A Dairy-Free Chicken Pasta that’s actually creamy, comforting, and ready in under 30 minutes. This one-pot dinner uses coconut milk and nourishing broth to create a rich, Alfredo-style sauce, without butter, cream, or cheese. It’s an easy weeknight meal that tastes almost better than the classic.
Skip the parmesan and still get that cozy, creamy comfort with this non-dairy chicken alfredo. I started making versions of this when dairy-heavy dinners kept leaving me feeling blah, and honestly, I was shocked at how rich and satisfying chicken alfredo with coconut milk can be. The sauce clings to the pasta, the chicken stays juicy, and no one at the table misses the cheese (which is saying a lot in my house).
Even better, it’s a true one-pot dinner, which puts it right up there with my go-to honey garlic sausage sheet pan dinner and this Italian sausage and rice skillet for hectic nights. When dinner plans go sideways, recipes like this, and the quick, realistic meals in my Busy Moms Cookbook, are what save me from ordering takeout. Creamy, filling, and family-approved, this is the kind of dairy-free pasta that actually earns a spot in the regular rotation.
Why The Recipe Works
Texture: Coconut milk replaces traditional cream in this dairy-free chicken alfredo pasta to give it a rich and creamy taste and texture.
Flavor: The recipe has a traditional Alfredo taste thanks to the use of nutritional yeast and classic seasonings. You shouldn't notice an overly coconut taste.
Easy to make: Everything is whipped up in just one pot, making dinner (and clean up) simple for busy nights.
Ingredients and Substitutions
- Coconut milk: Use the coconut milk from a can (learn more about the types of coconut milk) as this is what makes the chicken pasta extra creamy. This is also the base to make my classic coconut milk alfredo sauce.
- Nutritional yeast: Used to give a cheesy flavor without any dairy or lactose. Nutritional yeast isn't a deal breaker if you don't have it on hand, but it does provide a more traditional flavor. I use it in slow cooker breakfast casserole without cheese, too, as it's one of my favorite dairy-free swaps.
- Chicken breasts: Breasts work best for the lactose-free chicken alfredo, as thighs will release too much juice.
- Gluten-free noodles: The best noodles to use for the past are quinoa noodles, as they're one of the only ones I've found to hold their texture when mixed in with other ingredients. Brown rice and chickpea noodles tend to break and become mushy.
See the recipe card for full information on ingredients and quantities.
Flavor Variations
Extra cheesy: If you want an extra creamy texture, mix lactose-free cream cheese in with the warmed chicken broth.
Vegetables: In palce of broccoli you could brighten the dish up with sliced carrots.
Spice: Not for kiddos, but I know my husband, and I enjoy our dairy-free pasta with a few pinches of red pepper flakes.
How To Make Dairy-Free Chicken Pasta
Expert Tips
Make sure to use coconut milk from a can and not a carton. Likewise, grab the “full-fat” version and drain any water from the top. Light coconut milk is just watered-down coconut milk and won't make the pasta as creamy.
Whisk well. The last thing you want is clumps of nutritional yeast or arrowroot powder from the chicken in your alfredo sauce.
Bone broth powder is what I use most of the time when I don't have homemade broth on hand. Learn more about why bone broth powder is a game-changer for busy moms.
You can always add a touch more broth to ensure the noodles are covered and cook fully. Likewise, it’s easy to keep the pot at a rolling boil to boil down the liquid a bit. Adjust the cooking time based on texture preference.
Let the dish sit for a few minutes once you're done cooking. This is when it will thicken up the most, and the sundried tomato flavor comes out (learn how to make sun dried tomatoes for even more flavor!).
How To Store Leftovers
Let any leftover dairy-free chicken alfredo cool completely before storing it in a glass container in the fridge. Like this, it will stay fresh for up to 3 days.
To reheat it, place it in the microwave or in a pot on the stove over low to medium heat. Add a splash of non-dairy milk, chicken broth, or even water to it before heating it until warmed through and stirring frequently. It thickens up a lot in the fridge, and adding more liquid brings back the creamy texture.
Dairy-Free Chicken Pasta FAQs
Coconut milk is what replaces cream in dairy-free chicken pasta. Though a cashew cream can be used as well, it's much more work and won't result in as smooth a texture.
Quinoa macaroni noodles are best for one pot chicken pasta. Cooking times may vary if other noodles are used, as these ones tend to cook quickly as well as absorb liquid. Both chickpea and rice noodles don't hold up for long periods when simmered, as they absorb too much liquid, whereas quinoa noodles keep their texture.
Yes, dairy-free alfredo does reheat well, but you'll want to add a splash more liquid to the pasta beforehand. Since the sauce thickens up in the fridge, adding new liquid helps bring back the creaminess.
More Dairy and Gluten-Free Dinner Recipes
One Pot Dairy-Free Chicken Pasta
Video
Equipment
- Large cast iron wok
Ingredients
- 3 chicken breasts cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1//2 cup onion chopped
- 3 cloves garlic minced
- 1 tbs oil avocado or coconut
- 1 can coconut milk about ⅔ cup cream
- 2 cups chicken broth see notes
- ½ teaspoon sea salt
- ¼ teaspoon sea salt keep salts separated
- 1 tbs arrowroot powder
- 3 tbs nutritional yeast
- 2.5 cups broccoli finely chopped
- ¾ cup frozen peas
- ½ cup sundried tomatoes in oil
- 2 cups quinoa macaroni noodles
- Ground pepper to taste
Instructions
- In a large wok, heat the tablespoon of oil over medium to high heat.
- Add in the garlic and cook for 3 minutes or until sizzling and starting t brown.
- While the garlic is cooking, toss the chicken in ½ teaspoon sea salt, pepper, and arrowroot powder.
- When the garlic is done, put the chicken in the pan and continue to cook until no pink remains. Stirring often.
- Remove the chicken from the pan and set it aside.
- Add the onion to the pan and whisk together the bone broth powder and boiling water. Cook the onion for 2-3 minutes.
- Add in the bone broth, coconut milk, and nutritional yeast. Whisk until combined.
- Turn the heat down to medium and add in the broccoli. Cover and cook for 5 minutes.
- Remove the cover and turn the heat back up to medium-high and bring to a boil.
- Add in the quinoa noodles, stir well, cover, and cook for 6-7minutes or until noodles are mostly cooked.
- Remove the lid and toss in the chicken, peas, sundried tomatoes, and remaining salt. Stir and recover for 2-3 minutes.
- Remove lid and let sit for 5 minutes before serving.
Notes
- Make sure to use coconut milk from a can and not a carton. Likewise, grab the “full fat” version and drain any excess water from the top.
- If using bone broth powder from Perfect Supplements, whisk in one scoop to two cups boiling water
- Whisk well. The last thing you want is clumps of nutritional yeast or arrowroot powder from the chicken in your alfredo sauce
- You can always add a touch more broth to ensure the noodles are covered and cook fully. Likewise, it’s easy to keep the pot at a rolling boil to boil down the liquid a bit. Coconut milk can separate if boiled too hard. Keep the sauce at a gentle simmer so it stays smooth and creamy instead of oily or grainy.
- Let the dish sit for a few minutes once you're done cooking. This is when it will thicken up the most
- Nutritional information uses regular noodles, not specifically quinoa
Disclaimer:
Nutrition values are estimates only, using online calculators. Please verify using your own data"
Nutrition
Grace says
The coconut milk did it! No one noticed it was dairy free. So good and delicious! This will be a new family favorite. Thanks for sharing.
fitasamamabear says
Coconut milk makes things yummy!
Dana says
So good, my son ended up coming back for 3 bowls! He had just finished 2 hours of soccer and was starving 🙂
fitasamamabear says
Oh my god it's a total win when the kids approve!!
Kara says
This was fantastic, and super easy to throw together! I loved the flavor the coconut milk added, hubby devoured it lol
fitasamamabear says
Definitely a comforting one!
Margarette says
It is creamy with a cheesy taste that comes from the nutritional yeast. So healthy and tasted so much better than the traditional version. I'm obsessed!
fitasamamabear says
Glad you enjoyed it!
Bridgette says
Your tip about using full fat coconut milk was very helpful. It turned out so creamy and flavorful. And I love that it's dairy-free but still tasted so delicious. Yum!
fitasamamabear says
it makes it taste so rich!!
Terri says
So happy to have found this- my daughter is now dairy-free and she loves Alfredo!!
fitasamamabear says
Aw yay! It's a tricky transition but once you get the hang of it dairy-free isn't so bad!
nancy wu says
i love one pot meals especially now that we are back to school !!
this makes dinner time much easier
fitasamamabear says
Right?! They literally help keep things sane and smooth running
Vanessa says
Fantastic quick meal! I never thought of using coconut milk in a dish like this. I have usually made cashew cream. This is much easier!
fitasamamabear says
Ahh cashew cream would be delicious too! But yea, coconut milk is easier lol
Linda says
I had been wondering if I could try to make a cream sauce with coconut! This is a wonderful recipe!
fitasamamabear says
Coconut milk solves dairy-free life problems haha I'm happy you have something to fall in love with now!
Bianca says
This was so easy to make! I would never have thought of using coconut milk such a great idea!
fitasamamabear says
Yay! Coconut milk makes everything SO creamy hehe I'm glad you loved it!
Kayla DiMaggio says
This was delicious! I never thought about making it with coconut milk before!
fitasamamabear says
Coconut milk makes everything super creamy. I think sometimes I live off it 😛 glad you love it!
Bobbie says
No way! Dairy free Alfredo! I have to try this. And I love all of the veggies you’ve added!
fitasamamabear says
It comes out so creamy! I hope you love it. As for the veggies.. food is better with color!
Jessica says
A new family favorite! Quick, easy, and delicious!
fitasamamabear says
Yay! Quick, easy and tasty is pretty much the theme of the house haha