Pioneer Woman Chicken Florentine: A Creamy Delight with a Healthy Twist

Chicken Alfredo is undeniably a comfort food classic, known for its rich and creamy sauce that’s hard to resist. But for those looking to elevate this beloved dish with a touch of freshness and added nutrients, Chicken Florentine Alfredo, inspired by the culinary genius of the Pioneer Woman, offers the perfect solution. This recipe takes the traditional creamy Alfredo and infuses it with vibrant spinach, creating a symphony of flavors and textures that will tantalize your taste buds.

Chicken Florentine Alfredo close-up with creamy sauce and spinach

In today’s fast-paced world, finding time to prepare a delicious and satisfying dinner can be a challenge. This Pioneer Woman-inspired Chicken Florentine Alfredo recipe is designed with busy weeknights in mind. By prepping the chicken and pasta in advance, you can significantly cut down on cooking time when you’re ready to assemble your meal. This streamlined approach ensures that a gourmet-quality dinner is within reach, even on your busiest days.

Pioneer Woman’s Chicken Florentine Alfredo Recipe: A Step-by-Step Guide

This recipe, adapted from the renowned Pioneer Woman’s style, brings together simple ingredients to create a dish that’s both comforting and elegant. Let’s dive into what you’ll need and how to bring this flavorful pasta to life.

Ingredients for Chicken Florentine Alfredo

Here’s a detailed list of ingredients to prepare your Pioneer Woman Chicken Florentine Alfredo, including notes for substitutions and ensuring you have everything on hand:

• Pasta: 9 ounces fettuccine pasta. For a gluten-free option, consider RP Pasta’s fresh gluten-free fettuccine, known for its excellent texture and taste.
• Olive Oil: 2 tablespoons of olive oil, essential for sautéing the chicken and adding a base of flavor.
• Butter: 2 tablespoons of butter, contributing to the richness of both the chicken and the sauce.
• Chicken Breasts: 2 whole boneless, skinless chicken breasts. Opt for high-quality chicken for the best flavor and texture.
• Seasoning: Salt and pepper to taste, along with 1 teaspoon of garlic powder to season the chicken.
• Garlic: 2 cloves of minced garlic, crucial for building the aromatic base of the Alfredo sauce.
• White Wine (or Chicken Broth): 3/4 cups of dry white wine, which adds depth to the sauce. Alternatively, low-sodium chicken broth can be used for an alcohol-free version.
• Half-and-Half: 1/2 cup of half-and-half, providing creaminess to the sauce without making it too heavy.
• Frozen Spinach: 10 ounces of chopped frozen spinach. Ensure it’s thoroughly thawed and squeezed dry to remove excess water.
• Heavy Cream: 3 tablespoons of heavy cream, enhancing the richness and velvety texture of the Alfredo.
• Chicken Broth (for thinning): Low sodium chicken broth, as needed, to adjust the consistency of the sauce.
• Parmesan Cheese: 3/4 cups of Parmesan cheese, freshly grated for the best melting and flavor in the sauce.
• Fresh Parsley: 2 tablespoons of minced fresh parsley, for a fresh garnish and a pop of color just before serving.

Cooking Instructions: Crafting Your Chicken Florentine Alfredo

Follow these detailed steps to recreate this Pioneer Woman-inspired Chicken Florentine Alfredo perfectly:

1. Cook the Pasta: Begin by cooking the fettuccine pasta according to the package directions until al dente. Once cooked, drain the pasta and set it aside, ready to be added to the flavorful sauce.
2. Prepare and Cook the Chicken: Season both sides of the chicken breasts generously with salt, pepper, and garlic powder. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the seasoned chicken breasts to the hot skillet and cook until they are browned on both sides and fully cooked through in the middle. Once cooked, remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside to rest.
3. Sauté Garlic and Deglaze the Pan: In the same skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic to the melted butter and sauté for about 1 minute, stirring constantly to prevent burning and to release its fragrant aroma. Pour in the white wine (or chicken broth) to deglaze the pan, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom – these flavorful bits will enrich your sauce. Bring the liquid to a boil, then reduce the heat to a simmer and let it cook for a few minutes, allowing the wine to reduce slightly and its flavors to concentrate.
4. Create the Florentine Alfredo Sauce: Add the thawed and squeezed dry frozen spinach to the skillet. Stir it into the wine mixture and cook for a minute or two until it’s heated through. Pour in the half-and-half and heavy cream. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Whisk all ingredients together until well combined. Allow the sauce to simmer gently and thicken slightly. If the sauce becomes too thick, you can thin it out by adding a little chicken broth until it reaches your desired consistency.
5. Slice the Chicken and Combine: While the sauce is simmering, cut the cooked chicken breasts into thin strips or bite-sized pieces. Set the sliced chicken aside. Remove the Alfredo sauce from the heat. Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese into the warm sauce, mixing until the cheese is fully melted and the sauce is smooth and creamy. Add the cooked fettuccine pasta to the pan with the Alfredo sauce. Toss everything together to ensure the pasta is thoroughly coated in the luscious sauce. Gently fold in the sliced chicken pieces into the pasta and sauce mixture.
6. Serve Immediately: Toss everything together gently one last time. If the pasta seems too thick at this point, you can add a splash of chicken broth to loosen it to the perfect creamy consistency. Serve your Pioneer Woman Chicken Florentine Alfredo immediately, garnished with freshly minced parsley for a final touch of freshness and visual appeal.

This Chicken Florentine Alfredo recipe is a testament to how simple ingredients, combined with a touch of inspiration from the Pioneer Woman, can create a dish that’s both comforting and sophisticated. Enjoy this creamy, spinach-infused twist on a classic Alfredo!