Kung Pao Chicken Spaghetti is deliciously spicy and sweet, a fan favorite and all time best seller from California Pizza Kitchen that you can make at home.
This deliciously spicy and sweet recipe from the California Pizza Kitchen Pastas Cookbook is a fan favorite and all time best seller that you can make at home and with my adjustments enjoy it with about half the calories and ALL the taste!
Sure it takes a few extra bowls and about 30 minutes of prep before you even start cooking, but it is worthy of true hero status. I’d like to nominate myself as a hero too, since I took the recipe and shaved off about half the fat and nobody noticed a bit of difference!
This recipe is almost verbatim the recipe in the book so it is truly authentic. The major differences are in the amount of fat used. It is scary that they want you to add more than double the amount I used (not just add it to fry something, but add it in and keep it in permanently!
Sorry CPK I love you and all but I am not about to add 1/2 a cup of oil to this dish. Then I can’t make it part of my weekly rotation!
To Make the Kung Pao Sauce:
In a saucepan, whisk together the chicken stock and 2 tablespoons cornstarch until the cornstarch is fully dissolved. Stir in the soy sauce, sherry, chili paste, sugar, red wine vinegar and sesame oil and bring to a boil. Reduce the heat and simmer until the sauce is thick enough to coat the back of a spoon (about 20 minutes).
Some tips and tricks for this Kung Pao Chicken Spaghetti:
- Swap it out for shrimp, tofu or pork.
- Roast off some zucchini and eggplant and toss them in for a totally different vegetarian alternative.
- If you want to go truly vegetarian, swap out the chicken stock for vegetable stock.
- If you’d like to lighten it up even more add in two spiralized zucchinis. You won’t notice the flavor difference but you’ll cut the calories significantly per serving.
- Make the sauce ahead of time and the dish will take way less time in the future. I make a quadruple recipe and freeze the other portions in flattened ziploc bags until I’m ready to make another batch.
Looking for more Asian recipes?
- Crispy Sesame Chicken
- Chinese Honey Chicken
- PF Chang’s Orange Peel Chicken
- Cheesecake Factory’s Spicy Cashew Chicken (Copycat)
More California Pizza Kitchen:
Tools Used in the making of this Kung Pao Chicken Spaghetti:
Soy Sauce: Nothing much to say here except Kikkoman has the best flavor overall and I always recommend reduced sodium.
Wok: The best way to cook quickly and over high heat for Asian dishes, this wok is the perfect stir fry pan.
Sesame Oil: The flavor of sesame oil in this dish is unmistakeable and not really able to be substituted. Some Asian grocery stores will try and sell less expensive options that aren’t actually sesame oil, so just be sure the one you’re buying is authentic sesame oil.
Chinese Dried Chili Peppers: These add a ton of flavor, just don’t eat them! You add them towards the end of the cooking time and they add a nice low heat to the dish.
Kung Pao Chicken Spaghetti (CPK Copycat)
Ingredients
- 1 cup chicken stock
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch
- 3/4 cup soy sauce
- 1/2 cup sherry
- 3 tablespoons chili paste with garlic
- 1/4 cup sugar
- 2 tablespoons red wine vinegar
- 2 tablespoons sesame oil
- 2 egg whites
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 lb spaghetti
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 1 lb boneless skinless chicken breast , cut in 3/4-inch cubes
- 10 -15 whole Chinese dried red chili peppers , don’t eat these, they are for color and heat
- 1 cup unsalted dry roasted peanuts
- 1/4 cup minced garlic
- 3 cups coarsely-chopped scallions , greens and whites
Instructions
TO MAKE THE KUNG PAO SAUCE:
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In a saucepan, whisk together the chicken stock and 2 tablespoons cornstarch until the cornstarch is fully dissolved.
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Stir in the soy sauce, sherry, chili paste, sugar, red wine vinegar and sesame oil and bring to a boil.
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Reduce the heat and simmer until the sauce is thick enough to coat the back of a spoon (about 20 minutes).
TO MAKE EGG WHITE-CORNSTARCH MIXTURE:
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In a mixing bowl, use a whisk to stir together the 2 egg whites, 2 tablespoons cornstarch, and 1/2 teaspoon salt until blended but not frothy.
TO BRING THE DISH TOGETHER:
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Bring a large pot of salted water to a rapid boil. Add the pasta and cook a minute shy of al dente.
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In a large nonstick frying pan over medium-high heat, heat the 1/4 cup olive oil for about 1 minute.
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Add the chicken to the Egg White-Cornstarch Mixture and mix.
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As carefully as you can, add the chicken and egg white mixture to the pan in one large pancake shape.
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Cook until the egg mixture sets.
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Using a large spatula, carefully flip it over then with a wooden spoon, gently separate the pieces.
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As soon as they darken in color (about a minute) stir in the garlic and scallions.
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Let the garlic and scallions cook for about 30 seconds (do not brown the garlic, it will get bitter) add the Kung Pao Sauce and toss and stir to coat the ingredients.
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Add in the cooked and drained pasta and combine with the sauce.
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If you pan isn’t big enough, combine them in a big bowl.
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Add in the Chinese peppers and roasted peanuts into the bowl.
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Top with extra chopped scallions.
Recipe Notes
Note: I add the peppers in the bowl before tossing because the company we had over were sensitive to spice. This kept it at a true mild heat. I took my serving and crushed a couple of the peppers to kick up the heat on my dish. If you are making it for a group of people who like spice, then add the peppers in with the green onions and garlic.
Some of the original photos from when I first made this Kung Pao Chicken Spaghetti for the blog two years ago!:
I wanna make this with shrimp do I still put them in the egg white and cornstarch mixture?
No, you don’t have to when using shrimp. Enjoy!
Hi Sabrina,
Thank you so much for the wonderful recipe of Kung Pao Chicken Spaghetti. It was fabulous. All four of us loved the dish and will make it again and again. I will add more peanuts (because we like them in this a lot) and I added 3 tablespoons more sugar, as we like it a bit sweeter. Other than that, the recipe was made exactly as you did. I was also wondering if a tablespoon or two of peanut butter would make a nice addition to this? I haven’t tried it, but was wondering. I liked it also as it left us with some leftovers to have the next day. Thanks again. It is a favorite recipe.
I’m glad you enjoy it so much. If you want to add peanut butter you’ll need to add more rice wine so it’s not too think. Enjoy!
Do you have the actual CPK recipe without modifications available to share?
I linked the cookbook that has the copycat recipes listed in the post above.
What is the point of the corn start and egg step?
It’s part of their recipe, creates a breading for the chicken. I’ve made it with and without this step in the past, healthier without it, but I love the flavor of the breading.
Just made it. We loved it. Can you freeze leftovers?
Yay!! So glad you enjoyed it. You can freeze this for up to 3 months.
Hi, I just wanted to clarify it calls for red wine vinegar and not rice wine vinegar? Thank you.
Yes, it’s red wine vinegar. Enjoy!
What a great dinner we had tonight — definitely worth the effort. The only changes I made was to leave out the red chile peppers and I reduced the amount of chili garlic paste to 2 tbsp. vs. 3. Delicious and a definite repeat at our house.
This was fantastic (I used popcorn chicken instead to save time). We had left overs, and decided to try it on pizza! I made more sauce, added a bit of shredded mozzarella cheese then topped it with the pasta. My husband claims this is by far the best (if not messiest) pizza he’s ever had.
I love cooking spicy food like this! I love Chinese food!
This was very tasty. I cut down the spice in the sauce by about half and that was perfect for my family. I made a lot of broccoli to go with it and sauteed some tofu in a bit of oil plus about a quarter cup of the sauce that was simmering. It took about 30 minutes to make the meal and I was pretty much working on something non-stop for those 30 minutes. Not a difficult meal to make, just lots of steps especially if you add in a veggie and protein. If you want to keep it simple, then you can just do the sauce and maybe a bag of microwaved veggies and it would still be yummy.
Thanks for dropping by to let me know! I’m so glad you enjoyed it!
Definitely should have used low sodium soy sauce….the overall dish was very tasty but overly salty.
Made this for dinner tonight it was amazing. we have enough for 2 more meals it really makes
a lot!
I’m so glad you guys enjoyed it! Thanks for coming back to let me know!
Why not eat the dried red chili peppers? That’s the best part. Do not afraid.
Hi this looks amazing!! Thanks for the recipe! This might be a silly question, but I was wondering if you used pre-cooked chicken? Or is it raw? Thanks in advance!!
Not a silly question at all! Glad you asked.
The chicken is raw in the beginning and you’ll be mixing it with the egg white-cornstarch mixture and cooking it in the skillet. Hope you enjoy it!
You have a great blog. Its like finding a treasure case of my fav recipes. I cnt wait to try this one.
What would be a close, non-alcoholic substitute for sherry and rice wine vinegar for this recipe?
I’m so glad you’re enjoying the blog!!
There isn’t any alcohol in rice wine vinegar so you’ll be fine with that. As far as the sherry, it would be ok to just leave out all together.
Enjoy!
Good! I didn’t have peanuts so I subbed 1/2 the olive oil with peanut oil.
Thanks for dropping by to let me know! I’m so glad you enjoyed it!
Perfect recipe! I would add a bit more chicken but that is self preference. I also lessened the chilli sauce so as my son can try it.
My hubby, MIL and son loved it.
Will defo keep this recipe and making it again in the future!
Fantastic! So glad you enjoyed it!
Will the taste make a difference if I leave sherry out ?
It may a bit yeah, but I think you’ll still have a delicious dish. If I had everything minus the sherry I would still make it. Maybe use a white wine? Or a rice wine if you have it.
All of those peppers on top are calling my name! I love me some spicy chicken!
I know, right? I even sometimes crumble one of the peppers into the pasta.
What a great idea for Kun Pao. You mix ingredients very wll. The red chili is so perfect in this recipe.
Thanks!
I love the flavors of Kung Pao Chicken. The idea of putting it with pasta is brilliant.
Thanks Kristen, I wish it was my idea but CPK makes awesome food so I loved making their recipe a bit healthier.
Loving your take on this dish! I’m a fan of CPK so will definitely be trying this!
Awesome Chrisy, I hope you love it!
This looks fantastic! I love copycat recipes!
Thanks! I love to find a dish I like, then figure out how to make it on my own!
Yum love chicken and pasta. Thanks for sharing.
Simon
Love how spicy this is! This is one of my favorite Thai dishes–I have to try making it at home.
I hope you love it!
Yum, this looks absolutely delicious! I’m pinning this one to make for dinner!
Awesome! Thanks for the pin Jenn!
Adding this to next week’s menu Sabrina – it looks incredible!
Thanks Trish!! You’ll love it! It is one of our absolute favorites!
I am a fellow cookbook boarder and I will need to check out this cookbook because it sounds awesome! I love king pap chicken, but in spaghetti form is entirely new to me. I can’t wait to try it. And I’m so glad you cut down on the fat!!!
Yeah any time a step starts with “add a half a cup of oil” I sort of side eye it! You should totally check it out, there are so MANY awesome recipes in there! 🙂
Why didn;t eat lunch. I swear I am about to lick the screen – this would totally make one day!
If you are anything like me you didn’t eat lunch yet because a toddler and an infant are simultaneously trying to climb you and pull on your hair and clothing. Oh wait, that may just be me…
Oh my gosh this looks so good! I’m saving this recipe for later.
Awesome! I hope you love it!
I LOVE how you did this and broke it down. I always try to re-create dishes that I love from restaurants – sometimes with great success! Your dish looks even more amazing than CPKs!
Aww thanks Debra!
That’s a great way to make spaghetti. I would love to try it too.
I have ever actually ordered this from CPK. I can see why it’s a popular dish. It looks fantastic!
Oh man! This looks yummy, and I am a vegan. I could try it without the meat
Oh absolutely! The way it is normally sold in the restaurant is without chicken. The chicken and shrimp options are extra 🙂
Wow I really want to try making this recipe at home! It looks totally delicious!
I love trying to make Asian dishes at home, and this one looks phenomenal! Thank you for sharing, and I’m definitely pinning and printing for later.
Thanks Maria! I hope you love it!
Wow! This looks super delic. Awesome recipe. Thanks for sharing.
Thanks Dawn!
I’ve never had kung pao chicken before, but this looks amazing. Definitely a dish I’d be willing to try and probably need to add to the meal plans!
Thanks Jeanine!
We just had chicken last night but this looks quite delicious. Will see if my husband is game to make it for us… he is much better at making chicken recipes than I am lol.
I’m all about making husbands cook! Although mine threatens me with his cooking as a joke because it…well….yeah. haha.
Wow this looks amazing. I am going to bookmark this recipe so i can try it later. i am sure it will be a big hit.
Wonderful! I hope you love it!
I have never tried making anything like this before. I will have to try making it for my dinner party next week.
I hope it is a hit!
This looks so delicious. I will have to try making this on the weekend. My family will love it.
Huge fan of CPK! And your pictures look amazing. Now if I try to recreate the dish. No bueno. lol.
Hahaha, it isn’t as easy at the 5 ingredient Asian Peanut Noodles on my site, that is true. I’m sure you’d do a great job with it though!
I’ll have to try this recipe out! I love kung pao!
Awesome!
Once again, you have my mouth watering! This meal looks incredible.
Haha, thanks Val!
This looks delicious. I had no idea they had a cookbook, I need to check it out!
Thanks! They have 2 and they are both amazing!
Can’t wait to try out this recipe! I miss being near a CPK and love this dish!
Awesome Allie! If you have any requests I am happy to oblige 😉
Oh my goodness, I love Kung Pao and have always been afraid to make it. This sounds and looks amazing… I may have to get my big girls panties on and give it a try! LOL
Haha, it sounds more complicated than it is Shauna, I promise!
OH..how I LOVE Kung Pao Chicken! The addition of spaghetti is such a great twist! Yum
Thanks Nic!
I could use a little spice in my life these days and Kung Pao Chicken sounds like a great way to get some. I have never had the California Pizza Kitchen variety, but if it is anything like their pizzas it’s a sure win.
Yes! It is so good I stopped ordering pizzas and the chopped bbq chicken salad. You’ll love it Marcie!
Oh I need to try this stat! My husband loves this stuff there.
Yay! I hope you guys love it!
I have always wanted to know how to make Kung Pao chicken. I have to get a new meal plan together and this one is going to be added to the list.
Awesome Jeanette!
I love CPK! This recipe looks fantastic and I love that it is so easy to make on your own.
Thanks Daisy, I hope you love it!
This would be so fun to make! It seems like it would be difficult but it looks so worth it.
So worth it!!
This looks DELICIOUS. And easy to follow directions. And I’m making it this weekend 😀
Awesome Amber!! I hope you love it!
I love collecting cookbooks. That looks like an awesome meal.
Ok, when did CPK start serving pasta? I had no idea! Kung Pao Chicken is my favoite Asian meal!
It can be hard to look away from the pizzas to find them! Haha. I only discovered it because a friend ordered it and I tried a bite. I’ve only ordered that meal there since!
I always feel better about guilty pleasure foods like this when I can make it myself. This looks incredible and THANK YOU for the recipe!
You are so sweet Ashley!
This looks delicious. What a fun twist on traditional pasta dishes.
Thanks Pam!
We’d get along perfectly – I’m a total cookbook hoarder too, lol! And I love this dish and all the different flavors and textures going on!
Ah another one of my kind!
I’ve got to get that spicy deliciousness in my belly immediately! Great pictures, too. It looks fabulous.
Thanks Dawn!
I love spicy Asian food. I can’t wait to try this one out. Thanks for all your delicious nom noms!
My pleasure Melissa!
Thank you so much for all of the great recipes you keep sharing with us! I’ve got quite a list of dishes I want to make.
My pleasure Stacie! I’m glad you are enjoying them!
I have never eaten at CPK, but I want to try this. Yum.
This looks better than what you get at the restaurants! I would love to try this at home, but I need to get those peppers first!
Thanks Amy! I found them in my local supermarket, so hopefully it won’t be too hard!