Creamy Thai Peanut Noodle Casserole You'll Fall in Love With

 If you're craving bold flavors with a creamy, nutty twist, you're going to adore this Thai Peanut Noodle Casserole. It's a one-dish wonder packed with savory, sweet, and slightly spicy flavors that will have everyone asking for seconds. Perfect for weeknight dinners or make-ahead meal prep, this recipe combines comfort food with a touch of exotic Thai cuisine.

Prepare to indulge in a warm, hearty casserole loaded with noodles, fresh veggies, and a rich, peanut sauce that ties it all together perfectly.

Why You’ll Love This Casserole

• Bursting with Flavors: The combination of creamy peanut butter, soy sauce, and fresh lime juice creates a well-balanced sauce that’s savory, tangy, and just a little sweet.
• Customizable: Swap in your favorite vegetables or proteins to make it uniquely yours.
• Easy to Make: A simple recipe that comes together quickly with pantry staples.
• Meal Prep-Friendly: Stores and reheats beautifully for lunch or dinner the next day.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Here’s what you’ll need to recreate this magical dish:

For the Casserole:

• 12 oz rice noodles (or spaghetti)
• 2 cups shredded cooked chicken (optional; switch for tofu or omit for vegetarian)
• 1 cup shredded carrots
• 1 red bell pepper, thinly sliced
• 1 cup snap peas, trimmed
• 1/2 cup chopped green onions
• 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped (for garnish)
• 1/4 cup crushed peanuts (for garnish)

For the Peanut Sauce:

• 1/3 cup creamy peanut butter
• 1/4 cup soy sauce (or tamari for gluten-free)
• 2 tablespoons sesame oil
• 2 tablespoons honey (or maple syrup for vegan)
• 1 tablespoon rice wine vinegar
• 1 tablespoon sriracha (adjust to your spice tolerance)
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon grated ginger
• Juice of 1 lime
• 1/4 cup hot water (to thin the sauce as needed)

Directions

Follow these easy steps to create this casserole:

1. Prepare the Noodles

Cook the rice noodles according to the package instructions. Rinse them under cold water to prevent sticking, then set them aside.

2. Make the Peanut Sauce

While the noodles cook, prepare the peanut sauce. Whisk together the peanut butter, soy sauce, sesame oil, honey, rice wine vinegar, sriracha, minced garlic, grated ginger, lime juice, and hot water in a medium bowl. Adjust the water to achieve a smooth, pourable consistency.

3. Stir-Fry the Vegetables

Heat a drizzle of sesame oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the shredded carrots, red bell pepper, and snap peas, sautéing for about 3–4 minutes until slightly tender but still crisp.

4. Assemble the Casserole

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Combine the cooked noodles, sautéed vegetables, shredded chicken (if using), and peanut sauce in a large mixing bowl. Toss everything until evenly coated and transfer the mixture into a greased 9x13-inch baking dish.

5. Bake

Cover the casserole dish with foil and bake for 15–20 minutes, or until heated through and bubbling.

6. Garnish and Serve

Remove the casserole from the oven, uncover, and garnish generously with chopped green onions, fresh cilantro, and crushed peanuts. Serve warm and enjoy!

Tips for Success

• Spice Level: If you're sensitive to spice, reduce or skip the sriracha. If you love heat, feel free to add a little extra or top with red pepper flakes.
• Protein Options: While shredded chicken is a great choice, tofu, shrimp, or even ground turkey work beautifully in this recipe.
• Vegetable Swaps: Use any veggies you have on hand—broccoli, zucchini, or mushrooms would all be fantastic additions.
• Make it Vegan: Skip the chicken and substitute honey with maple syrup to make the recipe fully plant-based.

Storing Leftovers

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave or a skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of water or broth to loosen the sauce.

Why This Recipe is a Keeper

With its crave-worthy flavors and endless customizations, this Thai Peanut Noodle Casserole is one you'll come back to again and again. It’s perfect for dinner parties, busy weeknights, or whenever you’re in the mood for something comforting yet exciting.

Try it out tonight, and get ready to savor every creamy, peanutty bite! 🥢