Creamy Chicken Florentine Soup 🍲🌿

This hearty Chicken Florentine Soup is a delightful blend of savory chicken, fresh spinach, and rich cream that is sure to warm your soul. It's a perfect dish for chilly nights or when you're in need of a comforting meal. With a touch of garlic and a hint of Parmesan, this creamy soup is not only satisfying but also incredibly easy to whip up!

Ingredients

For the soup base

• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 medium onion, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 carrots, diced
• 2 celery stalks, diced
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1 teaspoon dried basil
• 4 cups chicken broth
• 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded (rotisserie chicken works great!)
• 2 cups fresh spinach, chopped
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

• In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion, carrot, and celery. Sauté for about 5 minutes, or until the veggies start to soften.

🥄 This step is crucial for building flavor. Don’t rush it; allow the veggies to caramelize slightly for an extra depth of taste.

• Stir in the minced garlic, dried thyme, and basil. Cook for another minute until fragrant.

• Pour in the chicken broth and bring to a gentle simmer. Add the shredded chicken and let it cook for about 10 minutes to absorb the flavors.

• Reduce heat to low and stir in the chopped spinach, heavy cream, and grated Parmesan cheese. Mix until the spinach wilts and the cheese melts smoothly into the soup.

🍃 Fresh spinach is preferred, but you can use frozen spinach if that’s what you have. Just make sure to thaw and drain it to prevent excess water in the soup.

• Season with salt and pepper to taste and remove from heat. Serve hot, garnished with additional Parmesan if desired.

Variations

• Vegetarian: Substitute the chicken with chickpeas or white beans and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth. Opt for a plant-based cream for a vegan version! 🌱
• Herb explosion: Add a handful of fresh herbs like parsley or dill right before serving for an extra burst of flavor and freshness.
• Spicy twist: For a kick, add red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce while it's simmering. This will give the soup a nice heat that complements the creaminess! 🌶️
• Creamier: For even more richness, blend a portion of the soup until smooth before stirring it back in to create a creamier texture.

Enjoy this Chicken Florentine Soup as a complete meal on its own or pair it with some crusty bread for dipping. This dish is not only delicious but also a great way to sneak in some veggies! 🥖✨