Sesame Garlic Chicken Pasta

Garlic-infused chicken threads through tender pasta with Asian flavors, but the secret ingredient transforms this easy weeknight meal.

Why You’ll Love this Sesame Garlic Chicken Pasta

If you’re searching for a dish that combines the best of Asian flavors with the comfort of pasta, this Sesame Garlic Chicken Pasta will quickly become a family favorite. It’s incredibly versatile, allowing you to customize the vegetables to whatever’s in your fridge.

You’ll appreciate how the nutty sesame oil and toasted seeds complement the savory soy sauce and bright vinegar. The angel hair pasta cooks in minutes, making this perfect for busy weeknights. Plus, the protein-packed chicken and colorful vegetables create a complete meal in one bowl—no side dishes needed! The aromatic garlic adds depth without overwhelming the delicate flavors.

Recipe Information for Sesame Garlic Chicken Pasta

This Asian-inspired pasta dish combines stir-frying techniques with classic pasta preparation, creating a flavorful fusion meal that balances Eastern aromatic ingredients with Western comfort food elements.

  • Prep Time: 15 minutes (cutting vegetables, slicing chicken, and preparing sauce mixture)
  • Cook Time: 10 minutes (pasta cooking, sesame seed toasting, and chicken stir-frying)
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Stir-frying/Boiling
  • Cuisine: Asian-Italian Fusion
  • Yield: 4 servings

What Ingredients are in Sesame Garlic Chicken Pasta?

This Sesame Garlic Chicken Pasta combines Asian-inspired flavors with the simplicity of pasta for a satisfying fusion dish. The recipe balances savory soy sauce with aromatic garlic and nutty sesame elements, while incorporating protein and a variety of vegetables for a complete meal.

  • 8 ounces angel hair pasta
  • 1½ tablespoons soy sauce (plus extra for serving)
  • 1 tablespoon rice wine vinegar
  • 2 teaspoons sesame oil
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 pound boneless chicken breast, cut in strips
  • ¼ teaspoon salt
  • ¼ teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 tablespoon sesame seeds
  • 1 tablespoon peanut oil
  • 1 (15 ounce) can baby corn, drained and cut into bite-size pieces
  • 4 cups mixed vegetables, parboiled (such as broccoli, cauliflower, carrot, celery, onion, mushrooms, water chestnuts)

The recipe allows for flexibility with the mixed vegetables, letting you customize based on preference or seasonal availability. If you have dietary restrictions, you could substitute the soy sauce with tamari for a gluten-free option, or switch the peanut oil for canola or vegetable oil if there are nut allergies. For added heat, consider incorporating red pepper flakes or a hint of sriracha to the sauce mixture.

How to Make this Sesame Garlic Chicken Pasta

This flavorful fusion dish comes together through a series of simple cooking steps that develop layers of flavor. First, you’ll prepare the pasta and a savory sauce, then toast sesame seeds for garnish, cook the seasoned chicken until tender, and finally combine all components. The recipe balances the cooking times of each element to ascertain nothing gets overdone while creating a harmonious blend of Asian-inspired flavors and textures. Consider using a high-quality plant-based protein appliance for perfect texture when substituting tofu or tempeh for chicken.

  1. Cook 8 ounces of angel hair pasta according to package directions, then drain and set aside.
  2. In a small bowl, combine 1½ tablespoons soy sauce, 1 tablespoon rice wine vinegar, 2 teaspoons sesame oil, and 1 clove of minced garlic to create the sauce mixture.
  3. Season 1 pound of chicken breast strips on both sides with ¼ teaspoon salt and ¼ teaspoon black pepper.
  4. In a dry skillet over medium heat, toast 1 tablespoon sesame seeds until golden, about 2 minutes, then remove and set aside.
  5. Using the same skillet, heat 1 tablespoon peanut oil over medium heat.
  6. Add the remaining minced garlic (2 cloves) and cook, stirring, until golden, about 1 minute. Add a bit of water if needed to prevent burning.
  7. Add the seasoned chicken strips to the skillet and cook, stirring occasionally, until no longer pink, about 6 minutes.
  8. In a large bowl, combine the cooked chicken, 15 ounces of drained and cut baby corn, 4 cups of parboiled mixed vegetables, and the cooked pasta.
  9. Pour the soy sauce mixture over everything and toss well to coat all ingredients evenly.
  10. Sprinkle the toasted sesame seeds over the dish before serving.

Now that your Sesame Garlic Chicken Pasta is prepared, let’s investigate how to present this colorful dish with professional flair that will impress your guests.

How to Plate this Sesame Garlic Chicken Pasta Like a Chef

elevate plating with style

Three key presentation techniques separate home cooks from professional chefs when plating this vibrant Sesame Garlic Chicken Pasta.

First, create height by twirling pasta with tongs before placing it center-plate. This elegant mound becomes your canvas.

Second, arrange colorful vegetables strategically—broccoli florets and carrot slices toward the edges, baby corn positioned like artistic accents.

Third, drizzle a touch of sesame oil in a circular pattern around the plate’s rim, then sprinkle those golden sesame seeds primarily on visible chicken pieces.

You’ll transform a simple family meal into a restaurant-worthy presentation that’ll have everyone reaching for their phones before their forks!

Sesame Garlic Chicken Pasta Substitutions and Variations

While the basic recipe creates a delightful Asian-inspired pasta dish, don’t feel confined to the exact ingredients listed.

You’ll find this recipe incredibly forgiving and flexible to what’s already in your pantry or fridge.

Swap angel hair pasta for soba noodles, udon, or even rice noodles for an authentic Asian twist.

No rice vinegar? Regular white vinegar works fine, though a splash of lime juice offers a fresher flavor profile.

The mixed vegetable combination is entirely up to you—snow peas, red bell peppers, or baby bok choy make wonderful additions that complement the sesame-garlic sauce beautifully.

What to Serve with Sesame Garlic Chicken Pasta

Although this sesame garlic chicken pasta shines as a complete meal on its own, pairing it with the right sides can improve your dining experience to restaurant quality.

For a refreshing contrast, try a cucumber-sesame salad dressed with rice vinegar and a sprinkle of chili flakes. Crispy spring rolls or steamed dumplings make perfect appetizers that complement the Asian-inspired flavors.

Don’t forget beverages! Jasmine tea cuts through the richness, while a light Riesling or Gewürztraminer wine brings out the dish’s aromatic qualities.

You’ll feel like you’ve transported your dining table to a cozy eatery in Asia.

Final Thoughts

This sesame garlic chicken pasta has become a standby in many kitchens for good reason.

It’s the perfect balance of flavors—savory soy, nutty sesame, and punchy garlic—wrapped around tender chicken and vibrant vegetables.

You’ll love how versatile it is, too! Can’t find baby corn? Substitute snap peas. Need it spicier? Add red pepper flakes.

What makes this dish special is how it brings restaurant-quality Asian fusion to your dinner table in minutes.

The angel hair pasta cooks quickly, and the chicken takes just six minutes. It’s weeknight cooking at its finest—impressive enough for company, easy enough for Tuesday night.