Stretch Your Kitchen

Thoughtful cooking isn't about buying more – but about using better!

Nutty Spaghetti

Nutty Spaghetti

This dish is creamy, savory, and just a little nutty-sweet—perfect for stretching pantry staples into something bold and satisfying. Peanut butter adds richness, while chopped peanuts bring texture and crunch.
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Course: brunch, dinner, lunch
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 12 – 16 oz spaghetti
  • ½ cup creamy peanut butter
  • ¼ cup chopped peanuts
  • 2 Tbsp soy sauce
  • 1 Tbsp honey or brown sugar optional, for balance
  • 1 – 2 cloves garlic minced
  • ½ tsp crushed red pepper flakes optional
  • ½ cup pasta cooking water as needed
  • 1 Tbsp neutral oil or sesame oil
  • Optional toppings: green onions sesame seeds, lime wedge

Method
 

Cook the spaghetti
  1. Boil spaghetti in well-salted water until al dente. Reserve 1 cup of pasta water before draining.
Make the sauce
  1. In a large skillet over medium-low heat, add oil and garlic. Cook just until fragrant, about 30 seconds.
  2. Whisk in peanut butter, soy sauce, honey (if using), and red pepper flakes. Slowly add reserved pasta water, a few tablespoons at a time, until the sauce becomes smooth and creamy.
Toss and finish
  1. Add drained spaghetti directly to the sauce and toss until well coated. Adjust consistency with more pasta water if needed.
  2. Stir in chopped peanuts, saving a little for topping.
Serve
  1. Finish with extra peanuts, green onions, sesame seeds, or a squeeze of lime if you like a bright pop.

Notes

Stretch Your Kitchen Variations

  • Veg boost: Toss in frozen broccoli, peas, or sautéed cabbage.
  • Protein add-on: Leftover chicken, tofu, or a fried egg on top.
  • Spicy version: Add chili crisp or sriracha to the sauce.

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