Sichuan Chicken And Pasta
A flavorful Sichuan chicken and pasta stir-fry combining tender chicken, crisp vegetables, and a spicy-sour Sichuan sauce, perfect for a quick and satisfying meal with bold flavors.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Spray a 12-inch nonstick skillet with nonstick cooking spray and heat over medium-high heat.
- Cook chicken and onion in the skillet for 3 to 5 minutes or until the chicken is light brown.
- Stir in water and heat to boiling.
- Add the uncooked fusilli pasta and cook for 8 to 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the pasta is almost tender.
- Stir in the packet of sauce mix from the stir-fry mix until well blended.
- Add the vegetables from the stir-fry mix.
- Cover and cook for 8 to 9 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables are crisp-tender.
- Sprinkle with peanuts from the stir-fry mix before serving.
Tips & Substitutions
For added flavor, marinate the chicken in soy sauce and garlic before cooking. You can substitute fusilli with any pasta shape you prefer, such as penne or rotini. If you want a bit of heat, consider adding red pepper flakes or Szechuan peppercorns to the dish. Pair this with a side of steamed broccoli or snap peas for a complete meal.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this dish warm, garnished with extra peanuts for crunch. It pairs well with a simple cucumber salad or steamed bok choy to balance the flavors. For a heartier meal, consider serving it alongside fried rice or as part of a Chinese recipes spread, featuring dishes like Chinese Chicken With Peppers And Onions.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm gently in a skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of water to prevent drying out. You can also microwave in short intervals, stirring occasionally until heated through.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Sichuan Chicken And Pasta contains roughly 399 calories, with 9g protein, 57g carbohydrates, and 15g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin A (58% of the Daily Value) and dietary fiber (21% of the Daily Value), and a good source of protein and iron. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 629mg per serving (27% 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 fresh vegetables instead of the frozen stir-fry mix?
Absolutely! Fresh vegetables like bell peppers, broccoli, and snap peas can be used in place of the frozen stir-fry mix. Just make sure to adjust cooking times accordingly, as fresh vegetables may cook faster.
Is this dish spicy?
The level of spiciness depends on the Sichuan sauce included in the stir-fry mix. If you prefer a milder dish, you can use less sauce or add it gradually to taste. Alternatively, you can mix in some coconut milk to tone down the heat.
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes, you can prep the chicken and vegetables in advance and store them separately. When ready to cook, simply follow the instructions. However, for the best texture, it's recommended to cook the pasta just before serving.
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).