Cilantro Lime Chicken Pasta

Cilantro Lime Chicken Pasta is a vibrant and creamy pasta dish featuring tender shredded chicken and rotini tossed in a tangy cilantro-lime yogurt sauce. This dish offers a fresh and flavorful dinner option that is both high in protein and easy to prepare, making it a perfect choice for a quick weeknight meal.

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By utilizing a blender to create the sauce, you ensure a smooth, vibrant green coating for every piece of pasta and chicken. This method allows the garlic, cumin, and chili powder to meld perfectly with the yogurt and lime, resulting in a balanced and refreshing flavor.

Ingredients

• Pasta and Chicken: 12 oz (340 g) rotini pasta, 2 cups (about 10 oz / 280 g) cooked, shredded chicken breast.
• Cilantro-Lime Yogurt Sauce: 1 cup (240 g) plain Greek yogurt, 1/3 cup (8 g) fresh cilantro leaves, 2 tbsp fresh lime juice, 1 tsp lime zest, 2 cloves garlic (minced), 2 tbsp extra-virgin olive oil, 1/2 tsp ground cumin, 1/2 tsp chili powder, 1/2 tsp salt, 1/4 tsp black pepper.
• Optional Garnishes: 1/4 cup (30 g) cotija or feta cheese (crumbled), extra chopped cilantro, lime wedges.

Quickly chop vegetables, blend sauces, and prepare dips or dressings for fast, everyday meal prep.

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Instructions

Step 1

Cook the rotini pasta in a large pot of salted boiling water according to package directions. Drain and set aside.

Step 2

While the pasta cooks, prepare the sauce. In a blender or food processor, combine Greek yogurt, cilantro, lime juice, lime zest, garlic, olive oil, cumin, chili powder, salt, and black pepper. Blend until smooth and vibrant green.

Step 3

In a large bowl, toss the cooked rotini and shredded chicken with the cilantro-lime yogurt sauce until evenly coated.

Step 4

Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.

Step 5

Serve immediately, garnished with cotija or feta cheese, extra cilantro, and lime wedges if desired.

Zusatztipps für die Zubereitung

For maximum efficiency, use a store-bought rotisserie chicken or poach and shred chicken breasts in advance. Ensure the rotini is well-drained before mixing to prevent the sauce from becoming too thin.

Varianten und Anpassungen

For extra heat, add a chopped jalapeño to the blender when making the sauce. You can also substitute penne or fusilli for rotini if preferred. This dish is versatile and can be served warm or chilled as a refreshing pasta salad.

Serviervorschläge

Top the pasta with crumbled cotija or feta cheese for a salty kick, and provide extra lime wedges on the side for guests who enjoy a more acidic finish. Freshly chopped cilantro adds a final touch of color and aroma.

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This Cilantro Lime Chicken Pasta is a nutritious and satisfying meal that combines simple preparation with bold, fresh ingredients. Whether served for a family dinner or a quick lunch, it is sure to be a hit with anyone looking for a bright and creamy pasta dish.

Keeps spoons and utensils off counters while cooking, catching drips and keeping your stovetop clean.

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Recipe FAQs

→ Can I use fresh chicken instead of rotisserie?

Yes, absolutely. Poach 2 chicken breasts in simmering water for 12-15 minutes until cooked through, then shred. This takes about the same time as cooking the pasta, so you can do both simultaneously to save prep time.

→ What can I substitute for Greek yogurt?

Sour cream, regular plain yogurt, or a combination of both work well. Sour cream will give a slightly richer taste, while regular yogurt produces a similar consistency. Avoid non-dairy yogurts as they may become grainy when blended with citrus.

→ How do I adjust the spice level?

For extra heat, add a minced jalapeño or serrano pepper to the sauce. For a milder version, reduce the chili powder to 1/4 teaspoon. You can also adjust the lime juice gradually to find your preferred tanginess level.

→ Can this be made ahead?

Yes, prepare the sauce and cook the pasta and chicken separately up to one day ahead. Store them in separate containers in the refrigerator. Toss together just before serving. The dish also works beautifully served chilled, making it excellent for meal prep.

→ What pasta shapes work best?

Rotini, fusilli, or penne work wonderfully because their ridges and curves capture the creamy sauce. Avoid thin pasta like angel hair, which can get too soft. You can also use farfalle or rigatoni for different textures and presentations.

→ Is this dish gluten-free?

Standard pasta contains wheat, but you can easily make it gluten-free by using gluten-free rotini made from rice, corn, or legumes. The rest of the ingredients are naturally gluten-free. Just verify your Greek yogurt brand doesn't have any additives.