Chicken and Cilantro Pesto Pasta: A McCormick-Inspired Recipe with Peanut Butter and Bold Flavors

Are you on the hunt for a pasta dish that breaks away from the ordinary? Something that promises a burst of fresh, unexpected flavors that will tantalize your taste buds? Then look no further than this incredible Chicken and Cilantro Pesto Pasta, a recipe brought to life by the innovative minds at McCormick. Back in 2011, McCormick unveiled its highly anticipated Flavor Forecast, a culinary roadmap designed to inspire home cooks and professional chefs alike with groundbreaking ingredient pairings. Among the top ten pairings that year, one particular combination stood out for its intriguing potential: cilantro and nut butter. This recipe is a direct and delicious exploration of that very pairing, utilizing smooth peanut butter to create a dish that is both comforting and excitingly new. Get ready to embark on a culinary adventure that will redefine your perception of pasta night!

Unveiling McCormick’s Flavor Forecast: The Cilantro and Nut Butter Revelation

McCormick has long been a trusted name in spices and seasonings, but their annual Flavor Forecast truly elevates them to trendsetters in the food world. These forecasts are not just lists; they are insights into emerging tastes and ingredient combinations that promise to shape our culinary experiences. The 2011 forecast, in particular, was a testament to their dedication to pushing traditional culinary boundaries. The idea of pairing the bright, herbaceous zest of fresh cilantro with the rich, creamy depth of nut butter might have seemed unconventional at first glance, even revolutionary to some. However, as with all great innovations, it simply needed to be experienced to be truly understood and appreciated. This bold prediction sparked curiosity, challenging us to consider how seemingly disparate ingredients could come together to create a harmonious and unforgettable taste sensation.

My own journey with this unique pairing began with a little skepticism, as is often the case when venturing into uncharted flavor territory. While I was familiar with classic basil pesto, the thought of a cilantro-based version, especially one complemented by the distinct profile of peanut butter, was certainly novel. McCormick graciously provided the opportunity to test out some of these intriguing pairings, and the “Chicken and Cilantro Pesto Pasta” recipe immediately captured my attention. The promise of an easy-to-assemble dish combined with the allure of unique flavors made it an irresistible choice, particularly using peanut butter as the specified nut butter. This dish perfectly showcases how a simple ingredient like cilantro, when paired with the right partner, can transform a meal from good to truly exceptional.

The moment I took the first bite, any lingering doubts vanished completely. The fresh, vibrant taste of cilantro, which I initially wasn’t even sure I had ever truly savored on its own, married beautifully with the savory, nutty undertones of the peanut butter. It was a revelation – an “aha!” moment that confirmed McCormick’s foresight and the incredible power of thoughtful ingredient combination. This recipe is not just a meal; it’s an experience, a delightful surprise for your taste buds, especially if you appreciate the distinctive, bright flavor of fresh cilantro. It’s surprisingly delicious and incredibly satisfying, proving that sometimes, the most unexpected pairings yield the most memorable dishes.

The Star Ingredients: A Closer Look at What Makes This Dish Shine

Cilantro: More Than Just a Garnish

Often debated for its unique flavor profile – enthusiastically loved by many, perceived as “soapy” by some – cilantro is undeniably a powerhouse herb. In this recipe, fresh cilantro leaves are the cornerstone of the vibrant green pesto. When choosing cilantro, always look for bright green leaves that are crisp and free from any wilting or yellowing, as freshness directly impacts the flavor. Its refreshing, slightly peppery, and citrusy notes provide a much-needed counterpoint to the richness of the peanut butter, creating a dynamic balance that is both exciting and comforting. If you’re new to cooking with fresh cilantro, this recipe is an excellent introduction to its incredible versatility and flavor-boosting capabilities. It truly elevates the entire dish.

Peanut Butter: The Unexpected Game-Changer

The “nut butter” component of McCormick’s innovative pairing comes to life here through smooth peanut butter. Its creamy texture and distinct nutty, slightly sweet, and savory flavor are absolutely crucial to the success of this dish. It not only adds a wonderful richness and body to the chicken mixture but also helps to emulsify the sauce, creating a luscious coating for the pasta. Using smooth peanut butter is highly recommended to ensure a silky consistency, allowing the flavors to blend seamlessly into a cohesive sauce. This isn’t just a gimmick; the peanut butter genuinely complements the cilantro, adding an unexpected depth, a hint of umami, and an almost Asian-inspired profile to this otherwise Italian-leaning dish. It’s the secret ingredient that ties everything together.

Lean Chicken and Vibrant Bell Peppers: Protein and Crunch

Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are chosen for their lean protein content and quick cooking time, making this an ideal weeknight meal. Cut into bite-size thin strips, they absorb the flavors beautifully and cook up in a matter of minutes, ensuring a tender and juicy result. The addition of a medium red bell pepper is not just for visual appeal; it introduces a delightful tender-crisp texture and a subtle sweetness that brightens the entire dish. It’s an essential element that adds freshness, a pleasant textural contrast to the softer pasta and chicken, and a vibrant splash of color to your plate.

The Pasta Base: Linguine and Beyond

While the recipe specifically calls for 8 ounces of linguine pasta, its long, flat strands are ideally suited for catching and holding the rich pesto sauce and the flavorful chicken mixture. The broad surface area ensures that every bite is coated in deliciousness. However, feel free to experiment with other pasta shapes that you love and have on hand. Fettuccine or spaghetti would work equally well, offering a similar experience. For those who prefer shorter pasta, penne or fusilli could also be fantastic, each offering a slightly different textural experience. The key is to cook the pasta al dente, ensuring it maintains a slight bite and firmness that stands up to the robust flavors of the sauce, preventing it from becoming mushy.

Crafting Your Cilantro Pesto Pasta: A Step-by-Step Culinary Journey

Creating this delightful dish is surprisingly straightforward and efficient, making it perfect for busy evenings when you crave something special without a lengthy cooking process. The recipe is divided into two main components – the vibrant pesto and the flavorful chicken mixture – which come together seamlessly, often in the time it takes for your pasta to cook to perfection.

Preparing the Aromatic Cilantro Pesto

The pesto is the fresh, aromatic heart of this dish, infusing the pasta with its signature bright and herbaceous taste. To begin, gather your fresh cilantro leaves, grated Asiago cheese (which adds a lovely salty and nutty depth), garlic powder, sea salt, and ground black pepper. Place all these ingredients into a food processor. Pulse them just until they are smoothly chopped – the goal here is a fine, uniform chop, not an overly smooth paste at this initial stage. Then, with the food processor running, gradually and steadily drizzle in 1/3 cup of olive oil. Continue to process until the pesto is well blended, beautifully smooth, and boasts a vibrant green consistency. Once achieved, transfer the pesto to a small bowl and set it aside, allowing the flavors to meld and deepen while you prepare the rest of the meal. This waiting period allows the cilantro’s freshness to fully integrate with the cheese and spices.

Sautéing the Chicken and Bell Pepper Medley

While your pesto is resting and your pasta water is coming to a rolling boil, you’ll prepare the savory chicken component. In a separate small bowl, whisk together the smooth peanut butter, sweet chili sauce (which provides a delightful balance of heat and sweetness, along with a glossy texture), and soy sauce (for an essential umami depth and saltiness). Mix these ingredients vigorously until you have a perfectly smooth, well-blended, and creamy sauce. Set this aside, as it will be added to the chicken later.

Next, heat the remaining 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once the oil is shimmering, add your bite-sized chicken strips. Cook the chicken, stirring frequently to ensure even browning, for about 5 minutes or until they are lightly golden brown and starting to cook through. Now, it’s time to add the vibrant red bell pepper strips. Continue to cook and stir for another 2 minutes. This brief cooking time ensures the bell pepper becomes tender-crisp, retaining a pleasant snap and freshness without becoming overly soft. Once the chicken is cooked through and the bell pepper has reached its tender-crisp stage, pour the prepared peanut butter mixture into the skillet. Cook and stir for just 1 minute, allowing the rich, creamy sauce to beautifully coat the chicken and bell pepper, creating an incredibly aromatic and flavorful base for your pasta. The kitchen will fill with an enticing aroma at this stage!

Bringing It All Together: A Symphony of Flavors

Meanwhile, follow the package directions precisely to cook your linguine pasta until it’s perfectly al dente – firm to the bite. Once cooked, drain the pasta well, discarding the cooking water (though some chefs like to reserve a splash of pasta water for thinning the sauce, it’s often not needed for this recipe given the creaminess of the peanut butter mixture). Transfer the hot, drained pasta immediately to a large serving bowl. Add the freshly made cilantro pesto to the pasta and toss thoroughly and gently to ensure every single strand is beautifully coated with the vibrant green, aromatic sauce. Finally, spoon the aromatic chicken and peanut butter mixture over the pesto-coated pasta. For the best flavor distribution and a truly integrated dish, gently toss everything together one last time just before serving. The result is a visually appealing, incredibly fragrant, and deeply satisfying dish that’s ready to impress anyone at your table.

Chicken and Cilantro Pesto Pasta

Yield:
4-6 servings

This unique and flavorful Chicken and Cilantro Pesto Pasta, inspired by McCormick’s Flavor Forecast, combines fresh cilantro with creamy peanut butter for an unforgettable meal. Easy to make and bursting with taste!

Ingredients

Pesto

• 3 cups fresh cilantro leaves
• 1 tablespoon grated Asiago cheese
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon sea salt
• 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
• 1/3 cup plus 1 tablespoon olive oil, divided

Pasta

• 3 tablespoons smooth peanut butter
• 2 tablespoons sweet chili sauce
• 2 tablespoons soy sauce
• 1 pound boneless skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-size thin strips
• 1 medium red bell pepper cut into bite-size thin strips
• 8 ounces linguine pasta

Instructions

For the pesto:

1. In a food processor, place cilantro, Asiago cheese, garlic powder, sea salt and pepper. Process just until smooth. Gradually add 1/3 cup oil. Process until well blended and smooth. Set aside.

For the pasta:

1. In a small bowl, mix together peanut butter, chili sauce and soy sauce until well blended. Set aside.
2. Heat remaining 1 tablespoon oil in a large skillet on medium-high heat. Add chicken; cook and stir 5 minutes or until lightly browned. Add bell pepper; cook and stir 2 minutes longer or until chicken is cooked through and bell pepper is tender-crisp. Add peanut butter mixture; cook and stir 1 minute.
3. Meanwhile, cook pasta as directed on package. Drain well. Add cilantro pesto to the cooked pasta; toss to coat well. Spoon chicken over pasta. Toss gently before serving.

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Tips for Success and Flavor Variations

Making It Your Own: Customizing Your Pesto Pasta

One of the greatest joys of home cooking is the freedom to adapt recipes to your personal taste and dietary preferences. This Chicken and Cilantro Pesto Pasta is wonderfully versatile and offers numerous avenues for customization. If you enjoy a bit of heat, consider adding a pinch of red pepper flakes to the pesto during processing, or stir them into the chicken mixture as it sautés. For those seeking a delicious vegetarian alternative, firm tofu, tempeh, or even hearty chickpeas can be fantastic substitutes for chicken, absorbing the rich flavors beautifully. If you’re not a fan of peanut butter or wish to explore other nut butter options, almond butter or cashew butter could offer a slightly different, yet equally delicious, creamy base. You could also experiment with adding other quick-cooking vegetables like snap peas, shredded carrots, or thinly sliced zucchini for extra crunch, nutrition, and visual appeal.

Garnishing for Impact and Flavor

A final garnish can significantly elevate both the presentation and the overall flavor profile of your dish. For an extra layer of nutty crunch and to reinforce the peanut butter notes, a sprinkle of chopped roasted peanuts is highly recommended. A few fresh cilantro sprigs can visually enhance the dish, adding a burst of fresh aroma and emphasizing the pesto’s primary ingredient. Additionally, a light squeeze of fresh lime juice just before serving can beautifully brighten all the flavors, adding a zesty finish that perfectly complements the cilantro and cuts through the richness of the peanut butter. Don’t underestimate the power of these small, thoughtful touches; they can transform a good meal into a gourmet experience.

Meal Prep Friendly? Absolutely!

This recipe is also a fantastic candidate for meal prepping, making healthy and flavorful meals accessible even on your busiest days. You can prepare the cilantro pesto and the peanut butter sauce ahead of time and store them separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Cook the chicken and bell pepper mixture and keep it separate from the pasta and sauces. When you’re ready to eat, simply cook your fresh pasta, gently warm the chicken mixture, and then combine everything. This approach ensures fresh flavors, optimal textures, and a quick assembly process, allowing you to enjoy this unique dish without much fuss during the week. It’s a convenient way to keep delicious, home-cooked meals within reach.

Why This Recipe Deserves a Spot in Your Kitchen

In a world brimming with culinary options, this Chicken and Cilantro Pesto Pasta truly stands out. It’s more than just a meal; it’s a delightful exploration of flavor, a testament to the exciting possibilities that emerge when we dare to explore new and unconventional ingredient combinations, as championed by McCormick’s Flavor Forecast. Quick enough to prepare on a busy weeknight, yet sophisticated and unique enough to impress guests at a dinner party, it offers a harmonious blend of fresh, savory, and subtly sweet notes that tantalize the palate. The creamy, rich peanut butter sauce, the vibrant and aromatic cilantro pesto, and the tender chicken complemented by crisp bell peppers create a symphony of textures and tastes that is both comforting and exhilarating. It’s a dish that will undoubtedly surprise, delight, and likely earn a permanent spot in your cooking repertoire, proving that some of the best culinary discoveries are often the most unexpected. So, go ahead, embrace McCormick’s adventurous spirit, and bring this unforgettable flavor journey to your dinner table tonight!

Source: McCormick