Description
Spicy Peanut Chicken Pasta is a creamy, savory, and spicy dish featuring tender chicken, a rich peanut sauce with a kick, and perfectly cooked pasta. This quick and easy recipe combines Asian-inspired flavors with comforting pasta, ideal for busy weeknights or family meals that are both flavorful and customizable.
Ingredients
Scale
Protein
- 1 lb chicken breast or thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
Pasta
- 8 oz spaghetti or linguine
Peanut Sauce
- 1/2 cup peanut butter
- 1–2 tablespoons sriracha or chili paste (adjust to taste)
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 2 cloves fresh garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon fresh ginger, grated
- 1 tablespoon fresh lime juice
- 1/4 cup water or reserved pasta water (to adjust sauce consistency)
Optional Vegetables
- 1/2 cup bell peppers, sliced
- 1/2 cup snap peas
Garnishes
- Chopped green onions
- Crushed roasted peanuts
- Lime wedges
- Fresh cilantro (optional)
- Red pepper flakes (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare the chicken: Cut the chicken into bite-sized pieces, season lightly with salt and pepper, and sauté in a skillet over medium heat until fully cooked and golden brown on all sides. Remove from heat and set aside.
- Cook the pasta: Boil a large pot of salted water, then cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain, reserving a small cup of pasta water for later.
- Make the peanut sauce: In a bowl, whisk together peanut butter, soy sauce, sriracha, minced garlic, grated ginger, lime juice, and a splash of water or reserved pasta water. Adjust the thickness by adding more liquid until it’s smooth and creamy.
- Combine pasta, chicken, and sauce: Return the cooked chicken to the skillet, pour in the peanut sauce, and stir in the drained pasta. Toss everything thoroughly so each strand is coated evenly, warming through for a couple of minutes.
- Garnish and serve: Finish with chopped green onions, crushed peanuts, and a squeeze of lime. Serve immediately for the best flavor and texture.
Notes
- Prep ingredients ahead: Chop garlic, ginger, and chicken before cooking to keep your process smooth and stress-free.
- Control your spice level: Gradually add sriracha, tasting as you go to avoid overwhelming heat.
- Use reserved pasta water: Adding a bit helps loosen the sauce, making it silkier and easier to coat the pasta.
- Don’t overcook the chicken: Cook just until opaque for juicy, tender bites.
- Fresh lime juice is a must: It balances richness and brightens the entire plate beautifully.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Sautéing
- Cuisine: Asian-inspired
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving (about 1/4 of recipe)
- Calories: 520 kcal
- Sugar: 5 g
- Sodium: 700 mg
- Fat: 25 g
- Saturated Fat: 5 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 45 g
- Fiber: 4 g
- Protein: 35 g
- Cholesterol: 85 mg
Keywords: spicy peanut chicken pasta, Asian pasta recipe, peanut sauce pasta, quick chicken pasta, creamy spicy pasta
