Thai Chicken Pasta (CPK Copycat) Recipe

This Thai Chicken Pasta - California Pizza Kitchen copycat recipe is a savory blend of chicken, pasta and fresh vegetables tossed together in flavorful Asian-inspired sauces. A perfect meal that can be enjoyed any day of the week.

Photos of Thai Chicken Pasta (California Pizza Kitchen Copycat) Recipe

Some of the ingredients like Napa cabbage, Sriracha sauce, and Oriental sesame oil might not be readily available in your pantry as they are more specific to Asian cuisine. Napa cabbage is a type of Chinese cabbage that has a lighter and sweeter flavour. Sriracha is a type of hot sauce commonly used in Thai dishes, and Oriental sesame oil is a darker, more aromatic oil than the plain variety. You can find these in the international or Asian food aisle in most supermarkets.

Ingredients for Thai Chicken Pasta

Thin spaghetti: This is the base of the recipe, and it absorbs the flavors of the other ingredients well.

Oriental sesame oil: It imparts a nutty aroma and a rich flavor to the dish.

Carrots: Adds a nice crunch and sweetness to the pasta.

Napa cabbage: This gives the dish an authentic Asian flavor and a nice crunch.

Chicken breast meat: A lean source of protein that balances out the carbs in the pasta.

Green onions: They add a mild onion flavor and a pop of green color to the dish.

Garlic clover: This adds a rich, pungent flavor to the dish.

Fresh ginger: Gives a spice kick and freshness to the pasta.

Honey: Adds a dash of sweetness that balances out the salty and spicy flavors.

Creamy peanut butter: Gives the dish a rich, nutty flavor and creamy texture.

Soy sauce: This is a standard ingredient in Asian dishes and adds a salty umami flavor.

Unseasoned rice vinegar: It adds a tangy flavor to balance out the richness of the other ingredients.

Sriracha sauce: Adds a spicy kick to the dish.

One reader, Hector Bruno says:

This Thai chicken pasta recipe is a game-changer! The flavors are so vibrant and the combination of peanut butter, soy sauce, and sriracha gives it a unique and delicious taste. It's a must-try for anyone who loves a fusion of Thai and Italian cuisine. I can't wait to make it again!

Hector Bruno

Techniques Required

How to cook pasta al dente: Cook the pasta in boiling water for a slightly shorter time than indicated on the package, ensuring it is still firm to the bite.

How to sauté vegetables and chicken: Sauté the green onions, carrots, napa cabbage, chicken, garlic, and ginger in a hot pan with a small amount of oil until they have softened and barely start to turn color.

How to make the sauce: Combine honey, peanut butter, soy sauce, vinegar, and sriracha in a bowl, stirring until well combined.

How to toss pasta with sauce: Add the cooked pasta to the sauce and toss until the pasta is evenly coated with the sauce and ingredients.

How to garnish: Sprinkle the dish with reserved green onions before serving for added freshness and color.

How To Make Thai Chicken Pasta (California Pizza Kitchen Copycat)

Savor the flavorful mix of veggies with this CPK-inspired Thai chicken pasta. It’s tossed with thin noodles in an umami sauce with Sriracha for some spice.

Preparation: 5 minutes

Cooking: 15 minutes

Total: 20 minutes

Serves:

Ingredients

1lbthin spaghetti
3tbsporiental sesame oil,divided
1cupcarrots,julienned
2cupsnapa cabbage,sliced
2cupschicken breast meat,cooked, chopped
8greenonions,chopped
5garlicclover,minced
1tbspfresh ginger,peeled and minced
¼cuphoney
¼cupcreamy peanut butter
¼cupsoy sauce
3tbspunseasoned rice vinegar
1½tbspSriracha sauce

Instructions

Bring a pot of water to boil. Add 1 to 2 tablespoons of salt to season the water.
Cook pasta, al dente 1 minute shy of what the box says. Drain pasta and toss with 2 tablespoons of sesame oil.
Pat dry the inside of the pot and add 1 tablespoon of sesame oil.
For garnish, if desired, reserve ¼ cup of them before putting the rest in the pan.
Add the green onions, carrots, napa cabbage, chicken, garlic, and ginger. Saute for 1 to 2 minutes until they have softened and barely start to turn color.
Add in the honey, peanut butter, soy sauce, vinegar, and Sriracha.
Stir all the ingredients together and add the pasta back into the pot. Toss the pasta with the rest of the ingredients and serve!
Garnish with remaining green onions if desired.

Nutrition

Calories: 593.55kcal
Fat: 15.74g
Saturated Fat: 2.76g
Trans Fat: 0.01g
Monounsaturated Fat: 6.16g
Polyunsaturated Fat: 5.07g
Carbohydrates: 81.73g
Fiber: 4.83g
Sugar: 16.71g
Protein: 32.30g
Cholesterol: 54.99mg
Sodium: 660.54mg
Calcium: 111.68mg
Potassium: 797.31mg
Iron: 2.55mg
Vitamin A: 237.09µg
Vitamin C: 21.82mg

Technique Tip for Preparing Thai Chicken Pasta

When sautéing the green onions, carrots, napa cabbage, chicken, garlic, and ginger, ensure that the heat is not too high. This will prevent the ingredients from burning and will allow the flavors to meld together properly. Additionally, when adding the honey, peanut butter, soy sauce, vinegar, and sriracha, stir continuously to ensure that the peanut butter melts evenly and coats all the ingredients. This will create a smooth, flavorful sauce that evenly coats the pasta.

Time-Saving Tips for Making Thai Chicken Pasta - California Pizza Kitchen Copycat Recipe

Prep ahead: Chop vegetables and marinate the chicken the night before to save time on the day of cooking.

One-pot wonder: Consider using a large skillet or pot to cook the entire dish in one go, minimizing cleanup and saving time.

Multitask: While the pasta is cooking, prep the vegetables and chicken to maximize efficiency in the kitchen.

Organized workspace: Keep all ingredients and utensils within reach to avoid wasting time searching for items during cooking.

Quick cooking: Use thin spaghetti for faster cooking, or consider using pre-cooked chicken to cut down on preparation time.

Substitute Ingredients For Thai Chicken Pasta (California Pizza Kitchen Copycat) Recipe

thin spaghetti - Substitute with rice noodles: Rice noodles are a great gluten-free alternative and have a similar texture to thin spaghetti.
oriental sesame oil - Substitute with toasted sesame oil: Toasted sesame oil has a deeper, nuttier flavor that can enhance the dish.
carrots - Substitute with bell peppers: Bell peppers can add a sweet and crunchy texture similar to carrots in the dish.
napa cabbage - Substitute with bok choy: Bok choy has a similar mild flavor and texture to napa cabbage.
chicken breast meat - Substitute with tofu: Tofu can provide a vegetarian alternative with a similar protein content and can absorb the flavors of the dish.
green onions - Substitute with chives: Chives have a milder flavor similar to green onions and can be used as a garnish.
garlic clove - Substitute with garlic paste: Garlic paste can be a convenient alternative and provide a similar flavor to minced garlic.
fresh ginger - Substitute with ground ginger: Ground ginger can be used as a substitute in smaller quantities and still provide a hint of ginger flavor.
honey - Substitute with maple syrup: Maple syrup can add a similar sweetness and depth of flavor to the dish.
creamy peanut butter - Substitute with almond butter: Almond butter can provide a similar creamy texture and nutty flavor to the dish.
soy sauce - Substitute with tamari: Tamari is a gluten-free alternative to soy sauce with a similar umami flavor.
unseasoned rice vinegar - Substitute with apple cider vinegar: Apple cider vinegar can provide a tangy acidity similar to rice vinegar.
sriracha sauce - Substitute with chili garlic sauce: Chili garlic sauce can add a spicy kick and garlicky flavor similar to sriracha.

Presentation Tips for Thai Chicken Pasta

Elevate the plating: Create a visually stunning presentation by arranging the Thai chicken pasta in a nest-like shape, using tongs to create height and dimension on the plate.
Incorporate vibrant colors: Integrate colorful elements such as julienned carrots and vibrant green napa cabbage to add visual appeal and freshness to the dish.
Garnish with precision: Use thinly sliced green onions and a sprinkle of sesame seeds to add a touch of elegance and texture to the dish.
Focus on balance: Ensure that the components of the dish are balanced and harmonious, with the pasta, vegetables, and chicken arranged in a visually appealing manner.
Utilize negative space: Embrace the concept of negative space on the plate to allow the dish to stand out, creating a visually striking and sophisticated presentation.
Emphasize the art of plating: Pay attention to the placement of each element, ensuring that the dish is visually captivating and showcases the culinary artistry behind the creation.

Essential Tools for Making Thai Chicken Pasta

Cutting board: A flat surface for cutting, slicing, and chopping ingredients.
Chef's knife: A versatile knife used for various kitchen tasks such as chopping, slicing, and dicing.
Large pot: Used for boiling pasta and cooking large batches of food.
Colander: A bowl-shaped kitchen tool with perforations used to drain liquids from food.
Sauté pan: A wide, flat-bottomed pan used for sautéing, frying, and searing ingredients.
Tongs: Used for gripping and lifting hot food items during cooking.
Whisk: A kitchen utensil used for blending, whipping, and beating ingredients.
Measuring cups and spoons: Essential for accurately measuring ingredients in cooking and baking.
Garlic press: Used to crush and mince garlic cloves quickly and efficiently.
Grater: Used to grate ingredients such as cheese, vegetables, and spices.
Saucepan: A deep cooking pan with a handle, used for making sauces, boiling liquids, and cooking small quantities of food.

How To Store and Freeze Thai Chicken Pasta

Allow the Thai chicken pasta to cool completely before storing it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will keep well for up to 3-4 days.
To reheat, simply microwave individual portions or reheat the entire dish in a pan on the stovetop over medium heat until warmed through. Add a splash of water or chicken broth if the pasta seems dry.
For longer storage, you can freeze the Thai chicken pasta. Transfer the cooled pasta to a freezer-safe container or resealable plastic bag, removing as much air as possible before sealing.
When freezing, it's best to portion the pasta into individual servings for easier thawing and reheating.
Frozen Thai chicken pasta will keep well for up to 2-3 months.
To thaw, transfer the frozen pasta to the refrigerator and let it thaw overnight. Reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop, adding a little water or chicken broth to help loosen the sauce and prevent the pasta from drying out.
Note: The texture of the vegetables and pasta may change slightly after freezing and thawing, but the flavor should remain delicious.

How To Reheat Leftovers

Reheat the thai chicken pasta in a large skillet or wok over medium heat. Add a splash of chicken broth or water to help loosen up the sauce and prevent the pasta from drying out. Stir frequently until the pasta is heated through and the sauce is warm and creamy. This method allows you to quickly revive the flavors and textures of the dish without overcooking the vegetables or chicken.
For a more hands-off approach, place the leftover thai chicken pasta in a microwave-safe dish and add a splash of chicken broth or water. Cover the dish with a microwave-safe lid or plastic wrap, leaving a small vent for steam to escape. Microwave on high power in 30-second intervals, stirring between each interval, until the pasta is heated through and the sauce is warm and creamy. Be careful not to overheat the pasta, as it can quickly become mushy in the microwave.
If you prefer a crispy texture, spread the leftover thai chicken pasta in a single layer on a baking sheet. Drizzle a small amount of sesame oil over the top and toss gently to coat. Place the baking sheet under the broiler for 2-3 minutes, or until the edges of the pasta and vegetables start to crisp up and turn golden brown. Keep a close eye on the pasta to prevent burning, and remove it from the broiler as soon as it reaches your desired level of crispiness.
For a cold pasta salad option, rinse the leftover thai chicken pasta under cold water to stop the cooking process and cool it down quickly. Drain the pasta well and toss it with a small amount of sesame oil to prevent sticking. Add some fresh, crunchy vegetables like bell peppers, cucumbers, or carrots, and a handful of chopped peanuts or cashews for added texture. Serve the cold thai chicken pasta salad over a bed of mixed greens for a refreshing and satisfying meal.

Random Fact about Thai Chicken Pasta

Thai chicken pasta is a fusion dish that combines the flavors of Thailand with the comfort of pasta. It's a popular dish at California Pizza Kitchen and is loved for its unique blend of sweet, savory, and spicy flavors.

Is Making Thai Chicken Pasta at Home Cost-Effective?

This Thai Chicken Pasta - California Pizza Kitchen Copycat Recipe is relatively cost-effective for a household. The use of affordable ingredients like chicken breast meat, pasta, carrots, and cabbage makes it budget-friendly. The dish offers a delightful fusion of flavors, earning a solid 8/10 rating. The approximate cost for a household of 4 people is around $20, making it an economical choice for a satisfying meal.

Is Thai Chicken Pasta Healthy or Unhealthy?

The Thai Chicken Pasta recipe, while delicious, may not be the healthiest option due to a few key ingredients. The dish contains a significant amount of sodium from the soy sauce, which can contribute to high blood pressure and other health issues if consumed in excess. Additionally, the recipe calls for honey and peanut butter, which are high in sugar and fat, respectively. However, the dish does include some nutritious elements, such as the use of vegetables like carrots, napa cabbage, and green onions, which provide essential vitamins and minerals.

To make this recipe healthier, consider the following suggestions:

Reduce the amount of soy sauce and replace it with low-sodium alternatives like coconut aminos or homemade vegetable broth
Opt for natural peanut butter with no added sugars or oils, or replace it with almond butter for a healthier fat source
Decrease the amount of honey used, or substitute it with a natural sweetener like stevia or monk fruit extract
Increase the proportion of vegetables in the dish, adding more nutrient-dense options like bell peppers, mushrooms, or bok choy
Use whole wheat or gluten-free pasta to increase the fiber content and provide a more balanced carbohydrate source
Replace some of the pasta with spiralized vegetables like zucchini or sweet potato noodles for a lower-carb, nutrient-rich alternative

Editor's Opinion on This Thai-Inspired Pasta Dish

This Thai chicken pasta recipe is a delightful fusion of flavors and textures. The combination of sesame oil, ginger, and sriracha creates a harmonious balance of sweet, savory, and spicy notes. The addition of creamy peanut butter adds a rich and nutty undertone, elevating the dish to a new level. The use of napa cabbage and carrots provides a refreshing crunch, while the tender chicken breast meat adds a satisfying protein component. Overall, this dish promises to be a crowd-pleaser, offering a tantalizing blend of Thai-inspired ingredients that will surely impress your guests.

Enhance Your Thai Chicken Pasta (California Pizza Kitchen Copycat) Recipe with These Unique Side Dishes:

Mango Salsa: Fresh diced mango, red onion, jalapeno, cilantro, and lime juice mixed together for a sweet and spicy topping.

Garlic Breadsticks: Soft and fluffy breadsticks brushed with garlic butter and sprinkled with parmesan cheese for the perfect side to soak up the Thai chicken pasta sauce.

Coconut Rice: Fluffy jasmine rice cooked in coconut milk and sprinkled with shredded coconut for a tropical twist on a classic side dish.

Similar Recipes to Thai Chicken Pasta

Spicy Beef Stir-Fry: This spicy beef stir-fry is a perfect combination of tender beef, colorful bell peppers, and a flavorful sauce. It's a quick and easy dish that's sure to satisfy your cravings for a spicy and savory meal.

Mango Chicken Salad: This refreshing mango chicken salad is a delightful mix of juicy mangoes, tender chicken, crisp lettuce, and a zesty dressing. It's a light and healthy option for a satisfying meal or a flavorful side dish.

Coconut Curry Shrimp: Indulge in the rich and aromatic flavors of this coconut curry shrimp. The creamy coconut milk, fragrant spices, and succulent shrimp come together to create a dish that's perfect for a cozy night in or a special dinner with loved ones.

Appetizer and Dessert Pairings for Thai Chicken Pasta

Appetizers:

Crispy Calamari: For a delightful start to your meal, try our crispy calamari. The tender calamari rings are lightly breaded and fried to perfection, creating a satisfying crunch with each bite. Served with a zesty marinara sauce for dipping, this appetizer is sure to please your taste buds.

Savory Stuffed Mushrooms: Indulge in the rich and savory flavors of our stuffed mushrooms. Each mushroom cap is filled with a delectable mixture of cream cheese, garlic, and herbs, then baked to golden perfection. The creamy filling pairs perfectly with the earthy mushrooms, creating a mouthwatering appetizer that will leave you craving more.

Desserts:

Chocolate Lava Cake: Indulge in a rich and decadent chocolate lava cake, with a gooey center that oozes out with every bite. Pair it with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for the perfect balance of warm and cold, and top it off with a drizzle of chocolate sauce for an extra touch of sweetness.

Tiramisu: Transport yourself to Italy with a classic tiramisu, featuring layers of coffee-soaked ladyfingers and creamy mascarpone cheese. Dust the top with a generous sprinkle of cocoa powder for a bittersweet contrast, and serve it chilled for a refreshing and satisfying dessert experience.

Why trust this Thai Chicken Pasta (California Pizza Kitchen Copycat) Recipe:

This recipe offers an authentic taste of Thai cuisine with a fusion of Italian pasta and California Pizza Kitchen's signature flavors. The combination of sesame oil, ginger, and soy sauce infuses the dish with rich, aromatic Asian influences, while the addition of peanut butter and sriracha sauce creates a perfect balance of sweet and spicy notes. The use of fresh ingredients such as napa cabbage, carrots, and chicken breast meat ensures a wholesome and flavorful meal. Trust this recipe for a delightful culinary experience that brings together the best of both worlds.

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FAQ:

What is the best way to cook the chicken for this recipe?

I recommend cooking the chicken breast meat by grilling, baking, or pan-searing it until it's fully cooked and has a nice golden brown color. Then, you can slice or shred it before adding it to the pasta.

Can I substitute the chicken with another protein?

Absolutely! You can substitute the chicken with shrimp, tofu, or even thinly sliced beef if you prefer. Adjust the cooking time accordingly based on the protein you choose.

Is there a way to make this recipe vegetarian?

Yes, you can easily make this recipe vegetarian by omitting the chicken and using vegetable broth instead of chicken broth. You can also add more vegetables or tofu to enhance the dish.

Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the sauce and cook the pasta ahead of time. Store them separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator. When you're ready to serve, reheat the sauce and toss it with the pasta.

How spicy is the dish with the amount of sriracha called for in the recipe?

The amount of sriracha called for in the recipe provides a mild to moderate level of spiciness. If you prefer a spicier dish, you can adjust the amount of sriracha to suit your taste.