Get ready to tantalize your taste buds with a mouthwatering fusion of flavors that will transport you straight to culinary heaven! This Asian-inspired Pasta Chicken Noodles with Broccoli Peanut Sauce is not just a meal – it's a flavor explosion that combines creamy, nutty, and savory elements into one incredible dish. Whether you're looking for a quick weeknight dinner or a crowd-pleasing recipe that will have everyone asking for seconds, this dish is about to become your new obsession!
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 20 mins
Total Time: 35 mins
Cuisine: Asian
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 8 oz pasta (noodles of choice)
- 2 cups broccoli florets
- 1 cup cooked chicken, shredded
- 1/2 cup peanut butter
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons honey
- 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- Chili flakes to taste
Instructions
- Begin by gathering all your ingredients. This will help streamline the cooking process and ensure you have everything you need on hand.
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil over high heat. Once boiling, add the 8 oz of pasta. Cook according to the package instructions until al dente. This usually takes about 8-10 minutes, depending on the type of pasta you choose.
- While the pasta is cooking, prepare the broccoli. In the last 3-4 minutes of the pasta cooking time, add 2 cups of broccoli florets to the pot with the pasta. This will blanch the broccoli, making it tender yet still vibrant in color.
- Once the pasta and broccoli are done, drain them in a colander and set aside. Make sure to reserve a small cup of the pasta cooking water in case you need to thin out the sauce later.
- In a medium mixing bowl, prepare the peanut sauce by combining 1/2 cup of peanut butter, 1/4 cup of soy sauce, 2 tablespoons of honey, 2 tablespoons of rice vinegar, 1 tablespoon of sesame oil, and 1 clove of minced garlic. Whisk the ingredients together until smooth. If the sauce is too thick, add a small amount of the reserved pasta cooking water until you reach your desired consistency.
- In a large skillet or wok, heat the peanut sauce over medium heat for about 2-3 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent it from sticking. This will help the flavors meld together.
- Add the shredded cooked chicken (1 cup) to the skillet with the peanut sauce. Stir well to coat the chicken evenly in the sauce. Cook for an additional 3-4 minutes until the chicken is heated through.
- Once the chicken is warmed, add the drained pasta and broccoli to the skillet. Toss everything together gently, ensuring that the noodles and vegetables are well coated with the peanut sauce. If the mixture seems dry, add a little more of the reserved pasta water.
- Season with chili flakes to taste, adjusting the heat level according to your preference. Stir well to combine all ingredients.
- Remove the skillet from heat. Serve the Pasta Chicken Noodles with Broccoli Peanut Sauce hot, garnished with additional chili flakes or sesame seeds if desired. Enjoy your delicious Asian-inspired meal!
Tips
- Pasta Perfection: Always cook your pasta al dente – this means it should have a slight bite to it. The pasta will continue to cook slightly when mixed with the sauce, so remove it from boiling water just before it's completely done.
- Sauce Consistency Magic: If your peanut sauce is too thick, use the reserved pasta water to thin it out. This starchy water not only helps adjust the sauce's consistency but also helps the sauce stick to the noodles better.
- Protein Flexibility: While the recipe calls for cooked chicken, feel free to substitute with tofu, shrimp, or even leave it vegetarian. The peanut sauce works wonderfully with multiple protein options.
- Flavor Boost: For an extra depth of flavor, consider toasting your sesame oil briefly in the pan before adding other sauce ingredients. This will enhance the nutty undertones of the sauce.
- Make-Ahead Friendly: You can prepare the peanut sauce and cook the chicken ahead of time, making this a great meal prep option for busy weekdays.
- Spice Control: Add chili flakes gradually and taste as you go. This allows you to control the heat level to suit your personal preference.
- Freshness Matters: Use fresh garlic if possible – it provides a more vibrant flavor compared to pre-minced garlic from a jar.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 520kcal
Carbohydrates: 45g
Protein: 30g
Fat: 28g
Saturated Fat: 6g
Cholesterol: 60mg
