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1
For the Sauce:.
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2
Peel the garlic.
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3
With the blender on, drop the garlic cloves, one at a time, through the opening in the lid, blending until finely chopped.
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4
Pour the lime juice into the blender container.
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5
Stop the blender, and add all the remaining ingredients, along with 1/2 cup water.
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6
Pulse on high speed just until the ingredients are combined, about 5 seconds.Scrape down the sides of the blender container and pulse 3 or 4 more times.
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7
The sauce is now ready to use with the pasta or as a dipping sauce, or it can be refrigerated or frozen for future use.
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8
For the Pasta:.
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9
Bring 3 quarts lightly salted water to a boil in a covered 4 1/2-quart or larger pot.
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10
When the water reaches a rapid boil, add the pasta and cook, uncovered, until just tender, following the package directions.
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11
Meanwhile, if the chicken is frozen, place it on a microwave-safe plate and microwave, uncovered, on high power for 3 minutes to partially defrost.
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12
While the chicken defrosts, rinse and drain the bean sprouts, shaking the colander to remove as much water as possible.
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13
Set aside.
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14
Cut the scallions into roughly 1-inch pieces, using all of the whites and enough tender green tops to make 11/2 cups.
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15
Set aside.
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16
Coarsely chop the peanuts and set them aside.
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17
Heat the oil in an extradeep 12-inch skillet over medium heat.
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18
Cut the chicken (fresh or partially defrosted) into bite-size pieces, adding them to the pan as you cut.
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19
Cook, stirring occasionally, until the chicken turns white on the outside, 4 minutes.
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20
Then add the snow peas (if using) and scallions to the skillet.
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21
Continue to cook, stirring constantly, until the chicken is no longer pink in the center and the snow peas are bright green, about 2 minutes more.
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22
Add the bean sprouts and peanut sauce to the skillet, and reduce the heat to low.
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23
Stir to mix well, and simmer until ready to serve.
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24
When the pasta is done, drain it in a colander, shaking it to remove as much water as possible.
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25
Return the drained pasta to the cooking pot.
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26
Add the chicken mixture and toss until well mixed.
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27
To serve, divide the pasta, chicken, and vegetables evenly among four plates.
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28
Sprinkle 1 tablespoon of the chopped peanuts over each plate and serve.
