Chicken Florentine

Try this delicious recipe for Chicken Florentine, a classic French dish featuring tender chicken and flavorful spinach in a creamy sauce. Perfect for a cozy dinner at home.

Our middle daughter was the funniest little eater as a young girl. She wouldn’t touch mashed potatoes, but she loved spinach. She wouldn’t eat pepperoni, but she would eat prosciutto. She wouldn’t even look at spaghetti, but she would eat Chicken Florentine.

Don’t get me wrong here, I am NOT complaining that she had a more mature palate (especially since she was so picky and only wanted cereal or “dillas”), but seriously, I never knew what she is going to like. This recipe was one thing she would gobble up, and that is really saying something!

Ingredients for Chicken Florentine

Who would have every thought that a lightly breaded, pan-seared chicken breasts covered in a creamy herb sauce with a hint of lemon would be a dinner she would devour?! This chicken florentine recipe is totally fabulous. Here is what you will need:

• Chicken Breasts: butterflied to make 4 thinner chicken pieces
• Flour: just regular all purpose flour is all you need
• Smoked Paprika: adds flavor to the light breading for the chicken
• Garlic Herb Seasoning: adds flavor to the chicken
• Olive Oil: helps sear the chicken breasts
• Butter: adds flavor and richness
• Garlic: adds flavor to the sauce
• White Wine: use a dry white wine
• Chicken Broth: adds flavor and acts as the base of the sauce
• Heavy Cream: adds richness
• Lemon: adds a bright pop of flavor and acidity
• Kosher Salt: adds flavor
• Black Pepper: adds flavor
• Parmesan: acts as a garnish to the dish
• Baby Spinach: adds flavor, color, texture and nutrients to the sauce

The measurements for each ingredient can be found in the recipe card at the end of this post. Keep scrolling for all details!

How to Make Chicken Florentine

Here are the basic steps for making this easy chicken dinner:

1. Cut: Butterfly the two chicken breasts to create 4 pieces.
2. Whisk: Add the flour and seasonings to the plan and whisk everything together. Dredge the chicken in the flour mixture on all sides.
3. Sear: In a cast iron skillet over the medium-high heat, add some olive oil and butter and when shimmering, add the chicken. Reduce the heat to medium and sear each side for a few minutes until golden on each side. Remove the chicken to a plate.
4. Sauté: Add the remaining butter to the skillet and sauté the garlic and then add the rest of the garlic herb seasoning.
5. Simmer: Now we are going to make the cream sauce. Add the white wine and chicken broth and simmer until reduced by half.
6. Stir: Add the heavy cream and simmer then add a squeeze of lemon j

20-Minute Cheesy Pesto Pasta

Need dinner on the table in 20 minutes? This Cheesy Pesto Pasta is quick and easy to make, and you can throw in any extra veggies lying in your produce drawer!

The BEST Pesto Pasta Recipe

If you’ve got a need for vegetarian or gluten-free recipes, these basil pesto noodles is a great dinner option. You can add chicken to make it a heartier dish, but it’s actually really fantastic with just grape tomatoes. Heck, you could even throw in chopped zucchini, which would also be yummy. In fact, I think I will next time.

Our favorite way to serve this pesto pasta is actually straight from the pan. I know, that doesn’t seem very classy, but the pan is sizzling hot and to bring it out and serve it straight into bowls really is so fun and it keeps everything fresh and fragrant versus putting it into a cold serving bowl.

We started with our Classic Pesto recipe. You just can’t beat the taste of fresh pesto! It’s our favorite and I think it’s the toasted garlic that really takes things over the top. We actually add a little more to the pasta as well. It’s ridiculous, but true. Garlicky, cheesy noodles are kind of awesome.

I don’t know how healthy pesto pasta is considering that you dump a full cup of cheese in there, but it’s certainly better for you than a lot of other pasta dishes out there. It’s fresh, simple and a really fast pasta to serve as a main dish. Not to mention it is full of flavor!

What’s Needed for Basil Pesto Pasta?

This pesto sauce pasta couldn’t be any easier to make! Here’s all you’ll need to make these pesto noodles:

• Olive Oil
• Garlic
• Angel Hair Pasta
• Basil Pesto
• Shredded Mozzarella
• Grape Tomatoes (or cherry tomatoes)
• Black Pepper

The measurements for each ingredient can be found in the recipe card down below so keep scrolling for all the details.

How to Make Pesto Sauce Pasta

This pesto dish comes together in just 20 minutes! Here are the basic steps to mastering this recipe:

1. Prep: Make the homemade pesto (if making at home) and prepare the pasta to al dente according to the package instructions (reserve the pasta water!).
2. Sauté: Add the oil and garlic to a large skillet over medium heat and stir until fragrant. Reduce the heat then at the tomatoes and salt and sauté.
3. Boil: Add some starchy pasta water and bring the mixture to a boil and then reduce to a simmer. You want the tomatoes to start burstin

Quick and Easy 15 Minute Chicken Stir-Fry [+ Video]

Looking for quick dinner ideas for tonight but only have 15 minutes to whip together a fresh but easy meal? Try our quick and easy 15-minute chicken stir-fry and ditch the grilled cheese.

I always thought that life was busy with kids and that it would slow down a little once they were in school and I was alone at home to get things done. I laugh out loud at my naive self. You don’t get more done with kids in school, you become a taxi, a tutor, a teacher, a maid, a lunch lady, a soccer mom, a shopper, an errand runner, a project planner, a nurse (because heaven knows once they start school they bring home every germ in the world) — and the list only goes on and on. But this Quick and Easy 15-Minute Chicken Stir Fry recipe is totally attainable even with all of that work.

Creating This Quick Dinner Recipe

Between packing and unpacking lunches and backpacks and making sure everyone gets out the door on time with all homework finished, there isn’t a lot of time left for meal planning. And we know you’re in the same boat as us.

I thought I made quick and easy dinners before, but we’ve stepped up our game. Who’s got time for a 30-minute meal on a day when 3 kids have to be in 3 different places all over town between 4-4:30?!

Cade called to see if I needed anything from the store, and when I told him a super quick dinner idea I could make before the girls had dance he showed up with Yakisoba noodles he found in the produce department and that only require a quick rinse in warm water to eat, and all the veggies for a chicken stir-fry.

He rinsed the noodles and chopped the broccolini and peppers. I opened the matchstick carrots, the pre-sliced package of crimini mushrooms, and cut the baby bok choy open. Two minutes was all it took, and I bet you could find a package of stir fry-veggies that would cut back on your prep time even more. 

In a measuring cup, we threw together a little sauce for it all and opened up a package of already cubed chicken from the meat department (which does cost more, so next time we will just use our own. But hey, convenience on a night like that was important). 

What’s in This Easy Chicken Stir Fry Recipe? 

For this quick and easy dinner recipe, you’ll need: 

• Cubed skinless chicken breasts
• Yakisoba noodles
• Cooking oil
• Your favorite stir-fry vegetables (I’ve shared ours in the recipe card below)

We opted to make a quick homemade s

Quick and Easy Lemon Orzo with Parmesan and Peas

As the winter is starting to melt away we make recipes that scream spring like this quick and easy lemon orzo with Parmesan and peas.

We toast the orzo first to give it a delicious nutty flavor, and then add minced garlic for boldness. The orzo is then cooked with chicken broth and then we add peas, lemon and fresh thyme. It is a bright dish that is the perfect transition into spring!

The Beauty of Garden Produce

There’s truly nothing better than fresh garden produce. I didn’t understand this as a child and I don’t know that many people have experienced true farm to table even today. Mom and Dad would harvest the garden with all of us kids at the end of summer, but for me it was the excitement of fresh corn, homemade raspberry jam, and making boats to float in our mudroom sink made out of hollowed out cucumbers, while Mom and Dad were anxious to cut open a juicy tomato, sprinkle it with a little salt and savor every bite.

I’m not kidding. I did not get that. I still don’t eat a tomato like an apple. Do you?

I have gained such an appreciation for food that you’ve labored over. It’s a fact: fresh picked tastes better.

Unfortunately, it’s not time for fresh peas but when they are ready we will be shelling them for this quick and easy lemon orzo with parmesan and peas. We often eat this as a main dish (check our our ham version for a main dish), but it’s wonderful and light so it makes a great healthy side dish as well.

What is Orzo?

I love this question; it’s so satisfying to see people’s reactions when they learn that orzo isn’t a grain, despite the fact that it looks like one. Spoiler: orzo is actually a flat, rice-shaped pasta that’s great in soups, salads, or enjoyed as is.

How is Orzo Different from Rice?

Although orzo can be cooked like rice and has similar nutritional information, it cooks up in about half the time. This is the number one reason why I love cooking with orzo. Well, that and the fact that I like the shape. And it tastes really good, especially when you toast it first. Okay, there are a lot of reasons why I love orzo. 

Is Orzo Healthier Than Rice?

Orzo has higher protein and fiber content than rice, but orzo has slightly higher carbohydrates per serving. Because orzo is higher in protein and fiber, it will help you feel fuller for longer which can help with weight loss.

Tips on How to Cook Orzo

Like I mentioned above, you can cook orzo like pasta, boiling it in liquid, which works well if you’re serving it in soup because you can

Cheesy Ground Beef and Rice Casserole [+Video]

Picky eaters are going to love this Cheesy Ground Beef and Rice Casserole. Mom called it busy day casserole because it’s a quick and easy dinner.

Cheesy Ground Beef and Rice Casserole

Alright, this Cheesy Ground Beef and Rice Casserole recipe is definitely not my norm, but it is who I am and it happens to be a recipe that I get a crazy amount of emails about. I get loads of emails about our fabulous buttermilk pancakes too…have you tried those?! Total comfort food just like this casserole.

A long time ago (and seriously, check out the picture and you’ll laugh your heart out at how little I knew about food photography), I posted a recipe called Busy Day Casserole and it has been one of my top recipes for years now. It never disappears from the most viewed recipes. In fact, a lot of our hamburger recipe ideas are our top recipes. You can find them all here.

People love this cheesy ground beef and rice casserole, and while it’s totally simple I know why. This quick and easy dinner idea with ground beef and melted cheese is in fact the cure for all picky eaters. It’s very dependent on you for the seasoning so for picky eaters it’s perfect, but if you want more flavor season it well or add in more vegetables. If you wanted to try something similar, but with chicken, try this cheesy ranch chicken casserole!

read more: Looking for easy casserole recipes? Try our Pork Chop Casserole with Rice next!

What’s in This Ground Beef Casserole Recipe?

The ingredients you’ll need for this ground beef and rice recipe will vary depending on whether you want to make this casserole completely from scratch, semi-homemade, or if you’d rather throw together something really quickly (i.e. use a few shortcuts). 

If you have the time and energy, I highly recommend making this casserole recipe with ground beef from scratch. Don’t let the longer ingredients list fool you, I bet you already have most of them on hand already!

To make this cheesy beef and rice casserole completely from scratch, you’ll need some butter, onion, garlic, flour, cream, chicken broth, veggies, cheese, white rice, ground beef, and water. Oh, and salt and pepper, of course! 

If you’re look