Dairy Free Chicken Alfredo – Creamy, Comforting, and Totally Guilt-Free
This creamy, dairy-free chicken alfredo is rich, flavorful, and completely gluten-free — the perfect comfort dish without the dairy.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American, Italian
- Diet: Gluten Free
Ingredients
For the Chicken:
1¼ lbs chicken breast, diced small
1¾ tsp sweet smoked paprika
1½ tsp oregano
1½ tsp garlic powder
½ tsp thyme
½ tsp black pepper
½ tsp salt
For the Pasta and Sauce:
12 oz gluten-free farfalle
4 tbsp dairy-free butter
2 tbsp minced onion
2 tsp Italian seasoning
1 tsp garlic powder
½ tsp salt
2 cups chicken broth
1⅔ tbsp gluten-free 1:1 flour
2 cups dairy-free heavy cream
2 cups chopped spinach
8 oz dairy-free Parmesan, shredded
2 tbsp reserved pasta water (optional, for thinning sauce)
Instructions
Cook Pasta:
Boil the gluten-free pasta according to package directions. Drain and reserve 1–2 tbsp pasta water. Set aside.
Season & Cook Chicken:
Toss diced chicken with paprika, oregano, garlic powder, thyme, salt, and pepper.
In a large skillet over medium heat, sear chicken 3–4 minutes per side, until golden and internal temperature reaches 165°F. Transfer to a plate.
Make Sauce:
In the same skillet, melt dairy-free butter. Add minced onion, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, and salt. Simmer 1 minute.
Stir in gluten-free flour to make a roux, scraping the bottom of the skillet.
Gradually whisk in chicken broth and dairy-free cream.
Add chopped spinach and whisk continuously for 3–4 minutes, until creamy.
Stir in shredded dairy-free Parmesan until fully melted.
Combine:
Add cooked pasta to the sauce and toss to coat. Use pasta water to thin if needed.
Return chicken to skillet and stir gently to combine.
Serve:
Garnish with additional Parmesan or fresh herbs if desired. Serve hot.
Notes
Storage: Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Reheat in a saucepan over medium-low heat or microwave in 1-minute intervals.
Freezing: Not recommended, as the sauce may separate.
Tips:
Rinse cooked pasta in cold water to stop cooking.
Always use a meat thermometer to check chicken doneness.
Clean sink and counters thoroughly after rinsing raw chicken.
