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If you’re craving a dish that’s bursting with flavor, creamy, and utterly comforting, this Creamy Peanut Noodles Recipe is here to steal your heart—and your appetite. It strikes the perfect balance between savory, spicy, and slightly sweet, all wrapped in a luscious peanut sauce that clings lovingly to every strand of spaghetti. Whether you need a quick weeknight dinner or a satisfying lunch, these noodles deliver big on taste with simple ingredients you probably already have. Trust me, once you’ve tried this recipe, peanut noodles will become your go-to dish when you want something both quick and impressive.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This Creamy Peanut Noodles Recipe relies on straightforward but essential ingredients that come together to create an irresistible flavor and texture profile. Each component plays a vital role: the sesame oil and scallions bring a fragrant warmth, the peanut butter offers creamy richness, and the sriracha adds just the right kick of spice.
- 8 ounces dry spaghetti: The sturdy noodles provide the perfect canvas to soak up the creamy peanut sauce without falling apart.
- 2 scallions, diced (green and white parts separated): The whites are sautéed for savory depth while the greens add fresh color and crunch as garnish.
- 2 tablespoons sesame oil: Toasty and aromatic, this oil elevates the sauce with nutty notes.
- 1 clove garlic, minced: Adds a punch of bold flavor that complements the peanut butter beautifully.
- 1 teaspoon minced fresh ginger: Provides a bright, zesty element that balances the creaminess.
- ¼ cup creamy peanut butter: The star ingredient delivering that smooth, velvety texture and signature peanut flavor.
- ¼ cup low-sodium soy sauce: Brings umami richness without overpowering the other ingredients.
- ¼ cup hot water: Helps blend the peanut sauce into a silky, pourable consistency.
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar: Adds acidity to cut through the richness and brighten the dish.
- 2 teaspoons sriracha: Injects a gentle heat that wakes up your taste buds.
- 2 teaspoons brown sugar: Balances the spice and acidity with a soft, caramel sweetness.
- ½ small carrot, julienned: Adds a slight crunch and a pop of vibrant color to the final plate.
- Chopped peanuts, for garnish: Provides delightful texture contrast and amps up the peanut flavor.
How to Make Creamy Peanut Noodles Recipe
Step 1: Cook the Pasta
Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the spaghetti until it’s al dente, which usually means firm to the bite but not hard or mushy—perfect for holding onto that luscious sauce. Be sure to save about one-third cup of the pasta cooking water before draining; this watery gold will help loosen the sauce later if needed.
Step 2: Prepare the Sauce Base
While the pasta is cooking, heat the sesame oil in a small nonstick skillet over medium-low heat. Toss in most of the scallion whites, reserving a few for garnish, and sauté gently until they’re tender and aromatic. This simple step builds a flavor foundation that makes the dish feel layered and complex without requiring hours in the kitchen.
Step 3: Build the Creamy Peanut Sauce
To that fragrant base, add the minced ginger and garlic, cooking just until fragrant—about 20 seconds—to avoid any bitterness. Remove the skillet from the heat and stir in the creamy peanut butter, soy sauce, hot water, rice vinegar, sriracha, brown sugar, and the chopped scallion greens. This mélange magically transforms into a velvety sauce that’s creamy, tangy, spicy, and slightly sweet all at once.
Step 4: Combine and Toss
Return your focus to the drained noodles. Add them to a large bowl and toss with the julienned carrot and the peanut sauce. If the sauce feels too thick or the noodles seem dry, stir in a splash of the reserved pasta water until everything is evenly coated and perfectly silky. This step is where the magic happens—you’ll see how the sauce clings to each strand, inviting you in with every twirl of your fork.
How to Serve Creamy Peanut Noodles Recipe
Garnishes
To elevate this dish, don’t skimp on garnishes. Sprinkle chopped peanuts over the top for textural contrast and extra peanut punch. Finish with the reserved scallion whites and greens to add a fresh burst of color and mild onion bite that brightens each mouthful. These simple touches make the dish feel polished and irresistible.
Side Dishes
Creamy Peanut Noodles Recipe can stand on its own as a satisfying meal, but pairing it with crisp, fresh sides makes it even better. Think steamed or sautéed broccoli, snap peas, or a crunchy cucumber salad drizzled with sesame oil and rice vinegar. These lighter, crisp vegetables balance the rich noodles and add nutritional variety.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve the noodles in individual bowls layered with crisp lettuce leaves or shredded cabbage. You can also sprinkle some toasted sesame seeds or a light drizzle of chili oil on top for extra flair. Serving the noodles cold or at room temperature makes it refreshing for warmer days or packed lunches.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have any leftovers (which might not happen!), store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Keep the sauce and noodles together so the flavors meld even more, but be sure to add a splash of water or soy sauce before reheating to keep things from drying out.
Freezing
While this Creamy Peanut Noodles Recipe is best enjoyed fresh, you can freeze portions if needed. Freeze in a sealed container for up to a month. Thaw overnight in the fridge and stir well before reheating, adding a bit of water or more peanut butter to revive the sauce’s creaminess.
Reheating
To reheat, gently warm the noodles in a pan over low heat, stirring constantly to prevent sticking and to evenly distribute the sauce. Adding a splash of reserved pasta water or a little hot water will bring back that silky texture. Microwave reheating works too—just cover loosely and stir midway through heating.
FAQs
Can I use other types of noodles for this Creamy Peanut Noodles Recipe?
Absolutely! While spaghetti works perfectly, you can try rice noodles, udon, or even soba noodles. Just adjust cooking times as needed, and the sauce will still shine.
Is this recipe spicy?
The sriracha adds a gentle heat that can easily be adjusted to your liking. If you prefer mild, reduce or omit it; for extra kick, feel free to add more chili sauce or flakes.
Can I make this recipe vegan and gluten-free?
Yes! Simply ensure your soy sauce is gluten-free or swap for tamari. The ingredients are plant-based, so it’s naturally vegan-friendly.
How can I store this sauce if I want to make it ahead?
You can prepare the peanut sauce separately and store it in the fridge for up to a week in an airtight container. Just bring it to room temperature and add a splash of water before tossing with noodles.
What can I add to make this more of a complete meal?
Grilled chicken, tofu, shrimp, or even sliced steak pairs beautifully with these noodles. Stir in steamed veggies or add crunchy peanuts and fresh herbs to round out your meal perfectly.
Final Thoughts
I can’t recommend enough giving this Creamy Peanut Noodles Recipe a try—it’s a vibrant, crave-worthy dish that feels indulgent yet fresh and wholesome. The best part is how effortlessly these simple ingredients come together to create layers of flavor and texture that will have you coming back for seconds. Whether you’re cooking for yourself or feeding friends and family, this recipe is sure to become a beloved favorite on your dinner rotation.
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Print
Creamy Peanut Noodles Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 3 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Asian
Description
This Creamy Peanut Noodles recipe offers a delicious and easy way to enjoy an Asian-inspired dish with a rich and flavorful peanut sauce. The combination of tender spaghetti, sautéed scallions, fresh garlic and ginger, and a perfectly balanced sauce creates a satisfying meal perfect for lunch or dinner. Garnished with crunchy peanuts and fresh scallions, this dish brings creamy, spicy, and tangy notes together beautifully.
Ingredients
Pasta
- 8 ounces dry spaghetti
Vegetables & Aromatics
- 2 scallions, diced (green and white parts separated)
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon minced fresh ginger
- ½ small carrot, peeled and sliced into julienne/matchsticks
Sauce Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons sesame oil
- ¼ cup creamy peanut butter
- ¼ cup low-sodium soy sauce
- ¼ cup hot water
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
- 2 teaspoons sriracha
- 2 teaspoons brown sugar
Garnish
- Chopped peanuts, for garnish
- Reserved scallion whites, for garnish
Instructions
- Cook Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the spaghetti until al dente as per package instructions, usually around 8-10 minutes. Reserve â…“ cup of the pasta cooking water, then drain the pasta and set aside.
- Prepare the Sauce: Heat a small nonstick skillet over medium-low heat. Add the sesame oil along with most of the scallion whites, reserving some for garnish. Sauté until scallions are tender, about 1-2 minutes. Add the minced garlic and ginger and cook until fragrant, approximately 20 seconds.
- Mix Sauce Ingredients: Remove the skillet from heat and stir in the creamy peanut butter, low-sodium soy sauce, hot water, rice vinegar, sriracha, brown sugar, and the scallion greens. Whisk until smooth and well combined to create a creamy peanut sauce.
- Combine Noodles and Sauce: Toss the cooked spaghetti with the sliced carrot and the peanut sauce in a large bowl. Add some of the reserved pasta water if needed to loosen the sauce and ensure it coats the noodles evenly.
- Serve: Plate the noodles and garnish with chopped peanuts and the reserved scallion whites. Serve immediately for the best flavor and texture.
Notes
- To adjust spiciness, modify the amount of sriracha according to your taste.
- For a gluten-free version, substitute the spaghetti with gluten-free noodles and use gluten-free soy sauce.
- You can add cooked chicken, tofu, or shrimp for extra protein.
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days; reheat gently with a splash of water to loosen the sauce.
