Kung Pao Chicken Spaghetti (Copycat)

Kung Pao Chicken Spaghetti is that perfect sweet-and-spicy pasta dish that somehow feels indulgent and comforting at the same time. If you’ve ever ordered it at California Pizza Kitchen, you already know why it has such a loyal following. It’s bold, saucy, and packed with flavor in a way that keeps you thinking about it long after the plate is clean.

This dish is my go-to order every single time we eat at CPK—and we go a lot. When something never gets old no matter how many times you order it, that’s how you know it’s special. The combination of tender chicken, spaghetti, crunchy bits, and that signature Kung Pao sauce hits all the right notes: sweet, savory, spicy, and just a little addictive.

The good news is you can absolutely recreate this restaurant favorite at home. This version is inspired by the California Pizza Kitchen Cookbook, with a few smart tweaks to lighten it up without sacrificing flavor. You still get all the bold taste you love, just with fewer calories and no feeling like you need to be rolled off the couch afterward.

Fair warning though—this is not a throw-everything-in-one-pan kind of recipe. There’s some prep involved, a few bowls on the counter, and about 30 minutes of chopping and organizing before you even turn on the heat. But once everything comes together in the pan, it’s totally worth it. This is one of those recipes where the payoff is big.

When it finally hits the table, the flavors are next level. The sauce clings to the spaghetti, the chicken stays juicy, and every bite delivers that signature Kung Pao balance of heat and sweetness. It tastes just like the restaurant version—maybe even better because it’s fresh and homemade.

This is the kind of meal that feels impressive without being pretentious. It’s great for a cozy dinner at home, but also solid enough to serve when you want to cook something that feels a little extra. Hero status might sound dramatic, but honestly? This recipe earns it.

Kung Pao Chicken Spaghetti (Copycat)

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Kung Pao Chicken Spaghetti is the ultimate fusion of bold Chinese flavors and Italian comfort! This dish combines tender chicken, crisp veggies, and perfectly cooked spaghetti all tossed in a spicy-sweet Kung Pao sauce that’s bursting with flavor.

Prep Time 20 minutes

Cook Time 20 minutes

Total Time 40 minutes

Ingredients

• 1 cup chicken stock
• 2 tablespoons cornstarch
• 3/4 cup low sodium 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 kosher salt
• 1 lb spaghetti
• 1/4 cup olive oil
• 1 lb chicken breast , boneless and skinless, 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 dry roasted peanuts , unsalted
• 1/4 cup minced garlic
• 3 cups green onions , greens and whites, coarsely-chopped
• 3 cups green onions , greens and whites, coarsely-chopped

Instructions

Step-By-Step Instructions

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