Chinese Vegetables With Pasta
A vibrant stir-fry combining tender Chinese vegetables with delicate pasta, flavored with ginger, soy sauce, and red pepper for a quick, flavorful meal.
Ingredients
- 3/4 (16 oz.) package capellini or thin spaghetti ⓘ
- 1/2 lb. shiitake mushrooms or regular mushrooms ⓘ
- 2 medium carrots ⓘ
- 1/2 lb. Chinese pea pods ⓘ
- 1 Tbsp. salad oil
- 1 Tbsp. minced peeled ginger root or 1 tsp. ground ginger ⓘ
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 1 (13 3/4 to 14 1/2 oz.) can chicken broth ⓘ
- 1/4 tsp. crushed red pepper ⓘ
Instructions
- Cook the pasta in boiling water until al dente, then drain and set aside.
- While pasta is cooking, slice the mushrooms and peel and julienne the carrots.
- Heat salad oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat.
- Add minced ginger and stir-fry for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Add the mushrooms and carrots; stir-fry for 5-7 minutes until tender.
- Add the Chinese pea pods and cook for another 2-3 minutes.
- Pour in the soy sauce, chicken broth, and crushed red pepper; bring to a simmer.
- Add the cooked pasta to the vegetable mixture and toss to combine.
- Serve hot, garnished if desired.
Tips & Substitutions
For a more vibrant dish, feel free to add bell peppers or broccoli to the mix. If you prefer a vegetarian option, substitute the chicken broth with vegetable broth. You can also use gluten-free pasta or whole wheat spaghetti for a healthier twist. To enhance the flavor, consider adding sesame oil or fresh herbs like cilantro.
Serving Suggestions
This dish is best served hot and can be garnished with sesame seeds or chopped green onions for added texture. It pairs wonderfully with other Chinese recipes like Chinese Fried Rice With Shrimp And Egg or a light soup such as Don Far Tong Or Egg Drop Soup for a complete meal.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm in a skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of water or broth to prevent sticking. Alternatively, you can microwave it in short intervals, stirring frequently, until heated through.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Chinese Vegetables With Pasta contains roughly 494 calories, with 6g protein, 31g carbohydrates, and 41g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin A (104% of the Daily Value), vitamin C (75% of the Daily Value), and dietary fiber (31% of the Daily Value), and a good source of protein. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 2530mg per serving (110% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use other types of pasta for this recipe?
Yes, you can substitute capellini or thin spaghetti with other pasta types such as linguine or fettuccine. Just ensure to adjust the cooking time according to the pasta type you choose for optimal texture.
How can I make this dish spicier?
To increase the spiciness, you can add more crushed red pepper or include a dash of sriracha or chili oil when adding the soy sauce. Adjust to your heat preference for the best flavor.
Can I add protein to this dish?
Absolutely! You can incorporate cooked chicken, shrimp, or tofu for added protein. Simply stir-fry the protein separately and mix it in with the vegetables before adding the pasta for a balanced meal.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).