Chicken Pasta with Creamy Cilantro-Lime Alfredo Sauce

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

  • Quick and Easy: Ready in just 30 minutes, it’s ideal for weeknight dinners.
  • Flavorful Combination: The tangy lime and fresh cilantro add a vibrant taste to the creamy sauce.
  • Simple Ingredients: Utilizes basic pantry staples for a hassle-free cooking experience.
  • Versatile: Easily adaptable to include your favorite vegetables or to be made gluten-free.

Ingredients

  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 pound chicken breast, sliced
  • Salt and pepper, to taste
  • 3 garlic cloves, minced
  • 2 tablespoons freshly squeezed lime juice
  • ¼ cup chicken broth
  • 1 tablespoon fresh cilantro, chopped
  • ⅔ cup heavy cream
  • ⅔ cup milk
  • ½ cup shredded Mozzarella or Parmesan cheese
  • 8 ounces spaghetti (use gluten-free pasta if preferred)
  • Reserved cooked pasta water
  • Additional fresh cilantro, chopped, for garnish

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

  1. Cook the Chicken: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Season the sliced chicken with salt and pepper. Add the chicken to the skillet and cook for about 5 minutes until fully cooked. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
  2. Prepare the Sauce: In the same skillet, add minced garlic, lime juice, and chicken broth. Cook on high heat for 1-2 minutes, deglazing the pan and reducing the liquid slightly. Ensure the garlic doesn’t burn. Stir in the chopped cilantro.
  3. Add Cream and Cheese: Reduce the heat to medium. Add heavy cream and milk to the skillet, bringing the mixture to a gentle boil. Add the shredded cheese and stir until melted and the sauce is smooth. Remove from heat.
  4. Cook the Pasta: Meanwhile, cook the spaghetti according to package instructions until al dente. Drain the pasta, reserving some of the pasta water.
  5. Combine: Add the cooked pasta and chicken to the skillet with the sauce. Toss to combine. If the sauce is too thick, add some of the reserved pasta water to achieve the desired consistency.
  6. Serve: Garnish with additional chopped cilantro and serve immediately.

Servings and Timing

  • Servings: This recipe yields approximately 4 servings.
  • Preparation Time: 10 minutes
  • Cooking Time: 20 minutes
  • Total Time: 30 minutes

Variations

  • Add Vegetables: Incorporate sautéed bell peppers, spinach, or mushrooms for added nutrition and flavor.
  • Spice It Up: Add red pepper flakes or diced jalapeños to the sauce for a spicy kick.
  • Herb Substitutions: If you’re not a fan of cilantro, fresh basil or parsley can be used as alternatives.
  • Cheese Options: Experiment with different cheeses like Asiago or Romano for a unique taste.

Storage and Reheating

  • Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
  • Reheating: Reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of milk or cream to maintain the sauce’s creamy consistency. Stir occasionally until heated through.

FAQs

What type of pasta works best with this sauce?

While spaghetti is used in this recipe, fettuccine, linguine, or penne would also pair well with the creamy cilantro-lime sauce.

Can I use pre-cooked chicken?

Yes, pre-cooked or rotisserie chicken can be used. Simply add it to the sauce to warm through before combining with the pasta.

Is there a dairy-free alternative for the cream?

You can substitute heavy cream with coconut milk or a plant-based cream alternative to make the dish dairy-free.

How can I make this dish gluten-free?

Use gluten-free pasta and ensure that all other ingredients, like chicken broth, are certified gluten-free.

What can I use instead of cilantro?

If you don’t prefer cilantro, fresh parsley or basil can be used to provide a different yet complementary flavor.

How do I prevent the sauce from curdling?

Maintain a gentle simmer when adding dairy products and avoid high heat to prevent curdling. Stir continuously while incorporating the cream and milk.

Can I prepare the sauce ahead of time?

Yes, the sauce can be prepared in advance and stored in the refrigerator. Reheat gently on the stovetop, adding a bit of milk or cream to restore its consistency before combining with freshly cooked pasta.

What side dishes pair well with this pasta?

A fresh green salad or steamed vegetables like broccoli or asparagus complement this creamy pasta dish nicely.

How can I thicken the sauce if it’s too thin?

If the sauce is too thin, let it simmer a bit longer to reduce and thicken. Alternatively, mix a small amount of cornstarch with water and add to the sauce, stirring until it reaches the desired consistency.

Is it safe to freeze leftovers?

Cream-based sauces can sometimes separate upon freezing and reheating. It’s best to enjoy this dish fresh or refrigerated rather than frozen.


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Chicken Pasta with Creamy Cilantro-Lime Alfredo Sauce


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  • Author: Isabella
  • Total Time: 30 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings
  • Diet: Gluten Free

Description

Discover the perfect weeknight dinner with this Chicken Pasta in a Creamy Cilantro-Lime Alfredo Sauce. Ready in just 30 minutes, this dish combines tender chicken, al dente pasta, and a rich, zesty sauce for a satisfying meal. Perfect for busy schedules and sure to impress the family.

 


Ingredients

  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 pound chicken breast, sliced
  • Salt and pepper, to taste
  • 3 garlic cloves, minced
  • 2 tablespoons freshly squeezed lime juice
  • ¼ cup chicken broth
  • 1 tablespoon fresh cilantro, chopped
  • ⅔ cup heavy cream
  • ⅔ cup milk
  • ½ cup shredded Mozzarella or Parmesan cheese
  • 8 ounces spaghetti (use gluten-free pasta if preferred)
  • Reserved cooked pasta water
  • Additional fresh cilantro, chopped, for garnish

Instructions

  1. Cook the Chicken:
    Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Season chicken with salt and pepper. Cook for 5 minutes or until fully cooked. Set aside.
  2. Prepare the Sauce:
    In the same skillet, sauté garlic with lime juice and chicken broth for 1-2 minutes. Stir in chopped cilantro.
  3. Add Cream and Cheese:
    Lower heat to medium. Add heavy cream and milk, bringing to a gentle boil. Mix in cheese, stirring until melted and smooth.
  4. Cook the Pasta:
    While the sauce simmers, cook spaghetti according to package instructions. Reserve some pasta water before draining.
  5. Combine:
    Add cooked pasta and chicken to the sauce. Toss to coat. Adjust consistency with reserved pasta water if needed.
  6. Serve:
    Garnish with fresh cilantro and serve immediately.

Notes

  • Customize by adding sautéed vegetables like bell peppers or spinach.
  • Adjust spiciness with red pepper flakes or jalapeños.
  • Substitute cilantro with parsley or basil for a different flavor profile.
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 20 minutes
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Sautéing, Simmering
  • Cuisine: Italian

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