Dairy Free Chicken Alfredo served in a bowl with garnishes

Dairy Free Chicken Alfredo

A Creamy Twist on a Classic Favorite

Imagine a dish so creamy, it practically hugs your taste buds. That’s what you get with this Dairy Free Chicken Alfredo! This recipe brings all the rich, satisfying flavors of traditional Alfredo sauce but without the dairy. Quick, simple, and incredibly delicious, it’s ideal for busy weeknight dinners or when you just want to treat yourself—because who doesn’t love a creamy pasta dish on a cozy night in?

Why Make This Recipe

  • One-Pan Wonder: Say goodbye to a sink full of dishes! Everything comes together in one pan, making clean-up a breeze.
  • Family-Friendly: This meal brings everyone to the table, even those who usually shy away from veggies. Trust me, the creamy sauce makes spinach disappear as if by magic.
  • Customizable: Don’t have chicken? Swap it for shrimp or keep it vegetarian with more greens. The options are endless!

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

  1. In a large pot, cook the gluten-free farfalle according to package directions for al dente. Drain and reserve a bit of the pasta water.
  2. In a small bowl, toss the diced chicken with sweet smoked paprika, oregano, garlic powder, thyme, black pepper, and salt until well coated.
  3. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the seasoned chicken and sear for 3-4 minutes on each side until cooked through. Transfer to a plate.
  4. In the same skillet, melt the dairy-free butter. Stir in minced onion and seasonings, then simmer for a minute.
  5. Sprinkle in gluten-free flour and mix well, scraping the bottom of the skillet.
  6. Pour in chicken broth and dairy-free heavy cream. Add chopped spinach and whisk. Simmer for 3-4 minutes until thick and creamy.
  7. Stir in shredded dairy-free parmesan until melted. Adjust sauce thickness with reserved pasta water if needed.
  8. Add pasta and toss to coat. Stir in the seared chicken until well mixed.
  9. Serve hot, garnished with extra dairy-free parmesan and parsley.

Dairy Free Chicken Alfredo

How to Make Dairy Free Chicken Alfredo (Overview)

Making this creamy dream is as easy as pie! Start off by cooking your gluten-free farfalle to perfection. While that’s going, coat your chicken with spices for a flavor punch. Sear it in the skillet until golden brown and then work your magic on the creamy sauce with dairy-free butter and plenty of seasonings. Remember—don’t skip toasting the garlic; it makes all the difference! Finally, combine it all, and voilà—your dinner is ready!

How to Serve Dairy Free Chicken Alfredo

Serve it up in a big, beautiful bowl! Picture your creamy, dreamy sauce enveloping each piece of farfalle, bright green spinach peeking through, and maybe some extra dairy-free parmesan sprinkled on top for that gourmet touch. Pair it with a crisp, side salad for crunch, and you’ve got a restaurant-quality meal right at home. 🍽️

How to Store Dairy Free Chicken Alfredo

Got leftovers? They’re good for about 3-4 days in the fridge. Just make sure to transfer it to an airtight container! If you want to freeze it, that works too—up to 2-3 months. When reheating, add a splash of broth or dairy-free cream to bring back that creamy goodness.

Tips to Make Dairy Free Chicken Alfredo

  • Use fresh herbs for an extra flavor boost—basil or parsley can elevate your dish!
  • Feel free to experiment with different pasta shapes; it doesn’t always have to be farfalle.
  • If you want a lighter sauce, add more spinach! It’s the perfect way to sneak in those greens.

Variation

For a twist, try adding sautéed mushrooms or sun-dried tomatoes for an extra dimension of flavor. If you want to keep it vegan, simply swap the chicken for sautéed veggies and sustituye the dairy-free parmesan with nutritional yeast for a cheesy flavor punch!

FAQs

Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Absolutely! Just keep the pasta and sauce separate until you’re ready to serve to prevent mushiness.

What can I use instead of chicken?
Try shrimp, tofu, or even a medley of colorful veggies for a different flair.

Is this recipe gluten-free?
Yes! Just ensure you use certified gluten-free ingredients, especially for the pasta and flour.

📌 Pin this recipe for your next cozy dinner night!

Dairy Free Chicken Alfredo served in a bowl with garnishes

Dairy Free Chicken Alfredo

A creamy, dairy-free twist on the classic chicken Alfredo, perfect for weeknight dinners and packed with flavor.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 35 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: Italian
Calories: 600

Ingredients
  

Main Ingredients
  • 1.25 lbs Chicken breast (diced small)
  • 12 oz gluten-free farfalle
  • 4 tbsp dairy-free butter
  • 2 cups dairy-free heavy cream
  • 8 oz dairy-free parmesan (shredded)
  • 2 cups chopped spinach
  • 2 cups chicken broth
  • 1.67 tbsp gluten-free 1:1 flour
  • 2 tbsp pasta water (as needed)
Spices and Seasonings
  • 1.75 tsp sweet smoked paprika
  • 1.5 tsp oregano
  • 1.5 tsp garlic powder Note: used twice in the recipe
  • 0.5 tsp thyme
  • 0.5 tsp black pepper
  • 1 tsp Italian seasoning
  • 1 tsp salt Note: used twice in the recipe
  • 2 tbsp minced onion

Method
 

Cooking the Pasta
  1. In a large pot, cook the gluten-free farfalle according to package directions for al dente. Drain and reserve a bit of the pasta water.
Preparing the Chicken
  1. In a small bowl, toss the diced chicken with sweet smoked paprika, oregano, garlic powder, thyme, black pepper, and salt until well coated.
  2. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the seasoned chicken and sear for 3-4 minutes on each side until cooked through. Transfer to a plate.
Making the Sauce
  1. In the same skillet, melt the dairy-free butter. Stir in minced onion and seasonings, then simmer for a minute.
  2. Sprinkle in gluten-free flour and mix well, scraping the bottom of the skillet.
  3. Pour in chicken broth and dairy-free heavy cream. Add chopped spinach and whisk. Simmer for 3-4 minutes until thick and creamy.
  4. Stir in shredded dairy-free parmesan until melted. Adjust sauce thickness with reserved pasta water if needed.
Final Assembly
  1. Add pasta and toss to coat. Stir in the seared chicken until well mixed.
  2. Serve hot, garnished with extra dairy-free parmesan and parsley.

Notes

Got leftovers? They’re good for about 3-4 days in the fridge. If you want to freeze them, that works too—up to 2-3 months. When reheating, add a splash of broth or dairy-free cream to bring back that creamy goodness.

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