If you’re craving the comfort of a rich, creamy pasta but can’t do dairy, this Creamy Dairy Free Chicken Alfredo will absolutely hit the spot. It’s silky, satisfying, and comes together in under 30 minutes—no cream, cheese, or butter required. This is one of the best dairy free dinners that’s perfect for anyone following a dairy-free lifestyle, or just looking for healthy chicken recipes dairy free style.
With simple ingredients and tons of flavor, this dish is ideal for couples, families, or even solo meal prep. Whether you’re seeking easy dinner recipes for two dairy free, cooking for kids, or just looking for a light, gut-friendly meal, you’ll find this creamy pasta recipe becoming a weeknight staple.
Table of Contents
Why Choose a Dairy Free Alfredo Sauce?
Traditional Alfredo sauce is made with heavy cream, butter, and lots of cheese. While delicious, it’s far from dairy-free and often not friendly to those with lactose intolerance, dairy allergies, or anti-inflammatory diets. By choosing a non dairy Alfredo sauce, you’re not only skipping the bloat and heaviness, but also creating a lighter, cleaner dish.
This chicken non dairy recipe uses a creamy base made from unsweetened dairy-free milk, nutritional yeast, and arrowroot starch or cornstarch to mimic the texture and flavor of traditional Alfredo without sacrificing creaminess. It’s the best of both worlds: indulgent and health-conscious.
Looking for more dairy-free inspiration? Don’t miss our ultra-satisfying Garlic Parmesan Chicken Skewers—yes, you can make them dairy-free with a few easy swaps!
Who Is This Easy Dinner Recipe For?
This recipe is for anyone who:
- Wants a creamy pasta dinner without dairy
- Is searching for easy meals for dinner dairy free
- Needs low carb non dairy meals that are still comforting
- Is cooking dairy free recipes chicken based for a family
- Is trying to eat clean, healthier, or simply new recipes with classic flavor
It’s especially perfect for:
- Couples looking for easy dinner recipes for two dairy free
- Parents needing easy dinner recipes for family dairy free style
- Meal preppers needing a base protein meal for the week
- People who love pasta but want a lighter option
And if you’re into family-friendly breakfast ideas too, our Mini Pancake Cereal or Pumpkin Twists will keep mornings just as exciting.
Ingredients for Creamy Dairy Free Chicken Alfredo
Here’s everything you need to create this dish. Be sure to choose unsweetened, unflavored non-dairy milk to avoid any unwanted sweetness.
For the Chicken:
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (around 1 lb / 450g)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon paprika (optional)
For the Dairy-Free Alfredo Sauce:
- 1 tablespoon olive oil or dairy-free butter
- 2–3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons arrowroot starch or cornstarch
- 1¾ cup unsweetened almond milk (or oat, soy, or cashew milk)
- 3 tablespoons nutritional yeast
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 1 teaspoon lemon juice (optional, for brightness)
Pasta:
- 8 oz (225g) of fettuccine, spaghetti, or gluten-free pasta of choice
Optional Add-ins:
- Steamed broccoli
- Mushrooms
- Spinach or kale
- Red pepper flakes for heat
Kitchen Tools You’ll Need for This Recipe
You don’t need any special equipment for this dairy free chicken Alfredo, just kitchen basics:
- Large skillet
- Saucepan for pasta
- Whisk
- Knife and cutting board
- Tongs or spatula
- Measuring cups and spoons
Want a side dish idea? Serve this pasta with a crisp, fresh Cucumber Dill Salad or roasted Honey Glazed Carrots and Green Beans for a balanced plate.
How to Make Dairy Free Chicken Alfredo – Step-by-Step
This meal is ready in about 30 minutes from start to finish. Here’s how to make it:
- Cook the Pasta
Boil a pot of salted water and cook the pasta according to package directions. Drain and set aside. - Cook the Chicken
Season chicken breasts with garlic powder, salt, pepper, and paprika. Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Cook chicken for 5–6 minutes per side until golden and cooked through. Remove and slice. - Make the Dairy-Free Alfredo Sauce
In the same skillet, add olive oil or vegan butter and sauté garlic until fragrant. Whisk in the starch and slowly pour in the almond milk, whisking continuously. Add nutritional yeast, salt, and pepper. Simmer on low heat for 4–5 minutes until thickened. Add lemon juice if using. - Combine and Serve
Add cooked pasta and sliced chicken back to the skillet. Toss everything to coat evenly in the sauce. Serve warm with a sprinkle of fresh herbs or red pepper flakes.
Craving a bite of sweetness after dinner? Try our dairy-free friendly Pumpkin Cheesecake Cookies or Strawberry Cloud Cake for dessert.
Tips for Making the Best Dairy Free Chicken Recipes
- Use full-fat plant milk like oat or cashew for the creamiest texture
- Don’t skip the nutritional yeast—it gives a cheesy depth
- Adjust seasonings to taste: more garlic for flavor, lemon for brightness
- Slice the chicken thin for faster cooking and even flavor distribution
- Add veggies like spinach or mushrooms to bulk it up
Love savory dinners with flair? Check out our popular Crockpot Fajitas for another family favorite with no dairy required.
Dinner Recipes with No Dairy: Easy Variations and Add-Ins
Want to customize this recipe? Try these ideas:
- Low Carb Option: Serve over zucchini noodles or spaghetti squash
- Protein Boost: Add shrimp or tofu instead of chicken
- Kid-Friendly: Use short pasta like penne and add steamed veggies
- Extra Rich: Stir in a spoonful of dairy-free cream cheese or coconut cream
For a creative twist on classic pasta, you may also love our Creamy Sun-Dried Tomato Vegan Pasta.
How to Serve and Plate Dairy Free Alfredo
Presentation makes a difference, even on a weeknight. Here are some serving ideas:
- Plate pasta in a shallow bowl with chicken on top
- Garnish with chopped parsley or basil
- Add lemon zest or red pepper flakes for color and pop
- Pair with garlic bread made using dairy-free butter or oil
A light, refreshing drink like Lavender Lemonade pairs beautifully with this dish.
Make-Ahead and Storage Instructions
This recipe is great for meal prepping:
- Fridge: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days
- Freezer: Freeze sauce and chicken separately for up to 2 months
- Reheat: Gently reheat in a skillet with a splash of plant milk to loosen the sauce
Planning ahead? Use this as a base for easy dinner recipes for family dairy free style during a busy week.
Healthy Chicken Recipes Dairy Free Meal Prep Ideas
This dish works well in:
- Bento-style lunch containers with steamed veggies
- Grain bowls with quinoa or cauliflower rice
- Pasta salad-style meals with dairy-free pesto and cherry tomatoes
For a quick morning option to match, prep our Brown Sugar Overnight Oats—also dairy free and delicious.
Common Mistakes to Avoid When Making Alfredo Without Dairy
- Using sweetened milk: Double-check the label to avoid ruining the flavor
- Over-thickening: Use gentle heat and stir often to prevent clumps
- Skipping the yeast: It’s the key to that cheesy umami flavor
- Overcooking the chicken: Slice it thin and keep it juicy
Want a dairy-free breakfast idea too? Don’t miss our Pumpkin Cinnamon Rolls made without traditional cream cheese!
Low Carb and Gluten-Free Options for Non-Dairy Chicken Alfredo
For those following a low-carb or gluten-free lifestyle:
- Use spiralized zucchini or hearts of palm pasta
- Try almond flour-based gnocchi or cauliflower pasta
- Use arrowroot starch instead of cornstarch
- Skip the pasta entirely and serve with steamed broccoli or cauliflower
Need more low-carb options? Try our High Protein Steak and Shrimp Stir Fry or Ground Turkey and Peppers Stir Fry.
FAQ: Dairy Free Recipes Chicken Lovers Will Ask
Can I make this ahead?
Yes, it stores well and even freezes for quick dinners.
Can I use a different plant milk?
Yes—just ensure it’s unsweetened and unflavored.
What can I use instead of nutritional yeast?
It’s essential for flavor, but in a pinch, use miso paste or leave it out.
Can I make this gluten-free?
Absolutely! Just use gluten-free pasta and thickener.
Final Thoughts: The Best Dairy Free Dinner You’ll Ever Make
This Creamy Dairy Free Chicken Alfredo is proof that you don’t need dairy to enjoy indulgent, flavorful meals. With clean, wholesome ingredients, and all the richness of traditional Alfredo, it’s a must-try for anyone craving comfort food without the compromise. From cozy dinners for two to kid-friendly family meals, this is a dairy-free classic you’ll want on your regular rotation.
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PrintCreamy Dairy Free Chicken Alfredo (Easy & Family Friendly)
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Description
Creamy Dairy Free Chicken Alfredo is a rich, comforting pasta dish made without cream, butter, or cheese. Tender seasoned chicken is tossed with pasta in a silky dairy-free Alfredo sauce made from plant-based milk and nutritional yeast. Ready in under 30 minutes, this easy dinner is perfect for couples, families, or meal prep.
Ingredients
Chicken:
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1 lb)
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- ½ tsp garlic powder
- ½ tsp paprika (optional)
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
Dairy-Free Alfredo Sauce:
- 1 tbsp olive oil or dairy-free butter
- 2–3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tbsp arrowroot starch or cornstarch
- 1¾ cups unsweetened almond milk (or oat/cashew milk)
- 3 tbsp nutritional yeast
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- 1 tsp lemon juice (optional)
Pasta:
- 8 oz fettuccine, spaghetti, or gluten-free pasta
Optional Add-Ins:
- Broccoli, mushrooms, spinach, or kale
- Red pepper flakes
Instructions
- Cook pasta: Boil pasta in salted water according to package directions. Drain and set aside.
- Cook chicken: Season chicken with garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. Heat olive oil in a skillet and cook chicken 5–6 minutes per side until golden and cooked through. Remove and slice.
- Make sauce: In the same skillet, add olive oil or dairy-free butter and sauté garlic until fragrant. Whisk in starch, then slowly add plant milk while whisking.
- Thicken: Stir in nutritional yeast, salt, and pepper. Simmer on low 4–5 minutes until creamy. Add lemon juice if using.
- Combine: Add pasta and sliced chicken back to skillet and toss to coat evenly.
- Serve: Garnish with herbs or red pepper flakes and serve warm.
Notes
- Creamiest texture: Use full-fat unsweetened oat or cashew milk.
- Flavor boost: Nutritional yeast adds cheesy depth—don’t skip it.
- Low-carb: Serve over zucchini noodles or spaghetti squash.
- Storage: Refrigerate up to 4 days; reheat with a splash of plant milk.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian-Inspired
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 480
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 620mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 13g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 34g
- Cholesterol: 95mg
Keywords: creamy dairy free chicken alfredo, dairy free alfredo sauce, non dairy chicken pasta, healthy chicken alfredo dairy free, easy dairy free dinner


