Spicy Chicken-Peanut Pasta
Spicy chicken-peanut pasta combines creamy peanut sauce with tender chicken and fresh vegetables, offering a flavorful, satisfying meal perfect for weeknights or casual gatherings.
Ingredients
- 16 oz. whole wheat linguine or fettucine ⓘ
- 1 cup creamy peanut butter ⓘ
- 1 cup hot water ⓘ
- 3 Tbsp. soy sauce ⓘ
- 3 Tbsp. lemon juice ⓘ
- 2 garlic cloves, minced ⓘ
- 1 tsp. dried hot pepper flakes ⓘ
- 1 tsp. sugar
- 2 cucumbers, peeled, seeded and cubed ⓘ
- 1 cup onions, chopped ⓘ
- 1 red bell pepper, chopped ⓘ
- salt and pepper ⓘ
- 1 lb. chicken, cubed ⓘ
Instructions
- Prepare pasta according to package directions and set aside.
- Saute onions, garlic, and bell peppers until onions are transparent.
- Add cubed chicken; cook over medium heat for approximately 5 minutes until cooked through.
- Mix peanut butter, soy sauce, and lemon juice and add to chicken mixture, cooking over medium heat.
- Stir until smooth and slightly thickened.
- Add cucumbers and cook for an additional minute.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Serve immediately over cooked pasta.
Tips & Substitutions
For added depth, consider using freshly grated ginger along with the garlic for a flavor boost. If you prefer a milder dish, reduce the amount of hot pepper flakes or substitute with a dash of sweet chili sauce. Whole grain pasta adds more fiber and nutrients, but feel free to use regular pasta if desired. You can also swap chicken for tofu for a vegetarian version.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this Spicy Chicken-Peanut Pasta with a side of steamed broccoli or a fresh garden salad to balance the richness of the dish. A sprinkle of chopped cilantro or crushed peanuts on top adds a nice crunch and freshness. Pairs beautifully with Italian Breaded Chicken Breast for a heartier meal.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, add a splash of water or broth to the pasta and heat gently in a skillet over medium-low heat, stirring frequently to prevent sticking. You can also microwave in short intervals, stirring in between, until warmed through.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Spicy Chicken-Peanut Pasta contains roughly 719 calories, with 23g protein, 81g carbohydrates, and 39g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (244% of the Daily Value), dietary fiber (55% of the Daily Value), and protein (47% of the Daily Value), and a good source of vitamin A. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 3000mg per serving (130% 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 make this recipe ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the chicken and sauce ahead of time. Store them separately from the pasta to prevent it from becoming soggy. When ready to serve, cook the pasta and combine it with the reheated sauce and chicken for a quick meal.
What can I substitute for peanut butter?
If you have a peanut allergy, you can use almond butter or sunflower seed butter as alternatives. They will provide a similar creamy texture, though the flavor will differ slightly. Adjust the seasoning accordingly to suit your taste.
How can I make this dish vegetarian?
To make this dish vegetarian, simply replace the chicken with firm tofu or tempeh. Cube and sauté it until golden brown before adding to the sauce. You can also add more vegetables like bell peppers and carrots for extra nutrition and flavor.
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).