If you’re craving a luscious, comforting pasta dish but need to avoid dairy, look no further than this Creamy Dairy-Free Chicken Alfredo Recipe. It takes everything you love about classic Alfredo—the rich, velvety sauce and tender chicken—and transforms it into a dish that’s entirely plant-based in its creamy goodness. Picture silky almond and coconut milk unfolding into a savory sauce enhanced by nutritional yeast and Italian herbs, perfectly coating every strand of fettuccine and strip of chicken. This recipe feels indulgent yet light, making it a new favorite for anyone looking to enjoy dairy-free dining without sacrificing flavor or texture.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are refreshingly simple yet work beautifully together to create a sauce that’s rich, flavorful, and perfectly balanced. Each component plays a crucial role from tender chicken strips to the creamy plant-based milk and flavorful herbs that bring this dish to life.
- Boneless, skinless chicken breast (1 lb): Sliced into strips for quick cooking and even coating with the sauce.
- Olive oil (2 tbsp): Adds healthy fats and a subtle fruity aroma to sauté the chicken and aromatics.
- Small onion (1), finely chopped: Brings a mild sweetness and depth to the sauce base.
- Garlic cloves (2), minced: The classic flavor enhancer for an irresistible savory punch.
- Unsweetened almond milk (1 cup): Adds creaminess without dairy while keeping the sauce light.
- Unsweetened coconut milk (1 cup): Provides richness and body to the sauce with a gentle tropical hint.
- Vegetable or chicken broth (1/4 cup): Boosts flavor and helps deglaze the pan for that savory base.
- Nutritional yeast (3 tbsp): A star ingredient for cheesy flavor and added nutrients.
- Tapioca starch (2 tbsp): Thickens the sauce smoothly without any grainy texture; cornstarch works too.
- Italian seasoning (1 tsp): A fragrant blend of herbs that ties everything together.
- Salt and pepper: To taste, enhancing all the natural flavors.
- Dairy-free cheese shreds (1/4 cup, optional): For that extra melty, cheesy touch if you like.
- Fettuccine pasta (12 oz): The perfect shape to hold all that creamy sauce.
- Fresh parsley, chopped: Adds a burst of color and fresh herbal brightness as garnish.
How to Make Creamy Dairy-Free Chicken Alfredo Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Pasta
Start by cooking the fettuccine pasta according to package instructions. This ensures your noodles are perfectly tender and ready to soak up the creamy sauce later. Once cooked, drain and set them aside so they don’t overcook or stick together.
Step 2: Cook the Chicken
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Season your chicken strips with salt and pepper, then cook them thoroughly until golden brown on the outside and juicy on the inside, about 5 to 7 minutes. Once cooked, remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside—this gives you that beautifully seared texture without the chicken soaking up too much sauce prematurely.
Step 3: Sauté Onion and Garlic
Using the same skillet, add finely chopped onion and sauté until it turns translucent and soft, roughly 2 to 3 minutes. Add minced garlic next and let it cook just until fragrant—this step elevates the flavor base of your Alfredo sauce considerably.
Step 4: Build the Creamy Sauce
Pour in the almond milk, coconut milk, and broth, stirring well to combine. Then add nutritional yeast, tapioca starch, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Whisk continuously to prevent lumps and allow the sauce to thicken beautifully over 4 to 5 minutes. This technique creates that signature silky texture reminiscent of traditional Alfredo sauce without any dairy.
Step 5: Add Cheese and Chicken
If you choose to use dairy-free cheese shreds, stir them in now, letting them melt completely into the sauce for added richness. Next, return the cooked chicken to the skillet, tossing it gently to ensure every piece is luxuriously coated in the creamy sauce.
Step 6: Combine Pasta and Sauce
Finally, add your drained fettuccine to the skillet and carefully toss everything together until the pasta is fully covered in that flavorful sauce. This step is where the magic happens—bringing all the components together for a harmonious dish ready to delight your palate.
How to Serve Creamy Dairy-Free Chicken Alfredo Recipe
Garnishes
Freshly chopped parsley sprinkled over the top adds a lovely pop of green and a fresh, herbal note that cuts through the creamy richness. If you want to elevate it further, a sprinkle of black pepper or a pinch of red chili flakes can add a nice touch of heat and sparkle.
Side Dishes
This dish pairs beautifully with crisp, steamed vegetables like broccoli or asparagus for a healthy crunch contrast. A light side salad with lemon vinaigrette also complements the richness, balancing every bite with bright, tangy freshness.
Creative Ways to Present
For a dinner party twist, serve your creamy dairy-free chicken Alfredo in individual bowls topped with edible flowers or extra fresh herbs. Alternatively, bake the combined pasta in a casserole dish topped with additional dairy-free cheese, and broil until golden and bubbly for a fun, baked version that’s sure to impress.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Any leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors will deepen a bit overnight, making for a delicious next-day meal that heats up beautifully.
Freezing
This creamy dairy-free chicken Alfredo recipe freezes well. Portion it into freezer-safe containers and store for up to 2 months. Just note the texture of the pasta may soften slightly upon thawing, so undercooking the pasta slightly before mixing is a good tip if you plan to freeze.
Reheating
To reheat, thaw refrigerated or frozen portions in the fridge overnight, then gently warm on the stovetop over medium-low heat. Stir frequently to maintain the sauce’s creamy consistency and avoid burning. Adding a splash of almond milk when reheating can help revive the creaminess.
FAQs
Can I use other plant-based milks in this recipe?
Absolutely! While almond and coconut milk offer a great balance of creaminess and flavor, you can try cashew, oat, or soy milk—just be sure to pick unsweetened varieties to keep the sauce savory.
Is tapioca starch necessary, or can I use a substitute?
Tapioca starch helps achieve the creamy, thick texture without clumps. Cornstarch works as a substitute, but you might notice a slight difference in texture. Arrowroot is another option but use less since it thickens more intensely.
How can I make this recipe vegan?
Omit the chicken and increase the veggies, like mushrooms or cauliflower, or add plant-based protein such as tofu or tempeh. The sauce remains just as luxurious without animal products.
Can I prepare parts of this recipe in advance?
Yes! You can cook the chicken and pasta ahead of time and keep them refrigerated separately. When ready to serve, just whip up the sauce and combine everything quickly.
Will this recipe work with gluten-free pasta?
Definitely! Gluten-free fettuccine or any other pasta you prefer can be used to accommodate dietary needs without compromising the flavor or texture of your Creamy Dairy-Free Chicken Alfredo Recipe.
Final Thoughts
This Creamy Dairy-Free Chicken Alfredo Recipe is the perfect way to enjoy a comforting classic without any dairy. It’s full of flavor, easy to prepare, and endlessly satisfying. I truly hope you give it a try and discover just how delicious and creamy dairy-free pasta dishes can be. It’s a recipe that will soon become a staple in your kitchen, guaranteed to impress family and friends alike.
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Creamy Dairy-Free Chicken Alfredo Recipe
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
This Creamy Dairy Free Chicken Alfredo is a deliciously rich and comforting pasta dish made without any dairy ingredients. Featuring tender strips of chicken breast cooked in a luscious sauce crafted from almond milk, coconut milk, and nutritional yeast, this recipe offers a flavorful and creamy alternative to traditional Alfredo. Perfect for those who are lactose intolerant or seeking a dairy-free meal, it combines wholesome ingredients with simple cooking techniques for a satisfying dinner.
Ingredients
Chicken
- 1 lb (450g) boneless, skinless chicken breast, sliced into strips
- 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
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1/4 cup (60g) dairy-free cheese shreds (optional)
Pasta & Garnish
- 12 oz (340g) fettuccine pasta, uncooked
- Fresh parsley, chopped for garnish
Instructions
- Cook Pasta: Cook the fettuccine pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside to be combined with the sauce later.
- Cook Chicken: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the sliced chicken breast and season with salt and pepper. Cook for 5-7 minutes, turning occasionally, until the chicken is fully cooked through and golden brown. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
- Sauté Aromatics: In the same skillet, add the finely chopped onion and sauté for 2-3 minutes until translucent and softened.
- Add Garlic: Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute until fragrant, being careful not to burn it.
- Combine Liquids: Pour in the unsweetened almond milk, unsweetened coconut milk, and vegetable or chicken broth. Stir to combine the liquids evenly.
- Create Sauce Base: Add the nutritional yeast, tapioca starch, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper to the skillet. Whisk continuously to prevent lumps and cook for 4-5 minutes until the sauce thickens to a creamy consistency.
- Add Dairy-Free Cheese: If using, stir in the dairy-free cheese shreds, allowing them to melt and incorporate into the sauce.
- Return Chicken to Sauce: Place the cooked chicken back into the skillet and toss to ensure the pieces are well coated with the creamy sauce.
- Add Pasta and Combine: Add the cooked fettuccine pasta to the skillet, tossing everything together gently but thoroughly so the pasta is evenly coated with the sauce and chicken.
- Garnish and Serve: Garnish the dish with freshly chopped parsley before serving to add a pop of color and fresh flavor.
Notes
- You can substitute tapioca starch with cornstarch if preferred; both work well as thickening agents.
- For a spicier variation, add crushed red pepper flakes along with the Italian seasoning.
- If dairy-free cheese is not available, the sauce is still delicious without it due to the nutritional yeast adding a cheesy flavor.
- Ensure not to overcook the chicken strips to keep them tender and juicy.
- Use gluten-free pasta if you want to make the dish gluten-free.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian-American
