Dairy Free Chicken Alfredo
A creamy, flavorful pasta dish topped with savory chicken, perfect for those with dairy restrictions.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 ¼ lbs chicken breast, diced small
- 12 oz gluten-free farfalle pasta
- 2 cups chicken broth vegetable broth can be used as a substitute
- 2 cups dairy-free heavy cream
- 2 cups chopped spinach
Spices and Seasonings
- 1 ¾ teaspoon sweet smoked paprika
- 1 ½ teaspoon oregano
- 1 ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon thyme
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 2 teaspoons Italian seasoning
Sauce Ingredients
- 4 tablespoons dairy-free butter
- 2 tablespoons minced onion
- 1 ⅔ tablespoon gluten-free 1:1 flour (all-purpose blend)
- 8 oz shredded dairy-free parmesan cheese
- 2 tablespoons reserved pasta water, as needed Use to adjust sauce consistency
Instructions
Preparation
- Gather and measure all your ingredients, and dice the chicken breast.
Cook the Pasta
- In a large pot, boil water and add a pinch of salt. Cook the gluten-free farfalle pasta according to the package directions until al dente. Drain and reserve 2 tablespoons of pasta water.
Season the Chicken
- In a mixing bowl, combine the diced chicken with sweet smoked paprika, oregano, garlic powder, thyme, black pepper, and salt. Toss until coated.
Sear the Chicken
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat and sear the seasoned chicken for 3 to 4 minutes on each side until it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F. Transfer the chicken to a plate.
Sauté Onions and Seasonings
- In the same skillet, melt the dairy-free butter over medium heat. Add minced onion, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, and salt. Sauté until the onions are translucent.
Create the Sauce Base
- Sprinkle the gluten-free flour into the skillet and mix well, scraping the bottom.
Combine with Liquids
- Pour in chicken broth and dairy-free heavy cream. Whisk until combined, then add chopped spinach and simmer for 3 to 4 minutes until the sauce thickens.
Melt the Cheese
- Add shredded dairy-free parmesan cheese and stir until melted, adjusting the heat as necessary.
Mix in the Pasta
- Fold the cooked pasta into the sauce, adding reserved pasta water gradually for desired consistency.
Combine Chicken and Serve
- Return the cooked chicken to the skillet and stir gently to combine. Serve warm with optional extra dairy-free parmesan.
Notes
Store leftovers in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or freeze for up to 3 months. Reheat on the stovetop with a splash of broth or cream to restore texture.