Zesty Thai Cilantro Chicken Linguine
Experience a vibrant fusion of flavors with this Zesty Thai Cilantro Chicken Linguine. This dish combines the freshness of cilantro and lime with the heat of jalapeño, creating a delightful sauce that coats perfectly cooked linguine. The tender, broiled chicken infused with ginger and garlic brings a satisfying heartiness to this dish, making it a perfect centerpiece for a dinner gathering. Pair it with a refreshing Gewurztraminer wine, and you have a meal that tantalizes the taste buds while showcasing the best of Asian-inspired cuisine.
N/A
Servings
325
Calories
9
Ingredients
Ingredients
Cilantro
2 cups (leaves & stems, packed)
Jalapeno pepper
1 large (seeded and chopped)
Garlic cloves
2 (minced)
Ginger
1 tablespoon (peeled and minced)
Salt
1 1/2 teaspoons (to taste)
Olive oil
1/2 cup
Lime juice
3 tablespoons (freshly squeezed)
Chicken breast
1 lb (skinless, boneless)
Linguine
3/4 lb
Instructions
1
In a food processor, combine the cilantro (leaves and stems), chopped jalapeño, garlic cloves, minced ginger, and salt. Add the olive oil and lime juice, then process until smooth and well-blended to create a vibrant green sauce.
2
Transfer 1/4 cup of the cilantro puree to a shallow bowl, add the chicken breast, and toss until the chicken is well-coated. Let it marinate for at least 15 minutes to absorb the flavors.
3
Preheat your broiler. Place the marinated chicken on a broiler pan approximately 4 inches from the heat source. Broil for about 8 minutes, turning once, until the chicken is cooked through and reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
4
Remove the chicken from the broiler and let it rest for 5 minutes. Once rested, slice the chicken into 1/4-inch pieces across the grain for optimal tenderness.
5
Meanwhile, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the linguine and cook according to package instructions until al dente, about 10-12 minutes. Drain the pasta and reserve a bit of pasta water in case you need to thin the sauce.
6
In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked linguine with the sliced chicken and the remaining cilantro puree. Toss until the pasta and chicken are well coated. If the mixture is too thick, add a splash of reserved pasta water to reach your desired consistency.
7
Serve the Spicy Thai Cilantro Chicken Linguine immediately, garnished with extra cilantro if desired.
Nutrition Information
20g
Fat
23.5g
Carbs
26g
Protein
1.5g
Fiber
0.5g
Sugar
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Zesty Thai Cilantro Chicken Linguine?
It is a vibrant fusion dish that combines tender broiled chicken and linguine with a fresh, spicy sauce made from cilantro, lime, and jalapeño.
How many calories are in a serving of this chicken linguine?
Each serving contains approximately 325 calories.
What are the primary flavor components of the sauce?
The sauce is characterized by a blend of fresh cilantro, lime juice, spicy jalapeño, ginger, and garlic.
How do I prepare the cilantro sauce?
Combine cilantro, jalapeño, garlic, ginger, and salt in a food processor, then blend with olive oil and lime juice until smooth.
How long should the chicken be marinated?
The chicken should marinate in 1/4 cup of the cilantro puree for at least 15 minutes to absorb the flavors.
What is the recommended internal temperature for the cooked chicken?
The chicken is cooked through when it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
How long does it take to broil the chicken?
It typically takes about 8 minutes under the broiler, turning once, to cook the chicken.
How long should I cook the linguine?
The linguine should be cooked until al dente, which usually takes between 10 and 12 minutes.
How much protein is in this recipe?
This dish provides 26g of protein per serving.
Is this recipe considered spicy?
Yes, it is tagged as spicy and uses one large seeded and chopped jalapeño pepper.
What wine pairs best with Zesty Thai Cilantro Chicken Linguine?
A refreshing Gewurztraminer wine is recommended to complement the Asian-inspired flavors.
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
While the recipe specifies boneless, skinless chicken breasts, you can substitute thighs, though cooking times may vary.
How should the chicken be sliced after cooking?
After resting for 5 minutes, slice the chicken into 1/4-inch pieces across the grain for optimal tenderness.
What is the fat content per serving?
Each serving contains 20g of fat.
How much cilantro is needed for this recipe?
The recipe calls for 2 cups of packed cilantro leaves and stems.
What should I do if the pasta sauce is too thick?
Add a splash of reserved pasta water to the mixture to reach your desired consistency.
Is there a specific way to prepare the ginger?
The ginger should be peeled and minced before being added to the sauce.
What kind of oil is used in the sauce?
The recipe uses 1/2 cup of olive oil for the cilantro puree.
How many grams of carbohydrates are in a serving?
There are 23.5g of carbohydrates per serving.
Does this recipe contain much sugar?
No, it is very low in sugar, containing only 0.5g per serving.
How many garlic cloves are required?
The recipe requires 2 minced garlic cloves.
Is fresh lime juice necessary?
Freshly squeezed lime juice is recommended for the best zesty flavor.
How much salt should I add?
The recipe calls for 1.5 teaspoons of salt, adjusted to your personal taste.
What type of pasta is best for this dish?
Linguine is the specified pasta, as it coats well with the cilantro sauce.
What are the common tags for this recipe?
Common tags include chicken, pasta, spicy, Thai, cilantro, easy dinner, and Asian-inspired.
Can I use the cilantro stems in the sauce?
Yes, the recipe specifically instructions you to use both leaves and stems for the sauce.
How much chicken is used in the recipe?
The recipe uses 1 lb of boneless, skinless chicken breast.
How far from the heat should I place the broiler pan?
Place the broiler pan approximately 4 inches from the heat source.
Is this dish considered a healthy option?
Yes, it is tagged as a healthy recipe due to its balanced nutritional profile.
How much fiber is in the meal?
The meal contains 1.5g of fiber per serving.