Dairy-Free Creamy Chicken and Spinach Pasta

Indulge in the rich and satisfying flavors of this Dairy-Free Creamy Chicken and Spinach Pasta, a wholesome twist on comfort food that's perfect for dairy-free and gluten-free diets. This recipe features tender, golden-browned chicken combined with a velvety sauce made from unsweetened almond milk, nutritional yeast, and a hint of lemon for a zesty kick. Tossed with vibrant baby spinach and gluten-free pasta, this dish is both nourishing and packed with flavor. The secret lies in the creamy, dairy-free sauce thickened with cornstarch and infused with Italian herbs, creating a luscious texture without any cream or cheese. Ready in just 40 minutes, this quick and easy recipe is ideal for busy weeknights or casual gatherings. Serve it straight from the skillet for a hearty meal that’s sure to impress!

Nutriscore Rating: 76/100

Prep Time:15 mins

Cook Time:25 mins

Total Time:40 mins

Servings: 4

Ingredients

• 1 pound Chicken breast, boneless and skinless
• 2 tablespoons Olive oil
• 3 units Garlic cloves, minced
• 1 medium Onion, finely chopped
• 2 cups Unsweetened almond milk
• 0.25 cup Nutritional yeast
• 2 tablespoons Cornstarch
• 2 tablespoons Lemon juice
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• 1 teaspoon Salt
• 0.5 teaspoon Black pepper
• 4 cups Baby spinach
• 12 ounces Gluten-free pasta (penne or fusilli)

Directions

Step 1

Step 1: Cook the gluten-free pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain, reserve 1/2 cup of the pasta cooking water, and set aside.

Step 2

Step 2: Cut the chicken breast into bite-sized pieces. Season with a pinch of salt and pepper.

Step 3

Step 3: In a large skillet over medium-high heat, add 1 tablespoon of olive oil. Once hot, add the chicken pieces and cook until golden brown and cooked through, about 5-6 minutes. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.

Step 4

Step 4: In the same skillet, add the remaining 1 tablespoon of olive oil. Add the minced garlic and chopped onion. Sauté until the onion is translucent and the garlic is fragrant, about 3-4 minutes.

Step 5

Step 5: In a separate bowl, mix the almond milk and cornstarch until the cornstarch is fully dissolved.

Step 6

Step 6: Pour the almond milk mixture into the skillet with the garlic and onion mixture. Stir frequently as the sauce begins to thicken, about 4-5 minutes.

Step 7

Step 7: Add the nutritional yeast, lemon juice, Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper to the skillet. Stir to combine.

Step 8

Step 8: Return the cooked chicken to the skillet and add the baby spinach. Stir until the spinach is wilted, about 2 minutes.

Step 9

Step 9: Add the cooked pasta to the skillet and toss everything to combine well. If the sauce is too thick, add reserved pasta water, a little at a time, until the desired consistency is reached.

Step 10

Step 10: Adjust seasoning to taste, if necessary, and serve the pasta hot with a sprinkle of additional nutritional yeast if desired.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(1606.8g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	1797.9

Total Fat 55.8g	0%
Saturated Fat 10.3g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 4.0g
Cholesterol 385.6mg	0%
Sodium 3109.5mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 158.5g	0%
Dietary Fiber 14.0g	0%
Total Sugars 8.8g
Protein 164.6g	0%

Vitamin D 234.6IU	0%
Calcium 1104.7mg	0%
Iron 14.9mg	0%
Potassium 1824.8mg	0%

*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

Source of Calories

Fat: 28.0%

Protein: 36.7%

Carbs: 35.3%