GF One-Pot Creamy Chicken Penne (Dairy Free Option) is one of those recipes that never fails to bring comfort to the table, especially when the weather cools and the craving for something creamy and nourishing hits. My story with this dish begins not in a rustic Tuscan kitchen, but in a small American apartment kitchen, post-diagnosis. As a classically trained Italian chef, going gluten-free was hard. But I wasn’t about to give up my favorite dishes. So, I got creative. And that’s how this recipe was born, a gluten-free, one-pot creamy chicken penne that’s every bit as indulgent as the original, with a dairy-free twist option that makes it even more inclusive.
There’s something undeniably cozy about a single pot simmering on the stove, filling the air with garlic, herbs, and the promise of a satisfying dinner. This one’s a weeknight lifesaver: quick prep, minimal cleanup, and guaranteed smiles. And the best part? It’s naturally gluten-free, with a dairy-free variation so everyone at the table can dig in, worry-free.
GF One-Pot Creamy Chicken Penne (Dairy Free Option)
Equipment
- Large Skillet or Dutch Oven
- wooden spoon
- measuring cups
Ingredients
For the Base
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breast cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1 small yellow onion finely chopped
- 3 cloves garlic minced
- 2 tsp Italian seasoning
- salt and pepper to taste
To Simmer
- 12 oz gluten-free penne brown rice or chickpea pasta recommended
- 4 cups low-sodium chicken broth
- 1 cup unsweetened almond milk or oat milk or regular milk if not dairy-free
For Creaminess
- 1/4 cup dairy-free cream cheese or regular cream cheese
- 2 tbsp nutritional yeast or grated Parmesan if dairy is okay
- 1 tbsp gluten-free flour or cornstarch optional, for thickening
- 2 cups baby spinach optional, stirred in at the end
To Garnish
- chopped parsley
- cracked black pepper
- more cheese or nutritional yeast for topping
Instructions
- Step 1: Sear the Chicken
Heat olive oil in a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium heat. Season chicken with salt and pepper. Cook until golden on all sides, about 5–7 minutes. Remove and set aside. - Step 2: Sauté the Aromatics
In the same pot, sauté the onion until translucent, about 3 minutes. Add garlic and cook for 1 more minute. - Step 3: Simmer the Pasta
Add pasta, chicken broth, and plant milk. Stir to combine. Bring to a gentle boil, then simmer uncovered, stirring often, for 7–8 minutes. - Step 4: Add Back the Chicken
Return the cooked chicken to the pot. Continue simmering until pasta is cooked and the sauce thickens, about 13–15 minutes total. - Step 5: Make It Creamy
Lower heat and stir in cream cheese and nutritional yeast (or Parmesan). Add flour or cornstarch to thicken if needed. Stir in spinach and cook just until wilted. - Step 6: Serve and Enjoy
Top with parsley, cracked black pepper, and optional cheese or nutritional yeast. Serve warm straight from the pot.
Notes
Let’s dive in and make this a regular in your weeknight rotation.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Here’s what you’ll need to make this GF One-Pot Creamy Chicken Penne (Dairy Free Option):
For the base:
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breast (cut into bite-sized pieces)
- 1 small yellow onion, finely chopped
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 2 tsp Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
To simmer:
- 12 oz gluten-free penne (I like brown rice or chickpea pasta for structure)
- 4 cups low-sodium chicken broth
- 1 cup unsweetened almond milk or oat milk (or use regular milk if not dairy-free)
For creaminess:
- ¼ cup dairy-free cream cheese or regular cream cheese
- 2 tbsp nutritional yeast (or grated Parmesan if dairy is okay)
- 1 tbsp gluten-free flour or cornstarch (optional, for thickening)
- 2 cups baby spinach (optional, stirred in at the end)
To garnish:
- Chopped parsley
- Cracked black pepper
- More cheese or nutritional yeast on top
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Sear the chicken
In a large skillet or Dutch oven, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add your seasoned chicken and cook until golden on all sides, about 5–7 minutes. Remove the chicken and set aside.
Step 2: Sauté the aromatics
In the same pot, add a bit more oil if needed and sauté the onion until translucent, about 3 minutes. Stir in the garlic and cook for another minute. The house will already smell amazing.
Step 3: Simmer the pasta
Pour in your gluten-free penne, broth, and plant milk. Stir everything together, scraping up any golden bits from the bottom. Bring to a gentle boil, then reduce heat and simmer uncovered, stirring often to prevent sticking.
Step 4: Add back the chicken
Once the pasta starts to soften (around 7 minutes in), return the chicken to the pot. Let everything simmer together until the pasta is fully cooked and the liquid has reduced into a creamy consistency, about 13–15 minutes total cook time.
Step 5: Make it creamy
Reduce the heat to low. Stir in dairy-free cream cheese and nutritional yeast. If you want it thicker, sprinkle in a tablespoon of gluten-free flour or cornstarch. Mix until smooth and creamy. Toss in the spinach, if using, and stir just until wilted.
Step 6: Serve and enjoy
Finish with cracked pepper and fresh parsley. Serve hot, straight from the pot.
Looking for more gluten-free comfort food ideas? Don’t miss this collection of gluten-free chicken dinner recipes or this satisfying gluten-free casseroles roundup.
Tips for Success
- Stir often to prevent gluten-free pasta from sticking or clumping. Brown rice or lentil pasta works best for one-pot dishes.
- Simmer gently. Don’t crank the heat too high or the liquid will reduce too quickly before the pasta cooks.
- Add liquid if needed. If it gets too thick while cooking, add a splash more broth or milk to loosen things up.
- Dairy-free cream cheese is your best friend here! Brands made with cashews or coconut work beautifully.
- Nutritional yeast adds a cheesy umami flavor without the dairy, great for depth.
Variations & Swaps
- Make it spicy: Add red pepper flakes or stir in harissa or Calabrian chili paste.
- Add veggies: Toss in peas, mushrooms, or sun-dried tomatoes for extra color and texture.
- Swap the protein: Use turkey, shrimp, or keep it vegetarian with chickpeas.
- Use a different pasta: Short shapes like rigatoni or fusilli also work, just check cooking times.
- Cheesy finish: If dairy is okay, a handful of shredded mozzarella stirred in at the end takes it over the top.
If you like this easy one-pot style, check out my gluten-free one-pot green chili chicken rice, another weeknight winner.
Storage & Reheating
Storage:
Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
Reheating:
Reheat on the stovetop with a splash of milk or broth to loosen the sauce. Microwave works too, just stir halfway through.
Freezing?
Not recommended with gluten-free pasta, it tends to get mushy after thawing. Better to make fresh or enjoy within a few days.
Why Readers Love This GF One-Pot Creamy Chicken Penne
- All in one pot – less cleanup, more flavor.
- Customizable – works with different proteins and add-ins.
- Creamy without cream – thanks to dairy-free swaps.
- Hearty and wholesome – full of flavor and gluten-free satisfaction.
- Great for kids and picky eaters – mild, creamy, and cozy.
It’s right up there with other favorites like lemon herb chicken skillet and orange chicken, both of which make regular appearances at our table.
Looking for More Recipes Like This?
• Gluten-Free Dairy-Free Chicken Meals
• Gluten-Free Chicken Noodle Soup
• Gluten-Free Chicken Piccata
You’ll find something hearty, wholesome, and always gluten-free.