Sesame Chicken Penne Pasta
Elevate your weeknight dinner game with this irresistible Sesame Chicken Penne Pasta, a delightful fusion of Asian-inspired flavors and classic Italian comfort. Tender penne pasta is tossed with juicy bites of golden-brown chicken and vibrant red bell peppers, all enveloped in a luscious, savory-sweet sauce made from soy sauce, hoisin, sesame oil, honey, and fresh ginger. A cornstarch slurry ensures the sauce clings perfectly to every bite, while green onions and toasted sesame seeds add a fresh, nutty finish. Ready in just 40 minutes, this easy, crowd-pleasing recipe combines bold flavors, simple prep, and a stunning presentation, making it perfect for busy weeknights or casual entertaining.
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 12 oz penne pasta
- 2 pieces boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 3 tbsp soy sauce
- 2 tbsp hoisin sauce
- 2 tsp sesame oil
- 1 tbsp honey
- 3 pieces garlic cloves, minced
- 1 tsp fresh ginger, minced
- 2 tbsp vegetable oil
- 1 piece red bell pepper, sliced
- 3 pieces green onions, sliced
- 2 tbsp toasted sesame seeds
- 1 tbsp cornstarch
- 3 tbsp water
- 0.5 tsp salt
- 0.25 tsp black pepper
Instructions
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the penne pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
While the pasta is cooking, season the chicken breasts with salt and black pepper. Cut them into bite-sized pieces.
In a small bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, hoisin sauce, sesame oil, honey, minced garlic, and ginger. Set the sauce aside.
In another small bowl, whisk the cornstarch with water to create a slurry. This will help thicken the sauce later.
Heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken pieces and cook for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they are golden brown and fully cooked. Remove the chicken from the pan and set aside.
In the same skillet, add the red bell pepper slices and cook for 2-3 minutes until they start to soften.
Reduce the heat to medium, then pour the sauce mixture into the skillet. Stir well and bring it to a gentle simmer.
Gradually stir in the cornstarch slurry and cook until the sauce thickens, about 1-2 minutes.
Add the cooked chicken and drained pasta to the skillet, tossing to coat everything evenly with the sauce. Cook for another 2 minutes to heat everything through.
Remove the skillet from the heat and stir in the sliced green onions and toasted sesame seeds.
Serve the Sesame Chicken Penne Pasta warm, garnished with additional sesame seeds or green onions if desired.
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
2600 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 81.3 g | 104% | |
| Saturated Fat | 12.4 g | 62% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 29.1 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 297 mg | 99% | |
| Sodium | 3703 mg | 161% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 307.8 g | 112% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 19.4 g | 69% | |
| Total Sugars | 32.3 g | ||
| Protein | 161.1 g | 322% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.1 mcg | 0% | |
| Calcium | 258 mg | 20% | |
| Iron | 19.9 mg | 111% | |
| Potassium | 2276 mg | 48% | |
*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.
