10+ Noodles Recipes to Spice Up Your Weeknight Dinners

Noodles are one of those go-to ingredients that make dinner a breeze. They’re quick, versatile, and honestly, who doesn’t crave a bowl of noodles now and then?

Whether you’re after something fast or planning to share a big batch, noodles can handle just about any flavor you throw at them. They’re a blank canvas for whatever you’re in the mood for.

You can whip up tasty noodle recipes with just a few basics, no matter what kind of noodles are hiding in your pantry. That’s why noodles always feel like the right answer when you need something satisfying without a lot of effort.

Ingredients

• Your choice of noodles (rice, egg, wheat, or whatever you like)
• Basic seasonings (soy sauce, sesame oil, etc.)
• Fresh veggies or your favorite protein

Cooking Instructions

1. Cook noodles following the package directions.
2. Drain and set aside.
3. Heat a pan with a splash of oil. Toss in your veggies or protein.
4. Add the cooked noodles.
5. Pour in soy sauce or your chosen seasonings, and mix.
6. Stir everything for a couple of minutes until hot.
7. Serve right away.

1) Pad Thai with shrimp and peanuts

Pad Thai with shrimp and peanuts is a classic for a reason. You get chewy rice noodles, juicy shrimp, crunchy peanuts, and a handful of fresh veggies all tangled together.

The sauce is a mix of tamarind, lime, and a little sweetness—honestly, it’s hard to beat. Shrimp cooks super fast and stays tender with a bit of garlic and butter or oil.

Scrambled eggs go in for extra protein and some texture. It’s a dinner that feels like a treat, but you can pull it off in under 30 minutes.

You can find a simple recipe with peanut sauce to guide you here.

Ingredients:

• Rice noodles
• Shrimp, peeled and deveined
• Peanuts, crushed
• Garlic
• Eggs
• Fresh veggies (bean sprouts, green onions, whatever’s handy)
• Tamarind paste or sauce
• Lime
• Oil or butter
• Soy sauce
• Brown sugar

Cooking Instructions:

1. Soak rice noodles in warm water until soft.
2. Heat oil or butter in a pan and cook garlic until fragrant.
3. Add shrimp and cook until pink.
4. Push shrimp aside and scramble the eggs in the pan.
5. Add noodles, sauce, and veggies, tossing it all together.
6. Cook for a couple of minutes until everything’s hot.
7. Top with peanuts and lime.

2) Soy Sauce Pan-fried Noodles with scallions

Heat up a wok or big pan on high. Pour in oil and toss in the white parts of the scallions for a quick sizzle—just 15 seconds or so.

Add your cooked noodles and stir-fry them until they pick up a bit of crispness.

Splash in soy sauce to coat the noodles with that deep, savory flavor. Keep stirring until everything’s hot.

Toss in the green scallion parts at the end for a fresh touch.

This one’s fast and satisfying, especially when you’re short on time.

Ingredients

• 8 oz cooked noodles
• 2 tbsp oil
• 3 scallions (white and green parts separated)
• 2 tbsp soy sauce

Cooking Instructions

1. Heat a pan over high and add oil.
2. Toss in white scallion parts, cook 15 seconds.
3. Add noodles, stir-fry for 2 minutes.
4. Pour soy sauce over noodles and mix.
5. Add green scallion parts and cook 30 seconds more.
6. Serve hot.

3) Garlic Noodles with buttery garlic sauce

Garlic noodles are pure comfort. The buttery garlic sauce clings to every strand and makes the whole dish feel a little indulgent.

Melt butter in a pan and gently cook minced garlic until it smells amazing. Toss in cooked noodles and stir until every bite is glossy.

This is one of those meals you can throw together in a flash. It’s even better with a side of grilled chicken or some roasted veggies.

Ingredients

• 6 oz spaghetti or noodles
• 4 tbsp unsalted butter
• 6 garlic cloves, minced
• ¼ cup grated Parmesan
• 1 tbsp parsley (if you want)
• Salt to taste

Cooking Instructions

1. Cook noodles and drain.
2. Melt butter in a pan over medium heat.
3. Add garlic, cook 1-2 minutes—don’t let it brown.
4. Toss in noodles, stir to coat.
5. Off the heat, add Parmesan and parsley.
6. Salt to taste and serve.

4) Vegetarian-friendly Pad See Ew

Pad See Ew without meat? Totally works. Use wide rice noodles, tofu, and Chinese broccoli for a chewy, hearty bite.

The sauce is a mix of soy sauce, sugar, and either vegan fish sauce or a splash of vinegar. It’s got depth but stays plant-based.

You’ll stir-fry everything over high heat to keep the noodles soft with a hint of char. It’s fast, satisfying, and doesn’t need a lot of prep.

Ingredients

• 8 oz wide rice noodles
• 1 cup Chinese broccoli, chopped
• 7 oz firm tofu, cubed
• 2 tbsp soy sauce
• 2 tbsp dark soy sauce
• 1 tbsp vegan fish sauce or 1 tbsp soy sauce + 1 tbsp rice vinegar
• 2 tsp sugar
• 2 tbsp oil

Cooking Instructions

1. Soak noodles in warm water until soft (about 10 minutes), then drain.
2. Heat oil in a pan over medium-high.
3. Add tofu and cook until golden, about 5 minutes.
4. Toss in Chinese broccoli, stir-fry 2 minutes.
5. Add noodles and sauce, tossing everything together.
6. Let noodles get a bit of char, 3-4 minutes.
7. Serve hot.

5) Walnut Miso Noodles

Walnut miso noodles are creamy, nutty, and just a little unexpected. Toss whole wheat or soba noodles with toasted walnuts and asparagus for something that feels light but filling.

Blend walnuts, white miso, garlic, and a bit of oil for a super simple dressing. It’s savory but not heavy-handed.

A touch of honey or chile paste can balance things out if you want a little sweetness or heat.

Try adding baby bok choy or more asparagus if you’re craving extra greens.

Ingredients

• 8 oz whole wheat spaghetti, linguini, or soba noodles
• 1 small bunch asparagus, thinly sliced
• 1/2 cup toasted walnuts
• 2 tbsp white miso paste
• 1 garlic clove
• 1 tsp honey (optional)
• 1 tbsp oil (olive or sesame)
• Chile paste (optional)

Cooking Instructions

1. Cook noodles, then drain.
2. Toast walnuts in a dry pan until golden.
3. Blend walnuts, miso, garlic, honey, and oil until smooth.
4. Toss noodles with the dressing, asparagus, and chile paste if you like.
5. Serve warm or at room temp.

For a detailed example recipe, see Walnut Miso Noodles from 101 Cookbooks.

6) Spicy Szechuan Chow Mein

Spicy Szechuan chow mein is all about bold flavors. Thick noodles get tossed in a sauce of soy, garlic, ginger, and Szechuan chili flakes.

The chili flakes bring a nice heat, but don’t worry—they won’t blow your head off.

Crunchy veggies like bell pepper and scallions balance the spice. Toss everything together in a hot pan to keep it lively.

A good chili oil gives each bite a smoky kick. Homemade or store-bought, just use what you have.

Ingredients

• 75g thick whole wheat noodles
• 3 tbsp soy sauce
• 1 tbsp sesame oil
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 tsp ginger, grated
• 1-2 tsp Szechuan chili flakes
• 1 bell pepper, sliced
• 2 scallions, chopped
• 1 tbsp chili oil

Cooking Instructions

1. Cook noodles, drain, and set aside.
2. Heat sesame oil in a pan over medium-high.
3. Add garlic and ginger, sauté 1 minute.
4. Stir in bell pepper and scallions, cook 2-3 minutes.
5. Add chili flakes and chili oil, mix.
6. Toss in noodles and soy sauce, stir for 2 minutes.
7. Serve hot.

7) Turmeric-infused rice noodle stir fry

You can whip up a turmeric rice noodle stir fry by wok-frying wide rice noodles with garlic, veggies, and your favorite protein. Turmeric gives it a golden color and a gentle earthy flavor.

Start by cooking your protein and veggies first. Then add noodles and a splash of soy or oyster sauce.

Finish with green onions or cilantro for a pop of freshness.

This stir fry is fast, colorful, and flexible—perfect for when you want something healthy but don’t want to overthink it.

Ingredients

• Wide rice noodles
• Turmeric powder
• Garlic, minced
• Mixed veggies (peas, carrots, celery, onion)
• Protein (tofu, chicken, shrimp, beef—whatever you like)
• Soy sauce or oyster sauce
• Green onions
• Fresh cilantro (optional)
• Cooking oil

Cooking Instructions

1. Soak or boil rice noodles until soft, then drain.
2. Heat oil in a wok or large pan over medium-high.
3. Add garlic and stir-fry until fragrant.
4. Cook your protein until browned, then set aside.
5. Stir-fry veggies until just tender.
6. Add turmeric and noodles, mixing well.
7. Return protein to the pan. Pour in soy or oyster sauce and stir together.
8. Cook another 2-3 minutes, stirring a lot.
9. Remove from heat and garnish with green onions and cilantro.
10. Serve hot.

For a fresh take, check out a Turmeric Noodle recipe on Reddit.

8) Cold peanut noodles with crunchy veggies

Cold peanut noodles are a lifesaver when you want something fresh but still crave flavor. The peanut sauce brings this creamy, nutty taste that isn’t too heavy.

Mixing cold noodles with crisp veggies like carrots and cucumbers just works. You get a good crunch and a pop of color in every bite.

This one’s perfect for warm days or if you want to prep ahead. Throw in a little spice if you’re feeling bold.

Toss cooked noodles with peanut sauce and your favorite veggies. Pop it in the fridge for a bit—trust me, it tastes better cold.

Ingredients

• 8 ounces cooked noodles (like linguine or spaghetti)
• 1 cup shredded carrots
• 1 cup sliced cucumber
• ½ cup creamy peanut butter
• 2 tablespoons soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
• 1 teaspoon sesame oil
• 1 clove garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon grated ginger
• Optional: red pepper flakes or sriracha

Cooking Instructions

1. Cook noodles according to package instructions. Drain and let them cool.
2. In a bowl, mix peanut butter, soy sauce, rice vinegar, sesame oil, garlic, and ginger until smooth.
3. Toss noodles with the peanut sauce until they’re evenly coated.
4. Add shredded carrots and cucumber and mix well.
5. Chill for 30 minutes in the fridge before serving.
6. If you want some heat, sprinkle on red pepper flakes or a bit of sriracha.

9) Pork & Sesame Udon Noodles

This dish comes together fast—great for those nights when you just want to eat and relax. Chewy udon noodles and ground pork make it filling, and the sesame sauce brings everything together.

You can get dinner on the table in about 15 minutes. Honestly, I love how simple it is and how the flavors just click.

Ingredients

• 8 oz (225g) udon noodles
• 1/2 lb (225g) ground pork
• 2 tbsp sesame oil
• 2 tbsp soy sauce
• 1 tbsp rice vinegar
• 1 tbsp brown sugar
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tsp grated ginger
• 1 tbsp toasted sesame seeds
• 2 scallions, chopped

Cooking Instructions

1. Cook udon noodles according to the package. Drain and set aside.
2. Heat sesame oil in a pan over medium heat (around 350°F/175°C).
3. Toss in garlic and ginger, sauté for about a minute.
4. Add ground pork and cook until it browns, about 5 minutes.
5. Stir in soy sauce, rice vinegar, and brown sugar. Let it cook for 2 minutes.
6. Add the noodles and toss everything together. Cook for another 1-2 minutes.
7. Top with sesame seeds and scallions before serving.

For more details, check the 15-minute Pork and Sesame Udon Noodles recipe.

10) Vegan ramen with mushrooms and tofu

This vegan ramen with mushrooms and tofu is full of flavor and comes together way easier than you’d think. The broth, made from mushrooms and miso, has this rich, savory thing going on—super comforting.

Crispy tofu gives it a nice bite next to the soft noodles. Toss in fresh veggies like bok choy if you want a little crunch and some extra nutrition.

You can pull this together fast, so it’s great for a weeknight dinner when you’re tired but still want something good.

You can find a solid recipe for this one, with clear steps and ingredients, over at Feasting At Home’s vegan ramen page.

Ingredients

• Ramen noodles
• Firm tofu
• Shiitake or other mushrooms
• Miso paste
• Vegetable broth
• Bok choy or other greens
• Soy sauce
• Garlic and ginger

Cooking Instructions

1. Press the tofu, then cut it into cubes.

2. Pan-fry the tofu until it turns crispy.

3. Toss garlic, ginger, and mushrooms into a pot and sauté.

4. Pour in the vegetable broth and stir in miso paste.

5. Let everything simmer for about 10 minutes.

6. Boil ramen noodles in a separate pot.

7. Grab a bowl and add the noodles, broth, tofu, and veggies.

8. Serve while it’s hot—dig in and enjoy!