DAIRY-FREE CHICKEN FETTUCCINE ALFREDO

📝 Ingredients Breakdown

For the Chicken

Ingredient	Amount
Olive oil	2 tbsp, divided
Onion (diced)	½
Garlic (minced)	2 cloves
Chicken (cut into ½-inch bite-sized pieces)	¾ pound
Salt & pepper	To season

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For the Cashew Alfredo Sauce

Ingredient	Amount
Raw cashews (soaked overnight & rinsed)	1 cup
Lemon juice	2 tbsp
Unsweetened almond milk	1 cup (plus more to thin if needed)
Nutritional yeast	2-3 tbsp
Salt	2 tsp
Black pepper	½ tsp

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For the Pasta

Ingredient	Amount
Gluten-free fettuccine pasta	1 pound
Fresh parsley (chopped, for garnish)	As needed

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⏳ Preparation Overview

Step	Time Needed
🔪 Prep Time	10 minutes
🍳 Cook Time	20 minutes
⏱️ Total Time	~30 minutes

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🔪 Step-by-Step Instructions

1️⃣ Sauté the Aromatics

1. Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a large nonstick skillet over medium heat.
2. Add diced onion and sauté for 2-3 minutes.
3. Stir in minced garlic and cook for another 2-3 minutes until soft and fragrant.
4. Remove the onion and garlic from the pan and set aside.

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2️⃣ Cook the Chicken

1. Add the remaining 1 tablespoon olive oil to the same skillet.
2. Place the chicken pieces in a single layer and cook for 3-4 minutes per side until golden and cooked through.
3. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.

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3️⃣ Cook the Pasta

1. While the chicken is cooking, boil water and prepare the gluten-free fettuccine according to package instructions.
2. Drain and set aside.

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4️⃣ Make the Cashew Alfredo Sauce

1. In a blender or food processor, combine:
   • Soaked & rinsed cashews
   • Sautéed onion & garlic
   • Lemon juice
   • Unsweetened almond milk
   • Nutritional yeast
   • Salt & pepper
2. Blend until smooth and creamy.
3. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed:
   • Add more nutritional yeast for cheesiness.
   • Add more almond milk to thin if needed.

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5️⃣ Assemble the Dish

1. Lower the heat on the skillet to low.
2. Add the cooked pasta and cashew alfredo sauce, tossing gently to combine.
3. Return the cooked chicken to the skillet and toss once more.
4. Remove from heat and serve immediately, garnished with chopped fresh parsley.

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🔥 Pro Tips for Success

✔️ Extra Creamy Sauce – If the sauce thickens too much, add a splash of almond milk when reheating.

✔️ Boost the Flavor – Add a pinch of garlic powder & onion powder to the sauce for extra depth.

✔️ Crispy Chicken Option – Instead of pan-frying, air-fry or oven-bake the chicken for extra crispiness.

✔️ Pasta Swap – Works well with zucchini noodles, chickpea pasta, or spaghetti squash.

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🍽️ Perfect Pairings

🥗 With a Side Salad – Serve with a kale caesar salad or mixed greens with balsamic vinaigrette.

🍞 With Garlic Bread – Enjoy with gluten-free garlic bread or toasted sourdough.

🍷 With a Drink – Pairs beautifully with a glass of white wine or sparkling water with lemon.

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❓ FAQs

💬 Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes! Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.

💬 How do I reheat leftovers?
Reheat on the stove over low heat, adding a splash of almond milk or water to keep the sauce creamy.

💬 Can I use store-bought alfredo sauce?
You can, but homemade cashew alfredo is creamier, dairy-free, and healthier!

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🍽️ Final Thoughts

This Creamy Cashew Alfredo Chicken Fettuccine is rich, comforting, and 100% dairy-free & gluten-free. The cashew-based sauce is unbelievably creamy, and the seasoned chicken & fresh herbs make it restaurant-worthy! 🌿🍝