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
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
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.
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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