Dairy Free Marry Me Chicken

My dairy free Marry Me chicken is just as rich, creamy, and full of deep, complex flavor as the original version, even though it's made entirely without dairy. It's a hearty, filling classic that everyone will love. No one can tell the difference!

When it comes to gluten-free main dishes, there's nothing I love better than a big plate of extra-creamy pasta anything. A big helping of steak pasta alfredo, with its luxurious sauce and medium rare steak strips, or my million dollar spaghetti, featuring a blend of meat and Alfredo sauces, is always a satisfying way to end the day.

That's why I'm such a big fan of Marry Me recipes. Now, some Italians might tell you that these pastas are too saucy and too creamy. I've been told that many times on social media, in fact. BUT, as an Italian-American who grew up on authentic Italian food, I'm here to tell you that dishes like Marry Me chicken are absolutely the best thing you'll ever put on your plate. Are these dishes authentic Italian cuisine? No. Are they a forkful of Heaven in every bite? Absolutely!

Every dish I make is already gluten free, but I know so many people out there can't have dairy. Since I don't want them to miss out on all the deliciousness of these creamy pasta dishes, I created this dairy free Marry Me chicken pasta.

Like my dairy free Tuscan chicken thighs, it has all the rich texture and delicious flavor of Marry Me chicken pasta, but it's completely free of dairy, so everyone can enjoy it!

Why You'll Love This Recipe

• Simple Ingredients: This recipe uses simple ingredients that can be found in any grocery store. Even the dairy free options are commonplace these days.
• Easy: This easy recipe only takes a few simple steps and about 40 minutes from start to finish.
• Rich and Creamy: The coconut milk used in conjunction with the chicken broth in this recipe creates a sauce with the same rich, creamy feel as cream.
• Classic Flavor: Using nutritional yeast and dairy free Parmesan cheese gives this dish the classic earthy, cheesy flavor we all love.
• No One Can Tell: No one can tell the difference between this version and its traditional counterpart, so it's perfect for serving to mixed company.

Ingredients

I used Banza gluten free brown rice pasta for this recipe. It has the classic Italian pasta flavor and texture, minus the gluten, and I love it.

You'll find a complete list of ingredients and their exact amounts in the recipe card at the end of the post.

Variations

• Chicken: Both boneless, skinless chicken thighs and breasts work very well in this recipe. You can also use the meatball portion of my Marry Me chicken meatballs to make a dairy free meatball version.
• Other Proteins: The flavors in this sauce are perfect with other proteins like steak strips, pork chop strips, or Italian sausage. You can also use shrimp to make a dairy free Marry Me shrimp pasta.
• Pasta: I used penne pasta, but any short, textured noodle will work well.
• Spicy: Add red pepper flakes for a nice kick of heat that works well with the creamy texture and rich, cheesy, tomato-infused flavor of the sauce.
• Add Veggies: Vegetables like chopped spinach, mushrooms, and bell peppers all work wonderfully in this recipe.

How to Make Dairy Free Marry Me Chicken

Step 1: Wash and pat the chicken breasts dry. Then, season both sides liberally with the chicken seasonings. Cook the pasta according to the package directions for al dente, drain, and set aside while you cook the chicken in step 2.

Step 2: In a large skillet over medium heat, sear the chicken in a blend of olive oil and sun dried tomato oil from the jar until they get a good color. Then, lower the temperature to medium-low, cover with a lid, and continue cooking, flipping every 4 minutes, until their internal temperature registers 165°F. Transfer to a plate.

Step 3: Add the sun dried tomatoes, aromatics, and sauce seasonings to the same pan and stir. Then, add the coconut milk and stir again. Add the remaining sauce ingredients and stir. Then, add the cornstarch slurry. Simmer the sauce uncovered until thickened.

Step 4: Dice the chicken and add it to the sauce, followed by the pasta. Then, gently stir until everything is combined. Top with fresh basil and enjoy!

Expert Tips

• It's essential to pat your chicken dry before applying the seasonings to ensure they adhere to the surface of the chicken while it cooks.
• Trim any visible fat from the chicken to avoid a fatty bite while eating the dish.
• To ensure your pasta is perfectly al dente, run cold water over it as soon as you drain it to stop the cooking process more quickly.
• I recommend full fat coconut milk for this recipe. It gives the richest texture and flavor to the dish. The low-fat version tends to make the dish feel thin and watery.

Dairy Free Marry Me Chicken FAQ

More Rich, Creamy Marry Me Recipes

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