This Chicken Florentine Soup is a warm and cozy dish, loaded with tender chicken, fresh spinach, and creamy goodness. It’s a simple way to enjoy a bowl of comfort!
I love how easy it is to whip up this soup on a chilly night. Just throw in the ingredients and let it simmer while you snuggle up on the couch. Perfect for a cozy evening! 🥣
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken: I recommend using cooked chicken, which can be shredded rotisserie chicken or leftovers. If you’re in a hurry, rotisserie is a lifesaver! For a leaner option, consider using turkey instead.
Spinach: Fresh spinach is key for that vibrant color and nutrition. If you don’t have it, frozen spinach works too—just thaw and drain excess water before adding it to the soup.
Potatoes: I love using Yukon Gold potatoes for their creaminess. You can substitute with sweet potatoes or barley for a different twist and added nutrition.
Heavy Cream: For a lighter option, use half-and-half or even coconut milk if you’re looking for a dairy alternative. The flavors will still be delicious!
How Do I Make the Soup Creamy Without Clumping?
To achieve a smooth and creamy texture, whisk the flour into the heavy cream until fully combined before adding it to the soup. This method helps prevent clumps and ensures even distribution of creaminess throughout.
- Prepare the cream mixture in a bowl and add a little hot soup to it before mixing, to temper it. This warms the cream gradually.
- Stir the tempered cream mixture into the pot while it’s on low heat. This keeps it from curdling.
By following these steps, your soup will have that silky finish that everyone loves!
Delicious Chicken Florentine Soup
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 3 medium carrots, chopped
- 3 celery stalks, chopped
- 4 cups cooked chicken, shredded or cubed
- 4 cups chicken broth (low sodium preferred)
- 3 cups fresh spinach, roughly chopped
- 3 medium potatoes, peeled and diced
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 cup heavy cream or half-and-half
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour (optional, for slight thickening)
- Fresh parsley, chopped (optional, for garnish)
- Crusty bread, for serving
How Much Time Will You Need?
This Chicken Florentine Soup takes about 10 minutes of prep time and 30 minutes of cooking time, totaling around 40 minutes from start to finish. Perfect for a weeknight dinner!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Sauté the Vegetables:
In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion, chopped carrots, and celery. Sauté for about 5-7 minutes, until the vegetables start to soften. This will create a flavorful base for your soup!
2. Add Garlic and Herbs:
Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant. Then add in the dried thyme and oregano, mixing well to combine all those yummy flavors.
3. Combine the Main Ingredients:
Add the diced potatoes, chicken broth, and cooked chicken to the pot. Bring the soup to a boil, then reduce the heat to a gentle simmer. Cover the pot and let it cook for about 15 minutes or until the potatoes become tender.
4. Stir in the Spinach:
Once the potatoes are tender, add the fresh spinach. Stir it in and let it cook for about 2 minutes, just until the spinach wilts down and looks bright green.
5. Make it Creamy:
If you want a creamier soup, mix the flour with the heavy cream in a small bowl until smooth. Slowly stir this mixture into the soup, making sure to combine it well without any lumps. If you prefer a lighter soup, you can skip this step!
6. Simmer and Season:
Let the soup simmer for an additional 5 minutes over low heat, stirring occasionally. Season with salt and pepper to your taste, ensuring all flavors are balanced.
7. Serve and Enjoy:
Ladle the warm soup into bowls. If you like, garnish with fresh parsley for a pop of color. Serve alongside some crusty bread, and you have a delightful meal ready to enjoy!
Enjoy your delicious and hearty Chicken Florentine Soup! Perfect for chilly days or any time you need a cozy pick-me-up!
Can I Use Frozen Spinach Instead of Fresh?
Absolutely! You can use frozen spinach in this recipe. Just be sure to thaw it first and drain any excess water before adding it to the soup. This way, you’ll maintain a good texture without making the soup watery.
How Can I Thicken the Soup More?
If you’d like a thicker soup, follow the original recipe with the flour or consider adding more potatoes or a small amount of instant potato flakes at the end. This will help absorb extra liquid and give it a heartier feel!
What If I Don’t Have Cooked Chicken?
No problem! You can cook chicken breasts or thighs in the same pot before adding the vegetables. Simply season and sauté until cooked through, then shred or cube, and continue with the recipe. It adds an extra layer of flavor!
How Should I Store Leftover Soup?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm it on the stove over low heat or in the microwave, stirring occasionally for even heating. The soup can thicken in the fridge, so you might need to add a splash of broth or water while reheating.