Cilantro Lime Chicken Pasta

A vibrant and creamy pasta dish featuring tender shredded chicken and rotini tossed in a tangy cilantro-lime yogurt sauce. Perfect for a fresh and flavorful dinner, this recipe combines wholesome ingredients for a high-protein meal that is ready in just 40 minutes.

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This dish is an excellent choice for those seeking a light yet satisfying dinner. The creamy yogurt-based sauce provides a luxurious texture without the need for heavy cream, while the spices add a warm depth to the refreshing citrus notes.

Ingredients

• Pasta and Chicken
• 12 oz (340 g) rotini pasta
• 2 cups (about 10 oz / 280 g) cooked, shredded chicken breast (rotisserie or poached)
• Cilantro-Lime Yogurt Sauce
• 1 cup (240 g) plain Greek yogurt
• 1/3 cup (8 g) fresh cilantro leaves, chopped
• 2 tbsp fresh lime juice (about 1 lime)
• 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, or to taste
• 1/4 tsp black pepper
• Optional Garnishes
• 1/4 cup (30 g) cotija or feta cheese, crumbled
• Extra chopped cilantro
• Lime wedges

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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

Use rotisserie chicken for convenience or poach and shred chicken breasts at home.

Varianten und Anpassungen

For extra heat, add a chopped jalapeño to the sauce. Substitute penne or fusilli for rotini if preferred.

Serviervorschläge

This dish is also delicious served chilled as a pasta salad.

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Enjoy this flavorful meal that brings a fresh twist to traditional pasta night. With its perfect balance of protein and zest, it is sure to become a regular in your recipe rotation.

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Recipe FAQs

→ Can I use a different type of pasta?

Yes, this sauce pairs beautifully with penne, fusilli, or any medium-sized pasta shape. The key is having enough surface area for the creamy sauce to coat evenly.

→ How do I make this spicier?

Add a chopped jalapeño or serrano pepper directly to the sauce when blending. You can also increase the chili powder or add a pinch of cayenne pepper for extra heat.

→ What's the best way to cook the chicken?

Rotisserie chicken is the quickest option. Alternatively, poach chicken breasts in salted water for 12-15 minutes until cooked through, then shred with two forks. This ensures moist, tender chicken.

→ Can I make this ahead of time?

Yes, prepare the sauce up to 24 hours ahead and store it in the refrigerator. Cook the pasta and chicken just before serving, then combine. The dish is also excellent chilled as a pasta salad.

→ What can I substitute for Greek yogurt?

Use regular plain yogurt, sour cream, or a dairy-free yogurt alternative. Each will create a slightly different texture and tang level, but all work well with the cilantro-lime flavors.

→ Is this dish protein-rich?

Yes, with 37g of protein per serving from the chicken and Greek yogurt, this is an excellent high-protein main dish. It's satisfying and keeps you full longer.