SPICY THAI PASTA (VEGAN)

This spicy Thai Pasta (vegan) is creamy, nutty, and packed with Asian-inspired flavors. Best of all? It can be made in under 20 minutes!

Looking for cheap and delicious meals? Take a look at my cheap family meals for under $10!

Are you drooling, too? 🤤 🤌🏼

Jump to:

• SPICY THAI NOODLES AND SAUCE
• ❤️ WHY YOU WILL LOVE THIS DISH
• CAN I ADD PROTEIN?
• 🥄 INGREDIENTS NEEDED AND SUBSTITUTIONS
• 👩🏼‍🍳 HOW TO MAKE SPICY NOODLES
• 📝 TIPS AND TRICKS
• ❓ FAQS
• MAKE-AHEAD, STORAGE, AND REHEATING

SPICY THAI NOODLES AND SAUCE

This Spicy Thai Pasta recipe is made at least once a week in our house, and even my kids have mastered it.

It's our go-to meal between school and afternoon sports because it stores well in insulated containers and has added protein from the peanut butter.

Easy Asian noodle dishes are my absolute favorite—especially when they come with a spicy Thai sauce.

I love carbs, and honestly, I could live off this Thai noodle recipe, budget Alfredo spaghetti, risotto, and creamy veggie pasta forever. 🥢🍜

Like I said, it’s the perfect go-to for lunch, a quick snack, or an easy dinner when you need something delicious right now.

While you can totally use noodles, I prefer curly fettuccini or pappardelle because I love thick, chunky pasta that soaks up all that dreamy peanut sauce.

But don’t feel like you have to run to the store for special noodles! This recipe works just as well with whatever pasta you’ve got in your pantry—linguine, spaghetti, or anything in between.

❤️ WHY YOU WILL LOVE THIS DISH

Sweet + Salty

Creamy + Chewy

Asian flavor in a simple way

Did I mention totally delicious... bite after bite

You probably have most of the ingredients in your pantry.

Add extra veggies if you like.

CAN I ADD PROTEIN?

Absolutely! Although the peanut butter is protein-packed, you can easily add extra protein to this Spicy Thai Pasta to make it even heartier. Sticky grilled tofu, grilled chicken, beef strips, or prawns would be delicious additions. Scrambled eggs would also be delicious!

🥄 INGREDIENTS NEEDED AND SUBSTITUTIONS

PASTA

Use your favorite noodles, gluten-free noodles will also work. Pasta like linguine, curly fettuccine, or even spaghetti will work.

SESAME SEED OIL

I think that sesame seed oil is the secret ingredient here. It makes these noodles taste like authentic Thai food. Don't be shy; a good slug of oil will do.

FRESH GARLIC

Adds flavor. Finely chopped or crushed.

CHILLI FLAKES

Chilli flakes for a bit of a kick. This is optional

GREEN ONIONS

Green onions add a bit more flavor and texture.

PEANUT BUTTER

Smooth or creamy. I like to use good-quality, runny peanut butter.

SOY SAUCE

This adds saltiness. I like to use reduced-salt soy sauce.

SWEET CHILLI SAUCE

The sweetness of the sweet chili sauce, along with a hint of chili, brings this dish together.

CRUSHED CASHEW NUTS (OPTIONAL)

I love the extra crunch. I like to use salted cashews for this.

GRATED ZUCCHINI OR SPINACH (OPTIONAL)

Grated zucchini or a handful of baby spinach leaves give you a boost of goodness and color.

ROASTED CASHEWNUTS + LIME + BASIL (OPTIONAL)

Roasted cashew nuts add crunch. Fresh lime is optional but brings a bit of acid to the sweet and salty ingredients. Basil or Thai basil is delicious.

👩🏼‍🍳 HOW TO MAKE SPICY NOODLES

Step 1: Boil the Pasta

Get a big pot of water bubbling and cook your pasta according to the package directions. Don’t forget to salt the water. Once the pasta is cooked, drain and reserve ½ - 1 cup of pasta water.

Step 2: Make That Sauce

While the pasta’s cooking, grab a medium pan and heat up a drizzle of sesame oil over medium heat. Toss in your crushed garlic and finely chopped spring onions. Let them sauté for a minute or two until your kitchen smells absolutely divine.

Step 3:

Now, stir in the peanut butter, sweet chili sauce, and soy sauce. The peanut butter will melt. Add in the crushed chili to bring the heat! Stir it all together until it’s smooth and combined. Add ½ - 1 cup of pasta water, depending on how thick you would like your sauce.

Step 4: Add the Grated Zucchini

Throw in a handful of grated zucchini or fresh spinach and stir until it wilts down into the sauce. It adds color, flavor, and good-for-you vibes.

Step 5: Mix It All Up

Toss the pasta straight into the pan with your spicy peanut sauce. Give it all a good stir so every strand of pasta gets coated in that silky, nutty sauce.

Step 6: Garnish (Optional but Recommended!)

To finish it off, sprinkle some cashew nuts on top for crunch and add a few lime wedges on the side. A squeeze of lime takes the flavor to a whole new level of yum.

💫 If you loved this recipe, leave a 5-star review and rating!

📝 TIPS AND TRICKS

Want extra heat? Add a little more crushed chili or a drizzle of sriracha on top.

Wanting extra veggies? Throw in some chopped bell peppers, finely sliced broccoli, grated carrots, or mushrooms.

❓ FAQS

MAKE-AHEAD, STORAGE, AND REHEATING

MAKE-AHEAD

You can make the peanut sauce ahead of time and store it in the fridge for up to 3 days. When you're ready to serve, simply cook the pasta and mix it with the pre-made sauce. The sauce may thicken a bit in the fridge, so just add a splash of water or soy sauce to loosen it up.

STORAGE

Store any leftover Spicy Thai Pasta in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. It’s a great option for meal prep! The flavors deepen as they sit, so it might taste even better the next day.

REHEATING

Stovetop: The best way to reheat this pasta is on the stovetop. Add a splash of water, soy sauce, or even a little coconut milk to the pan to help loosen the sauce as it heats. Stir over medium heat until it’s hot and the sauce is creamy again.

Microwave: If you're in a rush, the microwave works too. Place the pasta in a microwave-safe dish, cover loosely, and heat in 30-second intervals, stirring in between to distribute the heat evenly. Add a little liquid (water, soy sauce, or coconut milk) to prevent the pasta from drying out.

Did you make this recipe? Let me know what you think by leaving a ★★★★★ star rating & comment below. It genuinely helps me & I really appreciate your support! Nikki 💚

Print