Dairy Free Chicken Alfredo

Nothing says “weeknight comfort” like a creamy bowl of Chicken Alfredo, especially when it’s dairy-free!

Imagine the rich, garlicky aroma wafting through your kitchen while you whip up a quick, creamy delight that’ll please even the pickiest eaters. This quick take on Dairy Free Chicken Alfredo transforms a classic dish into a healthier option without sacrificing that delectable flavor. Plus, it’s made in just one pan—easy cleanup, anyone?

Why make this recipe

If you’re searching for a family-friendly meal that won’t leave you in the dust, look no further!

• Simplicity: From prep to plate, this dish is as straightforward as it gets. A few easy steps, and dinner’s done!
• Budget-friendly: Who can resist an affordable yet tasty meal that lessens the grocery bill without sacrificing flavor? 🙌
• Creamy goodness: Seriously, this dish delivers that rich, creamy texture you crave, even without traditional dairy products. How cool is that?

Ingredients

You don’t need fancy stuff — just these basics!

• 1 1/4 lbs Chicken breast (diced small)
• 1 3/4 tsp sweet smoked paprika
• 1 1/2 tsp oregano
• 1 1/2 tsp garlic powder
• 1/2 tsp thyme
• 1/2 tsp black pepper
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 12 oz gluten-free farfalle
• 4 tbsp dairy-free butter
• 2 tbsp minced onion
• 2 tsp Italian seasoning
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 2 cups chicken broth
• 1 2/3 tbsp gluten-free 1:1 flour
• 2 cups dairy-free heavy cream
• 2 cups chopped spinach
• 8 oz dairy-free parmesan (shredded)
• 2 tbsp pasta water (as needed)

Directions

1. Boil the pasta: In a large pot of water, cook the gluten-free farfalle according to package directions for al dente. Drain and set aside, reserving a bit of the pasta water.
2. Season the chicken: Toss the diced chicken with the paprika, oregano, garlic powder, thyme, black pepper, and salt in a small bowl.
3. Sear the chicken: Heat olive oil over medium heat in a large skillet. Sear the seasoned chicken for 3 to 4 minutes on each side until it hits an internal temperature of 165°F. Transfer the chicken to a plate.
4. Make the sauce: Add the dairy-free butter to the same skillet and let it melt. Then mix in all the sauce seasonings and let them simmer for about a minute.
5. Thicken it up: Sprinkle the gluten-free flour into the skillet and mix well, scraping the bottom.
6. Add broth and cream: Pour in the chicken broth and dairy-free heavy cream. Stir in the spinach and whisk thoroughly. Simmer for 3 to 4 minutes until the sauce is rich and creamy.
7. Cheesy goodness: Stir in the dairy-free parmesan and continue cooking until it melts completely and the sauce thickens to your liking.
8. Combine and serve: Toss in the pasta and mix well to coat everything evenly. Use a tablespoon of pasta water to thin the sauce if it’s too thick. Finally, add the chicken back into the skillet and gently stir to combine.

How to make Dairy Free Chicken Alfredo (Overview)

Let’s break it down! You start by boiling your pasta—easy peasy. Then, season and sear your chicken until it’s golden. While that’s happening, toss together the sauce with buttery goodness and spices, whisk in the cream, and let it bubble until you achieve creamy heaven. Finally, combine it all together and indulge! Pro tip: Don’t skip toasting the garlic; it makes all the difference!

How to serve Dairy Free Chicken Alfredo

Thinking about how to plate this deliciousness? Consider garnishing with fresh herbs or a sprinkle of extra dairy-free parmesan for added flair. Pair it with a crunchy side salad or roasted veggies to bring in bright colors and textures. Picture a cozy, creamy bowl garnished with vibrant greens—who can resist that?

How to store Dairy Free Chicken Alfredo

This creamy delight keeps well in the fridge for up to three days. You can easily reheat your leftovers in a skillet over medium heat. Just add a splash of broth or water to keep the sauce from drying out. Want to make it ahead of time? Precook everything except the pasta for a quick assembly when it’s go-time!

Tips to make Dairy Free Chicken Alfredo

1. Use leftover chicken: Shredded rotisserie chicken works wonders if you’ve got it lying around.
2. Substitute veggies: Don’t have spinach? Throw in some broccoli or zucchini for a twist!
3. Make it creamy: If you prefer a thicker sauce, add a bit more flour during the mixing phase.

Variation

Feeling adventurous? Try adding sun-dried tomatoes or sautéed mushrooms for an extra flavor punch. Want it completely vegan? Swap in chickpea pasta and skip the chicken entirely for a plant-based delight!

FAQs

Can I make this ahead of time?
Absolutely! Prep your chicken and sauce ahead of time and then just cook the pasta when you’re ready to eat.

What can I substitute for dairy-free parmesan?
You can use nutritional yeast for a cheesy flavor or a homemade cashew cheese blend.

How do I freeze leftovers?
Let the dish cool completely before transferring it to airtight containers. It keeps well in the freezer for about two months, just remember to thaw it overnight before reheating!

📌 Pin this recipe for your next cozy dinner night!

Dairy Free Chicken Alfredo

A creamy, one-pan take on Chicken Alfredo that is both healthy and dairy-free, perfect for a weeknight family meal.

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Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Cook Time 25 minutes mins

Total Time 40 minutes mins

Servings: 4 servings

Course: Dinner, Main Course

Cuisine: American, Comfort Food

Calories: 600

Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients

  

Chicken and Seasoning

• 1 1/4 lbs Chicken breast (diced small)
• 1 3/4 tsp sweet smoked paprika
• 1 1/2 tsp oregano
• 1 1/2 tsp garlic powder
• 1/2 tsp thyme
• 1/2 tsp black pepper
• 1/2 tsp salt

Pasta and Sauce Ingredients

• 12 oz gluten-free farfalle
• 4 tbsp dairy-free butter
• 2 tbsp minced onion
• 2 tsp Italian seasoning
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 2 cups chicken broth
• 1 2/3 tbsp gluten-free 1:1 flour
• 2 cups dairy-free heavy cream
• 2 cups chopped spinach
• 8 oz dairy-free parmesan (shredded)
• 2 tbsp pasta water (as needed)

Method

 

Cooking the Pasta

1. In a large pot of water, cook the gluten-free farfalle according to package directions for al dente. Drain and set aside, reserving a bit of the pasta water.

Seasoning the Chicken

1. Toss the diced chicken with the paprika, oregano, garlic powder, thyme, black pepper, and salt in a small bowl.

Searing the Chicken

1. Heat olive oil over medium heat in a large skillet. Sear the seasoned chicken for 3 to 4 minutes on each side until it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F. Transfer the chicken to a plate.

Making the Sauce

1. Add the dairy-free butter to the same skillet and let it melt. Then mix in all the sauce seasonings and let them simmer for about a minute.
2. Sprinkle the gluten-free flour into the skillet and mix well, scraping the bottom.
3. Pour in the chicken broth and dairy-free heavy cream. Stir in the spinach and whisk thoroughly. Simmer for 3 to 4 minutes until the sauce is rich and creamy.

Finishing the Dish

1. Stir in the dairy-free parmesan and continue cooking until it melts completely and the sauce thickens to your liking.
2. Toss in the pasta and mix well to coat everything evenly. Use a tablespoon of pasta water to thin the sauce if it’s too thick. Finally, add the chicken back into the skillet and gently stir to combine.

Notes

For added flair, garnish with fresh herbs or a sprinkle of extra dairy-free parmesan. Pair with a crunchy side salad or roasted veggies.