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