Dairy Free Chicken Alfredo: Delicious Dinner

Craving a creamy, comforting pasta dish without the dairy? This Dairy Free Chicken Alfredo is the perfect solution! Packed with flavor and easy to make, it’s a dish the whole family will love.

I first discovered this recipe when I was looking for a way to enjoy my favorite pasta dish without the dairy. After a few trials, I perfected this Dairy Free Chicken Alfredo, and it’s been a staple in my kitchen ever since.

Get Ready to Cook

What to Expect

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  • Time: Approximately 30 minutes
  • Difficulty: Easy

Before You Begin

Before you start cooking, make sure you have all your ingredients measured and ready to go. This will make the cooking process smoother and more enjoyable.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Step-by-Step Guide

1. 
   
   • Boil the pasta in a large pot of water according to the package directions for al dente. Drain and set aside, reserving a bit of the pasta water.
   
   
   
   
   • Add the chicken and chicken seasonings to a small bowl and toss to thoroughly coat the chicken.
   
   
   
   
   • Heat the olive oil over medium heat in a large skillet. Then, sear the chicken for 3 to 4 minutes on each side until the internal temperature reaches 165 degrees. Transfer the chicken to a plate.
   
   
   
   
   • Add the butter to the same skillet and let it melt. Then, add all the sauce seasonings, and simmer them for about a minute.
   
   
   
   
   • Add the flour to the skillet and mix well, scraping the bottom of the skillet.
   
   
   
   
   • Add the chicken broth and heavy cream. Then, add the spinach and whisk well.
   
   
   
   
   • Simmer while whisking for 3 to 4 minutes until the sauce is rich and creamy.
   
   
   
   
   • Add the parmesan cheese and stir until completely melted. Then, continue cooking, stirring occasionally, until the sauce reaches your desired thickness.
   
   
   
   
   • Add the pasta and toss to coat evenly. Add a tablespoon of pasta water to thin the sauce if necessary.
   
   
   • Add the chicken and gently stir to make sure everything is coated. Enjoy!

Pointers for Perfection & How to Store

To ensure your Dairy Free Chicken Alfredo is perfect every time, make sure to cook the pasta al dente and not overcook the chicken. Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. For more delicious recipes, check out Gluten Free Marry Me Chicken Delicious Dinner.

Dairy Free Chicken Alfredo

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• Author: Helen Lois
• Total Time: 30
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
• Diet: Gluten Free

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Description

This Dairy-Free Chicken Alfredo is a luscious, comforting dinner that proves you don’t need heavy cream or cheese to make a rich pasta sauce. By using full-fat coconut milk and nutritional yeast, this recipe creates a velvety, savory sauce that clings perfectly to gluten-free fettuccine. Topped with golden pan-seared chicken, it is a wholesome, allergy-friendly meal the whole family will love.

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Ingredients

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— The Pasta & Chicken —

8 oz (225g) gluten-free fettuccine or penne pasta

1 lb (450g) boneless, skinless chicken breasts, sliced into thin strips or bite-sized pieces

2 tablespoons olive oil, divided

1 teaspoon garlic powder

Salt and black pepper to taste

— The Dairy-Free Alfredo Sauce —

1 can (13.5 oz) full-fat coconut milk (shake well before opening)

4 cloves garlic, minced

¼ cup nutritional yeast (provides the cheesy flavor)

1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice

1 teaspoon onion powder

1 teaspoon dried parsley (or fresh)

1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 1 tablespoon cold water (slurry)

Fresh parsley for garnish

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Instructions

1. Cook Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the gluten-free pasta according to package directions until al dente. Drain and set aside (save a splash of pasta water just in case).

2. Season Chicken: While the water boils, toss the chicken strips with 1 tablespoon of olive oil, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.

3. Sear Chicken: Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken in a single layer and cook for 5–7 minutes, flipping halfway, until golden brown and cooked through. Remove chicken from the pan and set aside.

4. Sauté Garlic: Reduce heat to medium. Add the remaining 1 tablespoon of olive oil to the same skillet. Add the minced garlic and sauté for 1 minute until fragrant (do not burn).

5. Make Sauce: Pour in the full-fat coconut milk. Whisk in the nutritional yeast, lemon juice, onion powder, dried parsley, salt, and pepper. Bring to a gentle simmer.

6. Thicken: Whisk in the cornstarch slurry. Continue to simmer for 2–3 minutes, stirring constantly, until the sauce thickens enough to coat the back of a spoon.

7. Combine: Return the cooked chicken and the drained pasta to the skillet. Toss gently with tongs until everything is evenly coated in the creamy sauce. If the sauce is too thick, add a tablespoon of hot water.

8. Serve: Garnish with fresh parsley and extra black pepper. Serve immediately.

Notes

Coconut Milk: You must use canned ‘full-fat’ coconut milk for the richness. Carton coconut milk is too watery. The garlic, nutritional yeast, and lemon juice effectively mask the coconut flavor.

Nutritional Yeast: This is the secret ingredient for dairy-free cheese flavor. It adds a savory, nutty, ‘cheesy’ depth that you can’t get from milk alone.

Pasta: Gluten-free pasta absorbs sauce quickly. It is best to serve this dish immediately. If reheating, add a splash of water or broth to loosen the sauce.

Vegetables: Feel free to add steamed broccoli or peas to the sauce for extra nutrients.

• Prep Time: 10
• Cook Time: 20
• Category: Dinner
• Method: Stovetop
• Cuisine: Italian-American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 bowl
• Calories: 490
• Sugar: 2
• Sodium: 380
• Fat: 24
• Saturated Fat: 16
• Unsaturated Fat: 6
• Trans Fat: 0
• Carbohydrates: 42
• Fiber: 3
• Protein: 28
• Cholesterol: 75

Your Burning Questions Answered!

Dig In & Enjoy!

This Dairy Free Chicken Alfredo is a delicious and comforting dish that’s perfect for any night of the week. With its creamy sauce and tender chicken, it’s sure to become a family favorite. For more delicious ideas, follow me on Pinterest.