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- 8 oz spaghetti or linguine - 1 lb ground chicken or beef - 1 cup mushrooms, sliced - 1 red bell pepper, diced I love using spaghetti or linguine for this dish. They hold the sauce well. You can choose ground chicken or beef based on your taste. The mushrooms add a nice texture, and the red bell pepper gives sweetness and color. - 2 cloves garlic, minced - 1 tablespoon ginger, minced - 1/4 cup soy sauce - 2 tablespoons oyster sauce - 1 tablespoon sesame oil - 1 tablespoon honey - Salt and pepper to taste Garlic and ginger are the stars here. They add depth and warmth. Soy sauce and oyster sauce bring umami, while sesame oil adds a nutty flavor. Honey balances the saltiness and adds a hint of sweetness. Adjust salt and pepper to your liking. - 2 green onions, sliced (for garnish) - Sesame seeds (for garnish) Garnishes make the dish pop. Green onions add a fresh crunch, while sesame seeds give a nice finish. They also add a bit of flair to your plate. {{ingredient_image_1}} First, fill a large pot with water and add a good amount of salt. Bring the water to a rolling boil. Once it’s boiling, add 8 oz of spaghetti or linguine. Cook the pasta according to the package instructions until it is al dente. This usually takes about 8-10 minutes. You want it firm but not hard. Drain the pasta in a colander and set it aside. Next, grab a large skillet and heat it over medium-high heat. Add 1 lb of ground chicken or beef to the skillet. Cook the meat for about 6-8 minutes. Use a spatula to break it into small pieces as it cooks. Once the meat is browned and fully cooked, it’s time to add some veggies. Stir in 1 cup of sliced mushrooms and 1 diced red bell pepper. Cook for an additional 3-4 minutes until the vegetables soften. Now comes the fun part! Add 2 minced cloves of garlic and 1 tablespoon of minced ginger to the skillet. Cook them for 1-2 minutes until they smell great. This step adds a nice flavor to the dish. After that, pour in 1/4 cup of soy sauce, 2 tablespoons of oyster sauce, 1 tablespoon of sesame oil, and 1 tablespoon of honey. Mix everything well. Let the sauce simmer for about 3-4 minutes. It should thicken slightly. If you like, sprinkle in some salt and pepper to taste. Take the cooked pasta and add it to the skillet with the meat sauce. Toss everything gently to coat the noodles in the sauce. Cook for another 1-2 minutes to warm it all through. Now, it’s time to plate your dish! Remove the skillet from the heat and serve the pasta. For a nice touch, garnish with sliced green onions and a sprinkle of sesame seeds on top before serving. Enjoy! To cook pasta al dente, boil a large pot of salted water. Add your spaghetti or linguine and cook as the package suggests. Al dente means the pasta is firm but not hard. It will finish cooking when you mix it with the sauce. To prevent sticking, stir the pasta occasionally while it cooks. After draining, toss it with a little sesame oil. This keeps the noodles separate and adds flavor. For the best taste, season your meat sauce well. Use soy sauce, oyster sauce, and sesame oil. These sauces give a rich, savory flavor. Honey adds a sweet touch that balances the saltiness. You can make it spicy by adding chili flakes. Start with a pinch and adjust to your liking. This adds depth and heat to the dish. Plating your dish can make it more inviting. Use a large bowl or plate for the pasta. Twirl the noodles in the center for a nice shape. Garnish with sliced green onions and sprinkle sesame seeds on top. This adds color and texture. A few extra veggies can also make the dish pop. Pro Tips Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh vegetables and quality meat can significantly enhance the flavor of your dish, making it more vibrant and delicious. Adjust the Spice Level: If you prefer a spicier dish, consider adding some crushed red pepper flakes or a dash of sriracha to the sauce for an extra kick. Perfect Pasta Cooking: To avoid mushy pasta, ensure you cook it just until al dente, as it will continue to cook slightly when mixed with the hot sauce. Garnish for Presentation: A sprinkle of sesame seeds and freshly sliced green onions not only adds flavor but also elevates the visual appeal of your dish. {{image_2}} You can change the protein in this dish. One great swap is tofu. Tofu gives a nice texture and soaks up flavors well. It makes a tasty vegetarian option. To use tofu, press it first to remove excess water. Then, cut it into cubes and cook until golden. If you prefer meat, you have options. Ground turkey or pork work well. Each brings its own taste. Feel free to mix meat types, too. This adds depth and new flavors. You can customize your veggies in this dish. Try adding broccoli, snow peas, or carrots. They add crunch and color. You can also use frozen vegetables for quick meals. Just make sure to adjust cooking times. Seasonal veggies are perfect, too. In spring, add snap peas and asparagus. In fall, use squash or bok choy. This keeps the dish fresh and exciting. The sauce is key to flavor. You can adjust the ingredients based on your taste. For a richer flavor, add more soy sauce or oyster sauce. If you like it sweeter, add more honey. Want a kick? You can make it spicy. Just add hot sauce or chili flakes. Start with a small amount and taste. You can always add more heat! To keep your Quick Asian Pasta fresh, refrigerate it right away. Place your leftovers in an airtight container. This helps prevent the pasta from drying out. Make sure to store it within two hours of cooking. The dish stays good for up to three days in the fridge. You can reheat your pasta in two ways: the microwave or on the stovetop. For the microwave, put the pasta in a bowl. Cover it loosely with a lid or a paper towel. Heat it in short bursts, stirring in between. This helps it heat evenly. If you use the stovetop, add a splash of water to the pan. Heat it over medium-low heat. Stir often to keep the pasta from sticking. This method helps maintain the pasta's texture. To freeze your Quick Asian Pasta, let it cool completely first. Then, place it in a freezer-safe container. You can also use freezer bags. Squeeze out as much air as possible. This keeps the pasta fresh for up to three months in the freezer. When you are ready to eat, thaw it overnight in the fridge. To reheat, use the stovetop method for best results. Add a splash of water or sauce to keep it moist. Enjoy your meal just like the first time! Yes, you can make this dish ahead of time. To prepare, follow the recipe steps but stop before adding the pasta. Store the meat sauce in an airtight container. You can keep it in the fridge for up to three days. When ready to serve, cook the pasta and heat the sauce in a skillet. Mix them together and enjoy a quick meal. For sides, I recommend steamed broccoli, sautéed bok choy, or a simple cucumber salad. These add freshness and balance to the meal. You can also serve spring rolls for a fun touch. Pairing with these sides makes for a well-rounded dinner. To make this dish gluten-free, swap regular soy sauce for tamari or coconut aminos. Use gluten-free pasta in place of spaghetti or linguine. Most oyster sauces are not gluten-free, so check labels or find a gluten-free version. These swaps keep the flavors while making the dish safe for those with gluten sensitivities. This blog post shared a simple and tasty recipe for Quick Asian Pasta with Meat Sauce. We covered key ingredients, step-by-step cooking instructions, and helpful tips to make your dish shine. You can explore variations to suit your tastes and learn how to store your leftovers properly. With this guide, you can create a delicious meal for any occasion. Enjoy making it your own!

Quick Asian Pasta with Meat Sauce

A delicious and easy-to-make Asian-inspired pasta dish with a savory meat sauce.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine Asian
Servings 4
Calories 450 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 8 oz spaghetti or linguine
  • 1 lb ground chicken or beef
  • 1 cup mushrooms, sliced
  • 1 each red bell pepper, diced
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tablespoon ginger, minced
  • 1 4 cup soy sauce
  • 2 tablespoons oyster sauce
  • 1 tablespoon sesame oil
  • 1 tablespoon honey
  • 2 each green onions, sliced (for garnish)
  • 1 each sesame seeds (for garnish)
  • to taste salt and pepper

Instructions
 

  • In a large pot of boiling salted water, add the spaghetti or linguine. Cook until al dente, according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
  • In a large skillet over medium-high heat, add the ground chicken or beef. Cook until browned and cooked through, breaking it apart with a spatula (about 6-8 minutes).
  • Stir in the sliced mushrooms and diced red bell pepper to the meat in the skillet. Cook for another 3-4 minutes until the vegetables soften.
  • Add the minced garlic and ginger to the skillet. Cook for 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
  • Pour the soy sauce, oyster sauce, sesame oil, and honey into the skillet. Stir to combine all the ingredients, and let the sauce simmer for about 3-4 minutes until it thickens slightly. If desired, add salt and pepper to taste.
  • Add the cooked pasta into the skillet with the meat sauce, tossing gently to coat the noodles evenly in the sauce. Cook for another 1-2 minutes to warm through.
  • Remove from heat and plate the pasta. Garnish with sliced green onions and a sprinkle of sesame seeds on top.

Notes

Feel free to adjust the vegetables based on your preference.
Keyword Asian cuisine, meat sauce, pasta, quick meal