When you can’t get out to get take-out, make these easy favorites yourself with what’s in the pantry.

Makes 6 servings, 1 cup each

ACTIVE TIME: 25 minutes

TOTAL TIME: 25 minutes

EASE OF PREPARATION: Easy

12 ounces whole-wheat pasta
1/2 cup natural peanut butter
3/4 cup boiling water
4 sliced scallions
4 tablespoons reduced-sodium soy sauce
3 tablespoons rice vinegar
1 clove garlic, minced
1/2 teaspoon sugar
Cayenne pepper to taste
Sliced cucumber for garnish

Cook pasta in a large pot of lightly salted boiling water until just tender, according to package directions. Whisk peanut butter with boiling water in a bowl until smooth. Stir in scallions, soy sauce, vinegar, garlic, sugar and cayenne. Toss with hot pasta. Garnish with cucumber. Serve hot or at room temperature.

NUTRITION INFORMATION: Per serving: 342 calories; 12 g fat (1 g sat, 0 g mono); 0 mg cholesterol; 49 g carbohydrate; 14 g protein; 9 g fiber; 443 mg sodium; 172 mg potassium.
Nutrition bonus: Selenium (59% daily value), Magnesium (22% dv).
2 1/2 Carbohydrate Servings