Save to Pinterest This Cilantro Lime Chicken Pasta is a vibrant and creamy dish that brings a refreshing zest to your dinner table. Combining tender shredded chicken with rotini pasta, everything is brought together by a tangy and bright cilantro-lime yogurt sauce that is both light and incredibly satisfying. It is a perfect choice for those seeking a fresh, flavorful, and high-protein meal.
Save to Pinterest The secret to this dish lies in the harmony of ingredients. The creamy yogurt sauce perfectly coats the rotini, while the cumin and chili powder add a subtle warmth that complements the citrusy lime. It is a modern, healthy take on comfort food that is as visually appealing as it is delicious.
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.
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
To save time, use a store-bought rotisserie chicken for the shredded protein. When preparing the sauce, ensure you blend until the cilantro is completely incorporated and the sauce achieves a uniform green color.
Varianten und Anpassungen
If you do not have rotini on hand, penne or fusilli are excellent substitutes. For those who prefer a spicy kick, add a chopped jalapeño to the blender when making the cilantro-lime sauce.
Serviervorschläge
This dish is highly versatile and can be served immediately while warm or chilled as a refreshing pasta salad. Top with crumbled cotija or feta cheese for an added salty contrast and extra lime wedges for squeezing.
Save to Pinterest Whether you are serving a family dinner or meal-prepping for the week, this Cilantro Lime Chicken Pasta is a nutritious and flavorful choice. Its creamy consistency and zesty finish are sure to make it a new favorite in your recipe rotation.
Your Questions Answered
- → Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes, this pasta is excellent prepared in advance. Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. You can serve it chilled as a pasta salad or gently reheat it. The flavors actually deepen as it sits, making it ideal for meal prep.
- → What type of chicken works best?
Rotisserie chicken is the quickest option and adds great flavor. Alternatively, poach fresh chicken breasts at home for 12-15 minutes or use leftover cooked chicken. Shred the chicken into bite-sized pieces to ensure even coating with the sauce.
- → How can I adjust the spice level?
For more heat, add a finely chopped jalapeño or serrano pepper to the sauce before blending. You can also increase the chili powder or add a pinch of cayenne pepper. For milder flavors, reduce the chili powder and omit any fresh peppers.
- → What are good substitutions for the pasta shape?
Any medium-sized pasta works well—try penne, fusilli, farfalle, or shell pasta. They all hold the creamy sauce beautifully. Choose shapes with ridges or curves to trap more of the cilantro-lime yogurt coating.
- → Can I use a different sauce base instead of Greek yogurt?
Yes, you can substitute with sour cream, regular yogurt, or a combination of mayonnaise and lime juice. Greek yogurt offers the highest protein content, but these alternatives will work. You may need to adjust the lime juice and salt to taste with different bases.
- → What garnishes work best with this dish?
Crumbled cotija or feta cheese adds a tangy brightness. Fresh cilantro, lime wedges, sliced avocado, cherry tomatoes, and a drizzle of olive oil all complement the flavors beautifully. Toasted pepitas or pine nuts add a nice textural contrast.