Dairy Free Chicken Alfredo Recipe
If you crave the richness of Alfredo without the dairy, this Dairy Free Chicken Alfredo will be your new obsession. Creamy, garlicky, and packed with flavor, this dish is a comfort food makeover that everyone at the table—dairy-free or not—will fall in love with. Succulent bite-sized chicken mingles with a dreamy, velvety sauce and gluten-free farfalle, all gently coated in dairy free parmesan and a hint of spinach for freshness. It’s the perfect weeknight dinner hero, turning classic Alfredo into a meal you’ll want to revisit again and again.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gather these kitchen heroes for your Dairy Free Chicken Alfredo—they’re simple, but trust me, each one plays a starring role in flavor and texture. Swapping just a few essentials means you get all the creamy goodness, none of the dairy, and tons of taste.
- Chicken breast (1 1/4 lbs, diced small): Lean and versatile, chicken soaks up all those seasonings for juicy, flavorful bites.
- Sweet smoked paprika (1 3/4 tsp): Adds gentle warmth and a gorgeous color to your chicken.
- Oregano (1 1/2 tsp): Earthy and fresh, it brings an essential Italian herby backdrop.
- Garlic powder (1 1/2 tsp for chicken, 1 tsp for sauce): Boosts savoriness without overpowering other flavors.
- Thyme (1/2 tsp): A hint of this brings complexity and a subtle floral note.
- Black pepper (1/2 tsp): Just enough kick to balance all the creamy notes.
- Salt (1/2 tsp for chicken, 1/2 tsp for sauce): Enhances every element, making the flavors pop.
- Gluten-free farfalle (12 oz): The perfect pasta shape to catch all the luscious sauce.
- Dairy free butter (4 tbsp): Gives richness and that unmistakable buttery flavor without any dairy.
- Minced onion (2 tbsp): Adds a mild sweetness and layers of flavor to the sauce.
- Italian seasoning (2 tsp): A balanced blend brings classic Alfredo aromatics front and center.
- Chicken broth (2 cup): Makes the sauce robust and keeps it full of savory depth.
- Gluten free 1:1 flour (1 2/3 tbsp): Thickens the sauce so it’s perfectly silky.
- Dairy free heavy cream (2 cups): The secret to achieving that dreamy Alfredo texture, 100% dairy free.
- Chopped spinach (2 cups): Adds vibrant color, tons of nutrients, and a fresh pop.
- Dairy free parmesan, shredded (8 oz): Melts into the sauce for nutty, cheesy flavor you won’t believe is dairy free.
- Pasta water (2 tbsp, as needed): A splash helps loosen the sauce to exactly the consistency you love.
- Olive oil (for searing): Gets the chicken beautifully golden on the outside.
How to Make Dairy Free Chicken Alfredo
Step 1: Boil the Pasta
Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil, then cook your gluten-free farfalle until it’s perfectly al dente, following your package directions. Drain the pasta and remember to reserve a bit of that starchy pasta water—it’s your golden ticket for adjusting the sauce later.
Step 2: Season the Chicken
In a small bowl, toss your diced chicken with sweet smoked paprika, oregano, garlic powder, thyme, black pepper, and salt. This quick coating gives the chicken delicious depth, making every bite pop with flavor even before it meets the sauce.
Step 3: Sear the Chicken
Heat a splash of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the seasoned chicken in a single layer, searing for about 3 to 4 minutes on each side until cooked through and gloriously golden. Once cooked, transfer the chicken to a plate and set aside for later.
Step 4: Build the Sauce Base
To the same skillet (no need to wash—those flavorful bits are pure gold!), add the dairy free butter and let it melt. Stir in the minced onion, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, and salt. Let everything shimmer together for about a minute, filling your kitchen with irresistible aromas.
Step 5: Add the Flour
Sprinkle the gluten free 1:1 flour over your buttery base and mix well, scraping up anything stuck to the bottom. This step is crucial for building a sauce that’s thick and creamy, without a floury taste.
Step 6: Simmer with Broth, Cream, and Spinach
Slowly pour in the chicken broth and dairy free heavy cream while whisking constantly. Add the chopped spinach and continue to whisk for 3 to 4 minutes, allowing the greens to wilt and the flavors to meld into a velvety, rich sauce.
Step 7: Add the Parmesan
Stir in your shredded dairy free parmesan and keep mixing until it melts completely into the sauce. Cook for another few minutes, letting the sauce thicken to your desired consistency—it should be luscious and able to cling to every noodle.
Step 8: Combine Pasta and Sauce
Add the cooked pasta to the skillet and toss gently to coat every piece. If the sauce feels too thick, drizzle in some reserved pasta water to loosen it up until it’s just perfect.
Step 9: Finish with Chicken
Return the seared chicken to the pan, giving it a gentle toss so each piece is enveloped in that creamy Dairy Free Chicken Alfredo sauce. Serve hot and get ready for happy faces at the table!
How to Serve Dairy Free Chicken Alfredo
Garnishes
A sprinkle of fresh parsley or basil adds a burst of color and a fresh, herby lift. For extra flair, shave a little more dairy free parmesan over the top or toss on a few grinds of black pepper. A final drizzle of good olive oil never hurts either!
Side Dishes
Pair your Dairy Free Chicken Alfredo with a crisp green salad tossed in vinaigrette, or roast some seasonal vegetables for a colorful, nourishing plate. Gluten-free garlic bread or a warm baguette also makes this meal feel downright special.
Creative Ways to Present
Try spooning your Alfredo into shallow bowls with extra parm and microgreens for a restaurant-style look. Hosting a crowd? Serve it family-style from a large platter, or twirl individual portions into mounds for a photo-worthy finish!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Let your Dairy Free Chicken Alfredo cool completely, then spoon it into an airtight container. It’ll keep in the fridge for up to 3 days, making tomorrow’s lunch or dinner just as dreamy as day one.
Freezing
Freeze portions of this dish in well-sealed containers for up to a month. Keep in mind that the sauce may thicken as it chills, but a splash of plant-based milk or extra broth works wonders to bring it back when reheating.
Reheating
Warm your leftovers gently in a skillet over medium-low heat, adding a spoonful of broth or water to help refresh the sauce. Stir often and heat only until warmed through to keep the texture creamy. A microwave in short bursts works in a pinch, too.
FAQs
Can I use another type of dairy free cheese?
Absolutely! While dairy free parmesan melts beautifully and adds that signature Alfredo touch, you can use a blend of dairy free mozzarella and a little nutritional yeast for similar results.
Do I have to use gluten-free pasta?
Not at all! Gluten-free farfalle makes this dish accessible to everyone, but regular pasta of any shape will work just as well if gluten isn’t a concern in your home.
How can I make this Dairy Free Chicken Alfredo even creamier?
If you want an even silkier sauce, try blending half the sauce before adding the chicken and pasta, or add an extra splash of dairy free heavy cream just before serving.
Is this recipe suitable for meal prep?
Definitely! Dairy Free Chicken Alfredo keeps well for a few days, and making it ahead for lunches or dinners is a total time-saver—just keep the sauce and pasta separate until reheating if possible for best texture.
What’s the best way to reheat if the sauce separates?
Gently reheat in a skillet with a bit of milk or broth, whisking until the sauce comes back together—don’t worry, it happens to the best of us!
Final Thoughts
If you’re searching for comfort food without compromise, give this Dairy Free Chicken Alfredo a try. It’s the perfect marriage of creamy, savory, and hearty—proof that you can have all the indulgence of classic Alfredo and still keep things dairy free. Enjoy every joyful, flavorful bite!
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Dairy Free Chicken Alfredo Recipe
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
Indulge in a creamy and flavorful Dairy-Free Chicken Alfredo, a satisfying twist on the classic dish. Tender chicken, savory seasonings, and dairy-free ingredients come together to create a luscious pasta meal that everyone will love.
Ingredients
Chicken 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:
- 12 oz gluten-free farfalle
Sauce:
- 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)
Instructions
- Boil the Pasta: Cook the farfalle according to package instructions, then drain and set aside, saving some pasta water.
- Season the Chicken: Combine chicken and seasonings in a bowl.
- Sear the Chicken: Cook seasoned chicken in a skillet until fully cooked. Set aside.
- Prepare the Sauce: Melt butter in the skillet, add sauce seasonings, and simmer.
- Add Flour: Incorporate flour into the skillet, stirring well.
- Simmer: Pour in chicken broth and heavy cream, add spinach, and simmer until creamy.
- Stir in Parmesan: Melt dairy-free parmesan into the sauce until smooth.
- Combine Pasta and Sauce: Mix the cooked pasta with the sauce, adding pasta water if needed.
- Finish: Add cooked chicken to the pasta and sauce, stirring gently. Serve and enjoy!
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 540 kcal
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 860mg
- Fat: 32g
- Saturated Fat: 15g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 36g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 27g
- Cholesterol: 95mg
Keywords: Dairy-Free, Chicken Alfredo, Pasta, Gluten-Free, Italian Cuisine
