Curried Chicken Pasta Delight
This Curried Chicken Pasta Delight is a burst of flavors and textures perfect for your lunchbox or dinner table. A fusion of creamy yogurt and low-fat mayonnaise kicks up the flavor with aromatic korma and customizable curry powder. Penne pasta melds beautifully with juicy chicken, crisp red bell pepper, refreshing cucumber, and optional sweet baby plum tomatoes. Ideal for make-ahead meals, it's suggested to add tomatoes just before serving to keep the dressing thick and luscious. A sprinkle of fresh cilantro adds the perfect finishing touch to this healthy, vibrant dish that's sure to satisfy. Serving 4 as a light lunch or 2-3 as a dinner entree, this recipe is your go-to for a nutritious yet indulgent-tasting meal.
4
Servings
N/A
Calories
11
Ingredients
Ingredients
virtually fat free plain yogurt
3/4 cup (200g)
lowest fat mayonnaise
4 tablespoons
korma curry powder
1 tablespoon
curry powder (your choice of heat)
1 teaspoon
dry penne pasta
1 3/4 cups (150g)
cooked skinless chicken breasts
250 g (diced)
red bell pepper
1 (diced)
cucumber
1/2 (diced)
baby plum tomatoes
1 cup (halved, optional)
spring onions
4 (finely sliced)
fresh coriander (cilantro)
1 handful (chopped)
Instructions
1
In a large mixing bowl, combine the plain yogurt and low-fat mayonnaise. Gradually mix in the korma and curry powder until the dressing is smooth and uniformly spiced.
2
Cook the penne pasta as per package instructions until al dente. Ensure it's not overcooked to prevent it from becoming mushy in the salad.
3
While the pasta is cooking, dice the cooked chicken breasts, red bell pepper, cucumber, and baby plum tomatoes (if using). Slice the spring onions thinly.
4
Once the pasta is done, drain it thoroughly and rinse with cold water until it is completely cooled. Drain any excess water.
5
Add the cooled pasta, diced chicken, and chopped vegetables to the bowl with the dressing. Mix everything well to ensure all ingredients are well-coated in the flavorful dressing.
6
Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper to taste.
7
Garnish the pasta salad with a generous amount of freshly chopped cilantro, mixing some with the salad and using the rest for garnish on top to enhance the dish's visual appeal and flavor.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Curried Chicken Pasta Delight?
It is a vibrant fusion pasta salad featuring chicken, penne, and vegetables tossed in a creamy korma-spiced yogurt dressing.
What type of pasta is best for this recipe?
The recipe recommends using 150g or 1 3/4 cups of dry penne pasta cooked until al dente.
How many people does this recipe serve?
It serves 4 people as a light lunch or 2 to 3 people as a dinner entree.
What are the primary ingredients for the dressing?
The dressing is made from virtually fat-free plain yogurt, lowest fat mayonnaise, korma curry powder, and a curry powder of your choice.
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes, it is an ideal make-ahead meal for lunchboxes or dinner prep.
How should I prepare the chicken?
Use 250g of cooked skinless chicken breasts and dice them into bite-sized pieces.
What vegetables are included in the salad?
The salad includes red bell pepper, cucumber, spring onions, and optional baby plum tomatoes.
Is there a tip for keeping the dressing thick?
Yes, add the baby plum tomatoes just before serving to prevent their moisture from thinning the dressing.
How do I prevent the pasta from being mushy?
Cook the pasta only until al dente and rinse it immediately with cold water to stop the cooking process.
What kind of yogurt is recommended?
The recipe calls for 200g or 3/4 cup of virtually fat-free plain yogurt.
Can I adjust the spiciness of this dish?
Yes, you can choose a curry powder with your preferred heat level to customize the flavor.
How should the cucumber be prepared?
The cucumber should be diced into small pieces before being added to the salad.
What is used for the garnish?
A generous handful of freshly chopped coriander (cilantro) is used for both flavor and garnish.
How should the spring onions be cut?
The 4 spring onions should be finely sliced.
Can I use regular mayonnaise?
While the recipe suggests lowest fat mayonnaise for health, regular mayonnaise can be used as a substitute.
Is this recipe suitable for a healthy diet?
Yes, it uses low-fat dairy and lean chicken, making it a nutritious and vibrant meal option.
What is korma curry powder?
Korma powder is a mild, aromatic spice blend that provides a signature flavor to this pasta dish.
How much korma curry powder is needed?
The recipe requires 1 tablespoon of korma curry powder.
Why should I rinse the pasta with cold water?
Rinsing ensures the pasta is completely cooled so it doesn't melt the yogurt-based dressing.
Can I use different pasta shapes?
Yes, while penne is suggested, other short pasta like fusilli or farfalle would work well.
Are the baby plum tomatoes mandatory?
No, the 1 cup of baby plum tomatoes is optional according to the ingredient list.
What color bell pepper is used?
The recipe specifically calls for one red bell pepper, diced.
How do I mix the dressing?
Combine yogurt and mayonnaise in a bowl, then gradually mix in the curry powders until smooth.
Should the chicken be hot or cold when added?
The chicken should be cooked and then diced, ideally cooled to match the temperature of the salad.
Does this recipe contain fiber?
Yes, fiber is provided by the inclusion of red bell pepper, cucumber, and tomatoes.
How do I season the final dish?
Adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper to your personal taste after mixing all ingredients.
Is this dish served warm?
No, this is intended to be a cold or room-temperature pasta salad.
How much regular curry powder is used?
In addition to the korma powder, use 1 teaspoon of your choice of curry powder.
Is this a good recipe for meal prep?
Absolutely, its flavors meld well over time, making it perfect for preparing in advance.
What if I don't have fresh coriander?
You can substitute with fresh parsley or simply omit it, though the cilantro adds a specific fresh finish.