Mild Curry Chicken Pasta
A gently spiced curry pasta with tender chicken and vegetables, offering a subtle curry flavor that kids will enjoy without the heat. This indian-inspired kid friendly ready in about 40 minutes pairs shell pasta, boneless, skinless chicken breasts, coconut oil for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 400 calories and feeds 4, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.
Ingredients
- 8 oz shell pasta
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 tbsp coconut oil
- 1/4 cup chicken broth
- 1/2 cup plain yogurt
- 1 tsp curry powder
- 1/4 cup frozen peas
- 1/4 cup diced carrots
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1/8 tsp black pepper
- 2 tbsp fresh cilantro
Instructions
- Step 1: Cook 8 oz shell pasta in a large pot of salted boiling water until al dente, about 8-10 minutes, then drain and set aside.
- Step 2: Heat 1 tbsp coconut oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts cut into 1/2-inch cubes and cook for 5-6 minutes until golden and cooked through. Remove chicken and set aside.
- Step 3: In the same skillet, add 1/4 cup chicken broth, 1/2 cup plain yogurt, 1 tsp curry powder, 1/4 cup frozen peas, and 1/4 cup diced carrots. Stir well and bring to a gentle simmer.
- Step 4: Simmer for 5 minutes until vegetables are tender. Stir in 1/4 tsp salt, 1/8 tsp black pepper, and the cooked chicken. Cook for 2 more minutes.
- Step 5: Add drained shell pasta to the skillet and toss to coat. Stir in 2 tbsp chopped fresh cilantro and serve immediately.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Mild Curry Chicken Pasta take to make?
Total time is about 40 minutes (15 min prep + 25 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.
How do I store leftover Mild Curry Chicken Pasta?
Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep shell pasta from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Mild Curry Chicken Pasta?
Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.
How do I scale Mild Curry Chicken Pasta for a different number of people?
The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.
What goes well with Mild Curry Chicken Pasta?
Indian kid friendly like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.
What others are saying
- ★★★★★
Perfect for family dinners! The mild curry made my son eat chicken for once—no sauce spills or complaints.
- ★★★★☆
Kid-approved and quick to make. The curry was slightly bland for me, but my picky eater ate two servings.
- ★★★★☆
Cooked for my 4-year-old, who loved it! Just needed to simmer 10 extra minutes for the curry flavor to deepen.
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