Cilantro Lime Chicken Pasta (Printable)

Tender shredded chicken and rotini in a creamy cilantro-lime yogurt sauce with fresh flavors.

# What You Need:

→ Pasta and Chicken

01 - 12 ounces 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 tablespoons fresh lime juice
06 - 1 teaspoon lime zest
07 - 2 cloves garlic, minced
08 - 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
09 - 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
10 - 1/2 teaspoon chili powder
11 - 1/2 teaspoon salt
12 - 1/4 teaspoon black pepper

→ Optional Garnishes

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

# Directions:

01 - Bring a large pot of salted water to boil. Add rotini and cook according to package directions until al dente. Drain in colander and set aside.
02 - While pasta cooks, combine Greek yogurt, cilantro, lime juice, lime zest, minced garlic, olive oil, cumin, chili powder, salt, and black pepper in a blender or food processor. Blend until smooth and vibrant green.
03 - Transfer cooked pasta and shredded chicken to a large mixing bowl. Pour cilantro-lime sauce over ingredients and toss thoroughly until evenly coated.
04 - Taste the dish and adjust salt, lime juice, or spices as needed to achieve desired flavor balance.
05 - Transfer to serving plates and garnish with crumbled cheese, fresh cilantro, and lime wedges. Serve immediately while warm.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • The creamy yogurt sauce feels indulgent but keeps things light enough for weeknight dinners
  • It comes together in under 40 minutes but tastes like something from a fancy restaurant
  • The vibrant colors and zesty flavors make everyone forget they are eating leftovers
02 -
  • The sauce will look impossibly green but that is exactly right, do not dilute it
  • This pasta absorbs sauce quickly so if you are making it ahead, reserve some sauce to refresh before serving
  • The garlic flavor mellows slightly as the sauce sits, so do not be afraid of the raw garlic in the blend
03 -
  • Use a microplane or fine grater for the lime zest to avoid bitter white pith
  • Let the finished pasta sit for five minutes before serving so the sauce can cling to every spiral of rotini
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