Dairy Free Chicken Alfredo
A creamy, comforting pasta dish made with dairy-free ingredients, featuring tender chicken and nutrient-rich spinach in a luscious Alfredo sauce.
Ingredients
Chicken and Seasonings
- 1.25 lbs Chicken breast (diced small)
- 1.75 tsp sweet smoked paprika
- 1.5 tsp oregano
- 1.5 tsp garlic powder
- 0.5 tsp thyme
- 0.5 tsp black pepper
- 0.5 tsp salt
Pasta and Sauce
- 12 oz gluten-free farfalle
- 4 tbsp dairy free butter
- 2 tbsp minced onion
- 2 tsp Italian seasoning
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 0.5 tsp salt
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 1.67 tbsp gluten free 1:1 flour
- 2 cups dairy free heavy cream
- 2 cups chopped spinach
- 8 oz dairy free parmesan (shredded)
- 2 tbsp pasta water (as needed)
Instructions
Preparation
- Boil the farfalle in a large pot of water according to the package directions for al dente. Drain and set aside, reserving a bit of the pasta water.
- In a small bowl, combine the chicken and all seasonings. Toss until the chicken is thoroughly coated.
Cooking
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Sear the chicken for 3 to 4 minutes on each side until it reaches an internal temperature of 165 degrees. Transfer the chicken to a plate.
- In the same skillet, add dairy-free butter and allow it to melt. Stir in the sauce seasonings and let them simmer for about a minute.
- Add gluten-free flour to the skillet, mixing well while scraping the bottom.
- Pour in the chicken broth and dairy-free heavy cream. Add the chopped spinach and whisk until well combined. Simmer while whisking for 3 to 4 minutes until the sauce becomes rich and creamy.
- Add the dairy-free parmesan cheese, stirring until fully melted. Continue to cook, stirring occasionally, until the sauce reaches your desired thickness.
- Toss the cooked pasta in the sauce until well coated. If the sauce is too thick, add a tablespoon of reserved pasta water to thin it out.
- Finally, add the chicken back into the skillet. Gently stir to ensure everything is coated.
Notes
For deeper flavors, marinate the chicken with the seasonings for 30 minutes before cooking. You can incorporate other vegetables like broccoli or bell peppers for added nutrition. Ensure dairy-free products are certified gluten-free if needed.