Meet your new weeknight hero: Spicy Instant Pot Peanut Noodles! This dish is an absolute flavor party—creamy, nutty, and full of bold heat, all ready in just 30 minutes. With tender chicken, slurpable noodles, and a rainbow of fresh veggies, every bite is simply irresistible.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- One-Pot Simplicity: Everything cooks right in the Instant Pot for the ultimate easy clean-up—no mountain of dirty dishes here!
- Big, Bold Flavors: Creamy peanut butter, savory soy, spicy chili, and fragrant sesame give every forkful a punch you won’t soon forget.
- Nutrient Powerhouse: Tender chicken, whole wheat pasta, and colorful spiralized veggies make this meal as nourishing as it is delicious.
- Totally Customizable: Whether you crave extra heat or want a meatless twist, these Spicy Instant Pot Peanut Noodles can be tailored to suit any craving.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This ingredient list is short, sweet, and packed with flavor essentials! Each one is hand-picked for the perfect balance of rich, spicy, and fresh—trust me, you’re about to build a seriously craveable bowl of Spicy Instant Pot Peanut Noodles.
- Honey: Adds a subtle natural sweetness that perfectly balances the spicy peanut sauce.
- Soy Sauce: Brings salty depth—opt for reduced sodium for a healthier bowl or swap for tamari to make it gluten-free.
- Natural Peanut Butter: Use a drippy, unsweetened nut butter for ultra-creamy and authentic results—almond butter swaps in beautifully, too.
- Sesame Oil: Just a splash gives your noodles that signature toasty aroma and flavor.
- Chili Garlic Sauce: This is where the heat comes in! Adjust more or less to match your spice tolerance.
- Boneless Skinless Chicken Thighs: These stay juicy and tender during pressure cooking—cut to bite-sized pieces for even cooking.
- Whole Wheat Spaghetti: Hearty, wholesome noodles hold up perfectly—regular spaghetti will work, but alternate pastas haven’t been tested.
- Water: Just enough for the Instant Pot to work its magic and transform everything into saucy perfection.
- Zucchini & Carrots (Spiralized): Stirred in after pressure cooking for vibrant color and fresh crunch.
- Cilantro & Peanuts (to serve): These garnishes take your noodles totally over-the-top—don’t skip ‘em!
Variations
There’s endless room to riff on Spicy Instant Pot Peanut Noodles and make them your own! Tweak the ingredients or adjust the heat—this dish is your go-to, whatever your mood or dietary needs.
- Make it Vegetarian: Skip the chicken and use extra spiralized veggies or toss in some sautéed tofu for a plant-powered version.
- Swap the Protein: Swap chicken thighs for diced shrimp, rotisserie chicken, or even thinly sliced beef for new flavors.
- Nut Butter Adventure: Almond butter brings a light, delicate twist—just be sure it’s unsweetened and drippy!
- Heat Control: Love it fiery? Add extra chili garlic sauce or a sprinkle of red pepper flakes. For milder noodles, start with less and adjust after cooking.
- Gluten-Free Option: Use gluten-free tamari for the soy sauce and a tried-and-tested gluten-free noodle—just check cook times and texture.
How to Make Spicy Instant Pot Peanut Noodles
Step 1: Make the Sauce & Add Chicken
In your Instant Pot’s stainless steel insert, whisk together honey, soy sauce, peanut butter, sesame oil, and chili garlic sauce until smooth and fully combined. Tumble in the cubed chicken thighs and toss to coat—every piece should get some love from that creamy, spicy sauce!
Step 2: Add Noodles & Water
Break your whole wheat spaghetti in half (this makes it easier to stir and prevents clumping). Scatter the noodles across the saucy chicken, then pour in the water. Gently press the noodles down so they’re mostly submerged, but don’t stir.
Step 3: Pressure Cook
Seal the Instant Pot lid and set the valve to “sealing.” Cook on high pressure for exactly 4 minutes—yes, just four minutes is all it takes! When the time is up, use a quick pressure release to let the steam escape so the noodles don’t overcook.
Step 4: Add Spiralized Veggies
Next comes the fun part! Immediately after releasing the pressure, loosen the noodles in the sauce. Stir in the spiralized zucchini and carrots—these will soften perfectly in the residual heat. Pop the lid back on and let everything sit for 5 minutes, then give it all a good toss.
Step 5: Garnish & Serve
Divide your Spicy Instant Pot Peanut Noodles among bowls and top with shower of fresh cilantro and a sprinkle of chopped peanuts. Take a deep breath—your kitchen will smell amazing—and dig in!
Pro Tips for Making Spicy Instant Pot Peanut Noodles
- Noodle Prep Magic: Always break your spaghetti in half and layer it over the chicken—pressing it gently down but not stirring—so it cooks evenly and doesn’t clump.
- Sauce Consistency Matters: Use a natural, drippy peanut (or almond) butter for the creamiest sauce that clings beautifully to noodles and chicken.
- Quick Release is Key: As soon as the timer beeps, perform a quick pressure release! This keeps the pasta perfectly al dente and prevents mushiness.
- Fresh Veggie Finish: Wait until after cooking to add spiralized zucchini and carrots—this keeps them crisp-tender and gorgeously vibrant.
How to Serve Spicy Instant Pot Peanut Noodles
Garnishes
The best finishing touch for Spicy Instant Pot Peanut Noodles is a fresh shower of chopped cilantro and handful of roasted peanuts. They add color, crunch, and a pop of herby brightness that complements the rich, nutty sauce. If you’re feeling fancy, scatter some sliced green onions or toss on a few sesame seeds for extra flair!
Side Dishes
This dish stands beautifully on its own, but sides can round out your meal! Serve with a crisp cucumber salad or lightly steamed edamame for extra freshness. A simple miso soup or Asian-style slaw are also delicious pairings that keep the meal light yet satisfying.
Creative Ways to Present
Take your presentation up a notch by serving the noodles in big, shallow bowls, twirling them into high nests. For gatherings, try a DIY noodle bar with toppings in small bowls—let guests sprinkle on their favorite garnishes. You can even portion these noodles into colorful lunchboxes for a meal-prep-friendly, on-the-go lunch that turns heads!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you’re lucky enough to have leftovers, stash them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. The noodles will soak up even more flavor as they rest, making tomorrow’s lunch downright irresistible!
Freezing
I don’t recommend freezing Spicy Instant Pot Peanut Noodles—the veggies lose their texture, and the peanut sauce may separate after thawing. Luckily, this dish is so quick, you can always whip up a fresh batch in a flash!
Reheating
To reheat, simply pop your noodles in the microwave (loosely covered) until steaming hot. If the noodles have soaked up too much sauce, just add a tablespoon of water and toss well before reheating for that creamy consistency.
FAQs
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Can I use chicken breast instead of thighs?
It’s possible, but I recommend sticking with thighs—they stay much juicier under pressure. Chicken breast can easily overcook and become a little dry in the sauce. If you do substitute, watch the cook time and cut the meat into even, bite-sized pieces for best results.
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Can I use a different pasta shape or gluten-free noodles?
Whole wheat spaghetti is tried and true for this recipe, but regular spaghetti works as well. For gluten-free options, use a gluten-free spaghetti that’s formulated for boiling (not quick-cook variety) and adjust the timing if needed. Alternative shapes and pastas may behave differently in the Instant Pot and haven’t been tested, so proceed with a little caution.
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How spicy are these noodles? Can I make them milder or hotter?
The heat level is up to you! One tablespoon of chili garlic sauce gives a pleasant kick, but you can dial it back or amp it up to match your spice threshold. Start on the lower end if you’re unsure—you can always stir in more at the end if you want extra fire.
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Can I double the recipe?
Absolutely! Just make sure your Instant Pot isn’t filled past the max line, and remember not to stir after adding the pasta—layer as directed and everything will cook evenly. You may need to add a minute or two for extra pasta, but overall timing should stay similar.
Final Thoughts
There’s just something undeniably comforting and exciting about a big bowl of Spicy Instant Pot Peanut Noodles—quick, packed with bold flavors, and easy enough for any night of the week. Give them a try next time you need dinner to wow your taste buds and watch them become a new staple in your kitchen. Enjoy every saucy, nutty, spicy bite!
Print
Spicy Instant Pot Peanut Noodles Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Instant Pot
- Cuisine: Asian
- Diet: Vegan
Description
Spicy Instant Pot Peanut Noodles is a delicious and quick recipe that combines tender chicken, whole wheat pasta, and spiralized veggies in a flavorful peanut sauce. Made easily in the Instant Pot, this dish is perfect for a satisfying weeknight meal.
Ingredients
Sauce:
- 2 tablespoons honey
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 1/4 cup peanut butter (must be a drippy natural nut butter)
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- 1 tablespoon chili garlic sauce
Main Dish:
- 1 lb boneless skinless chicken thighs, cut into 1-inch cubes
- 4 oz whole wheat spaghetti
- 1 cup water
- 1 zucchini, spiralized
- 2 cups carrots, spiralized
To Serve:
- Cilantro
- Peanuts
Instructions
- Add sauce: In the Instant Pot, combine honey, soy sauce, peanut butter, sesame oil, and chili garlic sauce. Add chicken thighs and coat with the sauce.
- Pasta: Break spaghetti noodles in half and place over the chicken. Pour water over the noodles.
- Cook: Pressure cook on high for 4 minutes, then quick release pressure.
- Add vegetables: Stir in zucchini and carrot noodles. Let sit for 5 minutes.
- Serve: Garnish with cilantro and peanuts.
Notes
- We recommend using reduced sodium soy sauce if possible. You may also swap for coconut aminos, tamari, or liquid soy seasoning.
- Almond butter can be used as an alternative to peanut butter.
- Adjust the amount of chili garlic sauce to control spiciness.
- Use chicken breast at your own risk of potential overcooking.
- Regular pasta can be used with the same cook time as whole wheat pasta.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/4 of batch
- Calories: 439 kcal
- Sugar: 15g
- Sodium: 1248mg
- Fat: 17g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Carbohydrates: 43g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 33g
- Cholesterol: 108mg
