If you’ve been craving a luscious pasta dish without the heaviness of dairy, this Creamy Dairy-Free Chicken Alfredo Recipe is absolutely going to wow your taste buds. It combines tender, juicy chicken strips with a rich, velvety sauce made from almond and coconut milk, giving you all the comfort of classic Alfredo but completely dairy-free. Every bite delivers a silky texture paired with a bright, herb-infused flavor that feels indulgent yet nourishing. It’s the perfect meal to share with family or enjoy as a cozy solo dinner when you want something satisfying but wholesome.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are delightfully simple yet play a crucial role in creating the signature creaminess, savory depth, and balanced flavor of this dish. Each component adds its own special touch, whether it’s a fragrant note, luscious texture, or just the perfect seasoning.
- 1 lb (450g) boneless, skinless chicken breast: Sliced into strips for easy cooking and to soak up the sauce.
- 2 tbsp olive oil: Helps brown the chicken beautifully while adding a subtle fruity flavor.
- 1 small onion, finely chopped: Provides a sweet, aromatic base to the sauce.
- 2 cloves garlic, minced: Gives the dish a fragrant punch that’s absolutely essential for Alfredo.
- 1 cup (250ml) unsweetened almond milk: A creamy, dairy-free base that keeps the sauce smooth.
- 1 cup (240ml) unsweetened coconut milk: Adds richness and a naturally thick consistency to the sauce.
- 1/4 cup (60ml) vegetable or chicken broth: Balances the creaminess with some savory depth.
- 3 tbsp nutritional yeast: Brings in that cheesy, umami essence without any dairy.
- 2 tbsp tapioca starch (or cornstarch): Thickens the sauce perfectly for that ideal Alfredo texture.
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning: Infuses the sauce with classic Mediterranean herbs.
- Salt and pepper to taste: Essential for enhancing every layer of flavor.
- 1/4 cup (60g) dairy-free cheese shreds (optional): Adds an extra melty, cheesy feel if you want to go all out.
- 12 oz (340g) fettuccine pasta, uncooked: The perfect pasta to catch every bit of that dreamy sauce.
- Fresh parsley, chopped for garnish: A burst of freshness and color to finish the dish beautifully.
How to Make Creamy Dairy-Free Chicken Alfredo Recipe
Step 1: Cook the Pasta
Begin by cooking the fettuccine according to the package instructions. This sets the perfect foundation to carry that silky, dairy-free Alfredo sauce. Once cooked, drain the pasta well and set it aside to make room for prepping the sauce and chicken.
Step 2: Sauté the Chicken
Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chicken strips, seasoning with salt and pepper as they hit the pan. Cook them for about 5 to 7 minutes until they’re golden, juicy, and absolutely irresistible. Then, remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside to keep warm.
Step 3: Build the Flavor Base
Using the same skillet, add the finely chopped onion and sauté for 2 to 3 minutes, stirring occasionally until the onion turns translucent and sweetly fragrant. Next, stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute—this quick step unlocks all the garlicky goodness for your sauce.
Step 4: Create the Dairy-Free Sauce
Pour in the almond milk, coconut milk, and vegetable or chicken broth, stirring everything together seamlessly. Then sprinkle in the nutritional yeast, tapioca starch, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Whisk the mixture continually for 4 to 5 minutes until the sauce thickens into a rich, velvety consistency that’s begging to be devoured.
Step 5: Add Cheese and Chicken Back In
If you’re using dairy-free cheese shreds, now is the moment to stir them in and watch that extra layer of melty goodness meld into your sauce. Afterward, add the cooked chicken back into the skillet, coating each piece lovingly with that creamy Alfredo magic.
Step 6: Toss in the Pasta
Finally, add the cooked fettuccine pasta to the skillet. Toss everything together gently so each strand of pasta gets beautifully enveloped in the sauce, making sure no bite is left wanting. Your Creamy Dairy-Free Chicken Alfredo Recipe is just about ready to serve!
How to Serve Creamy Dairy-Free Chicken Alfredo Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh parsley is a fantastic finishing touch here—not only does it add a burst of lovely color, but it also brings a fresh, herbaceous contrast that lightens the overall richness of the dish. A sprinkle of extra nutritional yeast can also fan the cheesy flame if you’re feeling adventurous.
Side Dishes
Keep it light and vibrant with a crisp green salad dressed in lemon vinaigrette or roasted asparagus tossed with a little olive oil and garlic. These sides complement the creamy pasta perfectly, balancing out the meal without overpowering it.
Creative Ways to Present
For a crowd-pleaser twist, serve this Alfredo in hollowed-out bell peppers or atop a bed of spiralized zucchini noodles for a low-carb option. You might also plate it elegantly with a sprinkle of toasted pine nuts or a squeeze of fresh lemon juice for a little zing.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The sauce might thicken as it cools; simply stir well when reheating to bring back its creamy texture.
Freezing
While the texture of the sauce is best fresh, you can freeze leftover Creamy Dairy-Free Chicken Alfredo Recipe in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating gently.
Reheating
Warm leftovers in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of almond milk or broth if the sauce feels too thick. Stir regularly until heated through, taking care not to overcook the chicken or pasta to keep that perfect texture.
FAQs
Can I use other types of dairy-free milk?
Absolutely! Oat milk or cashew milk are great alternatives that also create a creamy sauce. Just pick unsweetened varieties to keep the flavors balanced.
Is tapioca starch necessary, or can I substitute it?
You can substitute tapioca starch with cornstarch in equal amounts. Both work wonderfully to thicken the sauce without altering the taste.
How spicy is this recipe? Can I add heat?
This recipe is mild by default, perfect for all palates. If you love a little heat, feel free to add crushed red pepper flakes when cooking the garlic or sprinkle some on top before serving.
Can I prepare this recipe vegan?
Yes! Simply replace the chicken with hearty mushrooms or tofu, and skip the optional dairy-free cheese if you like. The sauce stays creamy and delicious.
What pasta works best for this recipe?
Fettuccine is classic here because its wide ribbons hold onto the sauce beautifully. However, penne or linguine also work well if you prefer.
Final Thoughts
Trust me when I say this Creamy Dairy-Free Chicken Alfredo Recipe is a game changer if you want to enjoy that rich, comforting Alfredo without any dairy in sight. It’s simple to make, delights with every forkful, and brings those warm, cozy dinner vibes everyone loves. I hope you give this recipe a whirl soon and fall in love with its creamy goodness just like I did!
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Creamy Dairy-Free Chicken Alfredo Recipe
- Prep Time: 0h 15m
- Cook Time: 0h 25m
- Total Time: 0h 40m
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian-American
- Diet: Dairy Free
Description
This Creamy Dairy Free Chicken Alfredo recipe offers a rich and comforting pasta dish made without any dairy products. Using almond and coconut milk combined with nutritional yeast and tapioca starch, it creates a luscious sauce that perfectly coats tender chicken strips and fettuccine pasta, delivering a classic Alfredo flavor suitable for those avoiding dairy.
Ingredients
Chicken and Pasta
- 1 lb (450g) boneless, skinless chicken breast, sliced into strips
- 12 oz (340g) fettuccine pasta, uncooked
Sauce and Seasonings
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 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)
- Fresh parsley, chopped for garnish
Instructions
- Cook Pasta: Cook the fettuccine pasta according to the package instructions. Drain and set aside to be combined later with the sauce and chicken.
- Heat Oil: In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat to prepare for cooking the chicken.
- Cook Chicken: Add the sliced chicken breast to the skillet, seasoning with salt and pepper. Cook for 5-7 minutes until the chicken is fully cooked through and golden brown on the outside. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
- Sauté Onion: In the same skillet, add the finely chopped onion and sauté for about 2-3 minutes until the onions become translucent and soft.
- Add Garlic: Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute until the garlic becomes fragrant, enhancing the flavor base of the sauce.
- Add Liquids: Pour in the unsweetened almond milk, coconut milk, and vegetable or chicken broth. Stir well to combine all the liquid ingredients in the skillet.
- Thicken Sauce: Sprinkle the nutritional yeast, tapioca starch, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper into the skillet. Whisk continuously for about 4-5 minutes until the sauce thickens to a creamy consistency.
- Add Dairy-free Cheese (Optional): If using dairy-free cheese shreds, add them now and stir continuously until they melt completely into the sauce, making it even creamier.
- Return Chicken: Return the cooked chicken strips to the skillet and stir to ensure they are fully coated with the creamy sauce.
- Toss Pasta: Add the cooked fettuccine pasta to the skillet, tossing everything together to evenly distribute the sauce, chicken, and seasonings.
- Garnish and Serve: Garnish the dish with freshly chopped parsley for a pop of color and fresh flavor before serving hot.
Notes
- For a thicker sauce, increase tapioca starch slightly but be careful not to add too much to avoid a gummy texture.
- Dairy-free cheese shreds are optional but add extra richness and flavor to the sauce.
- Use gluten-free pasta if needed to make this recipe gluten-free compatible.
- Ensure to stir the sauce continuously when adding the starch to avoid lumps and achieve a smooth texture.
- Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper according to taste at the final stages for best flavor balance.
