Dairy Free Chicken Alfredo

Why Make This Recipe

Why You Will Love This Recipe

Dairy Free Chicken Alfredo is a creamy and comforting dish that everyone can enjoy. It’s easy to prepare and bursting with flavor, making it a perfect addition to your weeknight dinner rotation.

Reasons to Try It

This recipe is not only delicious but also dairy-free, making it suitable for those with lactose intolerance or those following a dairy-free diet. The blend of spices enhances the chicken, while the rich sauce elevates the entire dish.

What Makes This Recipe Special

With simple ingredients, this Dairy Free Chicken Alfredo can be ready in under 30 minutes. It’s packed with wholesome ingredients like chicken and spinach, providing both nutrition and comfort.

Why Cook This Recipe at Home

Cooking at home allows you to control the ingredients and cater the recipe to your taste. This dish is great for those who want a quick, budget-friendly meal that doesn’t compromise on flavor. It’s perfect for a weeknight dinner or a cozy family meal.

How to Make Dairy Free Chicken Alfredo

Step-by-Step Overview

Making Dairy Free Chicken Alfredo is straightforward and quick. With just a few steps, you’ll have a rich, creamy dish that’s sure to impress.

The Cooking Process Explained

Start by cooking the pasta to your liking. While the pasta cooks, season and cook the chicken to golden perfection. Then, create the creamy sauce by combining all the flavors, and finish by mixing in the pasta and chicken to coat everything nicely.

Preparing Dairy Free Chicken Alfredo

1. Boil the pasta in a large pot of water according to the package directions for al dente. Drain and set aside, reserving a bit of the pasta water.
2. Add the chicken and chicken seasonings to a small bowl and toss to thoroughly coat the chicken.
3. Heat the olive oil over medium heat in a large skillet. Then, sear the chicken for 3 to 4 minutes on each side until the internal temperature reaches 165 degrees. Transfer the chicken to a plate.
4. Add the butter to the same skillet and let it melt. Then, add all the sauce seasonings, and simmer them for about a minute.
5. Add the flour to the skillet and mix well, scraping the bottom of the skillet.
6. Add the chicken broth and heavy cream. Then, add the spinach and whisk well. Simmer while whisking for 3 to 4 minutes until the sauce is rich and creamy.
7. Add the parmesan cheese and stir until completely melted. Continue cooking, stirring occasionally, until the sauce reaches your desired thickness.
8. Add the pasta and toss to coat evenly. Add a tablespoon of pasta water to thin the sauce if necessary.
9. Add the chicken and gently stir to make sure everything is coated. Enjoy!

How to Serve Dairy Free Chicken Alfredo

Serve your Dairy Free Chicken Alfredo hot, garnished with extra dairy-free parmesan if desired. Pair it with a simple salad or steamed veggies for a complete meal.

How to Store Dairy Free Chicken Alfredo

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave, adding a splash of dairy-free cream or pasta water to bring back the creamy consistency.

Tips to Make Dairy Free Chicken Alfredo

• Make sure to properly season your chicken for the best flavor.
• Don’t overcook the pasta; it should be al dente so it holds up when mixed with the sauce.
• Feel free to add other veggies like broccoli or mushrooms for added nutrition.

Variations

You can switch out the chicken for shrimp or make it entirely vegetarian by skipping the meat and adding more vegetables. Experiment with different gluten-free pasta shapes to keep it interesting!

FAQs

Can I use regular pasta instead of gluten-free?
Yes, if you don’t have a gluten intolerance, regular pasta can be used for the recipe. Just cook it according to the package instructions.

What can I use instead of dairy-free parmesan?
You can substitute with nutritional yeast for a cheesy flavor or use a different dairy-free cheese that melts well.

How can I make this recipe spicier?
To add a kick, consider incorporating red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce when making the sauce. Adjust according to your spice preference!

Dairy Free Chicken Alfredo

A creamy and comforting dairy-free chicken alfredo dish that's easy to prepare and bursting with flavor, perfect for a weeknight dinner.

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Prep Time 10 minutes mins

Cook Time 20 minutes mins

Total Time 30 minutes mins

Servings: 4 servings

Course: Dinner, Main Course

Cuisine: American

Calories: 450

Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients

  

Pasta Ingredients

• 8 oz Gluten-free pasta Cook according to package directions.

Chicken Ingredients

• 1 lb Chicken breast Cut into bite-sized pieces and seasoned.
• 1 tbsp Chicken seasonings Use your preferred blend.
• 1 tbsp Olive oil For cooking chicken.

Sauce Ingredients

• 2 tbsp Dairy-free butter For the creamy sauce.
• 1 tbsp All-purpose flour For thickening the sauce.
• 1 cup Chicken broth Use low-sodium if preferred.
• 1 cup Dairy-free heavy cream For creaminess.
• 2 cups Fresh spinach Adds nutrition.
• 1/2 cup Dairy-free parmesan cheese For cheesy flavor.

Method

 

Cooking the Pasta

1. Boil the pasta in a large pot of water according to package directions for al dente. Drain and set aside, reserving a bit of pasta water.

Cooking the Chicken

1. Add the chicken and chicken seasonings to a small bowl and toss to thoroughly coat the chicken.
2. Heat the olive oil over medium heat in a large skillet. Sear the chicken for 3 to 4 minutes on each side until the internal temperature reaches 165 degrees. Transfer the chicken to a plate.

Making the Sauce

1. In the same skillet, add the dairy-free butter and let it melt. Add all the sauce seasonings and simmer for about a minute.
2. Add the flour to the skillet and mix well, scraping the bottom of the skillet.
3. Add the chicken broth and dairy-free heavy cream. Then, add the spinach and whisk well. Simmer while whisking for 3 to 4 minutes until the sauce is rich and creamy.
4. Add the dairy-free parmesan cheese and stir until melted. Continue cooking until the sauce reaches desired thickness.

Combining Ingredients

1. Add the pasta and toss to coat evenly. Add a tablespoon of reserved pasta water if necessary to thin the sauce.
2. Gently stir in the chicken to ensure everything is coated.
3. Serve hot, garnished with extra dairy-free parmesan if desired.

Notes

Make sure to properly season your chicken for the best flavor. Don't overcook the pasta; it should be al dente. Feel free to add other veggies like broccoli or mushrooms for added nutrition.