This Chicken Florentine Soup is a warm hug in a bowl! It’s packed with tender chicken, fresh spinach, and creamy goodness that makes it a comforting meal.
You can whip this up in no time, and the best part? It’s a great way to sneak in some greens without the fuss. I love serving it with crusty bread for dipping! 🍞
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Olive Oil: A great choice for sautéing as it adds flavor. If you’re out of olive oil, you can use canola or vegetable oil, which also works well at high heat.
Potatoes: I like using Yukon Gold for their creamy texture. If you want to lighten it up, you could swap them for cauliflower for a low-carb option.
Spinach: Fresh spinach is the star! If you can’t find it, you can use frozen spinach, just make sure to thaw and drain it well before adding it to the soup.
Chicken: Shredded rotisserie chicken saves time and adds great flavor. You could also use leftover chicken or even turkey if that’s what you have.
Heavy Cream: While it makes the soup rich, you can replace it with half-and-half or coconut milk for a lighter option (though flavors will vary).
How Do I Get My Potatoes to Cook Perfectly?
Cooking potatoes in soup is about getting them tender but not mushy. Here’s how:
- Cut your potatoes into small, even pieces to ensure they cook at the same rate.
- Cook them in the soup after sautéing the onions and garlic, so they have time to soften.
- Simmer until fork-tender, which usually takes around 10-15 minutes, depending on the size of your pieces.
Stir occasionally to keep everything cooking evenly and prevent sticking.
How Can I Ensure My Cream Doesn’t Curdle?
Cream can curdle if it’s heated too quickly. Here’s how to handle it:
- Always lower the heat before adding cream to the soup.
- Add a ladle of hot soup into the cream first to temper it, then mix it slowly back into the pot.
- Heat gently while stirring until warmed through, avoiding a full boil.
This way, you get a smooth and creamy soup every time!
Chicken Florentine Soup
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Soup:
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2-3 medium potatoes, peeled and diced
- 4 cups fresh spinach, roughly chopped (about 5-6 oz)
- 1 red bell pepper, finely chopped
- 1 ½ cups cooked chicken breast, shredded or diced
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 tsp dried basil
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- ½ tsp crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
- Fresh parsley or green onions, chopped (for garnish)
Time Needed:
This delicious Chicken Florentine Soup will take around 10 minutes to prep and about 30 minutes to cook, totaling about 40 minutes from start to finish. Perfect for a cozy weeknight dinner!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Sauté the Aromatics:
Start by heating the olive oil in a large soup pot over medium heat. Once it’s hot, add the chopped onion and minced garlic. Sauté these for about 3-4 minutes until they’re softened and fragrant. You want to build a lovely base flavor!
2. Add the Potatoes:
Next, toss in the diced potatoes. Stir them around and let them cook for another 5 minutes. This will give them a head start on becoming tender.
3. Mix in the Vegetables:
Now it’s time to add the red bell pepper, dried basil, oregano, salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes if you like a little heat. Stir this mixture and let it cook for an additional 1-2 minutes, allowing the spices to release their wonderful flavors.
4. Bring on the Broth:
Pour in the chicken broth and bring everything to a boil. Once it’s bubbling, reduce the heat and let it simmer for about 10-15 minutes, until the potatoes are tender. Just give them a poke with a fork to check!
5. Add Spinach and Chicken:
Now, mix in the chopped spinach and shredded chicken. Stir well and cook for about 3-4 minutes, just until the spinach wilts down beautifully.
6. Stir in the Cream:
Reduce the heat again and slowly add the heavy cream to the pot. Stir gently to combine and heat through without bringing it to a boil. This step should only take about 5 minutes.
7. Final Taste Check:
Give your soup a taste! Adjust the seasoning as needed. You may want to add more salt, pepper, or even some herbs to your liking.
8. Serve and Enjoy:
Ladle the delicious soup into bowls and garnish with fresh parsley or chopped green onions. Serve it hot alongside some crusty bread for dipping. Enjoy your hearty and comforting Chicken Florentine Soup!
Can I Use Different Greens Instead of Spinach?
Absolutely! If you’re not a fan of spinach, you can use kale, Swiss chard, or even collard greens. Just make sure to chop them finely and cook them longer if needed, as they can be a bit tougher.
What Can I Substitute for Heavy Cream?
If you’re looking for a lighter option, half-and-half or whole milk can work in a pinch. For a dairy-free alternative, try coconut milk or almond milk, but keep in mind it may alter the flavor slightly.
Can I Freeze Leftover Soup?
Yes, this soup freezes well! Let it cool completely, then transfer it to an airtight container and freeze for up to 3 months. To reheat, thaw in the fridge overnight and warm on the stove. You may need to add a splash of broth or cream to bring back the creamy texture.
How Can I Make This Recipe Vegetarian?
To make a vegetarian version, simply omit the chicken and use vegetable broth instead. You can also add more hearty vegetables like mushrooms or zucchini for added texture and flavor.
