Spaghetti(With Spicy Peanut Chicken And Vegetables)
Spaghetti tossed with spicy peanut chicken and vibrant vegetables, offering a flavorful, Asian-inspired meal perfect for quick weeknight dinners or entertaining guests.
Ingredients
- 16 oz. spaghetti ⓘ
- salad oil (preferably peanut oil) ⓘ
- 4 skinless, boneless chicken breast halves, cut into 1/2 inch wide strips ⓘ
- 2 green onions, thinly sliced ⓘ
- 4 oz. red pepper, cut into 1/2 inch slices ⓘ
- 1/4 lb. Chinese pea pods, each cut lengthwise in half ⓘ
- 1/2 cup chunky peanut butter
- 3 Tbsp. soy sauce ⓘ
- 2 Tbsp. white vinegar
- 1 Tbsp. sugar ⓘ
- 8 oz. can sliced water chestnuts
Instructions
- Prepare spaghetti according to the package label instructions about 40 minutes before serving.
- In a 5-quart Dutch oven or saucepot over high heat, heat 2 tablespoons of hot salad oil.
- Cook the chicken strips and all but 1 tablespoon of the sliced green onion, stirring quickly and constantly until chicken is lightly browned and just loses its pink color, about 5 minutes.
- Remove the cooked chicken mixture with a slotted spoon and keep warm.
- In the same pan, add the red pepper, Chinese pea pods, water chestnuts, and remaining green onion, cooking until vegetables are tender.
- In a bowl, combine the peanut butter, soy sauce, vinegar, and sugar to make the sauce.
- Add the cooked spaghetti to the vegetables in the pan.
- Stir in the peanut sauce, mixing well to coat all ingredients evenly.
- Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes until heated through.
- Serve hot, garnished with additional green onions if desired.
Tips & Substitutions
For a spicier kick, consider adding some chili paste or crushed red pepper flakes to the peanut sauce. If you're out of peanut butter, almond butter or tahini can serve as suitable substitutes. Make sure to stir the pasta continuously while cooking to prevent sticking. For a vegetarian version, substituting the chicken with Silken Tofu works well while maintaining the dish's texture.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the spaghetti hot, garnished with extra sliced green onions and a sprinkle of crushed peanuts for added crunch. This dish pairs beautifully with a side of steamed broccoli or a fresh cucumber salad to balance the flavors. For a complete meal, consider serving it alongside Pumpkin Soup With Dumplings for a delightful contrast.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When reheating, add a splash of water or broth to prevent the spaghetti from drying out. Microwave in short intervals, stirring in between, or heat gently on the stovetop for the best results.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Spaghetti(With Spicy Peanut Chicken And Vegetables) contains roughly 701 calories, with 20g protein, 47g carbohydrates, and 50g fat. It is an excellent source of protein (40% of the Daily Value), vitamin A (40% of the Daily Value), and iron (36% of the Daily Value), and a good source of dietary fiber and potassium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 2490mg per serving (108% 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 whole wheat spaghetti instead of regular?
Yes, whole wheat spaghetti can be a healthier option that adds more fiber to the dish. Just be sure to adjust the cooking time as it may require a bit longer to reach the desired tenderness.
What can I use as a substitute for soy sauce?
If you need a soy sauce alternative, try using tamari for a gluten-free option or coconut aminos for a lower-sodium substitute. Both options will maintain the umami flavor essential to this dish.
How can I make this dish vegetarian?
To create a vegetarian version, simply replace the chicken with extra vegetables or Silken Tofu. You can also increase the amount of peanut sauce to ensure a satisfying and flavorful meal without meat.
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).