Dairy Free Marry Me Chicken Pasta
A cozy, dairy-free chicken pasta dish combining creamy flavors with roasted tomatoes, perfect for a comforting dinner.
Ingredients
Pasta
- 12 oz pasta of choice (penne, rigatoni, or a gluten-free pasta)
Chicken
- 1.5 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts, sliced into strips
Cooking Ingredients
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 medium onion, thinly sliced
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 cup low-sodium chicken broth
- 1 cup full-fat coconut milk or another unsweetened dairy-free cream
- 1/4 cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped
- 1 tbsp tomato paste
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1/4 cup fresh basil, torn
- Red pepper flakes, optional for heat
- Fresh lemon zest and juice to finish
Instructions
Preparation
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook pasta 1–2 minutes shy of package directions, then drain and reserve 1/2 cup pasta water.
- Pat chicken dry and season with smoked paprika, salt, and pepper.
Cooking
- In a large skillet over medium-high heat, warm 1 tbsp olive oil. Sear chicken in batches until golden and cooked through, about 3–4 minutes per side. Remove and set aside.
- In the same skillet, lower heat to medium and add remaining olive oil. Sauté onion until translucent, about 4 minutes.
- Add garlic and cook 30 seconds until fragrant. Stir in cherry tomatoes and sun-dried tomatoes; let soften and begin to burst.
- Mix in tomato paste, chicken broth, and dairy-free cream, scraping any browned bits from the pan. Bring to a gentle simmer.
- Return chicken to the skillet along with the partially cooked pasta. Toss to combine, adding reserved pasta water a tablespoon at a time if the sauce needs loosening. Simmer for 2–3 minutes to meld flavors.
- Stir in fresh basil, lemon zest, and a squeeze of lemon juice. Sprinkle with red pepper flakes if using. Plate and enjoy warm.
Notes
Use good-quality dairy-free cream for rich texture. Don't overcook the pasta to avoid mushiness. Taste and adjust seasoning before serving. For a one-pan option, cook pasta separately.
Nutrition
Serving: 1gCalories: 540kcalCarbohydrates: 60gProtein: 28gFat: 20gSaturated Fat: 12gSodium: 700mgFiber: 4gSugar: 3g
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