it from sticking to the bottom of the pan and to ensure it cooks evenly and absorbs the liquid. The pasta should be tender when done.
- FINISH IT UP WITH THE DAIRY AND GREENS: Once the pasta is perfectly al dente (tender but still with a slight, pleasant bite), remove the lid from the skillet. Stir in the shredded mozzarella cheese until it’s completely melted and creates a lovely, gooey, and cohesive texture throughout the sauce. This adds a wonderful creaminess and stretch. Then, add the fresh baby spinach and the heavy cream. Continue stirring continuously for another 1-2 minutes, allowing the spinach to wilt down completely and seamlessly into the creamy sauce, and for all the ingredients to be beautifully combined and heated through. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper if needed.
- Finally, remove your magnificent One Pot Chicken Florentine Pasta from the heat. Serve immediately, topping each warm portion generously with a sprinkle of fresh grated Parmesan cheese. For an extra touch of gourmet appeal and freshness, a dash of freshly ground black pepper or a few delicate fresh basil leaves can be added. Enjoy this effortless and incredibly satisfying meal!
Pro Tips and Delicious Variations for Your One Pot Chicken Florentine Pasta
While this One Pot Chicken Florentine Pasta recipe is absolutely perfect as written, here are some pro tips and creative variations to customize it to your unique taste, dietary preferences, or what you simply have on hand in your kitchen:
- Tomato Alternative: If fire-roasted tomatoes aren’t available at your local store, or if you’re looking for a slightly different flavor profile, try using sun-dried tomatoes (preferably oil-packed and finely chopped) instead. They will add an intense, sweet-tart, and concentrated tomato flavor that complements the creamy sauce beautifully. Alternatively, regular diced tomatoes can be used for a simpler, classic tomato taste.
- Make it Vegetarian: Easily transform this into a delectable vegetarian dish! Simply omit the chicken entirely and substitute vegetable stock for chicken stock. For a satisfying protein boost, consider stirring in a can of drained and rinsed cannellini beans or chickpeas, or sautéing sliced mushrooms with the onion to add an earthy umami depth.
- Boost the Greens (and Other Veggies): Feel free to add more spinach than the recipe calls for, as it wilts down significantly. You could also stir in some chopped kale (which might require cooking slightly longer to soften) or a cup of frozen peas during the last few minutes of cooking for extra color, texture, and a powerful nutrient boost. Bell peppers or zucchini can also be added with the onions for more vegetable variety.
- Spice It Up: For those who enjoy a little warmth and heat in their pasta, a generous pinch of red pepper flakes added with the garlic will give the dish a wonderful and zesty kick. Adjust the amount to your preferred level of spice.
- Add Fresh Herbs: Fresh herbs always elevate a dish, adding brightness and aromatic complexity. Stir in some chopped fresh basil, parsley, or even a hint of oregano at the very end, just before serving, for a burst of fresh flavor and vibrant color that makes the dish truly pop.
- Serving Suggestions: This creamy chicken Florentine pasta is a wonderfully complete meal in itself, but it pairs wonderfully with a crisp green salad tossed with a light vinaigrette. And, as suggested, this fantastic cheesy garlic bread is absolutely divine for soaking up every last drop of that amazing, rich sauce!
- Cheese Variations: Don’t be afraid to experiment with other melting cheeses! A blend of Fontina and Provolone could add different melt characteristics and a slightly nuttier flavor, or a sharper aged white cheddar could provide a bolder, more piquant note to the sauce.
- Make it Gluten-Free: To make this recipe gluten-free, simply use your favorite gluten-free tubular pasta. The cooking time might vary slightly, so follow package directions for the pasta’s tenderness. Ensure your chicken broth is also gluten-free.
Frequently Asked Questions About Chicken Florentine Pasta
While heavy cream delivers the absolute richest and most luxurious texture for this chicken Florentine pasta, you have several excellent alternatives if you’re looking to lighten it up or simply don’t have cream on hand. You could try using half-and-half, which is a lighter option but still provides a good level of creaminess. For a dairy-free alternative (though keep in mind the recipe still contains cheese), you could use full-fat coconut milk, though it will impart a subtle coconut flavor. A common substitute for heavy cream in savory dishes is a mixture of whole milk whisked with a tablespoon of cornstarch (for thickening) or even softened cream cheese, which adds a lovely tang and thickness when melted into the sauce. Plain, full-fat Greek yogurt can also be used, but stir it in at the very end off the heat to prevent it from curdling and ensure a smooth consistency.
Yes, this dish is best enjoyed fresh, but leftovers of One Pot Chicken Florentine Pasta store quite well in the refrigerator for about 3 days when kept in an airtight container. When reheating, it’s common for the pasta to absorb a lot of the sauce, so the dish might appear a bit dry. To restore its creamy, luscious texture, simply add a splash of chicken broth or milk (about ¼ to ½ cup per serving, or as needed) before reheating. You can reheat it gently in a pan on your stovetop over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally until warmed through, or pop it in the microwave in intervals, stirring between each to ensure even heating and prevent drying out.
Traditional Florentine sauces are renowned for their rich, creamy base, often featuring ingredients like white wine, heavy cream, butter, and Parmesan cheese, always paired with a generous amount of fresh spinach. My version of One Pot Chicken Florentine Pasta stays true to this delicious essence, incorporating heavy cream, mozzarella, Parmesan, aromatic garlic, and of course, plenty of fresh spinach. I personally opt to leave out the white wine and instead add fire-roasted tomatoes, which introduces a wonderful depth, a subtle smokiness, and a unique sweetness that I believe makes this dish truly amazing and even more family-friendly!
The term “Florentine” in cuisine typically refers to dishes that prominently feature spinach as a key ingredient. While it might immediately bring to mind the city of Florence, Italy, the culinary tradition is widely believed to have been popularized in French cuisine, particularly during the time of Catherine de’ Medici, who was from Florence and became Queen of France. Historically, a dish is generally considered Florentine if it features a type of protein (like chicken, eggs, or fish), a rich, creamy sauce (often a Mornay sauce, which is a béchamel sauce enriched with cheese), and a healthy, vibrant serving of spinach. This One Pot Chicken Florentine Pasta perfectly embodies all these classic elements, making it a delicious and authentic example of the Florentine style.
Yes, you can absolutely use frozen spinach if fresh is not available or if you prefer the convenience! If using frozen spinach, it’s crucial to thaw it completely first, and then squeeze out as much excess water as possible. This step is vital because too much moisture will dilute your creamy sauce and affect its consistency. For this recipe, about one 10-ounce package of frozen spinach, once properly squeezed, should be roughly equivalent to the 3 cups of fresh baby spinach. Add it at the same step as fresh spinach, after the mozzarella has melted, and stir until it’s heated through.
For a successful one-pot pasta like this creamy Chicken Florentine, you’ll want to use a large, deep skillet or a Dutch oven with a tight-fitting lid. A 10-inch or 12-inch skillet with high sides (at least 3-4 inches deep) is usually sufficient for a family-sized portion. Cast iron, stainless steel, or even a good quality non-stick pan can all work well. The key requirements are enough surface area to properly brown the chicken and onions, and then enough depth to comfortably contain all the pasta and liquid without overflowing, ensuring the pasta can simmer and absorb the sauce perfectly.
More Easy One-Pot & Weeknight Recipes to Savor
If you loved the simplicity, convenience, and deliciousness of this One Pot Chicken Florentine Pasta, then you’re truly in for a treat! Here are even more fantastic, easy-to-make recipes from my kitchen that are perfect for any weeknight, promising minimal fuss and maximum flavor:
- Sheet Pan Steak Fajitas: A vibrant, flavorful, and incredibly easy meal cooked entirely on a single sheet pan – a fiesta for your taste buds with minimal cleanup!
- Sheet Pan BBQ Meatballs, Green Beans and Potatoes: A hearty, comforting, and perfectly balanced meal all cooked together on one convenient sheet pan, ideal for busy evenings.
- One Pot Bacon Alfredo: Experience the joy of creamy, savory, and unbelievably easy Alfredo pasta, elevated with crispy, salty bacon, all made in a single pot.
- One Pot Cajun Chicken Alfredo: A delightfully spicy, rich, and satisfying twist on a classic Alfredo, featuring tender Cajun-spiced chicken, cooked in just one pot.
- Homemade Hamburger Helper: Forget the box! This homemade version is far more delicious, just as easy, and packed with wholesome ingredients for a family-favorite comfort food.
- Old Fashioned Potato Salad: A timeless, creamy, and flavorful side dish that’s perfect for barbecues, picnics, or as a comforting accompaniment to any meal.
Thank you so much for reading and exploring this recipe! I truly hope this One Pot Chicken Florentine Pasta brings immense joy, ease, and deliciousness to your dinner table. Please feel free to let me know what you think and how it turned out for you in the comments below – I love hearing from you!
HUNGRY FOR MORE? Subscribe to my newsletter and follow along on Pinterest, Facebook, and Instagram for all my latest updates, delicious recipes, and invaluable kitchen tips!
One Pot Chicken Florentine Pasta
Ingredients
- 2 boneless skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite sized pieces
- 1-2 tablespoons oil
- 1 small onion, chopped
- 3 large cloves garlic, minced
- 8 oz (230g) penne, ziti or other tubular pasta
- 1½ cups (355ml) chicken stock or broth
- 1 (14.5oz) (411g) fire roasted tomatoes
- 2 cups (8oz) (225g) shredded mozzarella cheese
- 3 cups (95g) baby spinach
- ¼ cup (60ml) heavy cream
- ¼ cup (25g) grated Parmesan cheese
Instructions
-
In a large skillet, brown the chicken and onion in oil until chicken is no longer pink, about 5-7 minutes. Add in the garlic and cook for 1 minute. Add in the pasta, stock, and fire-roasted tomatoes. Stir well to combine then cover and simmer, stirring occasionally for 12 minutes or until pasta is tender.
-
Stir in the mozzarella cheese until combined then stir in the spinach and cream. Remove from heat and sprinkle with Parmesan cheese.
Nutrition
*Originally published July 2016. Photos and text updated.*