Lively Spicy Thai Pasta Bowl

As seen in Satisfying Entrées for Every Table.

You get that signature heat from crushed red pepper, mellowed out with a bit of honey, in this easy Thai-inspired pasta. Tender bowties soak up a savory soy and sesame oil dressing, all tossed together and chilled. Once it’s good and cold, finish with fresh cilantro, crunchy honey peanuts, and a handful of sliced green onions. You’ll love the mix of textures and flavors—this one wakes up any meal and shines at group get-togethers, especially nice when served cold with toppings just at the end.

Barbara Chef
Created By Sasha
Last updated on Sun, 08 Jun 2025 13:36:17 GMT
Noodles in a bowl with bright veggies and fresh herbs. Save Pin
Noodles in a bowl with bright veggies and fresh herbs. | foodthingle.com

This bold and zippy Thai-inspired pasta is a total crowd-pleaser on any table. Bright flavors, a little heat, honey sweetness, and fresh herbs come together for a dish with serious personality. I bring this to just about every potluck or picnic, and it vanishes—folks always want to know how to make it.

We first made this pasta salad late one sticky summer evening, and ever since then, it’s what everyone asks for when it’s hot out. The crunchy peanuts make it even better for me.

Irresistible Ingredients

  • Green onion: Brightens up the salad and gives a sharp pop Pick stalks that feel crisp and green
  • Honey roasted peanuts: Adds that sweet crunch Make sure they’re still crisp for the best texture
  • Fresh cilantro: Lifts everything with fresh herby notes Find bunches with bright leaves and no droop
  • Salt: Pulls all the flavors together A pinch of kosher salt works well for even flavoring
  • Soy sauce: Adds a salty zing and richness Try to use low-sodium to keep it balanced
  • Honey: Naturally sweetens the dish and mellows the heat Floral types add extra flavor dimension
  • Sesame oil: Brings a deep nutty richness Use toasted version for the best aroma
  • Vegetable oil: Neutral flavor lets the other ingredients shine Use a fresh bottle for the best taste
  • Crushed red pepper flakes: Dial up the heat as much or as little as you want
  • Bowtie pasta: Those little shapes catch the dressing and stay chewy Look for ones made with durum wheat

Flavorful Steps

Add Freshness and Crunch:
Right before eating, toss in the cilantro, peanuts, and green onion. Gently fold so the herbs and nuts don’t get smashed and everything stays super fresh.
Chill the Salad:
Pop the entire bowl in the fridge with plastic wrap on top. Let it hang out for a few hours or even overnight for max flavor.
Dress the Pasta:
Drizzle the warm seasoned oil over the noodles and toss everything until all the pasta is glossy and coated. Doing this while it’s still warm helps it soak up all those tasty flavors.
Build the Dressing:
Take the warm infused oil off the heat. Stir in your salt, soy sauce, and honey. Whisk away until it’s all silky and smooth.
Infuse the Oils:
Combine the sesame and vegetable oils in a small pan. Warm them up gently, then stir in the red pepper flakes for a couple minutes to bring out all the flavor.
Cook the Pasta:
Bring a big pot of salted water to a bubbling boil, dump in your bowties, and cook them until they’re just chewy (about ten minutes). Drain and scoop the pasta into your mixing bowl.
A bowl of pasta with nuts and herbs. Save Pin
A bowl of pasta with nuts and herbs. | foodthingle.com

Cilantro is always the top part for me, since it perks up every bite and ties the salad together. I’ll never forget finishing a big bowl with my sister on the porch—nothing hits the spot like this after a long hike!

Chill & Store

Tuck leftovers into a sealed container and store in the fridge for up to three days. To keep the peanuts and cilantro bright and crunchy, add those only when you’re ready to eat. This is perfect for school lunches or to bring along on a picnic, since you serve it cold.

A bowl of pasta with vegetables. Save Pin
A bowl of pasta with vegetables. | foodthingle.com

Swap Options

No bowties in the pantry? Use penne or rotini, or any other short pasta. Maple syrup works great instead of honey if you want it vegan, and coconut aminos do the trick in place of soy sauce for gluten-free. Cashews toasted up and tossed in are nice if peanuts aren’t an option at your house.

Serving Ideas

This dish pairs perfectly with grilled tofu sticks or chicken satay. Or honestly, let it be the main event at a potluck. Want to amp it up? Toss in some carrot shreds or sliced red bell pepper for a pop of color and extra crunch. A handful of cilantro and a squeeze of lime finish it off just right.

A Worldly Mix

I love how this pulls together the easygoing style of American pasta salads with those crave-worthy sweet and spicy flavors from Thai food stalls. The key is balancing sweet, heat, and tang—just like in real Thai salads. It’s a hit with friends who love trying global bites but need something stress-free to throw together.

Common Recipe Questions

→ Can I use a different type of pasta?

Go for it! Swap bowties for anything like rotini, spaghetti, or penne. Just be sure not to overcook—al dente keeps it tasty.

→ How spicy is this dish?

You control the spice. Add more or less crushed red pepper until it tastes just right to you.

→ Can this be made ahead of time?

Of course! Let it hang out in the fridge for a few hours so it tastes even better, plus it saves you time later.

→ What can I use instead of honey roasted peanuts?

No honey peanuts? Toasted cashews or plain peanuts work just fine, or just skip nuts altogether if you want it nut-free. It’ll change the crunch a bit, that’s all.

→ Is it necessary to refrigerate before serving?

Chilling gives you the best taste and texture, but if you’re short on time, you can serve it warm. It’ll still be good!

Thai spicy pasta

Zesty Thai-style noodles mixed with spicy sauce, cilantro, and crunchy peanuts. Great for feeding a crowd and super flavorful.

Preparation Time
5 Minutes
Cooking Time
10 Minutes
Overall Time
15 Minutes
Created By: Sasha

Recipe Type: Main Dishes

Skill Level: Simple

Regional Style: Asian Fusion

Output: 8 Number of Servings

Special Diets: Meat-Free, Lacks Dairy

What You'll Need

→ Garnishes

01 1/2 cup honey roasted peanuts
02 1/2 cup sliced green onion
03 1/2 cup chopped fresh cilantro

→ Dressing

04 1/4 cup honey
05 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
06 1/2 teaspoon salt
07 1/3 cup sesame oil
08 1/4 cup soy sauce
09 1 to 2 teaspoons crushed red pepper flakes

→ Pasta

10 12 ounces bowtie pasta

Steps to Follow

Step 01

Right before you're ready to eat, add the cilantro, green onion, and peanuts to the cold pasta. Give it a gentle toss. Dig in while it's still chilled.

Step 02

Cover your bowl with plastic wrap and stick it in the fridge. Chill for a good 4 hours if you can, or even better overnight, so everything soaks up the goodness.

Step 03

Drizzle the warm dressing on your cooked noodles. Stir it until every noodle gets nice and coated.

Step 04

Pour in the honey, soy sauce, and a bit of salt to the oils after those pepper flakes worked their magic. Take it off the heat and blend it until everything’s smooth.

Step 05

Put both oils in a saucepan and heat them up on medium. Toss in those crushed pepper flakes. Let it sizzle for a couple of minutes, just don’t let it burn.

Step 06

Drop the bowtie noodles into a big pot of salted water and cook until just right. Drain well and move to a big bowl.

Additional Tips

  1. Chilling gives it the best taste, so don’t skip that part. Grab the freshest herbs and nuts you can for a nice crunchy bite and big flavor.

Essential Tools

  • Plastic wrap
  • Large mixing bowl
  • Saucepan
  • Large pot

Allergen Information

Always verify ingredient labels for allergens and consult with a healthcare expert if unsure.
  • Has peanuts and soy

Nutrition Info (Per Serving)

These details are best used as an estimate and shouldn't replace professional health advice.
  • Calories: 361
  • Fat Content: 18 g
  • Carbohydrates: 43 g
  • Protein: 9 g