Gluten Free Chicken Alfredo (Lemon Chicken Pasta Bake (GF DF)) is one of those recipes that brings everything together, creamy comfort, bright citrus, and wholesome nourishment. It’s a dish that speaks of Sunday nights, family dinners, and the kind of meals you want to make again and again.
My story? I’m Sam, Tuscan-born chef turned gluten-free food lover after years of unexplained fatigue led me to uncover my gluten intolerance. Since then, GoldenGlutenFree.com has been my space to reclaim Italian classics like this one, turning them into recipes that work for a gluten- and dairy-free lifestyle without losing their soul.
This pasta bake is creamy like traditional Alfredo, but dairy-free. It’s zesty thanks to fresh lemon, and cozy thanks to the baked finish. Plus, it’s the kind of meal that fills your kitchen with warmth and your plate with joy.
Gluten Free Chicken Alfredo (Lemon Chicken Pasta Bake GF DF)
Equipment
- skillet
- pot
- baking dish
- whisk
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 12 oz gluten-free penne or fusilli pasta
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breast cut into bite-sized pieces
- salt and pepper to taste
- 3 cloves garlic minced
- 1 lemon zest and juice
- 1 tbsp fresh parsley chopped
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1 cup unsweetened oat or almond milk
- 1 1/2 tbsp gluten-free flour or cornstarch for thickening
- 3/4 cup dairy-free parmesan-style cheese like Violife
- 1/2 cup dairy-free mozzarella-style cheese for topping, optional
Instructions
- Step 1: Prep and Cook the Pasta
Cook the gluten-free pasta according to package directions, but reduce the cooking time by 1–2 minutes. Drain and set aside. - Step 2: Sauté the Chicken
In a large skillet, heat olive oil. Season chicken with salt, pepper, and oregano. Sauté over medium-high heat for 7–8 minutes until golden and cooked through. Add garlic, lemon zest, and juice. Stir and remove from heat. - Step 3: Make the Sauce
In a small pot, whisk milk and gluten-free flour. Heat gently while whisking until thickened, about 5 minutes. Stir in dairy-free parmesan. Season with salt and pepper. - Step 4: Assemble the Bake
In a large baking dish, combine the cooked pasta, chicken mixture, and Alfredo sauce. Toss to coat. Top with dairy-free mozzarella if desired. - Step 5: Bake to Perfection
Bake at 375°F (190°C) for 20 minutes or until bubbly and golden. Garnish with chopped parsley before serving.
Notes
Let’s dive into the recipe, step-by-step.
Ingredients for Lemon Chicken Pasta Bake (GF DF)
Here’s everything you’ll need for this Gluten Free Chicken Alfredo (Lemon Chicken Pasta Bake GF DF), made without dairy or gluten, but with all the flavor.
Main Ingredients:
- 12 oz gluten-free penne or fusilli pasta
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breast, cut into bite-sized pieces
- Salt & pepper to taste
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- Zest of 1 lemon
- Juice of 1 large lemon
- 1 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1 cup unsweetened oat or almond milk
- 1 ½ tbsp gluten-free flour or cornstarch (for thickening)
- ¾ cup dairy-free parmesan-style cheese (like Violife)
- ½ cup dairy-free mozzarella-style cheese for topping (optional)
If you’re looking for a collection of similar meal ideas, check out this roundup of gluten-free dairy-free chicken meals or explore easy gluten-free dinner recipes that are also allergy-friendly.
Step-by-Step Instructions
This bake comes together in under an hour and is beginner-friendly. Here’s how:
Step 1: Prep and Cook the Pasta
Cook gluten-free pasta according to package directions, but reduce cooking time by 1-2 minutes (you’ll bake it later). Drain and set aside.
Step 2: Sauté the Chicken
In a large skillet, heat olive oil. Season chicken with salt, pepper, and oregano. Sauté over medium-high heat until golden and cooked through, about 7–8 minutes. Add garlic, lemon zest, and juice. Stir and remove from heat.
Step 3: Make the Sauce
In a small pot, whisk milk and gluten-free flour. Heat gently, whisking constantly until thickened (about 5 minutes). Stir in dairy-free parmesan. Season with a pinch of salt and black pepper.
Step 4: Assemble the Bake
In a large baking dish, combine cooked pasta, chicken mixture, and sauce. Toss until well coated. Top with dairy-free mozzarella if using.
Step 5: Bake to Perfection
Bake at 375°F (190°C) for 20 minutes or until bubbly and golden. Garnish with parsley before serving.
This dish pairs beautifully with a side of gluten-free casseroles or a simple green salad for balance.
Tips for Success
This dish is easy, but a few tips make it even better:
- Undercook pasta slightly: It finishes cooking in the oven and keeps from becoming mushy.
- Use fresh lemon juice: Bottled juice just doesn’t give the same vibrant flavor.
- Thicken the sauce well: You want a silky Alfredo-style texture that hugs every bite.
- Use oven-safe cookware: This lets you sauté and bake in one dish, saving cleanup.
For other simple, cozy gluten-free chicken dinners, you might enjoy this lemon herb gluten-free chicken skillet or classic meatloaf with mashed potatoes.
Variations and Substitutions
Gluten-Free & Dairy-Free Options
This dish already is both, but here are more ideas:
- Pasta: Use brown rice, chickpea, or quinoa-based pasta depending on texture preference.
- Cheese: Swap dairy-free parmesan with nutritional yeast for a nutty, lighter version.
Add Veggies
Add sautéed spinach, zucchini, or peas for color and nutrition.
Make it a One-Pan Meal
If you’re in a hurry, skip the bake and serve directly from the pan after combining sauce, pasta, and chicken. Like this quick chicken stir-fry, it’s perfect for weeknights.
Storage and Reheating
This Gluten Free Chicken Alfredo (Lemon Chicken Pasta Bake GF DF) stores beautifully.
Refrigeration:
- Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
- Reheat in the oven at 350°F or in the microwave with a splash of milk to keep it creamy.
Freezing:
- Freeze unbaked version for up to 2 months.
- To bake from frozen, cover with foil and bake at 375°F for 45–50 minutes.
It’s also great for prepping weekday lunches. Just like these chicken and veggie lunch boxes, this bake travels well and reheats like a dream.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I use pre-cooked rotisserie chicken?
Yes! Just skip the sauté step and mix it in before baking.
2. What dairy-free cheese melts best for this recipe?
Violife or Follow Your Heart both melt nicely and taste close to real cheese.
3. Is this recipe kid-friendly?
Absolutely. It’s creamy, mild, and perfect for picky eaters.
4. Can I make this without baking?
Yes, simply mix everything in the pan and serve it hot, similar to one-pan chicken recipes.
Conclusion
Gluten Free Chicken Alfredo (Lemon Chicken Pasta Bake GF DF) is a recipe that hits all the right notes, creamy, tangy, cozy, and nourishing. It’s the kind of dish that brings comfort and connection to your table. Whether you’re gluten-free by necessity or choice, you won’t miss a thing with this pasta bake.
Looking for more recipes like this? Browse my collection of gluten-free chicken dinner ideas or try something hearty like these easy gluten-free meals that are full of flavor and free from compromise.