Thai Peanut Chicken Pasta (Printable)

Tender chicken and pasta tossed in creamy peanut sauce with lime and fresh herbs for a quick meal.

# What You Need:

→ Pasta

01 - 12 oz linguine or spaghetti
02 - Salt, for boiling water

→ Chicken

03 - 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breast, thinly sliced
04 - 1 tbsp vegetable oil
05 - 1/2 tsp salt
06 - 1/4 tsp black pepper

→ Sauce & Garnish

07 - 1 cup ready-made Thai peanut sauce
08 - 2 tbsp soy sauce
09 - 2 tbsp fresh lime juice (about 1 lime)
10 - 1 tsp grated fresh ginger
11 - 2 cloves garlic, minced
12 - 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro
13 - 2 tbsp chopped fresh mint (optional)
14 - 2 green onions, thinly sliced
15 - 1/4 cup roasted peanuts, chopped
16 - Lime wedges, for serving

# Directions:

01 - Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook according to package directions until al dente. Drain thoroughly and set aside.
02 - Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Season chicken slices with salt and black pepper, then sauté for 5 to 7 minutes until golden and cooked through. Transfer to a plate and keep warm.
03 - Reduce heat to medium. Add peanut sauce, soy sauce, lime juice, grated ginger, and minced garlic to the skillet. Stir and gently simmer for 2 to 3 minutes until warmed evenly.
04 - Add cooked pasta and chicken back to the skillet. Toss thoroughly to coat with the sauce.
05 - Remove skillet from heat. Stir in chopped cilantro, optional mint, and half of the green onions.
06 - Divide the mixture among serving bowls. Top with chopped peanuts, remaining green onions, and lime wedges. Serve immediately.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • It comes together in about 35 minutes, making it perfect for weeknight dinners when you're tired but hungry.
  • The combination of creamy peanut sauce with bright lime and fresh herbs feels indulgent without being heavy.
  • It's endlessly adaptable, so you can throw in whatever vegetables or proteins you have on hand.
02 -
  • Slice the chicken thin enough that it cooks through in just a few minutes; thicker pieces will be done before they brown, and you'll miss that caramelized edge.
  • Don't skimp on the lime juice—it's what prevents the sauce from feeling heavy and transforms the dish from good to genuinely crave-worthy.
03 -
  • Use a quality peanut sauce brand—it's the backbone of the dish, so let it be good.
  • Keep your lime at room temperature before juicing it; warmer limes yield more juice and more flavor.
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