Description

A zesty, creamy (yet dairy-free) Lemon Chicken Pasta Bake that’s wholesome, gluten-free, and satisfying. Packed with protein, bright lemon flavor, and fresh herbs, this dish is comforting without being heavy—perfect for family dinners, meal prep, or clean eating plans.

Ingredients

Scale

12 oz gluten-free penne or rotini pasta
2 tbsp olive oil
1 ½ lbs boneless skinless chicken breasts, chopped
Salt and pepper, to taste
3 garlic cloves, minced
2 tbsp gluten-free all-purpose flour (or arrowroot powder)
2 cups low-sodium chicken broth
½ cup unsweetened oat milk (or almond milk)
Zest and juice of 1 large lemon
1 tsp Italian seasoning
¼ cup chopped fresh parsley
Optional topping: dairy-free shredded cheese (cashew mozzarella or almond cheddar)

Instructions

Cook pasta: Boil salted water and cook gluten-free pasta 1–2 minutes less than package directions. Drain and set aside.
Sauté chicken: Heat olive oil in a skillet, season chicken with salt and pepper, and cook 6–8 minutes until golden and cooked through. Set aside.
Make sauce: In the same skillet, sauté garlic briefly. Add gluten-free flour and whisk to form a roux. Slowly whisk in chicken broth and oat milk. Simmer 5 minutes until thickened.
Add flavor: Stir in lemon zest, juice, Italian seasoning, and adjust salt/pepper.
Combine: Add pasta and chicken to sauce, toss to coat, then transfer to a greased 9×13 baking dish.
Bake: Top with dairy-free cheese if desired. Bake uncovered at 375°F (190°C) for 20 minutes until bubbling and golden.
Finish & serve: Garnish with fresh parsley before serving.

Notes

Best lemon flavor: Always use fresh lemon juice and zest.
Cheese alternative: Cashew-based cheeses melt best.
Extra crunch: Sprinkle with gluten-free breadcrumbs before baking.
Storage: Refrigerate up to 4 days; freeze up to 3 months (cool first, then store airtight).
Tips: Undercook pasta before baking; season dairy-free sauces well; don’t overload lemon or it may overpower the dish.
Variations: Add spinach, zucchini, or mushrooms; make it spicy with red pepper flakes; swap chicken for turkey, shrimp, or tofu.

Category: Main Course
Method: Baked
Cuisine: Italian

Keywords: lemon chicken pasta bake, gluten-free pasta bake, dairy-free chicken pasta, healthy chicken pasta, baked chicken pasta, creamy pasta casserole, lemon garlic chicken pasta