Sesame Chicken And Asparagus Pasta
A flavorful sesame chicken and asparagus pasta with rich peanut sauce, perfect for a quick, satisfying meal that combines Asian-inspired flavors with comforting pasta.
Ingredients
- 8 oz. linguine ⓘ
- 3 cloves garlic, minced ⓘ
- 1 Tbsp. red wine vinegar ⓘ
- 1 Tbsp. brown sugar ⓘ
- 6 Tbsp. chunky peanut butter ⓘ
- 1/4 cup soy sauce ⓘ
- 6 Tbsp. sesame oil ⓘ
- 1 Tbsp. hot chili oil ⓘ
- 2 boneless, skinless cooked chicken breast halves ⓘ
- 5 Tbsp. toasted sesame seeds ⓘ
- 1 lb. thin asparagus, trimmed
- 3 scallions (green onions), cut into 2-inch julienne ⓘ
- 1 small cucumber, halved, seeded and diced into 1/4-inch pieces
Instructions
- Bring a large pot of water to a boil.
- Add the linguine and cook until just tender.
- Drain the linguine and rinse under cold water.
- Drain again and place in a large mixing bowl.
- Place garlic, vinegar, brown sugar, peanut butter, and soy sauce in a food processor.
- Process for 1 minute.
- With the motor running, slowly add sesame oil and hot chili oil through the feed tube and process until well blended.
- In a large skillet, heat a bit of sesame oil and cook the cooked chicken breasts until heated through and slightly browned.
- Add the trimmed asparagus to the skillet and cook until tender-crisp.
- Pour the sauce over the chicken and asparagus mixture and toss to combine.
- Add the cooked linguine and toss again to coat.
- Garnish with toasted sesame seeds and sliced scallions.
- Serve immediately with diced cucumber on the side.
Tips & Substitutions
For a nuttier flavor, try substituting cashew butter for peanut butter. If you're looking for a lighter option, use zucchini noodles instead of linguine. Adjust the heat level by adding more or less hot chili oil based on your preference. Always taste the sauce before adding it to ensure balance between sweet and savory.
Serving Suggestions
This dish is vibrant and can be served alongside a fresh salad or steamed vegetables for a complete meal. Pair it with a side of diced cucumber for a refreshing crunch. For a fusion twist, serve with a light sesame ginger dressing that complements the flavors of Sesame Chicken And Asparagus Pasta.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, microwave in short intervals, stirring frequently to ensure even warming. You can also reheat in a skillet over medium heat with a splash of water or sesame oil to prevent sticking.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Sesame Chicken And Asparagus Pasta contains roughly 828 calories, with 22g protein, 40g carbohydrates, and 70g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (52% of the Daily Value), protein (43% of the Daily Value), and vitamin A (32% of the Daily Value), and a good source of potassium and calcium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 602mg per serving (26% 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 raw chicken instead of cooked chicken in this recipe?
Yes, you can use raw chicken, but you need to adjust the cooking time. Cook the chicken in the skillet until fully cooked through before adding the asparagus. Ensure it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C) for safety.
What other vegetables can I add to this pasta dish?
You can incorporate a variety of vegetables such as bell peppers, snap peas, or broccoli. Just make sure to cook them until tender-crisp and adjust the cooking time accordingly to maintain their vibrant color and texture.
Is there a gluten-free option for this pasta?
Absolutely! You can substitute the linguine with gluten-free pasta made from rice or corn. Additionally, check that your soy sauce is gluten-free or use tamari as a perfect alternative to maintain the flavor profile.
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).