Get ready to transform your ordinary pasta dinner into an explosive culinary adventure that'll make your taste buds dance! This CPK-inspired Kung Pao Chicken Pasta is not just another recipe - it's a flavor-packed journey that combines the best of Chinese-inspired cuisine with classic pasta comfort. Imagine tender chicken, crisp bell peppers, and a fiery sauce that'll have you craving seconds before you've even finished your first bite. Whether you're a spice lover or just looking to break out of your usual dinner routine, this recipe is about to become your new obsession!
Prep Time: 20 mins
Cook Time: 30 mins
Total Time: 50 mins
Cuisine: Chinese
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 8 oz spaghetti
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breast, diced
- 1/2 cup peanuts
- 1 red bell pepper, diced
- 1 green bell pepper, diced
- 3 green onions, sliced
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- 2 tablespoons chili paste
Instructions
- Begin by preparing all ingredients: dice the chicken breast into bite-sized cubes, chop red and green bell peppers, slice green onions, and measure out all sauce ingredients.
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Add spaghetti and cook according to package instructions until al dente, typically 8-10 minutes. Drain and set aside, reserving 1/4 cup of pasta water.
- In a large skillet or wok, heat sesame oil over medium-high heat. Add diced chicken and cook until golden brown and fully cooked, approximately 6-8 minutes, stirring occasionally to ensure even cooking.
- Add diced bell peppers to the skillet and sauté with chicken for 2-3 minutes until peppers are slightly tender but still crisp.
- In a small bowl, whisk together soy sauce, rice vinegar, and chili paste to create the sauce base.
- Pour the sauce mixture into the skillet with chicken and peppers, stirring to coat everything evenly. Cook for an additional 2 minutes.
- Add cooked spaghetti to the skillet, tossing to combine with the chicken, peppers, and sauce. If the pasta seems dry, add reserved pasta water to help distribute the sauce.
- Sprinkle peanuts and sliced green onions over the pasta, stirring to incorporate.
- Serve hot, garnishing with additional green onions or peanuts if desired. Enjoy your Kung Pao Chicken Pasta!
Tips
- Prep is Key: Have all your ingredients chopped and measured before you start cooking. This ensures a smooth cooking process and prevents overcooking.
- Sauce Consistency: If your sauce seems too thick, use the reserved pasta water to thin it out and help it coat the noodles evenly.
- Peanut Perfection: Toast the peanuts lightly in a dry pan before adding them for an extra layer of nutty flavor.
- Spice Control: Adjust the chili paste to your heat preference. Start with less and add more if you like it spicy.
- Chicken Cooking Tip: Ensure your chicken is cut into uniform pieces for even cooking and maximum flavor absorption.
- Don't Overcook Veggies: Keep your bell peppers crisp by sautéing them briefly - they should retain some crunch.
- Fresh is Best: Use fresh green onions as a final garnish to add a bright, fresh flavor and beautiful color to the dish.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 450kcal
Carbohydrates: 35g
Protein: 35g
Fat: 22g
Saturated Fat: 4g
Cholesterol: 85mg
