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Homemade 30-Minute Gluten-Free Dairy-Free Creamy Chicken Pasta photo

30-Minute Gluten-Free Dairy-Free Creamy Chicken Pasta

A quick, creamy dairy-free chicken pasta made with coconut milk and bright lemon for a satisfying weeknight meal.
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings: 4 servings

Ingredients
  

  • 12 ounces gluten-free pasta noodles
  • 2 Tbsp avocado oil
  • 1/2 cup yellow onion finely chopped
  • 6 cloves garlic minced
  • 1 to 1 1/2 pounds boneless skinless chicken breasts chopped
  • 1 15-oz can full-fat coconut milk
  • lemon zest zest of 2 lemons
  • 3 Tbsp lemon juice or to taste
  • 1 tsp sea salt or to taste
  • 1/2 cup fresh basil chopped, optional

Equipment

  • Large Pot
  • Large Skillet
  • Colander
  • Knife
  • Cutting Board
  • Measuring Spoons

Method
 

  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the gluten-free pasta according to package instructions, about 2 minutes less than directed for al dente; drain and set aside.
  2. While the pasta cooks, heat the avocado oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
  3. Add the finely chopped onion and sauté, stirring occasionally, until softened, about 5 minutes.
  4. Stir in the minced garlic and chopped chicken; let the chicken brown without stirring for a couple minutes, then continue cooking and stirring until the chicken is browned but not fully cooked, about 2–3 more minutes.
  5. Pour in the full-fat coconut milk, add lemon zest, lemon juice, and sea salt, and stir to combine.
  6. Bring the sauce to a gentle boil, then reduce to a simmer and cook until the chicken is cooked through, about 5 minutes.
  7. Toss the drained pasta into the skillet with the sauce until well coated and heated through.
  8. Stir in chopped basil if using and taste; adjust with more sea salt or lemon juice as desired before serving.

Notes

  • Cook pasta 1–2 minutes less than package time for best texture.
  • Use full-fat coconut milk for a creamier sauce.
  • Adjust lemon and salt to taste after combining with pasta.
  • Fresh basil is optional but adds bright flavor.