Peanut Butter Noodles

 In my ongoing search for dinners that I can make in under 30 minutes, I found this gem of a recipe, and it only takes 20 (!) minutes!  And it truly could not be any easier.

The original recipe listed below is for a single serving so I tried it as a lunch option in the Delaney Test Kitchen. And it was awesome!! The bonus is that this recipe is very flexible and can easily be multiplied to make it a dinner option as well.

This type of recipe is considered a “midnight pasta” because you can make it with pantry staples that you have on hand. Another bonus for this recipe is that you can make it all in one pot.  The list of the items needed in your pantry will surprise you: noodles, peanut butter, soy sauce, grated parmesan, and butter.  I know it sounds crazy, but I highly encourage you to give it a try. My guess is you already have everything on hand right now to give it a go. Enjoy!
 
Peanut Butter Noodles

INGREDIENTS for a single serving:

• Salt
• 4 oz spaghetti or 1 individual package instant ramen (do not use the seasoning packet)
• 2 Tbsp creamy peanut butter
• 1 Tbsp unsalted butter
• 1 Tbsp finely grated Parmesan, plus more for serving
• 1 tsp soy sauce

PREPARATION:
 
Step 1:
Bring a pot of water to a boil (and salt it, if using spaghetti). Cook the noodles according to package instructions. Reserve ½ cup of the cooking water, then drain the noodles and return to the pot. Turn off the heat.
 
Step 2:
Add the peanut butter, butter, Parmesan and soy sauce. Vigorously stir the noodles for a minute, adding some reserved cooking water, a tablespoon or two at a time, until the sauce is glossy and clings to the noodles. Season to taste with salt.
 
Step 3:
Top with more cheese, if you’d like, and serve immediately.