When I first tried making a dairy free chicken Alfredo, I was skeptical. Could it really taste as creamy and comforting as the classic version? The answer surprised me, and now I’m hooked. The secret is in the sauce. By swapping heavy cream with a silky blend of cashew cream and garlic, you get that velvety richness without any dairy at all. Cooking this dish feels like one of those little wins we all need on busy nights. The chicken cooks up tender, the pasta stays perfectly al dente, and the sauce clings to every bite. Honestly, I sometimes forget it’s both gluten free and dairy free. It just feels like real comfort food on a plate. If you’ve been looking for gluten free pasta recipes that don’t taste like a compromise, this one checks the box. It fits right into gluten free dairy free recipes and even works well for a gluten free dairy free recipes dinner. Pair it with a fresh salad or save room for Gluten Free And Dairy Free Desserts. Trust me, this gluten free pasta recipe is one you’ll want to keep in the rotation. Out of all the dairy free recipes I’ve tested, this Alfredo makes me smile every time.

Table of Contents
- 1) Key Takeaways
- 2) Easy Dairy Free Chicken Alfredo Recipe
- 3) Ingredients for Dairy Free Chicken Alfredo
- 4) How to Make Dairy Free Chicken Alfredo
- 5) Tips for Making Dairy Free Chicken Alfredo
- 6) Making Dairy Free Chicken Alfredo Ahead of Time
- 7) Storing Leftover Dairy Free Chicken Alfredo
- 8) Try these Main Course next!
- 9) Dairy Free Chicken Alfredo
- 10) Nutrition
1) Key Takeaways
- This dairy free chicken Alfredo is creamy, rich, and tastes like the classic version without dairy.
- It fits into gluten free pasta recipes and works for weeknight dinners or gatherings.
- Cashew cream creates the silky sauce that clings beautifully to pasta.
- Pairs well with a salad and even leaves room for gluten free and dairy free desserts.
2) Easy Dairy Free Chicken Alfredo Recipe
When I first cooked a dairy free chicken Alfredo, I had doubts. Could gluten free pasta recipes really carry the same comfort as the Alfredo I grew up with? Turns out they can. The trick lies in the sauce, which hugs every piece of pasta with a velvety creaminess that feels familiar yet lighter.
I used cashews to replace the usual heavy cream. It’s a small swap but a clever one. With garlic and almond milk, the blend transforms into a sauce that tastes indulgent but keeps things light enough for weeknight meals. This shows why gluten free dairy free recipes can still taste like comfort food.
If your evenings feel rushed, this gluten free dairy free recipes dinner gives you a warm plate on the table without fuss. By the time you toss the pasta in the skillet, you’ll see how dairy free recipes can surprise you in the best way.

3) Ingredients for Dairy Free Chicken Alfredo
Gluten Free Pasta: I like to use fettuccine because it holds sauce well. Gluten free pasta recipes shine when you choose a shape that matches the richness of Alfredo.
Chicken Breast: Boneless and skinless works best. Slice it thin so it cooks quickly and stays tender. That way each bite gives you flavor without feeling heavy.
Olive Oil: It helps the chicken sear golden and adds depth to the sauce. Just a drizzle sets the tone for everything else in the pan.
Garlic: Three cloves, minced. Garlic creates that unmistakable aroma that makes everyone wander into the kitchen asking what’s cooking.
Cashews: Soaked and blended, they become the base of the dairy free Alfredo sauce. Cashews make the texture creamy without dairy.
Almond Milk: Unsweetened works best. It balances the cashews and lets the garlic shine through. Don’t go for the sweetened kind unless you want a dessert vibe.
Nutritional Yeast: It gives a cheesy note without actual cheese. A spoonful makes the sauce taste closer to traditional Alfredo.
Lemon Juice: Just a splash brightens the sauce. It cuts through the richness so it never feels too heavy.
Parsley: Fresh and chopped. Sprinkle it on top at the end for color and freshness.

4) How to Make Dairy Free Chicken Alfredo
Step 1. Cook gluten free pasta in salted boiling water until al dente. Drain it but don’t forget to reserve a splash of the cooking water. That starch works like glue for the sauce.
Step 2. Heat olive oil in a skillet. Cook the chicken slices until golden and cooked through. Set them aside for now, but don’t wipe the pan clean. Those little browned bits will flavor the sauce.
Step 3. Add garlic to the skillet. Stir it quickly so it doesn’t burn. That aroma tells you something good is coming.
Step 4. Blend soaked cashews, almond milk, nutritional yeast, lemon juice, garlic, salt, and pepper until silky. This becomes your Alfredo base.
Step 5. Pour the sauce back into the skillet. Let it simmer gently while scraping the browned bits from the bottom. Then return the chicken to the pan.
Step 6. Toss in the pasta. Add a splash of reserved water if it feels too thick. Stir until every strand is coated.
Step 7. Serve the pasta hot, sprinkled with parsley. Each plate shows how gluten free pasta recipes can taste just as indulgent as the classic version.

5) Tips for Making Dairy Free Chicken Alfredo
Don’t skip soaking the cashews. Two hours is enough to soften them. If you forget, pour boiling water over them for a quicker fix. Blended cashews give the sauce that creamy texture everyone loves.
Keep pasta slightly firm. Mushy noodles lose the charm of gluten free pasta recipe ideas. Al dente noodles hold their shape and mix better with the sauce.
Season every step. Salt the pasta water, season the chicken, taste the sauce before serving. These small layers of flavor add up to a dish that makes dairy free recipes feel complete.
6) Making Dairy Free Chicken Alfredo Ahead of Time
You can cook the sauce a day before. Store it in a jar and reheat it gently on the stove. If it thickens, stir in a splash of almond milk to loosen it. The flavor stays strong and the texture smooths out again.
Cook pasta just before serving. Gluten free noodles tend to dry out in the fridge. Keeping them fresh makes a difference in taste and texture.
Chicken can be cooked earlier in the day. Slice it and keep it in a covered container in the fridge. When it joins the sauce later, it soaks up even more flavor.
7) Storing Leftover Dairy Free Chicken Alfredo
Place leftovers in an airtight container. Keep them in the fridge for up to three days. Reheat on the stove with a splash of almond milk to bring the sauce back to life.
Microwave works too, though it can dry the pasta faster. Stir halfway through and add a spoon of liquid to soften it.
If you freeze it, keep the sauce separate from the pasta. Thaw in the fridge overnight and then combine for a fresh-tasting meal.
8) Try these Main Course next!
9) Dairy Free Chicken Alfredo

Gluten Free Pasta Recipes Dairy Free Chicken Alfredo
Ingredients
- 12 oz gluten free fettuccine or pasta of choice
- 1 lb boneless skinless chicken breast, sliced
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup raw cashews (soaked 2 hours and drained)
- 1 1/2 cups unsweetened almond milk
- 2 tbsp nutritional yeast
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Cook the gluten free pasta according to package directions. Drain and set aside.
- In a skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Cook chicken slices until golden and fully cooked, about 6-8 minutes. Remove and set aside.
- In the same skillet, sauté garlic until fragrant, about 1 minute.
- Blend soaked cashews, almond milk, nutritional yeast, lemon juice, garlic, salt, and pepper until smooth.
- Pour the sauce back into the skillet, bring to a gentle simmer, then add chicken.
- Toss in the cooked pasta, stirring until evenly coated.
- Serve hot, topped with fresh parsley.
10) Nutrition
Serving Size: 1 plate | Calories: 420 | Sugar: 3 g | Sodium: 620 mg | Fat: 20 g | Saturated Fat: 3 g | Carbohydrates: 40 g | Fiber: 3 g | Protein: 28 g | Cholesterol: 65 mg
Written by Elena for Elena Cooks. Visit for more gluten free dairy free recipes and cooking inspiration.


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