Generic selectors
Exact matches only
Search in title
Search in content
Post Type Selectors

Chris Cooks

Dairy-free, Grain-free Cajun Chicken Pasta

February 11, 2024

Stone Chargers (similar) | Pink Napkins | Low Bowls | Candlesticks | Taper Candles | Dining Table

This was the first meal I ever made for Julia. I made this for her on our first date, more than 15 years ago. She has dietary restrictions now that prevent her from eating gluten, dairy and grains, but when she requested it again this year my mind immediately went to figuring out how to take that dish filled with dairy and wheat and turn it to something she could not only have, but would love.

Fluted Taper Candles | Candlesticks

Spoiler, we figured it out. And really the key is knowing your products. None of the products in this post are sponsored, but the reason I say using the right products matters is because not all vegan cheese behaves the same. To bring the creaminess to this sauce, we use Miyokos brand Italian-style mozzarella which melts into sauces beautifully.

I'm also a big fan of Banza pasta noodles. Very high in protein, and they tend to hold together a lot better than other grain-free pastas. And with such a flavorful sauce, they taste just like a classic pasta noodle.

Serving Bowl (similar)

Something that I'm better at now than I was in college is using fresh herbs. The fresh basil, added right at the end of cooking for maximum flavor, not only took this dish where it needed to be, but far beyond that initial version I made all those years ago. Truly an improvement over the original.

Cutting Board | Knife

The vegetables I use for this are a play on the classic "Holy Trinity" of southern cooking, which is celery, peppers, and onions. We use leeks in place of onions, roasted red peppers instead of fresh, and a small amount of celery seed to get that flavor with making the texture stringy.

All Clad Pan

I first learned to make cajun chicken pasta while living in Louisiana as a young, 20 year old kid. I fell in love with the mix of flavors and, even though much of it is not friendly to dairy/gluten/grain intolerances, I've had a fun time coming up with dishes that bring a lot of that flavor without making our family sick.

Kitchen Sources

So what's your dish? That dish you remember making for that special someone? Do you still have it the same way you always have, or are there some changes you've made over the years? I'd love to hear about it and, if you give this one a try, would love to know how you liked it. Truly, the flavor is out of this world.

Dairy-free, Grain-free Cajun Chicken Pasta

Recipe by Chris Loves Julia
0.0 from 0 votes
Course: Chris Cooks, Recipes, Valentine's Day
Servings

Prep timeminutes
Cooking timeminutes
Calorieskcal

Ingredients

  • 2 strips bacon

  • 3 chicken breasts, medium

  • 1 handful basil, fresh

  • 5 cloves garlic

  • 2 leeks

  • 2 cups mushrooms

  • 4 sun-dried tomatoes

  • 2 cups chicken stock, unsalted

  • 1 wheel Miyokos mozzerella

  • 1 cup roasted red peppers, roughly chopped

  • celery seed

  • cajun seasoning

  • olive oil

  • 4 servings Banza pasta (I'm using Gemelli)

  • salt and pepper (to taste)

What do you think?

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.

  1. Yum! Cajun chicken pasta is my husband's favorite. My go-to impress guests meal is chicken piccata. I made it my own by adding artichoke and cherry tomato! It's also funny how it became my go-to. The first year I was in my first house as an "adult" I told my cousin I wanted to make her a birthday dinner - anything she wanted. She said chicken piccata. So I found a recipe and made it. She got there and was very confused - she actually meant chicken marsala! HA! But we all loved it

    1. Hi Kirstie! You can find the Miyoko's Creamery Organic Cashew Milk Mozzarella Cheese Ball at Whole Foods, Target, Wal-Mart and more, but check your local store for inventory. Hope your daughter loves the recipe!

  2. Hi Chris! Have you ever posted a roundup of your favorite GF/DF/whatever-free products? It would be so useful to see your go-to choices for butter, flours, breads, etc. Having your expert take on which products to try first would be great for those of us just starting out on allergen-avoidant journeys, and help us wade through all the (sometimes expensive) options. Love your recipes, as always!

  3. So excited to give this a go! I have a friend who is uber celiac and even foods manufactured on equipment that also process wheat can trigger. Be careful with purchased seasoning mixes…

What We're

Loving

Right Now

What We're

Loving

Right Now

Looking for our favorite things? A place to shop our home room by room, or just catch up on what Julia's wearing / loving right now? Browse the CLJ shop
Shop All

Love Stories

Love Where You Live

In an industry that often feels designed to make you discontent, we want this to be place you come for inspiration, ideas, and encouragement to make the space you're already in feel like home.
Read All Posts
let's break this thing up

BROWSE BY CATEGORY

01

Portfolio

Befores, afters, mood boards, plans, failures, wins. We’ve done a lot of projects, and they’re all here.
read more
02

Projects

We have a long-standing relationship with DIY, and love rolling our sleeves up and making it happen.
read more
03

Design

Even when you don’t want to rip down a wall, you can make that space in your home better. Right now.
read more
hello world!

looking for inspiration?

Beautifully wrapped traditional presents stacked in a doorway
Gift Guides!

Holiday Gift Guides for Everyone in Your Life {2024}

Remember the thrill of unwrapping a gift that felt just right? Let's bring that magic back this holiday season!! Our curated gift guides for 2024 are filled with thoughtful picks that will make your loved ones feel special. That's what it's all about, after all. Whether you're shopping for your main guy, your clutch coworker, […]
Modern traditional kitchen with marble island and gold barstools
round up

The Best Cyber Monday Deals for Holiday Hosting

This post is sponsored by Wayfair. By the time Cyber Monday rolls around, I've usually grabbed the Christmas gifts I plan to buy for others and have moved on to home decor (my other favorite thing to shop for). My head is spinning with ideas on what my home needs for holiday parties on the […]
Sales

The Best Black Friday + Cyber Monday Deals in 2024

We collected all of the best deals of the holiday season—from tech to home decor—in one place for easy reference. Whether you want the lowest price on one of the best gifts of the year or you have a furniture item in your cart waiting for a discount, we’ve rounded up our recommendations. We're also […]
A white dish of peppermint brownies next to a red & white tea towel
Chris Cooks

Holiday Peppermint Brownies (Gluten-Free, Dairy-Free)

Baking Dish | Striped Dish Towel (similar) I have a few recipes that are perfect for the holidays, and this is one of them. I make a really delicious brownie that can be made gluten-free and dairy-free, but you won't even know it's missing those elements when the peppermint flavor hits. It's really simple, and […]
Learn With Us
Want to do what we do? Get the tools, mentorship, and training to be a Good Influencer professionally.
Learn More
Looking for Something?

SEARCH THE BLOG

We've been doing this since 2009 and we've posted a whopping 24145+ blog posts and counting. You might need a little help searching, huh?

Can We Send You Our Love Letter?

Another way for us to stay in touch! Joining our weekly newsletter gives you access to exclusive content, never-before-seen photos, your questions answered, and our favorite DIYs. Sign up below!

hello world!
Follow Along on Instagram
Welcome to our online community where we've posted home, DIY, style, renovations, and family since '09. Renovating our #cljmoderncottage in Idaho and headed for new adventures in Raleigh, NC. #cljfam #cljtransformations
© 2024 Chris Loves Julia, LLC
PRIVACY POLICYTERMS & CONDITIONSAFFILIATE DISCLAIMERSITE CREDITCOMMUNITY GUIDELINES