Best of the Orient Noodles
A rich Thai-inspired bowl with tender chicken, coconut curry, and fragrant basil served over rice noodles. This thai-inspired pasta (dairy-free) ready in about 35 minutes pairs rice noodles, sliced chicken breast, (13.5 oz) coconut milk for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 450 calories and feeds 4, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.
Ingredients
- 8 oz rice noodles
- 1 lb, sliced chicken breast
- 1 can (13.5 oz) coconut milk
- 2 tbsp red curry paste
- 1 tbsp fish sauce
- 2, juiced lime
- 1/2 cup basil leaves
- 1/4 cup, chopped peanuts
Instructions
- Step 1: Cook rice noodles according to package instructions, drain, and set aside.
- Step 2: In a large pot, heat 1 tbsp oil over medium heat. Add chicken and cook for 5-7 minutes until browned and nearly cooked through. Remove and set aside.
- Step 3: Add red curry paste to the pot and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant. Pour in coconut milk and fish sauce, bring to a simmer.
- Step 4: Return chicken to the pot, add noodles, and stir to coat. Cook for 5 minutes until heated through. Stir in lime juice and basil leaves.
- Step 5: Serve in bowls topped with peanuts and extra lime wedges.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Best of the Orient Noodles take to make?
Total time is about 35 minutes (20 min prep + 15 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.
How do I store leftover Best of the Orient Noodles?
Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep rice noodles from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Best of the Orient Noodles?
Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.
How do I scale Best of the Orient Noodles for a different number of people?
The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.
Is Best of the Orient Noodles dairy-free?
Yes — this recipe is tagged dairy-free based on its ingredient list. Always cross-check labels for packaged ingredients (sauces, broths, condiments) since formulations vary by brand.
What others are saying
- ★★★★★
Swapped butter for olive oil to keep it lighter. Still delicious.
- ★★★★☆
Good flavors but the sauce was a bit thin. I'd reduce it longer.
- ★★★★☆
My family liked it. I personally would prefer more depth of flavor.
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