Chicken Florentine
- Preparing Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Served Person: 6
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 2 tbsp flour
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1 lb. boneless skinless chicken breasts
- 1/2 box (approx. 5oz.) frozen spinach thawed & squeezed to remove as much liquid as possible
- 2 large garlic cloves minced (or 1 tsp. from my jar-o-garlic)
- 1 can no-salt low fat added chicken broth
- pinch nutmeg
- 1 cup low fat ricotta
- 2/3 cup parmesan cheese grated
- 8 oz. whole grain pasta (i used brown rice spirals)
- Carbohydrate 3.85129840643991 g
- Cholesterol 46.2917068808925 mg
- Fat 2.33479572501329 g
- Fiber 0.117199515641192 g
- Protein 18.6214578908533 g
- Saturated Fat 0.825328323406393 g
- Serving Size 1 1 (85g)
- Sodium 91.8638183808687 mg
- Sugar 3.73409889079872 g
- Trans Fat 0.321216800674182 g
- Calories 115 calories
From Desk to Dinner: My Chicken Florentine Adventure
Being a business woman is a whirlwind. Meetings, deadlines, conference calls – it's a constant juggling act. And by the time I get home, the last thing I want to do is spend hours in the kitchen. But I also believe in nourishing my body with wholesome, delicious meals. That's where my love for quick and easy recipes comes in. This Chicken Florentine dish is a lifesaver. It's packed with flavor, it's relatively healthy, and most importantly, it's quick enough to make even on my busiest weeknights.
The other night, after a particularly long day negotiating a deal, I walked into my apartment feeling completely drained. The thought of cooking felt daunting, but my stomach was rumbling. I knew I needed something substantial, something more than just a salad. I remembered I had some chicken breasts in the fridge and a box of spinach wilting in the crisper drawer. A lightbulb went off! Chicken Florentine! It's a dish that reminds me of simpler times, of cozy family dinners. It's comfort food, elevated.
I swapped my power suit for a comfy sweater, kicked off my heels, and got to work. The process itself is almost therapeutic. The rhythmic chopping of the vegetables, the sizzle of the chicken in the pan, the fragrant aroma of garlic and oregano filling my kitchen – it's a welcome change of pace from the hustle and bustle of my workday. And the best part? In under an hour, I had a delicious, healthy meal ready to enjoy. Paired with a glass of crisp white wine, it was the perfect way to unwind and recharge after a demanding day. It's these small moments of culinary self-care that help me maintain balance in my busy life.
This Chicken Florentine recipe is more than just a meal; it’s a reminder that even on the craziest days, I can still carve out time for myself, for nourishment, for a moment of peace. It's a testament to the fact that healthy, delicious meals don't have to be complicated or time-consuming. And in a world that constantly demands more, it's a small victory that tastes incredibly good.
Step-by-step
- Cube 'n cook chicken...
- Cook pasta according to package directions
- Mix cottage cheese, Parmesan cheese, and spinach together until smooth
- In a large pot, heat olive oil. Add flour and whisk for 30 seconds. Add chicken broth and stir until thickened (about 3 minutes). Add lemon juice, garlic, nutmeg, oregano & pepper. Bring to simmer.
- Remove from heat and add blended cottage cheese, spinach, chicken, Parmesan cheese & pasta. Stir to combine. (Or, if you are like me and choose a pot that is too small to fit everything, skip this step and mix it all together in your baking dish, oops.)
- Place in lightly sprayed casserole dish.
- Bake at 375 degrees F for 30 minutes.
