Chicken Florentine Soup - Creamy Spinach Chicken Soup

Chicken Florentine Soup is a delightful and hearty dish that combines tender chicken, fresh spinach, and a creamy broth. Originating from Florence, Italy, this soup has gained popularity among home cooks for its rich flavors and health benefits. Whether you're a soup enthusiast or someone looking to add a healthy option to your meal plan, Chicken Florentine Soup is a must-try.

Ingredients List

To make Chicken Florentine Soup, you'll need the following ingredients:

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, diced
• 1 medium onion, chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 4 cups chicken broth
• 2 cups water
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1 cup milk
• 4 cups fresh spinach, chopped
• 2 medium carrots, sliced
• 2 celery stalks, sliced
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1 teaspoon dried basil
• Salt and pepper to taste

Preparation Steps

Follow these steps to prepare your ingredients:

1. Dice the Chicken: Cut the chicken breasts into bite-sized pieces and set aside.
2. Chop the Vegetables: Finely chop the onion, mince the garlic, and slice the carrots, and celery.
3. Prepare the Spinach: Wash and chop the fresh spinach.

Cooking Process

Now, let's move on to cooking the soup:

1. Heat the Olive Oil: In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat.
2. Cook the Chicken: Add the diced chicken to the pot and cook until browned and fully cooked. Remove the chicken and set aside.
3. Sauté the Vegetables: In the same pot, add the chopped onion, minced garlic, sliced carrots, and celery. Sauté until the vegetables are tender.
4. Add Broth and Water: Pour in the chicken broth and water, bringing the mixture to a boil.
5. Add Cream and Milk: Reduce the heat to low and stir in the heavy cream and milk, ensuring the mixture is well combined.
6. Season the Soup: Add the dried thyme, dried basil, salt, and pepper to taste. Simmer for about 10 minutes.
7. Add Spinach and Chicken: Stir in the chopped spinach and cooked chicken, allowing the spinach to wilt and the flavors to meld together.
8. Finish with Parmesan: Sprinkle the grated Parmesan cheese into the soup and stir well.

Serving Suggestions

For maximum enjoyment, try these serving ideas:

• Crusty Bread: Serve with slices of crusty bread to soak up the delicious broth.
• Garnish: Garnish with additional Parmesan cheese and a drizzle of olive oil.
• Side Salad: Pair with a light side salad for a complete meal.

Health Benefits

Chicken Florentine Soup is not only delicious but also nutritious:

• Protein-Rich: The chicken provides a good source of protein.
• Vitamin-Packed: Spinach adds essential vitamins and minerals like vitamins K, A, and C.
• Low Carb: This soup is low in carbohydrates, making it a great option for those following a low-carb diet.
• Healthy Fats: The olive oil and heavy cream add healthy fats that are essential for a balanced diet.

Conclusion

In conclusion, Chicken Florentine Soup is a versatile and healthy dish that is sure to become a favorite in your household. Feel free to experiment with variations, such as adding mushrooms or using kale instead of spinach. We encourage you to give this recipe a try and enjoy the warming and comforting flavors it brings. Happy cooking!