Go Back
–+ servings
U3823717446 A Bright Close Up Shot Of Gluten Free One Pot Cre 76c10b62 83a5 4f63 9c83 383d033c849e 3

GF One-Pot Creamy Chicken Penne (Dairy Free Option)

sam
This one-pot creamy chicken penne is the perfect gluten-free comfort meal for cozy nights. With a dairy-free option included, it’s nourishing, rich, and made with simple ingredients, all in one pot for minimal cleanup and maximum flavor.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 35 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine Italian
Servings 4 servings

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

Use a sturdy gluten-free pasta that holds up to one-pot cooking. Stir often to prevent sticking. Add more broth if needed during cooking for a looser consistency.
Keyword chicken, Creamy Pasta, dairy free option, gluten-free, One Pot
Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!