Gluten-Free Chicken and Spinach Alfredo

Gluten-Free Chicken and Spinach Alfredo

Julia

This Gluten-Free Chicken and Spinach Alfredo transforms a classic Italian-American favorite into a safe and delicious option for those avoiding gluten. The dish features tender, pan-seared chicken breasts nestled in a luxuriously creamy Alfredo sauce enriched with fresh spinach and served over gluten-free pasta. What makes this version special is that it sacrifices nothing in terms of flavor or texture—the sauce is just as velvety and indulgent as the traditional version.

The secret to this dish's success lies in the homemade Alfredo sauce, which combines butter, heavy cream, and freshly grated Parmesan cheese to create that signature rich, coating consistency. Fresh garlic adds aromatic depth, while the wilted spinach provides a pop of color and a subtle earthy flavor that balances the richness of the cream. The chicken is seasoned simply and seared to golden perfection, ensuring each bite is juicy and flavorful.

Perfect for a romantic dinner, holiday celebration, or any time you want to treat yourself to restaurant-quality comfort food at home, this dish comes together in under 45 minutes. The gluten-free pasta options available today—from rice-based to corn-based varieties—cook up beautifully and hold the sauce perfectly. This recipe proves that dietary restrictions don't mean compromising on the dishes you love.

Whether you're cooking for someone with celiac disease, gluten sensitivity, or simply exploring gluten-free options, this Chicken and Spinach Alfredo will become a go-to recipe. It's elegant enough for entertaining yet comforting enough for a weeknight treat, delivering that perfect combination of creamy, savory, and satisfying flavors in every forkful.

Nutrition

40 minutes
None servings
785 calories
Fat 42.00g
Carbs 52.00g
Protein 48.00g

Ingredients

12 ozgluten-free pasta, any shape
1.5 lbsboneless skinless chicken breasts, pounded to even thickness
1 tspsalt, divided
1/2 tspblack pepper, divided
2 tbspolive oil
4 tbspunsalted butter
4 clovesgarlic, minced
2 cupsheavy cream
1.5 cupsParmesan cheese, freshly grated
4 cupsfresh spinach, packed
1/4 tspnutmeg (optional)
2 tbspfresh parsley, chopped (optional)

Equipment

Large pot
Cutting board
Whisk
measuring spoons
measuring cups
tongs
aluminum foil
chef's knife
meat thermometer
large skillet
colander
grater

80/20 Diet

This recipe balances nutrient-dense whole foods (chicken breast, fresh spinach, garlic, and Parmesan cheese) with more indulgent ingredients (heavy cream and butter), fitting the 80/20 principle perfectly. The majority of the dish consists of wholesome proteins and vegetables, while the creamy sauce adds satisfying richness without being overly processed.

Flexible Dieting

This recipe demonstrates that all foods can fit into a balanced approach—even creamy, indulgent dishes like Alfredo can be enjoyed when portioned appropriately and tracked accurately. The recipe's precise measurements make it easy to calculate macros and incorporate this satisfying meal into your daily targets.

Gluten-Free Diet

This recipe is specifically designed to be gluten-free, using certified gluten-free pasta instead of traditional wheat pasta while maintaining all the creamy, indulgent flavors of classic Alfredo. It's perfect for those with celiac disease or gluten sensitivity, proving that dietary restrictions don't mean sacrificing taste or texture.

IIFYM (If It Fits Your Macros)

This balanced meal provides substantial protein from chicken breast, carbohydrates from gluten-free pasta, and fats from heavy cream and Parmesan cheese, making it easy to track and fit into your daily macronutrient targets. The recipe's clear ingredient measurements allow for precise macro calculations to support your flexible dieting goals.

Intermittent Fasting

This nutrient-dense, satisfying meal is ideal for intermittent fasting eating windows, providing high-quality protein from chicken, healthy fats from cream and Parmesan, and nutrient-rich spinach to maximize nutritional value during limited eating periods while keeping you satisfied throughout fasting periods.

Intuitive Eating

This recipe honors both pleasure and nourishment, featuring satisfying, comforting flavors from the creamy Alfredo sauce while providing protein from chicken and nutrients from fresh spinach. It's a balanced meal that demonstrates how all foods fit without restriction or guilt, supporting satisfaction and enjoyment in eating.

Macro Diet

With clearly portioned ingredients including lean chicken breast for protein, gluten-free pasta for carbohydrates, and measured amounts of cream and cheese for fats, this recipe makes macro tracking straightforward. The balanced combination of all three macronutrients in substantial portions provides excellent satiety while fitting flexible dieting principles.

Mindful Eating

This dish engages multiple senses with its creamy texture, aromatic garlic, vibrant green spinach, and rich Parmesan flavors, making it perfect for mindful eating practices. The variety of textures—from tender chicken to silky sauce to fresh pasta—encourages slow, conscious consumption and sensory appreciation.

Instructions

1
8 min

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil for the pasta.

2

While water heats, pat the chicken breasts dry with paper towels and season both sides with 1/2 teaspoon salt and 1/4 teaspoon black pepper.

2 min
3

Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering.

2 min
4
14 min

Add the chicken breasts to the hot skillet and cook for 6-7 minutes per side until golden brown and the internal temperature reaches 165°F.

5

Remove chicken from skillet and transfer to a cutting board. Tent with foil to keep warm and let rest.

1 min
6
10 min

Add gluten-free pasta to the boiling water and cook according to package directions until al dente, usually 8-10 minutes.

7
2 min

While pasta cooks, reduce heat under the skillet to medium and add butter. Once melted, add minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant, stirring constantly.

8
4 min

Pour in the heavy cream and bring to a gentle simmer. Cook for 3-4 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the cream slightly thickens.

9

Reduce heat to low and gradually whisk in the grated Parmesan cheese, stirring constantly until melted and smooth.

2 min
10
2 min

Add the fresh spinach to the sauce and stir until wilted, about 2 minutes.

11

Season the Alfredo sauce with remaining 1/2 teaspoon salt, 1/4 teaspoon black pepper, and nutmeg if using. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.

1 min
12

Drain the cooked pasta, reserving 1/2 cup of pasta water. Add the drained pasta to the Alfredo sauce and toss to coat, adding reserved pasta water a little at a time if needed to thin the sauce.

2 min
13

Slice the rested chicken breasts into 1/2-inch thick slices.

1 min
14

Divide the pasta among serving plates, top each portion with sliced chicken, and garnish with fresh parsley if desired. Serve immediately.

1 min

Frequently Asked Questions