Welcome to the ultimate comfort food experience with our Creamy Dairy Free Chicken Alfredo! This delightful dish combines tender pieces of chicken with perfectly cooked fettuccine, all enveloped in a rich and creamy dairy-free Alfredo sauce. Whether you’re lactose intolerant, vegan, or simply looking to enjoy a lighter take on a classic favorite, this recipe is sure to please. With its simplicity and flavor, you’ll find yourself reaching for seconds or even thirds!
This recipe is not just easy to prepare; it also boasts an array of healthy ingredients that make it a better option for your weeknight dinners. The sauce, made with unsweetened almond milk and nutritional yeast, is both creamy and flavorful, without the need for heavy creams or cheeses. Plus, it’s gluten-free if you opt for gluten-free pasta, making it a versatile dish for everyone at the table.
Join us as we delve into the details of this delectable Creamy Dairy Free Chicken Alfredo recipe. From the freshness of the ingredients to the step-by-step instructions, you’ll learn how to create this delight in your own kitchen. Let’s get cooking!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This Creamy Dairy Free Chicken Alfredo has several qualities that make it an irresistible choice for any meal. Here’s why you’ll fall head over heels for it:
- Healthier Alternative: Traditional Alfredo sauce is often laden with heavy cream and cheese, but this version swaps those out for unsweetened almond milk and nutritional yeast, offering a lighter yet still indulgent option.
- Quick and Easy: With just a few straightforward steps and minimal ingredients, you can prepare this dish in under 30 minutes, making it perfect for a busy weeknight dinner.
- Customizable: You can easily adapt this recipe to suit your dietary needs. Swap the chicken for tofu or your favorite vegetables to make it a vegan dish, or add in seasonal veggies for extra nutrition.
- Family-Friendly: This dish is a hit with both kids and adults alike. The creamy sauce and tender chicken make it a comforting meal that will satisfy even the pickiest of eaters.
- Leftover Friendly: The pasta and sauce hold up well in the fridge, making it a great dish for meal prep. Enjoy delicious leftovers for lunch or dinner the next day!
Why You Should Try This Recipe
If you’re looking for a delicious, satisfying meal that doesn’t compromise on flavor or health, our Creamy Dairy Free Chicken Alfredo is the perfect choice. Not only is it easy to whip up, but the ingredients are also wholesome and nutritious. Here are a few reasons to try it:
- Flavor Explosion: The combination of garlic, Italian seasoning, and lemon juice in the sauce creates an explosion of flavors that elevates the dish beyond the ordinary.
- Pasta Perfection: Fettuccine is the traditional choice for Alfredo, but feel free to use any pasta you love. The sauce clings beautifully to all types of noodles.
- Plant-Based Goodness: By using almond milk and nutritional yeast, you’re not only avoiding dairy but also adding in nutrients like calcium and vitamin B12, which are essential for a balanced diet.
- Easy Cleanup: One skillet and one pot are all you need, making this dish not only quick to prepare but also easy to clean up after.
- Perfect for Entertaining: Impress your guests with a creamy, gourmet dish that’s entirely dairy-free. It’s bound to be a conversation starter!
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 and Utensils
- Large pot for boiling pasta
- Skillet for cooking chicken and making the sauce
- Meat thermometer (optional, but helpful for ensuring chicken is fully cooked)
- Whisk for mixing the sauce
- Wooden spoon or spatula for stirring
- Knife and cutting board for slicing chicken and chopping parsley
- Measuring cups and spoons for accurate ingredient measurements
Detailed Recipe Steps
- 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 and set aside.
- 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. 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.
- 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.
- Combine: 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.
- Serve: Garnish with fresh chopped parsley and additional nutritional yeast, if desired. Serve immediately and enjoy your creamy dairy-free chicken Alfredo!
FAQs
Can I make this recipe vegan?
Yes! To make this Creamy Dairy Free Chicken Alfredo vegan, simply replace the chicken with tofu or your favorite vegetables, and be sure to use vegan-friendly pasta.
What can I use instead of nutritional yeast?
If you don’t have nutritional yeast, you can substitute it with vegan parmesan cheese or simply omit it. Keep in mind that the flavor will be different.
How can I make this recipe gluten-free?
To make this Creamy Dairy Free Chicken Alfredo gluten-free, use gluten-free pasta and flour in the recipe. Ensure all ingredients are certified gluten-free.
Can I meal prep this dish?
Absolutely! This dish keeps well in the fridge for up to 3 days. Just reheat gently on the stovetop or microwave before serving.
What sides pair well with Chicken Alfredo?
A fresh garden salad or steamed vegetables make excellent sides to complement the creamy richness of Creamy Dairy Free Chicken Alfredo.
Conclusion
In conclusion, this Creamy Dairy Free Chicken Alfredo recipe is not only a healthier alternative to a classic favorite but also a quick and simple meal that the whole family will love. With its creamy sauce, tender chicken, and delicious pasta, it’s bound to become a staple in your dinner rotation. Don’t forget to share your thoughts in the comments below, and if you enjoyed this recipe, please share it on social media!
For more delicious recipes, check out our recipe collection. Looking for something specific? Try our Easy Slow Cooker Salisbury Steak Recipe or Cheesy Chicken Pasta Recipe. Happy cooking!
For more inspirations, visit our Pinterest page!
Creamy Dairy Free Chicken Alfredo
Equipment
- Large Pot
- Large skillet
- Whisk
- Measuring Cups
- Measuring Spoons
- Knife
- Cutting Board
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
- 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!
