Dairy Free Chicken Alfredo
The Creamy Dream You Didn’t Know You Needed
Imagine a creamy, luscious pasta that tingles your taste buds and is entirely dairy-free. If you think that delicious creamy sauces come with a milk carton, think again! This Dairy Free Chicken Alfredo is about to become a staple in your kitchen. Quick, comforting, and oh-so-satisfying, it takes less than 30 minutes to whip up, making it the perfect weekday dinner or a cozy weekend indulgence.
Why Make This Recipe
So why should you give this recipe a try? Well, let’s break it down:
- Easy Cleanup: One pan is all you need—yes, no one loves a sink full of dishes!
- Quick and Simple: This recipe delivers a hearty meal in under 30 minutes. Perfect for those “what’s-for-dinner” moments!
- Family-Friendly: Kids love it, and adults too! The creamy sauce and tender chicken make this a winning dinner choice.
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 cup 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:
Ready to dive in? Let’s get cooking!
- 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, saving a bit of pasta water for later.
- Prepare the Chicken: In a small bowl, toss the diced chicken with the sweet smoked paprika, oregano, garlic powder, thyme, black pepper, and salt until well coated.
- Sear the Chicken: Heat olive oil over medium heat in a large skillet. Sear the chicken for about 3 to 4 minutes on each side until cooked through and the internal temperature reaches 165°F. Transfer the chicken to a plate.
- Make the Sauce: In the same skillet, add the dairy-free butter and let it melt. Stir in all the sauce seasonings and simmer for about a minute.
- Thicken the Sauce: Add gluten-free flour, mixing well and scraping the skillet’s bottom. Gradually whisk in the chicken broth and dairy-free heavy cream.
- Add Spinach and Cheese: Stir in chopped spinach and simmer while whisking for 3 to 4 minutes until you have a rich, creamy sauce. Add the dairy-free parmesan and stir until melted. Cook until your sauce is at desired thickness.
- Combine Pasta and Chicken: Toss in the cooked pasta and gently coat everything. If the sauce is too thick, add a tablespoon of the reserved pasta water as needed. Finally, mix in the seared chicken, and you’re ready to enjoy!
How to Make Dairy Free Chicken Alfredo (Overview)
Let’s recap this dreamy dinner! Start by boiling some pasta while you season and sear your chicken. Then, whip up a decadent creamy sauce that’ll make you forget it’s dairy-free. Finally, toss everything together, and voilà! You’ve got yourself a delicious meal ready in no time. Pro tip: Don’t skip that pasta water—it’s liquid gold for adjusting your sauce!
How to Serve Dairy Free Chicken Alfredo
Ready to impress? Serve your Dairy Free Chicken Alfredo in wide, shallow bowls for a restaurant feel. Top it with fresh herbs for a burst of color and a sprinkle of more dairy-free parmesan. Imagine the rich aroma and creamy texture paired with a light, crunchy salad on the side. 🥗 Perfect for livening up a casual dinner!
How to Store Dairy Free Chicken Alfredo
This creamy delight keeps well! You can store it in an airtight container in the fridge for about 3 to 5 days. Craving it later? Just reheat in a skillet on low heat, adding a splash of extra dairy-free cream or pasta water to bring back its creamy goodness.
Tips to Make Dairy Free Chicken Alfredo
- Customize Seasonings: Feel free to adjust the spices to suit your taste. Love garlic? Add more garlic powder!
- Gluten-Free Swap: If you’re not avoiding gluten, regular pasta works just fine here!
- Herbs Alert: Toss in fresh basil or parsley for an extra pop of flavor.
- Cook Chicken in Batches: Cooking in smaller batches makes it sear better and avoid steaming.
- Experiment with Veggies: Add other veggies like broccoli or bell peppers for even more nutrition!
Variation
Want to switch it up? You can easily make this Dairy Free Chicken Alfredo vegan by swapping the chicken for chickpeas or a plant-based protein and using nutritional yeast instead of parmesan. The possibilities are endless!
FAQs
Can I make this ahead of time?
Absolutely! Just prepare everything, store separately, and combine before serving.
Can I freeze my leftovers?
Yes! It freezes well for about 1-2 months, although the texture may change slightly when reheating.
What can I use instead of dairy-free cream?
You could use a cashew cream or even coconut cream for a different twist!
📌 Pin this recipe for your next cozy dinner night!
Dairy Free Chicken Alfredo
Ingredients
Method
- In a large pot of water, cook the gluten-free farfalle according to package directions for al dente. Drain and set aside, saving a bit of pasta water for later.
- In a small bowl, toss the diced chicken with the sweet smoked paprika, oregano, garlic powder, thyme, black pepper, and salt until well coated.
- Heat olive oil over medium heat in a large skillet. Sear the chicken for about 3 to 4 minutes on each side until cooked through and the internal temperature reaches 165°F. Transfer the chicken to a plate.
- In the same skillet, add the dairy-free butter and let it melt. Stir in all the sauce seasonings and simmer for about a minute.
- Add gluten-free flour, mixing well and scraping the skillet’s bottom. Gradually whisk in the chicken broth and dairy-free heavy cream.
- Stir in chopped spinach and simmer while whisking for 3 to 4 minutes until you have a rich, creamy sauce. Add the dairy-free parmesan and stir until melted. Cook until your sauce is at desired thickness.
- Toss in the cooked pasta and gently coat everything. If the sauce is too thick, add a tablespoon of the reserved pasta water as needed. Finally, mix in the seared chicken, and you’re ready to enjoy!
