Spicy Guajillo and Lime Cavatappi with Grilled Chicken

Ingredients

Main Components:
- 8 oz Cavatappi pasta
- 1 ear fresh corn, kernels removed
- 1 grilled chicken breast, sliced
- 1/2 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 2 tbsp mayonnaise
- 2 tbsp Greek yogurt
- 1 tbsp fresh lime juice
- 1/4 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
- 1/4 cup Cotija cheese, crumbled

Flavor Enhancers:
- 1 dried guajillo chile, seeds removed
- 1/4 cup cilantro, chopped
- 1/4 red onion, finely chopped
- 1/2 tsp ground pepper

Prep Ingredients:
- 1/4 cup pasta water (reserved from cooking)
- 1 lime, cut into wedges for garnish

Instructions

1. Prepare the Guajillo Chile:
- Simmer the guajillo chile in 1 cup of water on the stove over medium heat for 10 minutes until softened.
- Remove from water, let cool slightly, and finely chop.

2. Cook the Cavatappi Pasta:
- In a large pot, boil water with a pinch of salt.
- Add 8 oz Cavatappi pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente (about 8 minutes).
- Reserve 1/4 cup of pasta water. Drain the rest and set the pasta aside.

3. Make the Creamy Lime Sauce:
- In a bowl, whisk together 2 tbsp mayonnaise, 2 tbsp Greek yogurt, and 1 tbsp fresh lime juice.
- Stir in the reserved 1/4 cup pasta water until smooth. Add 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese and blend well.

4. Sauté the Vegetables:
- In a pan heated over medium-high heat, add a drizzle of oil.
- Add 1/4 red onion and sauté for 2 minutes until slightly translucent.
- Add corn kernels and 1/2 cup cherry tomatoes; cook for 3 minutes.

5. Combine Ingredients:
- Add the chopped guajillo chile, 1 grilled chicken breast slices, cooked pasta, and creamy lime sauce to the pan.
- Mix thoroughly, ensuring everything is coated with the sauce.

6. Finish with Toppings:
- Remove from heat, stir in 1/4 cup chopped cilantro and 1/4 cup crumbled Cotija cheese.
- Season with 1/2 tsp ground pepper.

7. Serve:
- Divide the pasta among four plates, garnish with lime wedges, and enjoy!

Total Time

PT35M
35 minutes

Type of Dish

Dinner

Recipe Yield

Feeds 4 adults

Calories

Total: 1200 calories for the entire dish

Keywords

Spicy pasta, Guajillo chile recipe, Lime chicken pasta, Cavatappi recipe, Creamy pasta sauce, Mexican-inspired pasta, Grilled chicken meal, Quick dinner recipe, Vegetarian pasta adaptation, Cilantro lime dish

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