If you’ve been searching for a luscious, comforting pasta dish that skips the dairy but keeps all the indulgent flavors, this Creamy Dairy-Free Chicken Alfredo Recipe is your new best friend. Imagine tender strips of golden chicken nestled in a rich, velvety sauce made from almond and coconut milk, brightened with savory nutritional yeast and herbs, all tossed with perfectly cooked fettuccine. It’s a delightful twist on a classic favorite that’s both satisfying and surprisingly simple to prepare, proving that you don’t need dairy to enjoy a creamy, dreamy Alfredo experience.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This recipe shines because of its straightforward, wholesome ingredients. Each one is carefully chosen to build layers of flavor, provide creamy texture, and bring beautiful color to your plate without relying on traditional dairy.
- Boneless, skinless chicken breast (1 lb): Offers lean protein and cooks quickly to tender perfection.
- Olive oil (2 tbsp): Adds a fruity richness, perfect for browning the chicken and sautéing aromatics.
- Small onion, finely chopped (1): Lends a subtle sweetness and depth when sautéed.
- Garlic cloves, minced (2): Brings that unmistakable savory punch that defines Alfredo sauce.
- Unsweetened almond milk (1 cup): Provides a creamy dairy-free base without overpowering flavors.
- Unsweetened coconut milk (1 cup): Adds richness and a smooth texture to create that signature Alfredo indulgence.
- Vegetable or chicken broth (1/4 cup): Enhances flavor while keeping the sauce light and balanced.
- Nutritional yeast (3 tbsp): Delivers a cheesy, umami kick, perfect for dairy-free cooking.
- Tapioca starch (2 tbsp): Thickens the sauce to velvety perfection, but cornstarch works well too.
- Italian seasoning (1 tsp): Adds fragrant herbs that lift the sauce with earthy notes.
- Salt and pepper: Essential for bringing all the flavors together.
- Dairy-free cheese shreds (1/4 cup, optional): For an extra creamy, melty finish that’s totally optional but loved by many.
- Fettuccine pasta (12 oz): The classic pasta choice that’s perfect for holding onto the luscious sauce.
- Fresh parsley, chopped: Offers a bright, fresh garnish and a pop of color.
How to Make Creamy Dairy-Free Chicken Alfredo Recipe
Step 1: Cook the Pasta
Start by boiling your fettuccine according to package instructions until it reaches that perfect al dente texture. Drain and set it aside, ready to soak up the luscious sauce you’ll be preparing.
Step 2: Sauté the Chicken
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat and add your seasoned chicken strips. Let them cook for about 5 to 7 minutes, turning occasionally until each piece is golden brown and cooked through. Remove and set the chicken aside so you can build your sauce in the same pan.
Step 3: Build the Flavor Base
In the same skillet, toss in the finely chopped onion and sweat it gently until translucent, about 2 to 3 minutes. Then add the minced garlic, cooking just until it releases that fragrant aroma – about a minute – making sure it doesn’t brown too much.
Step 4: Create the Dairy-Free Sauce
Pour in the mixture of almond milk, coconut milk, and broth, stirring everything together smoothly. Sprinkle in the nutritional yeast, tapioca starch, Italian seasoning, and season with salt and pepper. Whisk consistently for about 4 to 5 minutes until the sauce thickens and becomes beautifully creamy.
Step 5: Optional Cheese Addition
If you want your sauce extra indulgent, stir in your dairy-free cheese shreds now and let them melt gently into the sauce, adding a melty texture without any dairy.
Step 6: Combine Chicken and Pasta
Return the cooked chicken strips to the skillet and coat them lovingly in the sauce. Finally, add the drained fettuccine and toss everything together, ensuring that every strand of pasta is cloaked in creamy, dreamy goodness.
Step 7: Finish with Fresh Parsley
Before serving, sprinkle chopped fresh parsley over the dish for a burst of color and herbaceous freshness that perfectly balances the richness.
How to Serve Creamy Dairy-Free Chicken Alfredo Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh parsley is the classic finishing touch, but feel free to experiment with a dash of freshly cracked black pepper, a squeeze of lemon for brightness, or even a sprinkle of crushed red pepper flakes if you like a little heat to contrast the creaminess.
Side Dishes
This dish pairs wonderfully with light sides such as steamed broccoli, roasted asparagus, or a crisp mixed green salad. The freshness of these vegetables cuts through the sauce’s richness and adds a beautiful texture contrast to your meal.
Creative Ways to Present
For a delightful presentation, serve the Alfredo pasta in shallow bowls and add a lemon wedge on the side to allow guests to brighten their dish to taste. Alternatively, layering the pasta with sautéed mushrooms or sun-dried tomatoes before serving adds a flavorful twist that’s sure to impress family and friends.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Place any leftovers in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. The sauce may thicken in the fridge, but it will loosen up perfectly when reheated.
Freezing
While this Creamy Dairy-Free Chicken Alfredo Recipe tastes best fresh, you can freeze leftovers in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. Keep in mind that the texture of the sauce and chicken might change slightly upon thawing.
Reheating
To reheat, warm the Alfredo gently on the stovetop over low heat, stirring frequently and adding a splash of almond milk or broth to bring back that silky sauce consistency. Avoid microwaving as it can sometimes cause the sauce to separate.
FAQs
Can I use a different pasta shape with this recipe?
Absolutely! While fettuccine is traditional, penne, linguine, or even gluten-free pasta options will work beautifully with this creamy sauce.
Is nutritional yeast essential for this dish?
Nutritional yeast adds a wonderful cheesy flavor that mimics traditional Parmesan, but if you don’t have it, you can skip it or substitute with a bit of dairy-free Parmesan-style cheese.
Can I make this recipe vegan?
Yes! Simply replace the chicken with your favorite plant-based protein like sautéed mushrooms, tofu, or chickpeas to keep it entirely plant-based and just as delicious.
What if I don’t have tapioca starch?
Cornstarch is a perfect substitute; just use the same amount. It will give your sauce the smooth thickness you want.
Is this recipe suitable for people with nut allergies?
If you have a nut allergy, consider using oat milk or another allergy-friendly plant milk instead of almond milk. Be sure to check all ingredients to avoid cross-contamination.
Final Thoughts
There’s nothing quite like the satisfaction of a bowl brimming with creamy, comforting Alfredo pasta that’s completely dairy-free, and this Creamy Dairy-Free Chicken Alfredo Recipe hits all the right notes. It’s approachable enough for a weeknight dinner but special enough to serve company. I can’t wait for you to try this recipe and discover just how delicious dairy-free cooking can be!
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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 is a delicious and comforting pasta dish made with tender chicken strips and a rich, plant-based Alfredo sauce. Using almond and coconut milk combined with nutritional yeast and tapioca starch, this recipe delivers the classic creamy texture and cheesy flavor without any dairy. Perfect for those seeking a dairy-free yet indulgent meal.
Ingredients
Chicken and Pasta
- 1 lb (450g) boneless, skinless chicken breast, sliced into strips
- 12 oz (340g) fettuccine pasta, uncooked
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
Sauce
- 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
- 1/4 cup (60g) dairy-free cheese shreds (optional)
Garnish
- Fresh parsley, chopped for garnish
Instructions
- Cook Pasta: Cook the fettuccine pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Heat Olive Oil: In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat to prepare for cooking the chicken.
- Cook Chicken: Add the sliced chicken breast to the skillet, seasoning with salt and pepper. 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 finely chopped onion and sauté for 2-3 minutes until it becomes translucent and soft.
- Add Garlic: Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute until fragrant, taking care not to burn it.
- Add Liquids: Pour in the unsweetened almond milk, coconut milk, and vegetable or chicken broth, stirring to combine all the ingredients.
- Thicken Sauce: Sprinkle in the nutritional yeast, tapioca starch, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Whisk continuously and cook for about 4-5 minutes until the sauce thickens to a creamy consistency.
- Add Dairy-Free Cheese: If using, stir in the dairy-free cheese shreds and continue to cook until the cheese melts completely into the sauce.
- Combine Chicken and Sauce: Return the cooked chicken to the skillet and toss to coat it evenly with the creamy Alfredo sauce.
- Add Pasta: Add the cooked fettuccine pasta to the skillet and toss everything together until the pasta is well coated and the dish is fully combined.
- Garnish and Serve: Garnish with freshly chopped parsley before serving to add a fresh flavor and appealing presentation.
Notes
- For a thicker sauce, increase the tapioca starch by 1 tablespoon.
- Use gluten-free pasta if gluten-free is required.
- You can substitute chicken broth with vegetable broth for a lighter flavor.
- Adding dairy-free cheese shreds is optional but adds extra creaminess.
- Adjust seasoning according to taste to balance salt and pepper.
