Discover the perfect harmony of flavours and textures with my recipe for this Creamy Penne Chicken Alfredo. This delightful dish combines gluten-free penne pasta, tender pan-fried chicken breast, and a velvety dairy-free Alfredo sauce. Indulge in a comforting and satisfying meal that brings together classic flavours while catering to dietary preferences. 

Full of wholesome ingredients and bursting with flavour, this Creamy Penne Chicken Alfredo is a feast for the senses. The gluten-free penne pasta provides a hearty base, while the pan-fried chicken breast seasoned with paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper adds a savoury punch. The star of the dish is the dairy-free Alfredo sauce, which combines almond milk, coconut cream, nutritional yeast, and a touch of gluten-free flour to create a lusciously creamy texture and rich taste. The sauce coats the pasta and chicken, enveloping each bite in a velvety embrace. Garnished with fresh parsley and a sprinkle of vegan parmesan, this dish is a visual delight as well. It's perfect for cozy dinners at home or for impressing guests with a restaurant-quality meal that caters to various dietary needs.

Say goodbye to compromise and embrace a dish that caters to both your taste buds and dietary preferences. Whether you're dairy-free, gluten-free, or simply appreciate a delicious meal, this recipe is bound to become a favourite in your repertoire. So, gather your loved ones and get ready to savour the creamy, savoury, and satisfying goodness of this wholesome delight.

INGREDIENT NOTES

• Gluten-free penne: Opt for high-quality gluten-free pasta. You can use any pasta shape or brand of your choice but with a dish like this I used the brand Garofalo for authentic and great quality Italian gluten-free pasta. They sell both regular and gluten-free pasta so make sure you see the gluten-free label. I purchased these at Eataly in Toronto but they can also be found at your local gluten-free spots or some grocery stores.

• Gluten-free flour: Use your favourite gluten-free flour blend which typically includes a mix of rice flour, tapioca flour, and potato starch. This helps thicken the sauce without compromising the gluten-free aspect of the dish. My go-to is Bob's Red Mill 1:1 baking flour.

• Gluten-Free Vegetable Broth: Check the label to ensure the vegetable broth is gluten-free. Some brands may contain gluten or traces of it, so it's important to choose a certified gluten-free option. I personally like to use the brand Kitchen Basics when making this dish.

• Coconut cream: For a creamy and rich texture, use canned coconut cream. It provides a luscious consistency to the sauce, adding depth to the overall flavour. Look for brands without added sugar or thickeners for the best results.

• Nutritional yeast: This ingredient adds a subtle, cheesy, umami flavour to the sauce, contributing to the characteristic taste of traditional Alfredo sauce. It's a common vegan substitute for Parmesan cheese and adds depth to the dish.

• Vegan parmesan (optional): If you prefer an extra layer of flavour and richness, sprinkle vegan parmesan over the finished dish. My favourite vegan parmesan is the parmesan shreds by Earth Island.

• Parsley: If you don't have fresh parsley on hand then dried parsley will work too. However, fresh parsley does elevate this dish to another level in taste and in colour, making the dish look aesthetically pleasing and tasting fresh.

CREAMY PENNE CHICKEN ALFREDO

Indulge in the creamy goodness of this penne chicken Alfredo dish. Featuring gluten-free penne pasta, a rich dairy-free Alfredo sauce, and perfectly seasoned pan-fried chicken breast, this recipe brings together classic flavours in a wholesome and satisfying meal. Get ready to delight your taste buds with this comforting and flavourful dish!

Prep time: 10 min   Cook time: 20 min   Total time: 30 min

INGREDIENTS

For the Chicken:

• 1 boneless, skinless chicken breast
• 1/2 tsp paprika
• 1/2 tsp garlic powder
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1/4 tsp black pepper
• 1 tbsp olive oil

For the Pasta:

• 200g Gluten-free penne pasta
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tbsp minced garlic
• 2 tbsp gluten-free flour
• 1/2 cup gluten-free vegetable broth
• 3/4 cup almond milk
• 3/4 cup coconut cream
• 1 tsp nutritional yeast
• 1 tsp salt
• Black pepper to taste
• Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
• Vegan parmesan, for topping

INSTRUCTIONS

1. Chop up some freshly parsley and mince the garlic and set aside for later.
2. Bring a large pot of water to a boil over medium heat. Add the gluten-free penne pasta and cook according to the package instructions until al dente. Once cooked, drain and add to the Alfredo sauce, which will be completed by the time the pasta is cooked.
3. In a small bowl, combine paprika, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. Rub the mixture evenly over the chicken breast. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the seasoned chicken breast and cook for about 6-8 minutes per side, or until cooked through. Once cooked, remove the chicken from the skillet and let it rest for a few minutes before slicing it into strips. Set aside.
4. In a bigger skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté until fragrant. Whisk in gluten-free flour, allowing it to absorb the oil and form a paste-like consistency.
5. Slowly whisk in the gluten-free vegetable broth, allowing it to thicken the mixture. Continue whisking until the sauce reaches a smooth consistency.
6. Whisk in almond milk, coconut cream, nutritional yeast, salt, and black pepper. Simmer the sauce until it thickens to your desired consistency, stirring occasionally. Adjust the seasoning with salt and black pepper to taste.
7. Add the cooked gluten-free penne pasta and sliced chicken breast to the Alfredo sauce in the skillet. Gently toss everything together until well-coated with the creamy sauce. 
8. Sprinkle some fresh parsley on top of the skillet. Transfer the creamy vegan penne chicken Alfredo to serving plates. Sprinkle some more fresh parsley over the dish for a vibrant touch. Top with vegan parmesan for an extra burst of flavour and richness. Enjoy this delicious and creamy dish!