Are you craving something exciting, something that blends the familiar comfort of spaghetti with the vibrant punch of Kung Pao? Then look no further! This CPK Kung Pao Spaghetti recipe delivers a delicious fusion experience that’s surprisingly easy to make. It’s the perfect quick dinner idea, a healthy meal option packed with flavor, and a testament to the magic of homemade cooking. Get ready to impress yourself and your family with this unique and delicious dish!
Ingredients:
- 1 pound spaghetti
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1 red bell pepper, thinly sliced
- 1/2 cup dry roasted peanuts, roughly chopped
- 1/4 cup soy sauce (low sodium preferred)
- 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
- 2 tablespoons honey
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- 1 teaspoon grated ginger
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1-2 red chili peppers, finely chopped (adjust to your spice preference)
- 1/4 cup chopped green onions, for garnish
- Sesame seeds, for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
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Cook the Spaghetti: Cook spaghetti according to package directions. Drain and set aside, reserving about 1/2 cup of pasta water.
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Prepare the Chicken: While the pasta cooks, heat the olive oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add the chicken and cook until browned and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
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Stir-Fry the Veggies: Add the red bell pepper to the skillet and stir-fry for 2-3 minutes until slightly softened.
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Make the Sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, rice vinegar, honey, sesame oil, ginger, garlic, and chili peppers.
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Combine Everything: Return the chicken to the skillet. Pour the sauce over the chicken and vegetables. Stir to combine and cook for 1-2 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly.
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Add the Pasta: Add the cooked spaghetti to the skillet and toss to coat with the sauce. If the sauce is too thick, add a little of the reserved pasta water to loosen it.
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Garnish and Serve: Stir in the chopped peanuts. Garnish with green onions and sesame seeds (optional). Serve immediately and enjoy your delicious CPK Kung Pao Spaghetti!
Cooking Tips for the Best Results:
- For extra flavor, marinate the chicken in a mixture of soy sauce, ginger, and garlic for at least 30 minutes before cooking.
- Don’t overcrowd the skillet when cooking the chicken. Work in batches if necessary to ensure even browning.
- Adjust the amount of chili peppers to control the level of spiciness. Start with one and add more if you prefer a spicier dish.
- If you don't have rice vinegar, you can substitute with white wine vinegar or apple cider vinegar.
- Feel free to add other vegetables, such as broccoli florets, carrots, or snow peas.
Variations:
- Shrimp Kung Pao Spaghetti: Substitute shrimp for chicken. Cook the shrimp for a shorter time, about 2-3 minutes, until pink and cooked through.
- Vegetarian Kung Pao Spaghetti: Omit the chicken and add your favorite vegetables, such as tofu, mushrooms, or zucchini.
- Spicy Kung Pao Spaghetti: Add more chili peppers or a dash of sriracha for extra heat.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
This will vary depending on the specific ingredients used, but a general estimate for a serving of this CPK Kung Pao Spaghetti is around 450-500 calories, with a moderate amount of protein and carbohydrates. This recipe offers a good source of protein from the chicken and healthy fats from the peanuts and sesame oil. Remember to adjust portion sizes to meet your individual dietary needs.
This CPK Kung Pao Spaghetti recipe is a fantastic example of how easy it is to create exciting and flavorful meals at home. It’s a great option for busy weeknights or a fun weekend dinner. Enjoy!