Can I substitute spaghetti with another type of pasta?

Yes! You can use linguine, fettuccine, or even rice noodles for a more Asian-style twist.

What can I use instead of peanut butter?

Almond butter or cashew butter also work well, though the flavor will be slightly different.

How do I make this recipe vegetarian?

Replace the chicken with firm tofu or mushrooms, and use soy sauce or vegetarian oyster sauce.

Can I make it ahead of time?

Yes, but the pasta tastes best fresh. If preparing ahead, keep the sauce and pasta separate, then toss before serving.

How do I make it spicier?

Add more chili flakes, sliced fresh chilies, or a drizzle of chili oil for extra heat.

07 September 2025

Charlie Chan Pasta

Name: Charlie Chan Pasta
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 30 min
Yield: 4
Ingredients: 400 g Chicken breast fillet (cut into strips; boneless and skinless for best texture); 15 ml Soy sauce; 8 g Cornstarch; 0.5 tsp Grated fresh ginger; Ground black pepper (to taste); 500 g Spaghetti (uncooked weight; cook 1 minute less than package instructions); 30 ml Minced garlic; 1 pc Onion (sliced); 30 ml Tomato paste; 60 g Smooth peanut butter (use creamy peanut butter for a silky sauce); 12 g Brown sugar; Chili flakes (to taste; adjust depending on spice preference); 1 pc Red bell pepper (chopped); 80 g Shiitake mushrooms (fresh or rehydrated dried mushrooms); 200 g Cooked skinless peanuts (crush some for texture; reserve a few whole for garnish); Reserved pasta water (add gradually to thin the sauce as needed); 1 bunch Green onions (chopped; add fresh at the end for brightness)

RecipeShare Test Kitchen

Charlie Chan pasta leans into the kind of pantry-friendly fusion that works because the flavors are bold enough to share the bowl. Soy sauce, peanut butter, chili, and a little sweetness give the sauce its identity, while the spaghetti keeps the dish familiar and easy to portion.

The result is not trying to be a classic Italian pasta or a strict noodle dish. It sits in the middle, which is why it tends to work well for weeknight dinners and potluck-style meals.

Because the sauce relies on peanut butter and pasta water, texture matters as much as seasoning. A little too much of either can turn the bowl heavy, so it is worth adjusting gradually.

What Helps Charlie Chan Pasta Stay Balanced

Cook the pasta just shy of fully done so it can finish in the sauce without going soft. Reserved pasta water helps loosen the peanut butter and carry the seasoning over the noodles more evenly.

It also helps to add the soy sauce in stages. Between the peanuts, tomato paste, and chicken, the dish already has a lot going on, so tasting as you go gives you better control over the final salt level.

Serving And Storage Notes

Serve this pasta hot with extra spring onions, crushed peanuts, or a fresh cucumber side dish if you want contrast. A little lime can also help brighten the bowl.

Leftovers reheat well in a pan with a splash of water. Stir gently so the sauce loosens back up instead of sticking.

Prep Time

15 mins

Cook Time

15 mins

Total Time

30 mins

Servings

Tools Used

PanPotStirring Spoon

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Nutrition Facts

Serving Size: 1 plate (about 250g)

Calories 520

% Daily Value*

Total Fat 18g23%

Saturated Fat 7g35%

Trans Fat 0g

Cholesterol 55mg18%

Sodium 720mg31%

Total Carbohydrates 65g24%

Dietary Fiber 4g14%

Sugars 9g

Protein 26g

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily values may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.