If you’re craving a noodle dish that bursts with vibrant flavors and comforting textures, the Fragrant Garlic Scallion Noodles with Ground Chicken Recipe is exactly what you need. This dish combines tender gluten-free pasta with savory ground chicken, fragrant garlic, and bright scallions, all elevated by a lively sauce that dances between salty, tangy, and just a hint of heat. It’s a celebration of simple ingredients that come together beautifully, creating a satisfying meal perfect for any night of the week.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This recipe relies on straightforward, wholesome ingredients that each bring their unique charm to the dish. From the delicate aroma of garlic to the fresh zing of scallions, every component plays an essential role in delivering the full-bodied flavor and texture you’ll adore.
- 12 ounces gluten free pasta: Choose spaghetti, linguine, or a short pasta like Mafalda for the perfect noodle base that soaks up the sauce well.
- 2 tablespoons neutral oil: A mild oil like canola or vegetable oil helps cook the chicken without overpowering the other flavors.
- 1 pound ground chicken: Lean and tender, it absorbs the sauce beautifully and keeps the dish light yet filling.
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil: Adds a nutty depth that perfectly complements the scallions and garlic.
- 10-12 scallions (green onions): Thinly sliced for freshness, with some reserved dark green parts to garnish for eye-catching color and crunch.
- 6-8 cloves garlic: Grated or very finely chopped to infuse the dish with its unmistakable aroma and flavor.
- 1 – 1 1/2 teaspoons chili flakes (Gochugaru, Aleppo, or regular): Optional but recommended for a gentle, warm kick—adjust to your spice preference.
- 1/2 cup fresh cilantro: Roughly chopped and stirred in towards the end for a burst of fresh herbaceous brightness.
- 1 tablespoon sesame seeds: Adds a nutty crunch; save some for garnish to bring texture contrast.
- 1/3 cup coconut aminos: A soy sauce alternative that’s naturally sweet and tangy, perfect for gluten-free seasoning.
- 2 tablespoons tamari: Gluten-free soy sauce to deepen umami richness.
- 1 1/2 tablespoons rice vinegar: Adds a subtle acidity that balances the savory and spicy elements.
- Salt and pepper to taste: Season carefully at the end to lift all the flavors together.
How to Make Fragrant Garlic Scallion Noodles with Ground Chicken Recipe
Step 1: Cook the gluten free pasta
Start by boiling the pasta according to the package instructions, but undercook it by about one minute. This prevents the noodles from getting overly soft when tossed with the sauce later. Drain and set aside while you prepare the rest of the dish.
Step 2: Prepare the sauce mixture
In a small jar or bowl, combine the coconut aminos, tamari, and rice vinegar. This simple yet flavorful sauce will give your noodles a beautifully balanced savory, tangy, and slightly sweet base for the chicken and veggies.
Step 3: Cook the ground chicken
Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the neutral oil and swirl to coat the bottom evenly. Add the ground chicken, pressing it flat in the pan for a sear. Let it cook undisturbed for a couple of minutes until it releases easily, then break it up with a spatula. Cook until all the moisture evaporates and the chicken is fully cooked but still juicy.
Step 4: Sauté the scallions and garlic
Push the cooked chicken to one side of the pan. Add the sesame oil to the empty side, then toss in the white and light green parts of the scallions along with the garlic and chili flakes if using. Stir continuously for about a minute until the garlic is fragrant and the scallions have softened just a little—don’t let the garlic burn or it will turn bitter.
Step 5: Combine and finish the sauce
Mix the scallion and garlic mixture into the chicken. Stir in the chopped cilantro and sesame seeds, cooking briefly until the cilantro wilts. Pour the sauce mixture into the skillet, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom for extra flavor. Bring just to a simmer, then turn off the heat quickly to keep the flavors bright.
Step 6: Toss the pasta with the sauce
Add the undercooked pasta straight to the skillet and toss gently with tongs, making sure each strand is coated in that delicious chicken sauce. Use a spoon to scoop up the meat and sauce onto the noodles for maximum flavor in each bite. Taste and adjust salt and pepper if needed. Garnish with reserved scallions and more sesame seeds before serving.
How to Serve Fragrant Garlic Scallion Noodles with Ground Chicken Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh garnishes elevate this dish beautifully. Sprinkle extra chopped scallions and toasted sesame seeds just before serving for color, crunch, and an extra pop of fragrance. A wedge of lime on the side can also add a nice hint of citrus brightness.
Side Dishes
This noodle dish pairs wonderfully with crisp steamed or roasted vegetables like broccoli, snap peas, or baby bok choy to add freshness and balance. A simple cucumber salad or pickled vegetables on the side can provide pleasant acidity and crunch to round out the meal.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, try serving the noodles in individual shallow bowls topped with a fried egg for added richness and texture. You could also wrap the noodles with lettuce leaves for a hands-on, interactive dining experience that’s light and refreshing.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Let the dish cool completely before transferring to an airtight container. Stored in the refrigerator, leftovers will keep well for up to 3 days. The noodles absorb more sauce over time, becoming even more flavorful.
Freezing
While freezing this dish is possible, it’s best to freeze only the cooked ground chicken mixture without the noodles. Pasta tends to become mushy after freezing and thawing. When ready to eat, thaw the chicken mixture and toss it with freshly cooked noodles.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers gently in a skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of water or broth to loosen the sauce if needed. Stir frequently to warm through evenly without drying out the noodles or chicken.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of meat instead of ground chicken?
Absolutely! Ground turkey or pork are great substitutes that will work well with the flavors. Adjust cooking time as needed depending on your choice.
Is this recipe spicy?
The recipe includes chili flakes which add a mild heat, but you can easily adjust or omit the chili flakes to suit your spice preference.
Can I make this recipe vegan?
You can swap the ground chicken for crumbled tofu or tempeh and use a vegan soy sauce alternative to make this dish plant-based while keeping the delicious flavors intact.
What type of gluten free pasta works best?
We recommend spaghetti, linguine, or Mafalda for their ability to hold sauce well, but feel free to use your favorite gluten free pasta shape. Just be mindful to cook it al dente.
Can I prepare this dish in advance for meal prep?
Yes! Cook the chicken-scallion mixture ahead and store separately from the pasta. Reheat and toss together just before serving for the best texture and flavor.
Final Thoughts
The Fragrant Garlic Scallion Noodles with Ground Chicken Recipe is truly a beloved dish that brings warmth and bold flavors to your table with minimal fuss. It’s perfect for busy nights or anytime you want a comforting meal full of fresh, vibrant tastes. I can’t wait for you to try it and make it a staple in your recipe rotation just like I have!
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Fragrant Garlic Scallion Noodles with Ground Chicken Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 5 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Asian Fusion
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
Delicious and aromatic Gluten Free Garlic Scallion Noodles with savory Ground Chicken, enhanced with a tangy and slightly spicy sauce made from coconut aminos, tamari, rice vinegar, and chili flakes. This easy-to-make dish combines tender noodles with fragrant garlic, scallions, cilantro, and toasted sesame seeds for a wholesome and flavorful meal perfect for weeknight dinners.
Ingredients
Pasta
- 12 ounces gluten free pasta (spaghetti, linguine, or short pasta like Mafalda)
Protein and Aromatics
- 1 pound ground chicken
- 10–12 scallions (green onions), thinly sliced (reserve a few dark green parts for garnish)
- 6–8 cloves garlic, grated or finely chopped
Oils and Seasonings
- 2 tablespoons neutral oil (e.g., vegetable or canola oil)
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- 1 – 1 1/2 teaspoons chili flakes (Gochugaru, Aleppo or regular chili flakes; adjust amount if using spicier flakes)
Sauce
- 1/3 cup coconut aminos
- 2 tablespoons tamari (gluten free soy sauce)
- 1 1/2 tablespoons rice vinegar
Additional Ingredients
- 1/2 cup roughly chopped fresh cilantro
- 1 tablespoon sesame seeds, plus extra for garnish
- Salt and pepper to taste (optional)
Instructions
- Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the gluten free pasta according to package instructions, but reduce cooking time by one minute to keep the noodles firm and prevent them from getting mushy in the sauce. Once cooked, drain the pasta and set aside.
- Prepare the Sauce Mixture: In a small jar or measuring cup, combine coconut aminos, tamari, and rice vinegar. Stir well to blend the sauce ingredients and set aside.
- Cook the Ground Chicken: Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, reduce heat to medium and add 2 tablespoons neutral oil, swirling to coat the pan evenly. Add the ground chicken to the skillet and press it into a flat layer. Let it sear without stirring for 1-2 minutes until it releases easily from the pan, then break it up with a spatula. Continue cooking until the chicken is fully cooked and any liquid has evaporated.
- Sauté Aromatics: Push the cooked chicken to one side of the skillet and add 1 tablespoon sesame oil into the open space. Add the white and light green parts of the scallions, garlic, and chili flakes (if using). Stir continuously and sauté for about 1 minute until the garlic is fragrant and scallions have softened slightly, being careful not to let the garlic burn.
- Combine Sauce and Herbs: Mix the sautéed scallion, garlic, and chili flake mixture into the ground chicken. Add the chopped cilantro and sesame seeds, stirring to combine. Cook for another 1-2 minutes until cilantro has wilted.
- Add the Sauce: Pour the prepared coconut aminos, tamari, and rice vinegar mixture into the skillet. Stir well, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom for extra flavor. Bring the mixture to a brief simmer and then immediately remove from heat to preserve the flavors and prevent too much evaporation.
- Toss Pasta with Sauce: Add the drained pasta to the skillet and toss with tongs to thoroughly coat the noodles with the flavorful ground chicken sauce. Use a large spoon to scoop up the meaty sauce and mix well. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper if desired.
- Garnish and Serve: Garnish the dish with the reserved dark green scallion tops and additional sesame seeds. Serve immediately and enjoy a fragrant, satisfying gluten free meal.
Notes
- Undercooking the pasta slightly helps maintain a perfect texture when tossed with sauce.
- You can substitute ground chicken with ground turkey or pork if preferred.
- Adjust chili flakes according to your heat tolerance; use less if using regular chili flakes as they are spicier.
- Coconut aminos and tamari provide a soy sauce alternative that is gluten free.
- Reserve some scallion greens as garnish for a fresh contrast and color.
- For a vegetarian version, omit the ground chicken and increase the amount of scallions and tofu or mushrooms.