Creamy Cilantro Lime Pasta

$To make Creamy Cilantro Lime Pasta, you need some fresh ingredients and pantry staples. - Fresh ingredients needed: - 8 ounces fettuccine or spaghetti - 1 tablespoon olive oil - 3 cloves garlic, minced - 1 cup heavy cream - 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese - 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped (plus more for garnish) - Zest and juice of 2 limes These fresh items add great taste and texture to the dish. The lime gives a bright, zesty flavor, while the cream makes it rich. The cilantro adds a fresh note that ties everything together. - Pantry staples required: - Salt and pepper to taste - Red pepper flakes (optional, for a kick) Salt and pepper boost all the flavors in your dish. Red pepper flakes add a nice bit of heat, but you can skip them if you prefer something milder. - Optional add-ins for extra flavor: - Grilled chicken or shrimp - Extra veggies like cherry tomatoes or spinach These add-ins can make your pasta heartier. They also introduce new flavors and textures. Try them for a fun twist! {{ingredient_image_1}} To start, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. This step is key for flavor. Add 8 ounces of fettuccine or spaghetti to the pot. Cook it until it's al dente, which means it should still have a slight bite. Follow the package instructions for precise timing. Remember to reserve 1/2 cup of pasta water before draining. This starchy water helps in making the sauce creamy later. When draining, do it carefully to avoid losing any pasta. A colander works well for this task. Next, let's prepare the garlic. I recommend using fresh garlic for the best flavor. You will need 3 cloves, minced. Heat a tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the minced garlic, but watch it closely. Sauté it for about one minute until it's fragrant. Be careful not to burn it, as burnt garlic can ruin the dish. Garlic adds depth to our dish. Its rich flavor pairs well with lime and cilantro. Now, let's make the creamy sauce. Pour in 1 cup of heavy cream into the skillet and bring it to a gentle simmer. Whisk in 1/2 cup of grated Parmesan cheese. Adding the cheese slowly helps it melt evenly. This keeps the sauce smooth and creamy. If the sauce feels too thick, use some reserved pasta water. This will adjust the consistency to your liking. Stir in 1/4 cup of chopped cilantro, the zest, and juice of 2 limes. Season it with salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes if you want some heat. Finally, combine the drained pasta with the sauce. Toss it well to coat every strand. Let it cook for another 2-3 minutes to absorb those delicious flavors. To get the best taste, balance lime and cilantro. The lime gives a bright zing, while cilantro adds freshness. Start with the juice of one lime and add more if you want it tangy. You can use zest for extra flavor. For seasonings, salt and pepper are key. They enhance the pasta's taste. Red pepper flakes can add heat. Use them if you like a kick. Adjusting spice levels is easy. Start with a small amount of red pepper flakes. Taste as you go. This way, you can find your perfect heat level. If you need substitutes for heavy cream, try coconut milk or cashew cream. Both give a rich texture without dairy. To get a velvety sauce, whisk well. This helps mix the cream and cheese evenly. If the sauce feels too thick, add reserved pasta water. It will help loosen it up. Prevent clumping of cheese by adding it slowly. Stir constantly as you add it. This keeps the sauce smooth and creamy. If you see lumps, keep whisking. They will break down with a bit of effort. Pro Tips Perfect Pasta: Always cook your pasta until al dente for the best texture, as it will continue to cook slightly when mixed with the sauce. Flavor Boost: For an extra flavor kick, consider adding a splash of white wine to the sauce after sautéing the garlic, letting it reduce for a minute before adding the cream. Texture Matters: To achieve a creamier sauce, ensure the cream is at room temperature before adding it to the skillet, preventing it from curdling. Fresh is Best: Use freshly grated Parmesan cheese instead of pre-grated for a richer flavor and smoother sauce consistency. {{image_2}} You can add protein to make this dish heartier. Chicken, shrimp, or tofu work well. For chicken, use cooked, diced pieces. Shrimp should be sautéed until pink and firm. Tofu should be cubed and cooked until golden. Adjust cooking times based on what you choose. Chicken and shrimp can cook quickly in the sauce. Tofu may take longer to heat through. Ensure your protein is fully cooked before adding it to the pasta. To make this dish plant-based, swap heavy cream for coconut cream or cashew cream. Both give a rich taste. For cheese, use nutritional yeast or a vegan cheese substitute. These options will keep your creamy texture while being plant-friendly. If you want to add depth, include some fresh herbs. Basil or parsley can enhance the flavors. You can boost flavor with herbs and spices. Try adding basil or parsley for a fresh twist. A pinch of cumin or smoked paprika can add warmth. Adding vegetables is another great option. Spinach, bell peppers, or cherry tomatoes can add nutrition and color. Cook them briefly before adding the pasta. This way, they stay vibrant and crisp. To keep your creamy cilantro lime pasta fresh, store it properly. Start by letting it cool at room temperature for about 30 minutes. Then, place the pasta in an airtight container. This helps prevent the pasta from drying out. Use glass or plastic containers with tight lids. These containers keep the flavors intact and minimize odors from other foods. - Best practices for storing leftovers: - Allow the pasta to cool before storing. - Use airtight containers to keep moisture in. - Separate sauce and pasta if possible for best taste. Reheating your creamy cilantro lime pasta can be simple. You want to keep it creamy and tasty. The best way is to use a skillet over low heat. Add a splash of water or cream to help it regain moisture. Stir gently to keep the texture smooth. - How to reheat without sacrificing texture: - Use a skillet on low heat. - Add a splash of water or cream. - Stir often to avoid sticking. - Tips for adding moisture back into the dish: - Use reserved pasta water if you have any. - Add a little extra cream for richness. - Stir in a few drops of lime juice for freshness. You can store Creamy Cilantro Lime Pasta in the fridge for 3 to 5 days. Keep it in an airtight container to retain its freshness. The flavors will meld together, making it even tastier the next day. Yes, you can make this dish ahead of time. Cook the pasta and sauce separately. Store the pasta and sauce in different containers. When ready to serve, just combine them and heat gently. This keeps the pasta from getting mushy. This pasta pairs well with many dishes. You can serve it with grilled chicken or shrimp for protein. A fresh salad or roasted vegetables make great sides too. For a light touch, offer lime wedges and extra cilantro for garnish. Yes, you can freeze leftovers, but the texture may change. Store it in a freezer-safe container. It’s best to eat it within 1 to 2 months. To reheat, thaw overnight in the fridge and warm gently on the stove. Adding a splash of cream can help restore some creaminess. In this article, we explored how to make Creamy Cilantro Lime Pasta. We covered ingredients, cooking techniques, and tips for flavor. You learned the importance of using fresh ingredients and how to achieve the best texture. Remember, adjusting flavors and adding proteins or veggies can really enhance your dish. Proper storage and reheating methods keep leftovers tasty. Enjoy making this dish your own. Happy cooking!$

A deliciously creamy pasta dish with fresh cilantro and lime flavors.

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Prep Time 10

Cook Time 15

Total Time 25

Course Main Course

Cuisine Italian

Servings 4

Calories 600 kcal

Ingredients

8 ounces fettuccine or spaghetti
1 tablespoon olive oil
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 cup heavy cream
1 2 Parmesan cheese, grated
1 4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
2 limes zest and juice
to taste salt and pepper
optional red pepper flakes

Instructions

Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the fettuccine and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup of pasta water, then drain the pasta and set aside.
Sauté Garlic: In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant, being careful not to burn it.
Make the Cream Sauce: Pour in the heavy cream and bring to a gentle simmer. Whisk in the grated Parmesan cheese until melted and the sauce is smooth.
Add Flavor: Stir in the chopped cilantro, lime zest, and lime juice. Season with salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes if desired. If the sauce is too thick, add some reserved pasta water to reach your preferred consistency.
Combine Pasta and Sauce: Add the cooked pasta to the skillet and toss to coat it evenly in the creamy sauce. Allow everything to cook together for another 2-3 minutes so the pasta absorbs some of the flavors.
Serve: Plate the pasta and garnish with additional chopped cilantro, lime wedges, and more grated Parmesan cheese if you like.

Notes

Add more lime juice for extra tanginess.

Keyword cilantro, creamy, lime, pasta