Ingredients
Scale
Protein
- 1 lb chicken breast or thighs, sliced into bite-sized pieces
Pasta
- 8 oz rice noodles or fettuccine (cooked just shy of al dente)
Sauce
- 1 cup coconut milk
- 2 tbsp peanut butter
- 1–2 tbsp red curry paste (adjust to taste)
- 1 tbsp fish sauce
- 1 tbsp fresh lime juice
Aromatics
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tbsp fresh ginger, minced
Vegetables
- 1 bell pepper, sliced
- 1 cup snap peas
Garnish
- Fresh cilantro and Thai basil leaves
- Lime wedges
- Chopped peanuts (optional)
Instructions
- Prep the Ingredients: Slice the chicken into bite-sized pieces. Chop the bell pepper and snap peas. Mince the garlic and ginger finely. If using dried pasta, cook it just short of al dente so it finishes cooking in the skillet.
- Cook the Chicken: Heat a large skillet with oil over medium-high heat. Add the chicken pieces and cook until golden brown and cooked through. Remove chicken from skillet and set aside to keep it juicy and tender.
- Sauté Aromatics and Veggies: In the same skillet, add garlic and ginger, sautéing until fragrant. Add bell peppers and snap peas, stir-frying just until crisp and vibrant.
- Make the Sauce: Stir in coconut milk, peanut butter, red curry paste, fish sauce, and lime juice directly into the skillet. Mix well and simmer for a few minutes until the sauce thickens slightly.
- Combine and Finish: Return the cooked chicken to the skillet along with the cooked pasta. Toss everything gently to coat evenly with the sauce. Cook for another 2-3 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld perfectly.
Notes
- Use fresh herbs such as cilantro or Thai basil added just before serving to enhance flavor.
- Do not overcook the pasta; leave it slightly underdone to avoid mushiness.
- Adjust lime juice and fish sauce to balance salty and tangy flavors.
- Toss gently after combining ingredients to keep pasta strands intact.
- Prep vegetables and sauce ingredients ahead of time to speed up cooking.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Skillet Cooking
- Cuisine: Thai Fusion
- Diet: Gluten Free (if using rice noodles)
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 450 kcal
- Sugar: 4 g
- Sodium: 700 mg
- Fat: 20 g
- Saturated Fat: 10 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 40 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 30 g
- Cholesterol: 75 mg
Keywords: Thai chicken pasta, one-pan meal, Thai pasta skillet, quick Thai dinner, coconut curry pasta, weeknight dinner, gluten free pasta recipe