Thai Peanut Noodles with Chicken

Want a simple recipe that's also delicious?  Look no further.  Adding peanut butter to your diet adds healthy mono-unsaturated fat, protein and flavor.  This easy recipe can be used with chicken, turkey or tofu.  Add more vegetables like green beans, broccoli or zucchini or use gluten-free noodles if needed.  If you like a more mild sauce, skip the crushed red pepper. Ingredients1 lb. brown rice or Soba noodles2 cups cooked chicken or turkey or sautéed firm tofu cut into cubes½ cup natural peanut butter (smooth or crunchy)3 Tbsp. low sodium soy sauce½ cup water1 ½ tsp. ground or minced ginger1 clove garlic, minced1 ½ Tbsp. rice wine vinegar1-2 tsp. crushed red pepper1 medium-sized red or yellow bell pepper, cut into strips3 green onions, sliced diagonally (~ ¼ cup)2 Tbsp. chopped cilantro Directions 

1. Cook pasta according to directions and set aside.
2. Sautee peppers in non-stick canola spray and set aside.
3. Combine peanut butter, water, soy sauce, vinegar, and ginger in a large sauce pan and whisk until blended. Simmer over low to medium heat for ~10 minutes until sauce is creamy.
4. Add cooked pasta, chicken, turkey or tofu and toss in peanut sauce. Add sautéed peppers, green onions and toss lightly.
5. Sprinkle chopped cilantro on top and serve while hot.

 Makes 8 servings.  Nutrition Facts per serving (using chicken):  331 calories, 10.5 grams fat, 36.4 grams carbohydrate, 22.2 grams protein, 2.5 gm fiber, 68 mg cholesterol, 267 mg sodium