Cilantro Lime Chicken Pasta (Printable)

Creamy rotini with shredded chicken in tangy cilantro-lime yogurt sauce

# What You Need:

→ Pasta and Chicken

01 - 12 oz rotini pasta
02 - 2 cups cooked, shredded chicken breast

→ Cilantro-Lime Yogurt Sauce

03 - 1 cup plain Greek yogurt
04 - 1/3 cup fresh cilantro leaves, chopped
05 - 2 tbsp fresh lime juice
06 - 1 tsp lime zest
07 - 2 cloves garlic, minced
08 - 2 tbsp extra-virgin olive oil
09 - 1/2 tsp ground cumin
10 - 1/2 tsp chili powder
11 - 1/2 tsp salt
12 - 1/4 tsp black pepper

→ Optional Garnishes

13 - 1/4 cup cotija or feta cheese, crumbled
14 - Extra chopped cilantro
15 - Lime wedges

# Directions:

01 - Bring a large pot of salted water to boil. Cook rotini pasta according to package directions until al dente. Drain thoroughly in a colander and set aside.
02 - Combine Greek yogurt, cilantro, lime juice, lime zest, garlic, olive oil, cumin, chili powder, salt, and black pepper in a blender or food processor. Blend until completely smooth and vibrant green in color.
03 - Transfer cooked rotini and shredded chicken to a large mixing bowl. Pour the cilantro-lime sauce over the top and toss gently until every piece is evenly coated with the vibrant green sauce.
04 - Taste the pasta and adjust salt or pepper if needed. Serve immediately while warm, topped with crumbled cotija or feta cheese, additional fresh cilantro, and lime wedges on the side.

# Expert Suggestions:

01 -
  • The creamy yogurt sauce somehow feels indulgent while keeping things light and fresh
  • It comes together in under 40 minutes but tastes like you put way more thought into it
02 -
  • The sauce thickens slightly as it sits so if making ahead thin with a splash of water or lime juice before serving
  • Reserve some pasta water before draining in case you need to loosen the sauce later
03 -
  • Room temperature yogurt blends more smoothly than cold yogurt straight from the fridge
  • Toast the cumin in a dry pan for 30 seconds before adding to the sauce for deeper flavor
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