Spicy Peanut Chicken Pasta
Spicy Peanut Chicken Pasta is a quick and easy dinner packed with bold, creamy flavors. Tender chicken is tossed in a luscious peanut sauce with a perfect spicy kick, combined with perfectly cooked pasta for a satisfying and delicious meal ready in under 30 minutes. This one-pan recipe is family-friendly, versatile, and ideal for busy weeknights or special occasions.
- Author: Lina
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Fusion
- Diet: Gluten Free
Protein
- 2 chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
Pasta
- 8 oz linguine, spaghetti, or fettuccine
Sauce
- 1/2 cup smooth, natural peanut butter
- 1–2 tbsp chili sauce or Sriracha (adjust to taste)
- 1 cup coconut milk or cream
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tbsp fresh ginger, minced
- 2 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tbsp lime juice
Garnishes
- Fresh cilantro, chopped
- 2 green onions, sliced
- Crushed peanuts (optional)
- Prepare the Chicken: Cut chicken breast into bite-sized pieces. Lightly season with salt and pepper. Cook in a hot pan until golden and cooked through. Set aside and keep warm.
- Cook the Pasta: Boil pasta according to package directions until al dente. Drain, reserving some pasta water to loosen sauce if needed.
- Make the Peanut Sauce: In the same pan, sauté minced garlic and ginger until fragrant. Stir in peanut butter, chili sauce, soy sauce, coconut milk, and lime juice. Whisk into a smooth, creamy sauce, adding reserved pasta water gradually to reach desired consistency.
- Combine and Toss: Add the cooked chicken and drained pasta back into the pan. Toss gently but thoroughly to coat every piece and pasta strand in the spicy peanut sauce.
- Garnish and Serve: Finish with chopped cilantro, sliced green onions, and a sprinkle of crushed peanuts if desired. Serve hot and enjoy.
Notes
- Use smooth, natural peanut butter for the best creamy texture and flavor.
- Cook pasta al dente to keep texture when tossed with sauce.
- Add chili sauce gradually, tasting as you go to control spice level.
- Reserve pasta water to adjust sauce consistency perfectly.
- Fresh herbs brighten the dish and balance richness.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 550
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 700mg
- Fat: 30g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 20g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fiber: 5g
- Protein: 35g
- Cholesterol: 85mg
Keywords: spicy peanut chicken pasta, peanut sauce pasta, quick dinner, creamy peanut chicken, easy pasta recipes, spicy pasta dishes, one pan dinner, weeknight meal