Fiery Chicken Pesto Pasta Delight
Indulge in this Fiery Chicken Pesto Pasta Delight, a perfect blend of spicy flavors and aromatic basil that takes your taste buds on a journey! This one-dish meal features tender chicken pieces stir-fried to perfection and combined with a rich and creamy pesto sauce. The addition of vibrant shredded carrots and fresh green onions adds a crunchy texture and a burst of color to this delightful pasta dish. Whether it's a weeknight dinner or a gathering with friends, this recipe is sure to impress and satisfy every hungry palate!
N/A
Servings
120
Calories
9
Ingredients
Ingredients
Chicken-flavored ramen noodles
2 packages (3 ounces each) (Cooked and drained as per package instructions.)
Water
1 cup (Used to mix with pesto sauce.)
Basil pesto
1/2 cup (Ready to use.)
Cornstarch
2 teaspoons (Used to thicken the sauce.)
Chili-garlic sauce
2 teaspoons (Used to add spiciness.)
Vegetable oil
1 tablespoon (Used for stir-frying.)
Boneless chicken breast
3/4 lb (Cut into 1-inch pieces.)
Carrot
1 large (Shredded.)
Green onions
2 stalks (Cut diagonally into 1-inch pieces.)
Instructions
1
Start by reserving the seasoning packets from the ramen noodles. Prepare the noodles according to the package instructions, then drain and set aside.
2
In a mixing bowl, combine the water, basil pesto, cornstarch, chili-garlic sauce, and one of the seasoning packets from the ramen. Whisk together until smooth and set aside.
3
Heat vegetable oil in a 12-inch skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the cut chicken breast pieces, and stir-fry for about 3 to 4 minutes or until the chicken is cooked through and no longer pink in the center.
4
Next, add the shredded carrot and sliced green onions to the skillet. Stir-fry for an additional 1 minute, allowing the vegetables to soften slightly.
5
Pour the prepared pesto mixture into the skillet with the chicken and vegetables. Bring the mixture to a boil while stirring continuously for about 1 minute until it thickens slightly.
6
Finally, add the cooked ramen noodles to the skillet, tossing everything together until the noodles are well coated in the spicy pesto sauce. Serve immediately and enjoy!
Nutrition Information
4g
Fat
14g
Carbs
6g
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Fiery Chicken Pesto Pasta Delight?
It is an Asian-fusion dish that combines instant ramen noodles with a spicy chili-garlic and basil pesto sauce, featuring stir-fried chicken and vegetables.
Is this recipe very spicy?
The dish has a moderate heat level from the chili-garlic sauce, but you can adjust the spiciness by increasing or decreasing the amount of sauce used.
Can I use regular pasta instead of ramen?
Yes, you can substitute ramen with spaghetti, linguine, or angel hair pasta, though the texture and flavor profile will change slightly.
How do I prepare the sauce for this chicken pesto pasta?
Mix water, basil pesto, cornstarch, chili-garlic sauce, and one ramen seasoning packet in a bowl until the mixture is smooth.
Do I use both seasoning packets from the ramen?
No, this recipe only uses one of the two seasoning packets to balance the flavors and control the sodium content.
How long does it take to cook the chicken?
The chicken breast pieces should be stir-fried for approximately 3 to 4 minutes or until they are no longer pink in the center.
What vegetables are included in this recipe?
This recipe features shredded carrots and green onions, providing a crunchy texture and fresh flavor.
How do I thicken the pesto sauce?
The cornstarch in the sauce mixture acts as a thickener when the sauce is brought to a boil in the skillet.
Can I make this dish vegetarian?
Yes, you can substitute the chicken with tofu or extra vegetables and use vegetable-flavored ramen noodles.
What is the calorie count for this dish?
According to the recipe data, it contains approximately 120 calories per serving.
What kind of oil should I use for stir-frying?
Vegetable oil is recommended because it has a high smoke point, which is ideal for stir-frying chicken at medium-high heat.
How should I cut the green onions?
The green onions should be cut diagonally into 1-inch pieces for the best presentation and texture.
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Yes, boneless chicken thighs are a great alternative and may offer a slightly juicier texture compared to chicken breasts.
Is this a one-dish meal?
Yes, it is designed as a complete meal that combines protein, carbohydrates, and vegetables in one skillet.
What is the purpose of the water in the sauce?
Water is used to dilute the concentrated pesto and chili-garlic sauce, creating a base that can be thickened by the cornstarch.
How do I prevent the ramen noodles from getting too soft?
Cook the noodles according to the package instructions but drain them immediately and toss them with the sauce at the very end to avoid overcooking.
What can I substitute for chili-garlic sauce?
You can use Sriracha or a mix of red pepper flakes and minced garlic if you do not have chili-garlic sauce on hand.
How much fat is in this recipe?
The recipe contains approximately 4 grams of fat per serving.
Can I add other vegetables like bell peppers?
Absolutely, bell peppers or snap peas would be excellent additions to the stir-fry step.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
No, standard ramen noodles contain wheat. To make it gluten-free, use gluten-free noodles and ensure your pesto and seasoning are gluten-free.
How many grams of protein are in this dish?
There are 6 grams of protein per serving as per the nutritional information provided.
Can I prepare the pesto mixture in advance?
Yes, you can whisk the sauce ingredients together and store them in the fridge until you are ready to cook.
How do I store leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
What should I do if the sauce is too thick?
If the sauce becomes too thick, you can add a tablespoon of water at a time until you reach your desired consistency.
Can I use frozen shredded carrots?
Yes, frozen shredded carrots work fine; just ensure they are thawed or cooked long enough to reach the desired tenderness.
Why is this called an 'Asian Fusion' dish?
It earns this title by blending Italian basil pesto with Japanese ramen noodles and East Asian chili-garlic flavors.
What size skillet is best for this recipe?
A 12-inch skillet is recommended to provide enough space for stir-frying the chicken and tossing the noodles.
Can I use shrimp instead of chicken?
Yes, shrimp is a great substitute. Simply stir-fry the shrimp until they turn pink and opaque, which usually takes 2-3 minutes.
Should the ramen noodles be cooked before adding them to the skillet?
Yes, the noodles should be cooked and drained separately before being tossed with the sauce and chicken.
Is this recipe suitable for a quick weeknight dinner?
Yes, with a short prep and cook time, it is an ideal recipe for those looking for a fast and flavorful meal.