Romantic Chicken Florentine Dinner for Two

Welcome to an exquisite culinary journey that promises a memorable evening without the fuss – introducing our delectable **One-Pan Chicken Florentine for Two**. Imagine tender, pan-seared chicken breasts smothered in a rich, creamy, and irresistibly cheesy spinach sauce. This dish isn’t just a meal; it’s an experience, designed to bring gourmet flavors to your table in under 30 minutes, making it the perfect choice for a romantic date night in or any occasion when you crave something special yet effortlessly elegant.

If you’re a connoisseur of simple, flavorful chicken dinners that impress with minimal effort, you’re in for a treat. This Easy Roast Chicken is always a crowd-pleaser, but today, we’re elevating your weeknight or special occasion dining with a classic that truly shines.

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The Charm of an Intimate Date Night In

Can you believe how quickly the days fly by? Valentine’s Day often sneaks up on us, and while some cherish grand restaurant reservations, many of us prefer a more intimate, personalized celebration at home. My husband and I, for instance, have cultivated a beautiful tradition over the years. We opt for low-key celebrations, focusing on quality time rather than gifts. Once our little ones are tucked into bed, our kitchen transforms into a haven for a romantic “date night in.” It’s a cherished ritual, especially since I usually helm the kitchen solo. This special evening allows us to collaborate on a “fancy dinner” and savor the meal in rare peace and quiet – a true luxury in our busy lives.

This year, for our Valentine’s Day celebration, we’re bringing the elegance of a fine dining experience right to our cozy kitchen with this incredible **Chicken Florentine for 2**. While Valentine’s Day might fall on a weekday, we often postpone our culinary festivities until the weekend to fully unwind and enjoy. There’s nothing quite like a relaxed meal prepared with love, especially when it minimizes cleanup and maximizes enjoyment.

What Exactly is Chicken Florentine?

For those new to the culinary delight that is Chicken Florentine, allow me to introduce you to its wonders. At its heart, Chicken Florentine is a sophisticated dish featuring tender, cooked chicken (typically pan-seared or baked) generously topped with a rich, creamy, and often cheesy spinach sauce. The name “Florentine” itself originates from Florence, Italy, and in cooking, it generally signifies the inclusion of spinach in a dish. This recipe embraces that tradition, delivering a harmonious blend of savory chicken, earthy spinach, and a luxurious sauce that coats every bite. It’s a dish that feels incredibly gourmet yet is surprisingly straightforward to prepare, making it a delightful choice for both seasoned cooks and kitchen novices alike.

To complete our romantic meal, we’ll be pairing this magnificent **Chicken Florentine for 2** with a crisp tossed salad, a refreshing glass of Pinot Grigio, and for a truly decadent finish, a warm, gooey cookie skillet for dessert. Just thinking about this perfectly balanced meal is enough to make my mouth water!

Why This One-Pan Chicken Florentine Recipe Is a Game-Changer

One of the recurring requests I hear from readers is for more “Meals for Two” recipes. It seems many of us are cooking for smaller households or seeking intimate dining experiences, and finding recipes perfectly portioned for two can be a challenge. That’s precisely why this **Chicken Florentine for 2** is a standout. It addresses that need perfectly, offering a complete and satisfying meal without an abundance of leftovers. And let’s be honest, who doesn’t love a meal that’s both delicious and perfectly scaled?

Beyond portion control, this recipe truly shines in its efficiency. It comes together remarkably quickly, which is another crucial factor for a successful date night in. Our kids typically head to bed around 8 PM, and by then, we’re usually quite hungry. A meal that’s both exquisite and ready in a flash is an absolute lifesaver. You won’t be slaving away in the kitchen for hours when you could be relaxing and enjoying each other’s company.

Perhaps the biggest selling point? This entire meal is cooked in just *one pan*. After a long, exhausting day, the last thing anyone wants to face is a mountain of dishes. The beauty of a one-pan wonder is that it delivers maximum flavor with minimum cleanup. Imagine savoring a late, luxurious dinner, then simply relaxing, rather than scrubbing pots and pans until midnight. This recipe respects your precious evening time, allowing you to wind down and hit the hay feeling satisfied and unburdened.

For Valentine’s Day or just because, make this Chicken Florentine for 2; you’ll be happy you did!

2 votes

Chicken Florentine for 2

Prep 10 mins

Cook 20 mins

Total 30 mins

Author Megan | Strawberry Blondie Kitchen

Yield 2 servings

This one pan Chicken Florentine for 2 is perfect for date night in. Creamy, cheesy spinach sauce is spooned over pan roasted chicken breasts to bring dinner to the table in under 30 minutes.

Ingredients

4 ounces baby spinach
2 tablespoons olive oil, divided
salt and freshly cracked pepper
2 (6 ounce) boneless, skinless chicken breasts
1 tablespoon butter
1 shallot, minced
1 garlic clove, minced
1 tablespoon flour
1/2 cup chicken broth
1/4 cup half and half, (I used fat free)
1/4 cup grated Parmesan asiago cheese blend
1/4 teaspoon lemon zest and 1 teaspoon lemon juice

Instructions

**Prepare the Chicken:** Place each chicken breast between two sheets of parchment paper or plastic wrap. Using a meat mallet or the bottom of a heavy pan, pound the chicken breasts until they are about 1/2-inch thick. This ensures even cooking and helps the chicken cook faster. Season both sides generously with salt and freshly cracked black pepper. Set aside.
**Wilt the Spinach:** Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large, medium skillet over medium heat. Add the baby spinach along with 1/8 teaspoon of salt. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the spinach is fully wilted, about 2-3 minutes. Transfer the wilted spinach to a paper towel-lined plate to drain any excess moisture. This step is crucial for preventing a watery sauce. Wipe the skillet clean with a paper towel.
**Sear the Chicken:** Add the remaining 1 tablespoon of olive oil to the same skillet and heat over medium-high heat. Once the oil shimmers, carefully place the seasoned chicken breasts in the skillet. Cook for about 4-6 minutes per side, or until the chicken is golden brown and cooked through, reaching an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). Remove the chicken breasts from the skillet and place them on a clean plate. Cover loosely with foil to keep warm and allow them to rest while you prepare the sauce.
**Craft the Creamy Florentine Sauce:** Return the skillet to medium heat. Add the butter and allow it to melt completely. Once melted, add the minced shallot and garlic to the pan. Sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant and softened, being careful not to burn the garlic. Sprinkle the flour over the shallots and garlic, stirring constantly for 1 minute to create a roux. This will help thicken the sauce. Gradually whisk in the chicken broth, followed by the half and half, ensuring a smooth mixture without lumps. Bring the sauce to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat to a simmer and cook for 2-3 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce thickens and becomes bubbly. Remove the skillet from the heat. Stir in the grated Parmesan-Asiago cheese blend, lemon zest, and lemon juice. Season with additional salt and pepper to taste. Finally, gently stir in the drained, wilted spinach until well combined.
**Serve and Enjoy:** Place the rested chicken breasts onto individual serving plates. Spoon a generous amount of the warm, creamy, and cheesy spinach Florentine sauce over each chicken breast. Serve immediately and prepare to indulge in a restaurant-quality meal right at home.

Courses Dinner

Nutrition Facts

Serving Size 2 servings

Amount Per Serving
Calories 399
% Daily Value
Total Fat 24 g		37%
	Saturated Fat 6 g	30%
Cholesterol 101 mg		34%
Sodium 594 mg		25%
Total Carbohydrates 8 g		3%
	Dietary Fiber 3 g	12%
	Sugars 2 g
Protein 40 g		80%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily values may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.

Beyond the Recipe: Creating the Perfect Date Night In

How do you plan to spend your romantic evenings? Do you have cherished traditions, perhaps involving reservations at your favorite restaurant? Or do you, like us, prefer the comfort and intimacy of a homemade meal? I’m always curious to hear about others’ traditions – living vicariously through those with adventurous lives, as I like to say! Whether you’re celebrating Valentine’s Day, an anniversary, or simply cherishing a quiet evening together, making the effort to create a special atmosphere can truly elevate the experience.

Beyond the delicious **Chicken Florentine for 2**, consider enhancing your date night with a few thoughtful touches:

Ambiance: Dim the lights, light some candles, and put on a playlist of your favorite soft music.
Table Setting: Use your best dinnerware, a nice tablecloth, and perhaps some fresh flowers to make the meal feel extra special.
Dress Up (or Down): While you’re at home, consider dressing a little nicer than your usual loungewear to mark the occasion. Or, if comfort is key, choose your favorite cozy clothes and snuggle up!
Disconnect: Put away phones and other distractions. Focus on each other, the conversation, and the delightful meal you’ve prepared.

I recently teamed up with a fantastic group of my favorite food bloggers to bring you an array of savory and sweet Valentine’s Day treats, all perfectly portioned for two. If you’re looking for more inspiration, be sure to check out these incredible #RecipesForTwo below!

More Savory Ideas for Two

Chicken Florentine for 2 by Strawberry Blondie Kitchen (You’re already here!)
Jerk Scallops with Pineapple Salsa over Coconut Rice by Books n’ Cooks
Pork Filet Mignon by A Day in the Life on the Farm

Sweet Endings for Two

Banana Split Cookie Trifle for Two by Palatable Pastime
Brown Butter Chocolate Chip Skillet Cookie for Two (Pizookies) by House of Nash Eats
Chocolate Peanut Butter Lava Cakes for 2 by Kate’s Recipe Box
Do You Carrot All Cake by Cindy’s Recipes and Writings
Heart Cocoa for Two by Amy’s Cooking Adventures