Dairy-Free Chicken Alfredo Recipe
Introduction
This Dairy Free Chicken Alfredo is a creamy and comforting pasta dish that’s perfect for a quick weeknight dinner. Made with tender chicken, a rich dairy-free sauce, and gluten-free pasta, it’s both delicious and suitable for dietary restrictions.

Ingredients
- 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 pasta
- 4 tbsp dairy-free butter
- 2 tbsp minced onion
- 2 tsp Italian seasoning
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 2 cups 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)
- Olive oil for searing chicken
Instructions
- Step 1: Bring a large pot of water to a boil and cook the gluten-free farfalle according to package directions until al dente. Drain the pasta, reserving some pasta water, and set aside.
- Step 2: In a small bowl, combine the chicken breast with sweet smoked paprika, oregano, garlic powder, thyme, black pepper, and salt. Toss to coat the chicken thoroughly.
- Step 3: Heat a drizzle of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Sear the seasoned chicken for 3 to 4 minutes on each side until cooked through and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). Remove the chicken and set aside.
- Step 4: In the same skillet, melt the dairy-free butter. Add minced onion, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, and salt, and cook for about one minute to release their flavors.
- Step 5: Sprinkle the gluten-free flour into the skillet and stir well, scraping the bottom to prevent sticking.
- Step 6: Slowly whisk in the chicken broth and dairy-free heavy cream. Add the chopped spinach and continue whisking while simmering for 3 to 4 minutes until the sauce thickens and becomes creamy.
- Step 7: Stir in the shredded dairy-free parmesan cheese until fully melted. Continue cooking and stirring occasionally until the sauce reaches your preferred thickness.
- Step 8: Add the cooked pasta to the skillet and toss to coat evenly with the sauce. If the sauce is too thick, stir in a tablespoon of reserved pasta water to loosen it.
- Step 9: Return the cooked chicken to the skillet and gently mix to combine everything well. Serve immediately and enjoy your dairy-free chicken Alfredo!
Tips & Variations
- Use fresh spinach for a vibrant flavor, or substitute with kale for a heartier texture.
- You can swap farfalle for other gluten-free pasta shapes like penne or fusilli.
- For added richness, stir in a splash of dairy-free white wine before adding the chicken broth.
- If you prefer a thicker sauce, reduce the amount of chicken broth slightly.
Storage
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of dairy-free milk or broth to loosen the sauce if needed. Avoid microwaving for best texture and flavor.
How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I use regular cream instead of dairy-free heavy cream?
Yes, you can substitute regular heavy cream if you are not restricted by dairy. The dish will be richer but still delicious.
Is it necessary to reserve pasta water?
Reserving pasta water is helpful to adjust the sauce consistency. The starchy water helps thin the sauce without diluting flavor.
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Dairy-Free Chicken Alfredo Recipe
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
A creamy and comforting Dairy Free Chicken Alfredo recipe that uses gluten-free pasta and dairy-free alternatives to create a rich, flavorful sauce. Perfect for those avoiding dairy but craving a classic Italian favorite. Ready in just 25 minutes, this dish combines tender seared chicken with a creamy sauce made from dairy-free butter, heavy cream, and parmesan substitute, enriched with spinach and delicious seasonings.
Ingredients
Chicken and Seasoning
- 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
Pasta
- 12 oz gluten-free farfalle
Sauce Ingredients
- 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)
Instructions
- Boil Pasta: Boil the gluten-free farfalle in a large pot of water according to package directions until al dente. Drain the pasta, reserving some pasta water, then set aside.
- Season Chicken: In a small bowl, combine the diced chicken breast with sweet smoked paprika, oregano, garlic powder, thyme, black pepper, and salt. Toss well to coat all pieces evenly.
- Sear Chicken: Heat olive oil over medium heat in a large skillet. Sear the seasoned chicken for 3 to 4 minutes on each side, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
- Prepare Sauce Base: In the same skillet, add dairy-free butter and melt it over medium heat. Add minced onion, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, and salt. Simmer the mixture for about one minute to release the aromas.
- Add Flour: Sprinkle the gluten-free 1:1 flour into the skillet while stirring, scraping the bottom to combine and form a roux.
- Add Liquids and Spinach: Gradually pour in the chicken broth and dairy-free heavy cream while whisking continuously. Add the chopped spinach and continue to whisk.
- Simmer Sauce: Let the sauce simmer and thicken for 3 to 4 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it becomes rich and creamy.
- Add Parmesan: Stir in the dairy-free parmesan cheese until fully melted and incorporated, cooking until the sauce reaches your desired thickness.
- Toss Pasta: Add the drained pasta to the skillet and toss to coat it evenly in the sauce. If the sauce is too thick, add about a tablespoon of reserved pasta water to thin it out as needed.
- Add Chicken and Serve: Return the cooked chicken to the skillet, gently stirring to ensure everything is well coated with the creamy sauce. Serve immediately and enjoy!
Notes
- Use gluten-free pasta to keep the dish gluten-free and suitable for those with gluten intolerance.
- For best results, measure the thickness of your sauce and adjust with pasta water gradually to avoid a runny sauce.
- Ensure chicken is cooked thoroughly to an internal temperature of 165°F for food safety.
- Spinach adds a healthy boost and color but can be substituted with kale or omitted if preferred.
- Dairy-free heavy cream and butter alternatives are crucial to maintaining the dairy-free integrity of the dish.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
Keywords: Dairy Free Chicken Alfredo, Gluten Free Pasta, Dairy Free Recipes, Chicken Alfredo, Italian Dairy Free Recipe, Dairy Free Sauce

