Go Back
For creamy cilantro lime pasta, I recommend using fettuccine or linguine. These types of pasta hold the sauce well. They create a lovely balance with the creamy texture. You need 12 ounces, which is about 340 grams. Make sure to cook it al dente for the best bite. This helps the pasta stay firm and not mushy. The sauce is what makes this dish special. Start with 1 cup of heavy cream. This gives the pasta its rich and creamy base. You’ll also need 1/2 cup of grated Parmesan cheese. This cheese adds depth and a nice salty flavor. Use 1 clove of minced garlic for a hint of warmth. Add 2 tablespoons of fresh lime juice for that zesty kick. Finally, a splash of olive oil helps sauté the garlic and adds richness. Fresh herbs brighten this dish. You need 1/4 cup of finely chopped cilantro. This herb adds a fresh, vibrant taste. Don't forget the zest of 1 lime! The zest gives an extra burst of lime flavor. Season your dish with salt and pepper to taste. Garnish with extra cilantro and lime slices for a beautiful finish. These fresh touches elevate the dish and make it visually appealing. {{ingredient_image_1}} Start by boiling water in a large pot. Add salt to the water; this adds flavor. Once the water boils, add 12 ounces of fettuccine or linguine. Cook it according to the package instructions until it is al dente. Al dente means the pasta is firm but not hard. After cooking, reserve 1 cup of the starchy pasta water. This water helps thicken the sauce later. Drain the pasta and set it aside while you make the sauce. In a large skillet, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium-low heat. Add 1 clove of minced garlic. Sauté it for about 1 minute until it smells good. Be careful not to burn the garlic. Next, pour in 1 cup of heavy cream. Stir it as you bring the cream to a gentle simmer. Add 1/2 cup of grated Parmesan cheese. Stir continuously until the cheese melts and the sauce thickens. Now, add 2 tablespoons of lime juice and the zest of 1 lime. Mix in 1/4 cup of finely chopped cilantro. Season with salt and pepper to taste. If your sauce is thick, add a bit of the reserved pasta water to thin it out. Once the sauce is ready, add the drained pasta to the skillet. Toss the pasta in the sauce until it is well coated. This step is key to ensuring every bite is creamy and flavorful. Allow the pasta and sauce to cook together for 2-3 minutes on low heat. This helps the flavors combine fully. Finally, serve the creamy cilantro lime pasta in bowls. Garnish with extra cilantro and lime slices for a bright finish. Enjoy your delicious meal! To get the sauce just right, you need to know how to adjust it. If it feels too thick, add a bit of the reserved pasta water. Start with a tablespoon and stir well. This water helps to loosen the sauce without losing flavor. If it's too thin, let it simmer longer. This will help it thickens up naturally. You want a creamy texture that coats the pasta nicely. Using fresh ingredients makes a big difference in this dish. Start with fresh cilantro for a bright taste. It adds a burst of flavor that dried herbs just can’t match. The lime juice and zest is also key. They bring a refreshing tang that lifts the whole dish. Always taste as you go. Adjust salt and pepper to make sure every bite is full of flavor. Cooking pasta to al dente means it should be firm but not hard. Follow the package instructions but start checking a minute early. You want it to have a slight bite. This helps the pasta hold its shape and texture when mixed with the sauce. Remember to salt your boiling water well. This will boost the pasta's flavor. Always reserve some pasta water before draining. It’s a handy trick for adjusting your sauce later. Pro Tips Use Fresh Ingredients: For the best flavor, use fresh cilantro and freshly squeezed lime juice. This will elevate the taste of your creamy sauce. Choose the Right Pasta: Fettuccine or linguine works well with this sauce, but feel free to experiment with your favorite pasta type for a personal touch. Adjust Creaminess: If you prefer a lighter sauce, substitute half of the heavy cream with chicken or vegetable broth for a delicious twist. Perfectly Cooked Pasta: To achieve al dente pasta, follow the package instructions carefully and taste test a minute before the time is up. {{image_2}} You can easily boost the protein in your creamy cilantro lime pasta. Chicken, shrimp, or even tofu work great. For chicken, grill or sauté it until golden. Then, slice it and mix it into the pasta. For shrimp, sauté them in olive oil until they turn pink. Add them to the creamy sauce. If you prefer tofu, press it to remove water, cube it, and sauté it until crispy. Toss it in at the end. This dish is perfect for vegetarians. Just skip the meat and enjoy the creamy sauce. For a vegan version, use coconut cream instead of heavy cream. Nutritional yeast can replace Parmesan cheese. This gives a cheesy flavor without dairy. Also, use a plant-based pasta. Make sure to check the labels to avoid eggs. You can change the taste of this dish by adding different herbs or spices. Try adding basil or parsley for a fresh twist. A pinch of red pepper flakes can add heat. If you love citrus, mix in orange juice or zest. This adds a sweet, tangy flavor. Experimenting with different flavors can make each meal special. After enjoying your creamy cilantro lime pasta, store leftovers in an airtight container. Let the pasta cool down first. Place it in your fridge. It will stay fresh for up to three days. If you notice any changes in color or smell, it’s best to toss it. When it’s time to eat leftovers, heat them gently. Use a skillet over low heat. Add a splash of water or cream to help revive the sauce. Stir often to ensure even heating. You can also microwave in short bursts. Cover the bowl to keep moisture in. Want to save some for later? You can freeze creamy cilantro lime pasta. Portion it into freezer-safe bags or containers. Make sure to remove excess air. It can last up to three months in the freezer. When ready to eat, thaw it in the fridge overnight. Reheat as mentioned above for the best taste. Yes, you can use other pasta types. Penne or spaghetti works well too. Just keep an eye on the cooking time. You want it to be al dente. This means firm but not hard. Feel free to experiment with shapes and textures you love. To thicken your sauce, add more Parmesan cheese. This cheese melts and helps create a creamy texture. If your sauce is too thick, add reserved pasta water. Start with a small amount, then mix well. Keep adding until you reach your desired creaminess. This pasta pairs great with many sides. A crisp green salad adds freshness. Grilled chicken or shrimp boosts protein. You can also serve it with warm bread for dipping. Don’t forget to offer lime wedges for extra zing! This blog post covered how to make delicious Creamy Cilantro Lime Pasta. You learned about pasta choices, key sauce elements, and using fresh flavors. I shared simple steps for cooking, making sauce, and combining them. You found tips for perfect sauce texture and ideas for fun variations. Lastly, we discussed storing leftovers and reheating. Now, you can create your own tasty meals. Enjoy your cooking adventure!

Creamy Cilantro Lime Pasta

A delicious and creamy pasta dish with fresh cilantro and lime flavors.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Course Main Course
Cuisine Italian
Servings 4
Calories 600 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 12 oz fettuccine or linguine
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, finely chopped
  • 2 tablespoons lime juice
  • 1 clove garlic, minced
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • to taste salt and pepper
  • zest of 1 lime
  • extra cilantro and lime slices for garnish

Instructions
 

  • Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to boil. Add the fettuccine (or linguine) and cook according to the package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1 cup of pasta water, then drain and set aside.
  • Prepare the Sauce: In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium-low heat. Add minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute, just until fragrant.
  • Make It Creamy: Pour the heavy cream into the skillet with the garlic. Stir continuously while bringing the mixture to a gentle simmer. Add the grated Parmesan cheese, stirring until melted and the sauce begins to thicken.
  • Add Flavor: Stir in the lime juice, lime zest, and chopped cilantro. Season with salt and pepper to taste. If the sauce is too thick, gradually add reserved pasta water until you reach your desired consistency.
  • Combine Pasta and Sauce: Add the cooked pasta to the sauce in the skillet. Toss until the pasta is evenly coated with the creamy cilantro lime sauce. Allow it to cook together for another 2-3 minutes on low heat to incorporate the flavors.
  • Serve: Plate the creamy cilantro lime pasta in bowls. Garnish with extra cilantro and lime slices for a fresh burst of flavor.

Notes

For a spicier kick, consider adding red pepper flakes.
Keyword cilantro, creamy, lime, pasta