If you’re looking for a delicious and creamy pasta dish that’s also dairy-free, look no further! This Creamy Dairy Free Chicken Alfredo is a delightful blend of flavors and textures, offering a satisfying meal without the heaviness of traditional Alfredo sauce. Perfect for weeknight dinners or special occasions, this recipe is easy to make and will impress even the most discerning palates. The rich and creamy sauce made with almond milk and nutritional yeast provides a fantastic depth of flavor that rivals any classic Alfredo. Plus, you can enjoy it guilt-free without compromising on taste!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
There are many reasons to fall in love with this Creamy Dairy Free Chicken Alfredo. First and foremost, it’s adaptable! Whether you’re following a dairy-free diet due to allergies, lactose intolerance, or simply choosing to avoid dairy for health reasons, this dish is a perfect alternative. It’s not just dairy-free; it’s also packed with protein and flavor, making it a wholesome option for the entire family.
The use of nutritional yeast in the sauce adds a cheesy flavor without the dairy, while almond milk creates a creamy texture that feels indulgent. The combination of spices and seasonings, such as garlic and Italian seasoning, elevates the dish, making it a comforting meal that everyone will enjoy. You can also customize it by adding vegetables like spinach or broccoli, or substituting the chicken with tofu or shrimp for a delightful twist.
Another reason to love this recipe is its simplicity. It requires minimal ingredients and can be prepared in under 30 minutes, making it an ideal weeknight dinner option. Plus, it’s a one-pan meal, which means less cleanup for you! Serve it with a side salad or some garlic bread, and you’ve got a complete meal that’s sure to satisfy.
Why You Should Try This Recipe
This Creamy Dairy Free Chicken Alfredo is more than just delicious; it’s also versatile and healthy. As you explore this recipe, you’ll discover how easy it is to create a creamy, comforting dish without dairy. The use of almond milk and nutritional yeast not only makes it dairy-free but also infuses the dish with nutrients and flavors that are often missing in traditional recipes. Nutritional yeast is rich in B vitamins and provides a cheesy flavor, making it a must-have in dairy-free cooking.
In addition to its health benefits, you can easily customize the recipe to suit your preferences. Want to make it vegan? Simply substitute the chicken with your favorite plant-based protein. Craving some greens? Toss in some sautéed spinach or steamed broccoli. The possibilities are endless, allowing you to make this dish your own while keeping it healthy and delicious.
This recipe is also a great way to impress your friends and family. Serve it at your next gathering, and you’ll be the star of the evening! With its creamy texture and rich flavor, this dish is sure to be a hit, even among those who don’t follow a dairy-free diet. So why not give it a try? You might just find a new favorite!
Ingredients and Necessary Utensils
Ingredients
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 8 ounces fettuccine (or pasta of choice)
- 1 cup unsweetened almond milk (or other dairy-free milk)
- 1/2 cup nutritional yeast
- 2 tablespoons gluten-free flour (or all-purpose flour)
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Recommended Tools or Utensils
- Large pot for boiling pasta
- Large skillet for cooking chicken and sauce
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Whisk for mixing sauce
- Knife and cutting board for slicing chicken
- Serving spoon for tossing pasta
- Colander for draining pasta
Having the right utensils will make the cooking process smoother and more enjoyable. With just a few simple tools, you can create a delicious meal that everyone will love.
Detailed Recipe Steps
Now that you have your ingredients and tools ready, let’s dive into the steps to create your Creamy Dairy Free Chicken Alfredo!
- Cook the Pasta: In a large pot, bring salted water to a boil. Add the fettuccine and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Drain the pasta and set aside, making sure not to overcook it.
- Prepare the Chicken: While the pasta is cooking, season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper. Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Once hot, add the chicken breasts and cook for 6-7 minutes on each side, or until fully cooked and no longer pink in the center. Remove from the skillet and let rest before slicing into strips.
- Make the Alfredo Sauce: In the same skillet, add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant. Sprinkle in the gluten-free flour and stir for about 1 minute to form a roux. Gradually whisk in the almond milk, stirring constantly to avoid lumps. Add the nutritional yeast, onion powder, Italian seasoning, and lemon juice. Continue to cook for 3-5 minutes, stirring until the sauce thickens and is creamy.
- Combine: Add the cooked fettuccine to the Alfredo sauce and toss to coat the pasta evenly. Slice the cooked chicken and place it on top of the pasta, allowing the flavors to meld together.
- Serve: Garnish with fresh chopped parsley and additional nutritional yeast if desired. Serve immediately for the best flavor and enjoy your creamy dairy-free chicken Alfredo!
Cooking tip: For added flavor, consider marinating the chicken in your favorite herbs or spices before cooking. This enhances the overall taste and elevates the dish!
FAQs
Can I make this recipe vegan?
Absolutely! To make this Creamy Dairy Free Chicken Alfredo vegan, simply substitute the chicken with your choice of plant-based protein, such as tofu or tempeh. You can also add your favorite vegetables for extra nutrition.
What can I use instead of almond milk?
You can use any other dairy-free milk, such as soy milk, oat milk, or coconut milk. Each option will bring a unique flavor and texture to your Creamy Dairy Free Chicken Alfredo.
Can I add vegetables to this dish?
Yes! Adding vegetables like spinach, broccoli, or bell peppers can enhance the dish’s flavor and nutrition. Simply sauté them with the garlic when making the sauce.
How do I store leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat on the stove or in the microwave, adding a splash of almond milk to keep it creamy.
Conclusion
In summary, this Creamy Dairy Free Chicken Alfredo is a fantastic dish that is both delicious and easy to make. With its creamy sauce, tender chicken, and satisfying pasta, it’s sure to become a family favorite. Don’t hesitate to experiment with different vegetables or protein substitutes to make this dish your own. We’d love to hear your thoughts on the recipe! Please leave a comment below, share it with friends, or try it out for yourself. Enjoy your culinary adventure!
For more delicious recipes, check out Garlic Parmesan Meatballs with Creamy Dip or Spicy Honey Garlic Shrimp and Orzo with Chili Sauce.
Creamy Dairy Free Chicken Alfredo
Equipment
- Large Pot
- Skillet
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 pound Boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 tablespoon Olive oil
- to taste Salt
- to taste Pepper
- 8 ounces Fettuccine (or pasta of choice)
- 1 cup Unsweetened almond milk (or other dairy-free milk)
- 1/2 cup Nutritional yeast
- 2 tablespoons Gluten-free flour (or all-purpose flour)
- 2 cloves Garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon Onion powder
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1 tablespoon Lemon juice
- to taste Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
Instructions
- In a large pot, bring salted water to a boil. Add the fettuccine and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- While the pasta is cooking, season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper. Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chicken breasts and cook for 6-7 minutes on each side, or until fully cooked and no longer pink in the center. Remove from skillet and let rest before slicing.
- In the same skillet, add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant. Sprinkle in the gluten-free flour and stir for about 1 minute to form a roux. Gradually whisk in the almond milk, stirring constantly to avoid lumps. Add the nutritional yeast, onion powder, Italian seasoning, and lemon juice. Continue to cook for 3-5 minutes, stirring until the sauce thickens.
- Add the cooked fettuccine to the sauce and toss to coat the pasta evenly. Slice the cooked chicken and place it on top of the pasta.
- Garnish with fresh chopped parsley and additional nutritional yeast, if desired. Serve immediately and enjoy your creamy dairy-free chicken Alfredo!
