Bang Bang Chicken Pasta Recipe
If you are looking for a vibrant and delightfully flavorful meal that comes together in a flash, you are going to fall head over heels for this Bang Bang Chicken Pasta. This dish brings together tender chicken bites with perfectly cooked penne, all enveloped in a luscious, creamy sauce that delivers just the right amount of spicy kick and sweet heat. Every forkful bursts with bold flavors and textures that will surely make this recipe a new classic in your dinner rotation. Trust me, once you try this Bang Bang Chicken Pasta, it will become one of your go-to dishes for both weeknight dinners and casual entertaining.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This recipe only calls for a handful of simple ingredients, but each one plays a crucial role in building the rich and balanced flavor profile of the Bang Bang Chicken Pasta. From the tender chicken to the spicy-sweet sauce, these components come together to create something absolutely irresistible.
- Penne pasta: The perfect pasta shape for holding onto the creamy sauce and chicken pieces.
- Boneless, skinless chicken breasts: Cut into bite-sized pieces for easy cooking and eating.
- Olive oil: Provides a light, fruity base for sautéing the chicken to golden perfection.
- Salt and black pepper: Essential seasonings that bring out the natural flavors of the chicken.
- Mayonnaise: Adds creaminess and richness to the bang bang sauce.
- Sweet chili sauce: Brings a sweet heat that balances the spice and adds a hint of tang.
- Sriracha sauce: Delivers the signature spicy punch that makes this dish truly bang bang.
- Garlic: Minced for aromatic depth in the sauce.
- Green onions: Sliced as a fresh, crunchy garnish to brighten every bite.
- Fresh parsley (optional): Adds a pop of green color and herby freshness.
How to Make Bang Bang Chicken Pasta
Step 1: Cook the Pasta
Begin by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the penne pasta and cook according to the package instructions until al dente. This ensures the pasta has just the right bite to contrast beautifully with the creamy sauce. Once cooked, drain the pasta thoroughly and set it aside while you prepare the rest of the dish.
Step 2: Sauté the Chicken
Next, season the bite-sized chicken pieces with salt and black pepper. Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. When the oil is hot, add the chicken and cook it until golden brown and fully cooked through, around 6 to 8 minutes. The key here is to let the chicken cook undisturbed a bit to develop a nice sear, which adds flavor and texture to the Bang Bang Chicken Pasta.
Step 3: Whisk Up the Bang Bang Sauce
While the chicken is cooking, mix the mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, sriracha, and minced garlic in a small bowl. This creamy, spicy, and slightly sweet sauce is what makes this pasta so addictive. The mayonnaise forms a luscious base, while the sweet chili and sriracha bring that classic bang bang flavor that’s vibrant yet balanced.
Step 4: Combine and Toss
Once the chicken is cooked and the pasta is ready, add both to the skillet. Pour the bang bang sauce over the top, then toss everything together gently but thoroughly. This ensures every piece of pasta and chicken is wonderfully coated in the sauce, creating that irresistible creamy, spicy finish. Heat for a minute or two so everything melds perfectly.
Step 5: Garnish and Serve
Finally, sprinkle the sliced green onions and chopped fresh parsley over the pasta right before serving. The fresh herbs add an inviting pop of color and a subtle, fresh flavor that complements the richness of the sauce. Now it’s time to dig in and enjoy your delicious Bang Bang Chicken Pasta!
How to Serve Bang Bang Chicken Pasta
Garnishes
To elevate the dish even further, garnishes like sliced green onions provide crunch and a subtle sharpness, while fresh parsley or even a sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds can add a lovely textural contrast and herbal brightness. These little touches not only make the dish more visually appealing but also enhance each bite’s flavor complexity.
Side Dishes
Bang Bang Chicken Pasta pairs wonderfully with light and refreshing sides. Consider a crisp green salad with a tangy vinaigrette to cut through the richness or steamed vegetables like broccoli or snap peas for a satisfying crunch. Garlic bread or warm dinner rolls can also be a welcomed addition to soak up any extra sauce.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve the Bang Bang Chicken Pasta in individual bowls topped with an extra drizzle of sweet chili sauce or a sprinkle of crushed peanuts for added texture. Serving it family-style on a large platter garnished with herbs can turn your meal into an inviting feast for gatherings. These creative presentations make the meal feel special and encourage sharing.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Bang Bang Chicken Pasta can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. The sauce may thicken slightly after cooling; a quick stir or a splash of warm water or broth when reheating can bring back its creamy texture.
Freezing
This dish is best enjoyed fresh, but if you want to freeze leftovers, store them in a freezer-safe container for up to one month. When ready to eat, thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat gently on the stovetop or microwave, adding a little water as needed to loosen the sauce and keep the pasta moist.
Reheating
To warm up your Bang Bang Chicken Pasta, gently reheat it over low heat on the stovetop, stirring frequently to prevent sticking. Alternatively, microwave in short bursts, stirring between intervals to ensure even heating. Be careful not to overheat, or the chicken can become dry and the sauce may separate.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of pasta for this recipe?
Absolutely! While penne is great for holding the sauce, other shapes like rotini, farfalle, or rigatoni also work wonderfully and will give a slightly different texture experience.
Is this dish very spicy?
The spice level can be adjusted by controlling the amount of sriracha sauce. If you prefer a milder dish, reduce the sriracha or substitute with a milder chili sauce. The sweet chili sauce balances heat with sweetness, so it’s a nice combo.
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Yes, chicken thighs can be a more flavorful and juicy alternative. Just be sure to cut them into similar-sized pieces for even cooking and keep the cooking time slightly longer if needed.
Is this recipe suitable for meal prep?
Definitely. Bang Bang Chicken Pasta reheats well, making it an excellent choice for a delicious and quick meal prep option for busy weekdays.
What can I substitute for mayonnaise in the bang bang sauce?
If you prefer, you can substitute mayonnaise with Greek yogurt or sour cream for a tangier twist, though this will slightly change the sauce’s creamy texture and flavor.
Final Thoughts
This Bang Bang Chicken Pasta is a fantastic example of how simple ingredients can come together to create something truly spectacular and satisfying. Its comforting creaminess, paired with the perfect kick of spice, makes it a crowd-pleaser every single time. I promise, once you make this dish, it will become a favorite that you reach for again and again—so go ahead, dive in, and enjoy every bite of your very own Bang Bang Chicken Pasta masterpiece!
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Bang Bang Chicken Pasta Recipe
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Low Lactose
Description
Bang Bang Chicken Pasta is a flavorful and spicy fusion dish that combines tender chicken, perfectly cooked penne pasta, and a creamy, tangy bang bang sauce made from mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, and sriracha. This quick and easy recipe packs a punch of heat balanced by the sweetness of the chili sauce, making it a perfect weeknight dinner that’s both satisfying and vibrant.
Ingredients
Pasta
- 12 oz (340 g) penne pasta
Chicken
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Bang Bang Sauce
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 1/4 cup sweet chili sauce
- 2 tablespoons sriracha sauce
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
Garnish
- 2 green onions, sliced
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley (optional)
Instructions
- Cook the pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the penne pasta according to the package instructions, usually about 11 minutes until al dente. Drain the pasta and set it aside.
- Cook the chicken: Season the bite-sized chicken pieces with salt and black pepper. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken pieces and cook for 6-8 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the chicken is golden brown and cooked through.
- Make the bang bang sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, sriracha sauce, and minced garlic until smooth and well combined.
- Toss pasta and chicken with sauce: Add the cooked pasta and chicken back to the skillet and pour the bang bang sauce over them. Toss everything together thoroughly to coat the pasta and chicken evenly in the sauce. Heat through for 2-3 minutes.
- Garnish and serve: Remove from heat and garnish with sliced green onions and chopped fresh parsley if using. Serve the dish immediately for best flavor and texture.
Notes
- Adjust the amount of sriracha sauce to control the spice level.
- You can substitute penne with any other pasta shape like fusilli or farfalle.
- For a lighter version, use light mayonnaise or Greek yogurt in the sauce.
- Chicken thighs can be used instead of breasts for a juicier texture.
- Leftovers store well in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Sautéing, Boiling, Tossing
- Cuisine: Fusion, American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 480
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 650mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 16g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 28g
- Cholesterol: 65mg
Keywords: bang bang chicken, chicken pasta, spicy chicken pasta, creamy chicken pasta, penne pasta recipe, easy weeknight dinner, spicy mayo pasta
