Chicken Florentine Soup is a warm, cozy bowl full of tender chicken, fresh spinach, and creamy goodness. It’s like a hug in a cup, perfect for chilly days!
I love how simple this soup is to whip up. Just throw everything in one pot, and in no time, you’ll have a delicious meal that feels fancy but is super easy to make!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Olive Oil: This is great for flavor and sautéing. You can swap it with butter for a richer taste or use avocado oil for a higher smoke point.
Chicken: Using cooked chicken saves time. Rotisserie chicken is perfect for that! If you’re vegetarian, chickpeas or tofu make a good swap.
Spinach: Fresh spinach gives wonderful color and nutrients. You can use frozen spinach, just thaw and squeeze out excess water before adding.
Pasta: If you want some carbs, adding small pasta like ditalini or orzo can bulk up the soup. Just cook it separately and toss it in at the end!
Heavy Cream: For a lighter version, try half-and-half or coconut milk. If you need dairy-free, cashew cream or almond milk work nicely too.
How Do You Make Sure Your Soup Stays Creamy and Delicious?
The key here is to add the cream at the end and heat it gently. Boiling it can cause the cream to separate, which is no fun. Here’s how to keep your soup perfectly creamy:
- After adding cream, keep the heat on low and stir gently.
- Avoid boiling the soup after adding the cream.
- If you want a bit more texture, try blending a portion of the soup before adding the cream.
Keeping these tips in mind will result in a smooth and delicious Chicken Florentine Soup that’s bound to impress!
Chicken Florentine Soup
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 3 medium carrots, diced
- 2 celery stalks, diced
- 3 cups cooked chicken, shredded or chopped
- 4 cups fresh spinach, roughly chopped (or baby spinach)
- 2 medium potatoes, peeled and cut into chunks
- 1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes, drained slightly
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 tsp dried thyme
- 1/2 tsp dried basil
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- Optional: Grated Parmesan cheese for garnish
- Optional: Crusty bread, for serving
How Much Time Will You Need?
This Chicken Florentine Soup will take you about 15 minutes to prep and about 30 minutes to cook. So, in just under an hour, you’ll have a delicious, hearty meal on the table, perfect for any day of the week!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Sauté the Vegetables:
Start by heating olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the diced onion, minced garlic, diced carrots, and celery. Stir occasionally, letting the veggies soften for about 5 to 7 minutes. This builds a great base flavor!
2. Simmer the Potatoes:
Next, toss in the potato chunks, chicken broth, dried thyme, and dried basil. Bring everything to a boil, then lower the heat. Let it simmer until the potatoes are nice and tender, roughly 15 minutes.
3. Add Chicken and Spinach:
Now, stir in your cooked chicken, diced tomatoes, and the chopped spinach. Cook this mix until the spinach wilts, which will take about 3 to 5 minutes. You’ll see those beautiful greens brighten your soup!
4. Cream It Up:
Pour in the heavy cream and gently stir to combine the flavors. Let the soup simmer for another 5 minutes but ensure it doesn’t boil to keep that cream nice and smooth.
5. Season and Serve:
Give your soup a good taste and season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to your liking. Ladle the soup into bowls, sprinkle with grated Parmesan cheese if you’d like, and serve with some crusty bread on the side for dipping!
This hearty, creamy Chicken Florentine Soup is not only comforting but also perfect for sharing with loved ones. Enjoy every warm spoonful!
Can I Use Frozen Spinach Instead of Fresh?
Absolutely! Frozen spinach can be a convenient option. Just make sure to thaw it beforehand and squeeze out any excess moisture before adding it to the soup to prevent it from getting watery.
What Can I Substitute for Heavy Cream?
If you’re looking for a lighter option, you can use half-and-half or milk mixed with a bit of cornstarch to thicken it up. For a dairy-free alternative, try coconut milk or cashew cream for a creamy texture.
Can I Prepare This Soup Ahead of Time?
Yes, you can make the soup in advance! Just keep it in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove, and consider adding a splash of cream again for freshness.
What Should I Serve with Chicken Florentine Soup?
This soup pairs wonderfully with crusty bread for dipping or a light salad for a complete meal. You can also serve it over cooked pasta or quinoa for added heartiness!
