One Pot Thai Peanut: 2 Amazing Weeknight Dinners

One Pot Thai Peanut chicken has become my absolute go-to for busy weeknights. I remember the first time I tried making it, I was skeptical if everything would cook evenly, but oh my goodness, the aroma that filled my kitchen was incredible! The creamy, savory peanut sauce coats everything – tender chicken, crisp broccoli, and perfectly cooked pasta – creating a flavor explosion. It’s so satisfying to have a delicious, flavorful meal ready with minimal fuss. This truly is an easy one pot Thai peanut noodles dish that will change your weeknight dinners forever. Trust me, this one pot Thai peanut chicken recipe is a keeper. Let’s get cooking!

Why You’ll Love This One Pot Thai Peanut Pasta

Seriously, there are so many reasons this dish is a winner! It’s got that amazing sweet and savory Thai peanut flavor that everyone raves about. Plus, the prep time is ridiculously short, making it perfect for those nights when you’re short on time.

• Incredible flavor: A rich, creamy peanut sauce that’s utterly delicious.
• Super speedy: Get dinner on the table in about 30 minutes total.
• Healthy-ish: Packed with protein from the chicken and veggies like broccoli.
• Budget-friendly: Uses common pantry staples and affordable ingredients.
• Family-friendly: Even picky eaters usually love this comforting pasta dish.
• Minimal cleanup: As the name suggests, it’s a true one pot Thai peanut skillet meal.
• Versatile: Works great as a quick weeknight dinner or a satisfying lunch.
• Satisfying: This one pot Thai peanut skillet meal is hearty and filling.

Ingredients for One Pot Thai Peanut Chicken Broccoli

Gathering your ingredients is the first step to this amazing Thai peanut sauce one pot meal. You’ll need simple, wholesome components that come together beautifully:

• 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch cubes – this is our lean protein base
• 2 cups broccoli florets – for a healthy dose of green goodness and texture
• 8.8 ounces penne pasta – the pasta absorbs all that delicious sauce
• 2 1/2 cups chicken broth – this forms the flavorful liquid base for cooking everything
• 1/2 cup Thai peanut sauce – the star of the show, providing that signature creamy, savory flavor

Having these ready makes the cooking process a breeze. The beauty of this dish is how these simple ingredients transform into something so rich and satisfying.

How to Make One Pot Thai Peanut Chicken

Get ready for the easiest, most flavorful dinner you’ll make all week! This simple one pot Thai peanut stir fry comes together right in one pot, meaning less mess and more deliciousness.

1. Step 1: Grab a large pot or Dutch oven. Add your cubed chicken, broccoli florets, penne pasta, and chicken broth. Make sure everything fits comfortably; it might look like a lot, but it all cooks down beautifully.
2. Step 2: Place the pot over medium-high heat. Bring the mixture to a rolling boil. Once boiling, reduce the heat to medium-low, cover (or simmer uncovered as per the original recipe, I find uncovered works best for this type of dish to control liquid), and let it simmer. This is where the magic happens, cooking the pasta and chicken perfectly.
3. Step 3: Stir occasionally to prevent sticking, especially as the liquid starts to reduce. You’re looking for the pasta to be al dente and most of the liquid to be absorbed. This usually takes about 18–20 minutes. You’ll see the sauce start to thicken, coating everything in a lovely sheen. It smells amazing at this stage, a truly comforting aroma.
4. Step 4: Once the pasta is cooked and the liquid has mostly evaporated, it’s time for the star ingredient. Stir in the Thai peanut sauce until everything is coated evenly. The heat from the pot will warm the sauce through, creating a rich, creamy coating for the chicken, broccoli, and pasta. This is the essence of a great simple one pot Thai peanut stir fry.
5. Step 5: Give it a final stir to ensure every piece is beautifully coated. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed – maybe a pinch of salt or a dash of sriracha for extra heat. Serve immediately while hot. This truly is a fantastic simple one pot Thai peanut stir fry that’s perfect for any night of the week!

Pro Tips for the Best One Pot Thai Peanut Noodles

Want to elevate your one pot Thai peanut noodles game? I’ve picked up a few tricks over the years that make a huge difference. Following these simple tips will ensure your dish is absolutely perfect every time!

• For the creamiest sauce, use a good quality Thai peanut sauce. Some store-bought versions can be a bit thin, so tasting and adjusting is key.
• Don’t overcrowd the pot! If your pot is too full, the pasta might not cook evenly. If you’re doubling the recipe, consider using a larger pot or splitting it into two.
• Stirring is crucial, especially towards the end of cooking, to prevent the pasta from sticking to the bottom of the pot as the sauce thickens.
• If you like a thinner sauce, you can always add a splash more chicken broth or even water when you stir in the peanut sauce.

What’s the secret to perfect One Pot Thai Peanut Pasta?

The real secret to a perfect one pot Thai peanut pasta is the balance of flavors and textures. Using a rich, creamy peanut butter as the base for your sauce, combined with the right amount of liquid and simmering time, ensures a wonderfully cohesive and delicious dish. It creates that signature luscious coating on your pasta and chicken.

Can I make One Pot Thai Peanut Chicken ahead of time?

You can prepare most of the components for this one pot Thai peanut chicken dish ahead of time. Cube the chicken, chop the broccoli, and even measure out your liquids. However, I highly recommend cooking it fresh for the best texture, especially for the pasta. Storing the cooked dish is different, though!

How do I avoid common mistakes with One Pot Thai Peanut Noodles?

A common pitfall is undercooking or overcooking the pasta, leading to mushy or hard noodles. Stirring regularly as the liquid reduces helps prevent this. Also, ensure you use enough liquid initially; if it looks too dry, add a little more broth. Don’t be afraid to taste and adjust the sauce seasoning! For more tips on cooking pasta, check out this guide.

Best Ways to Serve One Pot Thai Peanut Dish

This dish is fantastic on its own, but I love pairing it with a few simple sides to really round out the meal. It’s so versatile, making it a perfect centerpiece for any dinner.

• Serve it piping hot right out of the pot for the ultimate comfort food experience. The creamy sauce clings perfectly to everything.
• For a bit of freshness, I often add a sprinkle of chopped fresh cilantro and a squeeze of lime juice right before serving. It brightens up all those rich flavors wonderfully.
• You can also serve these savory one pot Thai peanut noodles with a side of crisp, steamed green beans or a simple Asian-inspired slaw for a lovely contrast in texture and temperature. Consider trying this Teriyaki Chicken Sheet Pan Supper for another easy weeknight option.

Nutrition Facts for One Pot Thai Peanut Pasta

This one pot Thai peanut pasta recipe offers a satisfying and flavorful meal. Here’s a breakdown of the nutritional information per serving:

• Calories: 480
• Fat: 12g
• Saturated Fat: 3g
• Protein: 34g
• Carbohydrates: 68g
• Fiber: 4g
• Sugar: 6g
• Sodium: 900mg

Nutritional values are estimates and may vary based on specific ingredients used, especially the brand of Thai peanut sauce. For more information on healthy eating, consult with a professional like those found on our team.

How to Store and Reheat One Pot Thai Peanut Chicken

One of the best things about this dish is how well it stores, making it a fantastic weeknight one pot Thai peanut meal option. Once your delicious one pot Thai peanut chicken has cooled down completely, transfer any leftovers into an airtight container. It will stay fresh in the refrigerator for about 3 to 4 days. If you want to keep it even longer, this dish freezes beautifully! Wrap it well in plastic wrap, then in foil, and it can be stored in the freezer for up to 3 months. For reheating, I usually pop a portion in the microwave for a minute or two, stirring halfway through, until heated through. Alternatively, you can gently reheat it in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of water or broth if it seems a bit dry. This is similar to how you might reheat other chicken dishes.

Frequently Asked Questions About One Pot Thai Peanut Noodles

Is this a healthy one pot Thai peanut recipe?

Absolutely! This healthy one pot Thai peanut recipe is packed with lean protein from the chicken and nutrient-rich broccoli. While it does have carbohydrates from the pasta and the delicious peanut sauce, it’s a well-balanced meal. You can easily boost the health factor even further by swapping penne for whole wheat pasta or adding even more vegetables. It’s a satisfying way to get a wholesome meal on the table without sacrificing flavor.

Can I substitute the chicken in this One Pot Thai Peanut Chicken recipe?

Yes, you can! While chicken is fantastic, this recipe is super adaptable. Try using cubed firm tofu for a vegetarian option, or swap it for shrimp for a quicker cooking time. You could even use ground turkey or pork. Just adjust the cooking time slightly based on the protein you choose to ensure it’s cooked through perfectly in your one pot Thai peanut chicken. For another great ground turkey option, check out this Ground Turkey and Peppers Stir Fry.

What if I don’t have penne pasta? Can I use other pasta shapes?

Definitely! Penne is great because it holds the sauce well, but feel free to use whatever pasta you have on hand. Rotini, fusilli, farfalle (bow-tie pasta), or even spaghetti broken into smaller pieces will work beautifully in this one pot Thai peanut noodles dish. Just ensure the pasta is fully submerged in the liquid when you start cooking.

How do I make the sauce spicier for my One Pot Thai Peanut Pasta?

If you love a bit of heat, you’re in luck! To kick up the spice in your one pot Thai peanut pasta, simply add a teaspoon or two of sriracha, red pepper flakes, or a dash of your favorite hot sauce directly into the pot when you stir in the peanut sauce at the end. You can also add a pinch of cayenne pepper along with the other ingredients at the beginning for a subtler, deeper heat.

Variations of One Pot Thai Peanut Pasta You Can Try

This recipe is so versatile, you can easily adapt it to fit your dietary needs or flavor preferences. It’s amazing how a few simple swaps can create a whole new experience with your one pot Thai peanut pasta!

• Veggie Lover’s Delight: Load it up with extra vegetables! Think sliced bell peppers (red, yellow, or green), snap peas, carrots julienned, or even some spinach wilted in at the end.
• Go Gluten-Free and Dairy-Free: While the base recipe is often gluten-free with the right pasta, you can ensure it by using gluten-free penne. For dairy-free, ensure your peanut sauce doesn’t contain dairy.
• Spice It Up or Cool It Down: Adjust the heat to your liking. Add sriracha or red pepper flakes for a kick, or a touch of honey or brown sugar to mellow out any spiciness.
• Swap Your Protein: Looking for something different? Try this as a quick one pot Thai peanut shrimp dish by adding the shrimp in the last 5-7 minutes of cooking so they don’t overcook. Tofu or even edamame can also be great additions. For another chicken dish, consider this Mediterranean Chicken Zucchini Bake.

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