If you’ve been searching high and low for a comforting, indulgent pasta dish without the dairy but all the creamy goodness, you have to try this Creamy Dairy-Free Chicken Alfredo Recipe. It boasts tender strips of juicy chicken nestled in a luscious, velvety sauce that uses wholesome, plant-based ingredients while still delivering a rich texture and savory flavor. Easy to whip up yet impressive enough for company, this recipe takes classic Italian comfort food and makes it accessible for those avoiding dairy without compromising on taste or satisfaction.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Every ingredient in this Creamy Dairy-Free Chicken Alfredo Recipe plays a crucial role, from the creamy almond and coconut milk that build the sauce to the nutritional yeast that adds a savory depth. Simple but thoughtful ingredients come together to create a dish that is both comforting and vibrant.
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breast: sliced into strips for quick, even cooking and juicy bites.
- 2 tbsp olive oil: used for sautéing the chicken and vegetables to add richness and prevent sticking.
- 1 small onion, finely chopped: provides gentle sweetness and a savory base flavor.
- 2 cloves garlic, minced: adds aromatic depth and a slight kick to the sauce.
- 1 cup unsweetened almond milk: forms part of the creamy, dairy-free base for the sauce.
- 1 cup unsweetened coconut milk: lends natural creaminess and a subtle hint of sweetness.
- 1/4 cup vegetable or chicken broth: enhances the sauce with umami and balances the flavors.
- 3 tbsp nutritional yeast: boosts the sauce with a cheesy, nutty flavor perfect for dairy-free dishes.
- 2 tbsp tapioca starch (or cornstarch): thickens the sauce to the perfect Alfredo consistency without any cream.
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning: infuses the dish with classic Mediterranean herb notes.
- Salt and pepper to taste: essential for seasoning and balancing flavors.
- 1/4 cup dairy-free cheese shreds (optional): melts into the sauce for extra richness and cheesiness, if desired.
- 12 oz fettuccine pasta, uncooked: the perfect pasta shape to hold the creamy sauce.
- Fresh parsley, chopped: adds a pop of color and fresh herbal brightness at the end.
How to Make Creamy Dairy-Free Chicken Alfredo Recipe
Step 1: Cook the Pasta
Start by boiling the fettuccine according to the package instructions until it’s perfectly al dente. Drain and set aside—this ensures it won’t overcook later when tossed in the sauce. The pasta’s texture is key to balancing the creamy sauce you’re about to make.
Step 2: Sauté the Chicken
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add your seasoned chicken strips—salt and pepper go a long way here—and cook them for 5 to 7 minutes until golden and fully cooked through. Once done, remove the chicken from the pan and keep it warm while you prepare the sauce; this step builds the meaty foundation for the dish.
Step 3: Cook the Onions and Garlic
In the same skillet, toss in the finely chopped onion and sauté until translucent, about 2 to 3 minutes. Then add minced garlic and cook it for just one more minute until fragrant. These aromatics form the delicious backbone of the Alfredo sauce, enhancing each bite with subtle sweetness and savory warmth.
Step 4: Create the Dairy-Free Sauce Base
Pour in the unsweetened almond milk and coconut milk along with the vegetable or chicken broth. Stir these liquids together, blending their creamy richness with the robust flavors left in the skillet. This mix is the heart of your dairy-free sauce, providing smoothness without any heaviness.
Step 5: Thickening and Flavoring the Sauce
Sprinkle the nutritional yeast, tapioca starch, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper into the skillet. Whisk constantly until the sauce thickens, about 4 to 5 minutes. This step transforms the liquid base into a silky, cheesy sauce that coats every piece of chicken and pasta with indulgence.
Step 6: Add Cheese Shreds (Optional)
If you want extra cheesy flavor, stir in the dairy-free cheese shreds now and let them melt completely. This addition makes the sauce even more luscious and satisfies any craving for traditional Alfredo creaminess.
Step 7: Combine Chicken and Pasta
Return the cooked chicken strips to the skillet, gently coating them with the sauce. Then add the cooked fettuccine and toss everything together until every strand is gloriously covered in that creamy, dreamy sauce. This step brings all the components together for a harmonious and satisfying dish.
Step 8: Garnish and Serve
Before plating, sprinkle chopped fresh parsley over the top for color and a burst of freshness that cuts through the richness perfectly. Now it’s ready to delight everyone at your table!
How to Serve Creamy Dairy-Free Chicken Alfredo Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh parsley is a classic choice to brighten the dish visually and in flavor. You can also add a sprinkle of extra nutritional yeast for a cheesy boost or cracked black pepper for a little zing. These final touches elevate both taste and presentation with minimal effort.
Side Dishes
This creamy pasta pairs beautifully with crisp green salads, roasted vegetables like asparagus or broccoli, or even garlic bread made with dairy-free butter alternatives. The contrast of crunchy or fresh sides adds wonderful texture and balance to the meal.
Creative Ways to Present
For a special touch, serve this dish in individual shallow pasta bowls or on a rustic wooden board with sprigs of fresh herbs scattered around. You could also add a wedge of lemon on the side for those who want to spark acidity and brighten the rich flavors. Presentation makes meals memorable, especially when sharing your Creamy Dairy-Free Chicken Alfredo Recipe with friends and loved ones.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Any leftovers should be cooled to room temperature and stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator. The flavors deepen after resting, making the next-day meal just as satisfying. Consume within 3 to 4 days for the best quality.
Freezing
This dish freezes well if you want to prep ahead or save extra portions. Place the cooled Alfredo chicken and pasta in a freezer-safe container, leaving a little room for expansion. Freeze for up to 2 months and thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating
Reheat gently over low heat on the stove, adding a splash of almond or coconut milk if needed to loosen the sauce. Alternatively, microwave in short intervals, stirring in between to maintain creaminess and prevent drying out. Proper reheating keeps the sauce silky and the chicken tender.
FAQs
Can I use other types of milk instead of almond and coconut?
Absolutely! Unsweetened oat milk or cashew milk are great alternatives. Just make sure they are unsweetened to avoid altering the sauce’s flavor.
Is tapioca starch necessary? Can I substitute it?
Tapioca starch is key for thickening and providing the sauce’s signature creamy texture. Cornstarch works well as a substitute, but other thickeners might change the consistency slightly.
Can I make this recipe vegan?
Yes, simply swap the chicken for sautéed mushrooms, tofu, or a plant-based chicken alternative. The sauce remains equally delicious and creamy without animal products.
How spicy is this dish?
This Creamy Dairy-Free Chicken Alfredo Recipe is mild and comforting, but you can easily add red pepper flakes or a pinch of cayenne for heat if you like a little kick.
What kind of pasta works best?
Fettuccine is classic for Alfredo, but any wide, flat noodles like pappardelle or tagliatelle will hold the sauce beautifully. For gluten-free options, use your preferred GF pasta.
Final Thoughts
This Creamy Dairy-Free Chicken Alfredo Recipe is proof that you don’t have to miss out on rich, comforting classics when avoiding dairy. It’s deceptively simple but irresistibly flavorful, sure to become a staple in your home cooking. Give it a try—you might just find your new favorite comfort food!
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Creamy Dairy-Free Chicken Alfredo Recipe
- Prep Time: 0h 15m
- Cook Time: 0h 25m
- Total Time: 0h 40m
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian-American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
This Creamy Dairy Free Chicken Alfredo recipe offers a rich and luscious pasta dish made without dairy, featuring tender chicken strips in a flavorful almond and coconut milk-based sauce, thickened with tapioca starch and enriched with nutritional yeast for a cheesy taste. Ideal for those seeking a dairy-free, comforting, and satisfying meal.
Ingredients
Protein and Pasta
- 1 lb (450g) boneless, skinless chicken breast, sliced into strips
- 12 oz (340g) fettuccine pasta, uncooked
Sauce and Seasonings
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup (250ml) unsweetened almond milk
- 1 cup (240ml) unsweetened coconut milk
- 1/4 cup (60ml) vegetable or chicken broth
- 3 tbsp nutritional yeast
- 2 tbsp tapioca starch (or cornstarch)
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1/4 cup (60g) dairy-free cheese shreds (optional)
- Fresh parsley, chopped for garnish
Instructions
- Cook the Pasta: Cook the fettuccine pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside to prepare the sauce and chicken.
- Heat Olive Oil: In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat to prepare for cooking the chicken and vegetables.
- Cook Chicken: Add the sliced chicken breast to the skillet, season with salt and pepper, and cook for 5-7 minutes until the chicken is fully cooked through and golden brown. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
- Sauté Onion: In the same skillet, add the chopped onion and sauté for 2-3 minutes until translucent and softened, building the base flavor of the sauce.
- Add Garlic: Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute until fragrant, ensuring not to burn the garlic.
- Add Liquids: Pour in the almond milk, coconut milk, and vegetable or chicken broth, stirring to combine all ingredients evenly for the sauce.
- Thicken Sauce: Sprinkle in the nutritional yeast, tapioca starch, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Whisk constantly while cooking for about 4-5 minutes until the sauce thickens to a creamy consistency.
- Incorporate Dairy-Free Cheese: If using, add the dairy-free cheese shreds into the sauce and stir until melted, enhancing the cheesy flavor and texture.
- Return Chicken: Place the cooked chicken back into the skillet with the sauce, ensuring every piece is well coated and heated through.
- Combine Pasta and Sauce: Add the drained fettuccine pasta to the skillet and toss everything together until the pasta is thoroughly coated with the creamy sauce and chicken is evenly distributed.
- Garnish and Serve: Finish with fresh chopped parsley sprinkled on top for a bright, fresh flavor and serve immediately for best taste.
Notes
- This dish is naturally dairy-free and can be made vegan by substituting chicken with mushrooms or tofu.
- For a thicker sauce, add an extra half tablespoon of tapioca starch gradually.
- Use gluten-free pasta for a gluten-free option.
- Dairy-free cheese is optional but adds extra creaminess and flavor.
- Allow the sauce to simmer gently while whisking to avoid lumps and ensure smoothness.
