Dairy Free Chicken Alfredo
A rich, creamy, and comforting pasta dish without dairy, perfect for family dinners and weeknight meals.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 12 oz fettuccine or gluten-free pasta of choice Adjust based on dietary needs.
- 2 pieces boneless, skinless chicken breasts (halal, about 1 lb)
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Sauce Ingredients
- 2 tbsp dairy-free butter or plant-based spread
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup unsweetened almond milk (or other unsweetened plant milk)
- 1 cup unsweetened full-fat coconut milk (canned) Replace with more almond milk for a lighter sauce.
- 1/4 cup nutritional yeast For cheesy depth.
- 2 tsp lemon juice
- 1/2 tsp Dijon mustard
- 1/4 cup finely chopped fresh parsley
- 1/4 tsp ground nutmeg Optional.
Optional Topping
- 1/4 cup gluten-free herbed almond streusel See variations.
Instructions
Preparation
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the pasta until al dente according to package directions. Reserve 1/2 cup pasta water, then drain and set aside.
- Season chicken breasts with salt and pepper. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Sear chicken for 5–6 minutes per side until golden and cooked through (internal temp 165°F). Remove to a cutting board and slice thinly.
Sauce Preparation
- In the same skillet, lower heat to medium and add dairy-free butter. Sauté garlic for 30–45 seconds until fragrant.
- Stir in almond milk and coconut milk, whisking to combine.
- Add nutritional yeast, Dijon mustard, lemon juice, and nutmeg. Simmer gently for 3–5 minutes until slightly thickened. If the sauce seems thin, whisk in a little reserved pasta water until it reaches your desired consistency.
Combine and Serve
- Add drained pasta and sliced chicken to the skillet and toss to coat.
- Stir in parsley and season to taste.
- Plate immediately, garnishing with extra parsley and freshly cracked pepper.
Notes
Use a mix of unsweetened almond milk and canned coconut milk for richness without dairy. Adjust ratios to your taste. Save pasta water as it helps the sauce cling to noodles. Thinner slices of chicken distribute evenly through each bite.
Nutrition
Serving: 1gCalories: 450kcalCarbohydrates: 50gProtein: 30gFat: 15gSaturated Fat: 10gSodium: 600mgFiber: 4gSugar: 5g
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