Pasta Marco Polo

About

Brenda Gantt

I am a self-taught cook. I started cooking around 18 years old. I stood in the kitchen and watched my mother, who was my biggest inspiration at the time, cook.

Servings: 6

 

INGREDIENTS:

  • Nonstick cooking spray
  • 2 tablespoons Sesame oil
  • 1/2 pound Chicken breast, sliced
  • 4 Scallions, sliced
  • 12 ounces Spicy Sesame Linguine

 

SAUCE:

  • 1/2 cup Chicken broth
  • 1 tablespoon Soy sauce
  • 1 tablespoon Sherry
  • 1 tablespoon Sugar
  • 1 tablespoon Cornstarch
  • 1/2 tablespoon Chili sauce
  • 1/2 teaspoon Garlic powder
  • 1 tablespoon Hoisin sauce
  • 1 tablespoon Minced ginger
  • 1/2 teaspoon Salt

 

INSTRUCTIONS:

  1. In a small bowl, combine all the sauce ingredients, and set it aside.
  2. Spray a skillet with nonstick cooking spray and add sesame oil. Heat the skillet over medium-high heat.
  3. Stir-fry the sliced chicken in the skillet until it begins to lose its raw color.
  4. Add the sliced scallions to the skillet and continue to stir-fry for a minute.
  5. Pour the sauce mixture into the skillet with the chicken and scallions.
  6. Add the cooked spicy sesame linguine to the skillet and stir until the sauce is well blended with the pasta and chicken.
  7. Cook for a minute or two, allowing the flavors to combine and the sauce to thicken slightly.
  8. Serve the pasta and chicken immediately, and enjoy!

 

PASTA & CHICKEN – VARIATIONS

  1. Vegetarian Option: Omit the chicken and replace it with extra vegetables such as bell peppers, broccoli, carrots, or snap peas. You can also add tofu or tempeh for a protein boost.
  2. Spicy Kick: Increase the amount of chili sauce or add crushed red pepper flakes to the sauce for a spicier version of the dish.
  3. Peanut Sauce Twist: Replace the sesame oil with peanut oil and add 1-2 tablespoons of peanut butter to the sauce for a rich and nutty flavor.
  4. Garlic Lover’s Delight: Double the amount of minced garlic in the sauce for a stronger garlic taste.
  5. Sweet and Sour: Add 2 tablespoons of rice vinegar and 1 tablespoon of brown sugar to the sauce for a sweet and tangy twist.
  6. Asian Greens: Add a handful of baby spinach, bok choy, or Chinese broccoli to the stir-fry for extra greens and nutrients.
  7. Protein Variation: Substitute the chicken with shrimp, thinly sliced beef, or ground turkey.
  8. Coconut Creamy Sauce: Replace the chicken broth with coconut milk for a creamy and coconut-infused sauce.
  9. Mushroom Medley: Saute a mix of mushrooms like shiitake, cremini, and oyster mushrooms with the scallions for a hearty and earthy flavor.
  10. Citrus Zest: Add a splash of lime or lemon juice to the sauce for a refreshing citrusy kick.
  11. Nutty Crunch: Sprinkle some toasted sesame seeds or chopped roasted peanuts on top of the finished dish for added texture and flavor.
  12. Gluten-Free Option: Use gluten-free pasta and replace the soy sauce with tamari or a gluten-free soy sauce alternative.
  13. Creamy Alfredo: Replace the spicy sesame linguine with fettuccine and use a creamy Alfredo sauce made with heavy cream, Parmesan cheese, and garlic for a rich and indulgent twist.
  14. Lemon Herb: Add the zest of one lemon and a tablespoon of chopped fresh herbs such as basil, parsley, or thyme to the sauce for a bright and herby flavor profile.
  15. Thai-inspired: Replace the sesame oil with coconut oil and use Thai rice noodles instead of linguine. Use a mixture of coconut milk, red curry paste, and lime juice for the sauce, and add some Thai basil and cilantro for an authentic Thai taste.

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