​
  • Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
Free Ebook!Subscribe to updates & get a recipe book!

Subscribe & Receive My Free Recipe Ebook!

The Chunky Chef

Comforting Family Recipes

  • All Recipes
  • Learn to Cook
  • Shop
    • My eBooks
    • Favorite Products
  • About
  • Contact
  • Trending:

    Slow Cooker

    Easy Dinners

    Desserts

    My Saved Recipe Box
  • Browse By:
  • Course
    • Appetizers
    • Breakfast
    • Main Dishes
    • Sides
    • Drinks
    • Desserts
    • Salads
    • Soups
    • Sandwiches
    • Healthy-ish
  • Ingredient
    • Chicken
    • Beef
    • Pork
    • Turkey
    • Seafood
    • Meatless
    • Pasta
  • Cuisine
    • Asian
    • Italian
    • Mexican
    • Hawaiian
    • Middle Eastern
    • Comfort Food
  • Method
    • One Pot
    • Crockpot
    • Instant Pot
    • Oven
    • Fried
    • Grilling/BBQ
  • Trending:

    Slow Cooker

    Easy Dinners

    Desserts

Home / Comfort Food

Kung Pao Chicken Spaghetti and Meatballs

4.29
/5
45 minutes minutes
27 Comments
Jump to Recipe Print Pin
By: The Chunky Chefpublished: 02/19/2016

This post may contain affiliate links. Please read my disclosure policy.


This version of Kung Pao chicken has all the flavors you’d expect from the classic dish, but in a comforting, homestyle spaghetti and meatballs package!


A classic Asian takeout meal combines with a hearty Italian comfort meal in these Kung Pao chicken spaghetti and meatballs.  This dish has great spicy/savory flavors in a fun to eat style meal… once you try this Asian-Italian fusion style meal, you may not want regular Kung Pao chicken again!

Kung-Pao-Chicken-Spaghetti-and-Meatballs | This version of Kung Pao chicken has all the flavors you'd expect from the classic dish, but in a comforting, homestyle spaghetti and meatballs package! | http://thechunkychef.comWhen we order takeout from our local Chinese place, I rarely get Kung Pao chicken.  Why, you ask?  Because I’m a bit of a spiciness wimp lol.  I prefer to make it at home, that way I can control the heat level 🙂  One time I ordered it and couldn’t eat more than a few bites… now that’s a tragedy!

Kung-Pao-Chicken-Spaghetti-and-Meatballs | This version of Kung Pao chicken has all the flavors you'd expect from the classic dish, but in a comforting, homestyle spaghetti and meatballs package! | http://thechunkychef.com

Easy to make, this meal is one you can make the parts up ahead of time, which makes for a fast meal!

This spaghetti and meatballs probably isn’t one for your kiddos, but that makes it perfect for a date night 🙂

I wish I could take credit for creating the sauce recipe and the meatball recipe, but I can’t… I got the sauce recipe from Damn Delicious and found the meatballs through Fit Foodie Finds.  Once I saw both of them on Pinterest it just hit me… why not combine the two and make an Asian spaghetti and meatballs!

Kung-Pao-Chicken-Spaghetti-and-Meatballs | This version of Kung Pao chicken has all the flavors you'd expect from the classic dish, but in a comforting, homestyle spaghetti and meatballs package! | http://thechunkychef.com

Feeling vegetarian at the moment?  Omit the meatballs and enjoy the yummy Kung Pao spaghetti on it’s own!

You can also add whatever veggies you’d like to the dish… the sky is the limit!

Kung-Pao-Chicken-Spaghetti-and-Meatballs | This version of Kung Pao chicken has all the flavors you'd expect from the classic dish, but in a comforting, homestyle spaghetti and meatballs package! | http://thechunkychef.com

The next time you’re feeling like ordering some takeout… try this Kung Pao chicken spaghetti and meatballs instead!!

Did you make this? Be sure to leave a review below and tag me @the_chunky_chef on Facebook and Instagram!

Kung-Pao-Chicken-Spaghetti-and-Meatballs | This version of Kung Pao chicken has all the flavors you'd expect from the classic dish, but in a comforting, homestyle spaghetti and meatballs package! | http://thechunkychef.com

Kung Pao Chicken Spaghetti and Meatballs

4.29 from 7 votes
Author: The Chunky Chef
Prep Time: 15 minutes minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes minutes
Total Time: 45 minutes minutes
Servings: 4 -6 servings
(hover over # to adjust)
Print Rate Pin
This version of Kung Pao chicken has all the flavors you'd expect from the classic dish, but in a comforting, homestyle spaghetti and meatballs package!

Ingredients

  • KUNG PAO SPAGHETTI:
  • 1 pound spaghetti or linguini
  • 1 tsp vegetable oil
  • 4 cloves garlic minced
  • 1/2 cup dry roasted peanuts roughly chopped
  • 2 green onions sliced
  • 2/3 cup soy sauce
  • 1/2 cup chicken broth or stock
  • 1/2 cup dry sherry can substitute with equal amount of chicken broth or stock
  • 2 Tbsp red chili paste with garlic to taste
  • 1/4 cup brown sugar
  • 2 Tbsp rice vinegar
  • 2 Tbsp cornstarch
  • 1 Tbsp sesame oil
  • CHICKEN MEATBALLS:
  • 1 pound ground chicken
  • 1/3 cup yellow onion finely diced or grated
  • 1 egg
  • 1/4 cup all purpose flour
  • 1/3 cup oats
  • 1 Tbsp sriracha sauce
  • 1/2 tsp ground ginger
  • 1/4 tsp salt
  • 1/4 tsp ground pepper
  • 2 cloves garlic minced
  • FOR THE MEATBALL SAUCE:
  • 4 Tbsp soy sauce
  • 2 Tbsp sriracha sauce
  • 2 Tbsp red chili paste with garlic
  • 2 Tbsp honey

Instructions

  • MAKE THE KUNG PAO SPAGHETTI:
  • Whisk together soy sauce, chicken broth, sherry, chili paste, brown sugar, rice vinegar, cornstarch and sesame oil in a small mixing bowl and set aside.
  • Bring a large pot of water to a boil, add some salt and cook spaghetti according to package directions for al dente. Drain and toss with a drizzle of vegetable oil to keep from clumping.
  • In a large skillet, heat vegetable oil over MED heat and add minced garlic. Saute, stirring constantly for about 30 seconds.
  • Pour in reserved sauce mixture, bring to a boil, reduce heat to a simmer and let cook until slightly thickened. This will take about 2 minutes.
  • Toss drained pasta in the sauce.
  • MAKE THE KUNG PAO CHICKEN MEATBALLS:
  • Preheat oven to 400 degrees F. Line a baking sheet with foil and spray with cooking spray. Set aside.
  • To a mixing bowl, combine meatball ingredients and mix until well combined. Careful not to over mix though, otherwise the meatballs will be tough.
  • Scoop meat mixture into tablespoon sized balls and roll into a ball. If the meat sticks to your hands too much, wet your hands slightly with water.
  • Place meatballs on prepared cookie sheet and bake approximately 25 minutes, until they begin to turn golden brown and are cooked through.
  • To a small mixing bowl, whisk together sauce ingredients and set aside.
  • Once meatballs are done, remove from oven and let cool for a few minutes.
  • Toss meatballs in sauce.
  • TO SERVE:
  • Serve a plate of the Kung Pao spaghetti with several chicken meatballs on top. Garnish with sesame seeds, sliced green onions, and chopped peanuts.

Want to save this recipe for later? Click the heart in the bottom right corner to save to your own recipe box!

Chef Tips

1. Recipes adapted slightly from Damn Delicious and Fit Foodie Finds

Nutrition Disclaimer

The Chunky Chef is not a dietician or nutritionist, and any nutritional information shared is an estimate. If calorie count and other nutritional values are important to you, we recommend running the ingredients through whichever online nutritional calculator you prefer. Calories can vary quite a bit depending on which brands were used.

Did You Make This?Tag @the_chunky_chef on Instagram and hashtag it #thechunkychef so I can see what you made!
Tag on Insta! Leave a Rating Save for Later Saved!
Kung-Pao-Chicken-Spaghetti-and-Meatballs | This version of Kung Pao chicken has all the flavors you'd expect from the classic dish, but in a comforting, homestyle spaghetti and meatballs package! | http://thechunkychef.com
Kung-Pao-Chicken-Spaghetti-and-Meatballs | This version of Kung Pao chicken has all the flavors you'd expect from the classic dish, but in a comforting, homestyle spaghetti and meatballs package! | http://thechunkychef.com

You May Also Like...

  • Your favorite takeout Kung Pao dish, gone vegan!! Hearty, satisfying, and deliciously spicy... you'll be amazed at the fantastic flavor of this dish!
    Kung Pao Chickpeas
  • Asian Ramen Noodle Chicken Salad
  • chicken nuggets
    Asian-style Chicken Nuggets
  • baked chicken wings
    Crispy Sticky Baked Asian Chicken Wings
Previous Post
Next Post

Meet The Chunky Chef

Hey there! I'm Amanda. Wife, mother, photography nerd, and bacon lover! I believe that delicious meals should be easy to make. Now that you’re here, stay a bit, browse a few recipes, and let’s get cookin’!

Learn More

Reader Interactions

4.29 from 7 votes (2 ratings without comment)

Leave a Comment Cancel reply

Have a question? Submit your question, comment, or review below.

Recipe Rating




  1. Laura says

    Posted on 6/11 at 10:42 am

    I made this recipe last night, exactly as written, and it was FABULOUS!! We love all kinds of Asian food, especially spicy dishes. Thank you for sharing your recipe. It is being saved to my “Favorites” board.

    Reply
  2. Cheryl says

    Posted on 9/21 at 10:50 am

    This was soooo fabulous. Our family loved it. Even my daughter who is a picky eater loved it. The only change I made was using ground turkey for the meatballs and they turned out great! 
    I will definitely be making this again. 

    Reply
  3. Kelli says

    Posted on 6/7 at 6:18 pm

    This meal was absolutely delicious!!! I made it exactly as the recipe indicated. I had to stop myself from eating it all in one sitting. My boyfriend loved it as well. Definitely a keeper for us!!

    Reply
  4. Rabea says

    Posted on 10/12 at 4:37 pm

    Hey! Can you recommend a brand for the chilli sauce with garlic. Thanks

    Reply
    • The Chunky Chef says

      Posted on 10/12 at 8:32 pm

      Hi Rabea 🙂 I just checked my refrigerator, and the brand I use is Lee Kum Lee 🙂

      Reply
  5. Julie | This Gal Cooks says

    Posted on 5/2 at 9:53 pm

    WHOA! This meal looks amazing! Your photos are freaking gorgeous, too! 🙂

    Reply
  6. Judy Doud says

    Posted on 4/12 at 1:45 pm

    Had this once and have to have it one more time, than maybe next week also. I made all the sauces first and found it really easy to put together. Shared with friends who raved about it! I used ground turkey 85%.

    Reply
    • The Chunky Chef says

      Posted on 4/12 at 10:09 pm

      Hi Judy! I’m SO happy to hear that you all loved this recipe 😀 Great idea using the ground turkey as well!

      Reply
  7. S. A. Matthews says

    Posted on 4/3 at 10:08 pm

    This was fabulous…really was. I only eyeball ingredients I have to say, but delicious and a very pretty dish. Thank you for sharing!

    Reply
    • The Chunky Chef says

      Posted on 4/3 at 10:36 pm

      I’m SO glad you loved this dish! 🙂

      Reply
      • S. A. Matthews says

        Posted on 4/3 at 10:44 pm

        I am going to next time, make extra meatballs and freeze so they are ready to go, will make it a quick and easy meal.

        Reply
  8. V says

    Posted on 3/22 at 6:19 pm

    Mmm! I made this tonight. Well, most of it. I had some veggie meatballs that I wanted to use up so substituted them in. It was delicious, love the spiciness with a bit of sweetness in the pasta and the sauce on the meatballs was perfect.

    Reply
    • The Chunky Chef says

      Posted on 3/22 at 10:27 pm

      Hi V 🙂 I’m SO happy to hear that you loved these!!! The veggie meatball substitution sounds yummy too 🙂

      Reply
  9. Ashley - Baker by Nature says

    Posted on 3/4 at 6:05 am

    Whoa! This looks and sounds so incredible! I love kung pao chicken and spaghetti and meatballs, so combining the two is a must try.

    Reply
  10. Rohan Singh says

    Posted on 3/3 at 6:50 am

    As you mentioned, just pretending that chopped peanuts are there in the picture, good job with the photographs. the best part about this recipe is that you allow to add more veggies and said sky is limit. I want to try this recipe, kung pao.. yum..

    Reply
  11. Megan @ MegUnprocessed.com says

    Posted on 3/2 at 11:46 pm

    This looks good. I’m want to make it vegetarian style! 🙂 Yum!

    Reply
  12. Wendy @ Wholistic Woman says

    Posted on 3/2 at 12:19 pm

    That looks so good! Never would have thought to combine these two things.

    Reply
  13. Liz says

    Posted on 3/1 at 6:49 pm

    This looks like heaven on a plate! I’m a huge fan of Asian noodles AND meatballs!

    Reply
  14. ally says

    Posted on 3/1 at 2:04 pm

    An outstanding recipe. Perfect in every way. Thank you for sharing your genius!

    Reply
  15. Cathleen @ A Taste Of Madness says

    Posted on 2/21 at 11:36 am

    What a combination! I love the look of this! I have never tried chicken meatballs before, but it sounds amazing!

    Reply
  16. Tracy | Baking Mischief says

    Posted on 2/19 at 10:07 am

    I strongly disagree with your first statement. That is some seriously gorgeous and appetizing brown food!

    I’m so with you on the kung pao chicken thing. I love it, but I can’t eat more than a bite because it’s always too spicy. This is such a great compromise. It looks delicious and sherry is one of my favorite ingredients to cook with, but I’ve never tried it in an Asian dish. I’m really excited to give it a try now.

    Reply
  17. Emma @ Supper in the Suburbs says

    Posted on 2/19 at 9:45 am

    As a fellow food blogger I feel your pain, brown food is so difficult to photograph but this looks delicious. You’e done an amazing job, will totally forgive that the peanuts are missing 😉 fab recipe!

    Reply
  18. Kathryn @ Family Food on the Table says

    Posted on 2/19 at 9:38 am

    I’m totally squinting and picturing the peanuts there 😉 This fusion dish sounds incredible! Definitely a perfect date night food for the hubs and I after the kids go to bed. I love all the flavors here and while I am a spicy fan, I definitely prefer homemade. Pinning and can’t wait to give this a try!

    Reply
  19. Marsha | Marsha's Baking Addiction says

    Posted on 2/19 at 9:22 am

    I absolutely love Asian dishes! This kung pao chicken meal looks so good!

    Reply
  20. Kavey says

    Posted on 2/19 at 8:50 am

    I’m not always a fan of fusion – sometimes it’s so weird – but I have to say I love this one, I can really imagine the taste of the kung pao flavours with the meatballs!

    Reply
Newer Comments

Primary Sidebar

welcome!

Hey there! I'm Amanda. Wife, mother, photography nerd, and bacon lover! I believe that delicious meals should be easy to make. Now that you’re here, stay a bit, browse a few recipes, and let’s get cookin’!

New! Save Recipes To Your Own Account!

Free eBook!

Subscribe & receive my most popular recipes compiled into an easy ebook format!

download now!

Subscribe & Receive My Free Recipe Ebook!

Game Day Recipes!

These crowd-pleasing tender meatballs are smothered in a super flavorful honey garlic bbq sauce.  Perfect for parties, this crockpot meatball recipe couldn't be more simple to make! #meatballs #crockpot #slowcooker #honeygarlic #bbq #appetizer #party #honey #garlic #easyrecipe

Honey Garlic Crockpot Meatballs

2 hours hours 5 minutes minutes

Smooth and silky queso dip, made using NO velveeta!  Packed with flavor, yet so easy to make, and party ready in just 20 minutes! #queso #dip #cheese #mexican #appetizer #party #cincodemayo #easyrecipe

Queso Dip Recipe

20 minutes minutes

Creamy, cheesy, and oh so addicting, this bacon cheeseburger dip is just like your favorite gooey cheeseburger... but in a party-ready dip form! #bacon #gameday #cheesy #cheeseburger #party #appetizer #dip #easyrecipe

Creamy Bacon Cheeseburger Dip

32 minutes minutes

Insanely tasty chicken wing recipe, dry rubbed, then hickory smoked to perfection.  And don't forget the homemade bourbon bbq sauce! #chickenwings #wingrecipe #smoked #smoker #smokedchickenwings #bourbon #bbq #crispy

Bourbon BBQ Smoked Chicken Wings

3 hours hours

This easy game day appetizer combines classic buffalo wing flavors with cool creaminess in an easy dip made in the crockpot. Perfect for any party, serve it up with chips or celery sticks and watch everyone go back for seconds!

Buffalo Chicken Dip (Crockpot Recipe)

2 hours hours 10 minutes minutes

Chicken Taco Mexican Pinwheels | These pinwheels are filled with a creamy chicken taco filling, which is easily customizable, and rolled up to make a perfect appetizer or party food! | http://thechunkychef.com

Chicken Taco Mexican Pinwheels

15 minutes minutes

More Holiday Recipes >

Who doesn’t love free stuff?

Who doesn't love free stuff? Get an ad-free ebook of my most popular recipes, plus be the FIRST to know about new things coming to the site!

Looking for something?

As Seen On…

Stay Connected

subscribe to get new posts via email:

Quick & Easy

Dinner Favorites

Hearty and positively soul-warming, this beef barley soup simmers all day in the slow cooker, which makes for an incredibly rich soup recipe! #beefbarley #soup #slowcooker #crockpot #comfortfood #barley #beefsoup #easyrecipe #dinner
M

Crockpot Beef Barley Soup

white bowl of chicken and dumplings
T

Instant Pot Chicken & Dumplings

HONEY GARLIC SALMON - Succulent and tender salmon filets cooked in a mouthwatering simple honey garlic sauce, then broiled until sticky and caramelized.  Made with simple ingredients, in one pan, and in just 20 minutes! #salmon #honeygarlic #onepan #easyrecipe #dinner #seafood #fish
W

Honey Garlic Glazed Salmon

Light and filling, this Italian Wedding Soup is perfectly delicious comfort food, all year round.  Made in one pan, and ready in 30 minutes, this recipe is great for a weeknight meal! #soup #souprecipe #Italianweddingsoup #onepot #30minutemeal #weeknight #dinner #easyrecipe #homemaderecipe
R

Italian Wedding Soup

This Honey Garlic Chicken is one incredible weeknight dinner idea. Juicy chicken coated and cooked with a glorious sauce made with soy, hoisin, garlic, honey and more! Toss it all in the slow cooker and let it do the work for you! #dinner #chicken #asian #honey #garlic #honeygarlic #easyrecipe #weeknight #slowcooker #crockpot
F

Honey Garlic Chicken

S

Swedish Meatballs

Opens in a new window Opens an external site Opens an external site in a new window
free e-book!

Download MY Free Recipe eBook!

Subscribe & receive my most popular recipes compiled into an easy ebook format!

get my copy!

Subscribe & Receive My Free Recipe Ebook!

As Featured On:

Back to Top

Recipes

Dinners

Appetizers

Desserts

Slow Cooker

Learn to Cook

Start Here

Tips & Tricks

e-Cookbook

Easy Recipes

  • About
  • Work With Me
  • Privacy
  • Contact
© 2025 The Chunky Chef
Site Credits Designed by Melissa Rose Design Developed by Once Coupled
Back to Top

Recipe Ratings without Comment

Something went wrong. Please try again.