Save The first time I made this, my kitchen smelled like a lime grove. I had grabbed cilantro on impulse and rotisserie chicken for convenience. What happened was accidental dinner magic that my husband now requests weekly. The sauce comes together in minutes and turns simple pasta into something craveable. Even my cilantro skeptical cousin went back for seconds.
Last summer, I made this for dinner when friends dropped by unexpectedly. They watched me throw everything into the blender, looking skeptical. Then someone took a bite and went quiet. That bowl was empty within minutes and now they text me asking for the recipe constantly.
Ingredients
- 12 oz rotini pasta: The corkscrew shape catches every bit of the creamy sauce perfectly
- 2 cups cooked shredded chicken breast: Rotisserie chicken is your shortcut or poach and shred your own
- 1 cup plain Greek yogurt: Creates that velvety texture while packing protein
- 1/3 cup fresh cilantro leaves chopped: The star of the show, do not skip or substitute
- 2 tbsp fresh lime juice plus 1 tsp lime zest: Both bring the acid balance but in different ways
- 2 cloves garlic minced: Mellowes when blended into the yogurt base
- 2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil: Helps the sauce coat every noodle evenly
- 1/2 tsp ground cumin and 1/2 tsp chili powder: Warm spices that ground all that bright lime flavor
- 1/2 tsp salt and 1/4 tsp black pepper: Adjust these last to hit your perfect balance
Instructions
- Cook the pasta until perfectly al dente:
- Boil a large pot of salted water and cook the rotini according to package directions. Drain well, but save a splash of pasta water just in case you need it later.
- Blend up that gorgeous green sauce:
- Toss the Greek yogurt, cilantro, lime juice, lime zest, garlic, olive oil, cumin, chili powder, salt, and pepper into a blender or food processor. Blend until completely smooth and vibrantly colored.
- Bring everything together:
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked pasta and shredded chicken. Pour that bright sauce over everything and toss until each piece of pasta is coated.
- Taste and tweak:
- This is when you adjust the seasoning or add more lime if it needs a punch. Trust your palate.
- Plate it up:
- Serve right away while the sauce is still creamy and warm. Sprinkle with cotija, extra cilantro, or lime wedges if you are feeling fancy.
Save My mom asked for this recipe after I served it at a family Sunday dinner. She said it reminded her of something she had at a restaurant years ago but could never quite replicate. Now she makes it for her book club and they are obsessed.
Make It Your Own
Swap in penne or fusilli if that is what you have in the pantry. They all work beautifully with this sauce.
Cold Weather Comfort
This pasta is unexpectedly amazing served chilled the next day. The flavors meld overnight and it becomes this incredible pasta salad that is perfect for lunch.
Spice It Up
Add a chopped jalapeño to the blender if you crave heat. The creamy sauce tames the fire beautifully.
- Grill some chicken breasts instead of using rotisserie for smoky depth
- Try adding diced avocado on top for extra creaminess
- Squeeze fresh lime over each bowl right before eating
Save This is the kind of recipe that turns a random Tuesday into something special without any fuss.
Common Recipe Questions
- → Can I use a different type of pasta?
Yes, absolutely. While rotini works beautifully with this sauce, you can substitute penne, fusilli, or any pasta shape you prefer. The cilantro-lime yogurt sauce coats all pasta shapes evenly.
- → How do I prepare the chicken?
Use rotisserie chicken for convenience, or poach and shred chicken breasts at home. Cook boneless, skinless chicken breasts in simmering water for 12-15 minutes until cooked through, then shred with two forks. This ensures tender, flavorful chicken.
- → Can I make this ahead?
Yes, this dish is excellent prepared in advance. Store the cooked pasta and sauce separately in airtight containers for up to 3 days. Toss together before serving. It's also delicious served chilled as a pasta salad the next day.
- → What can I add for extra heat?
For spicier flavor, add a chopped jalapeño to the sauce before blending, or sprinkle red pepper flakes on top. You can also increase the chili powder in the yogurt sauce for more kick without adding fresh peppers.
- → Is this dairy-free?
Not with the current ingredients due to Greek yogurt and optional cheese. However, you can substitute with dairy-free yogurt and omit the cheese garnish to make it dairy-free while maintaining the creamy, tangy flavor profile.
- → How should I store leftovers?
Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The pasta will keep well, though the sauce may thicken slightly. Add a splash of milk or yogurt when reheating to restore creaminess if needed.