Bang Bang Chicken Pasta Recipe
Introduction
Bang Bang Chicken Pasta is a flavorful and spicy dish combining tender chicken, perfectly cooked penne, and a creamy, tangy sauce with just the right kick. It’s a quick and satisfying meal ideal for weeknight dinners or casual gatherings.
Ingredients
- 12 oz (340 g) penne pasta
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 1/4 cup sweet chili sauce
- 2 tablespoons sriracha sauce
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 green onions, sliced
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley (optional)
Instructions
- Step 1: Cook the penne pasta according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
- Step 2: Season the chicken pieces with salt and black pepper. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken and cook for 6-8 minutes, until golden and cooked through.
- Step 3: In a small bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, sriracha sauce, and minced garlic to make the bang bang sauce.
- Step 4: Add the cooked pasta and chicken to the skillet. Pour the bang bang sauce over and toss everything together until well coated and heated through.
- Step 5: Garnish with sliced green onions and chopped parsley if desired. Serve immediately.
Tips & Variations
- For a milder sauce, reduce the amount of sriracha or omit it altogether.
- Swap penne for rotini or farfalle to change up the pasta texture.
- Add steamed vegetables like broccoli or bell peppers for extra color and nutrition.
- Use Greek yogurt instead of mayonnaise for a lighter sauce version.
Storage
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the microwave or on the stovetop with a splash of water to prevent the sauce from drying out. This dish is best enjoyed fresh but can be prepared in advance for convenience.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I use frozen chicken for this recipe?
Yes, but make sure to fully thaw and pat the chicken dry before cooking to ensure it browns nicely and cooks evenly.
What can I substitute if I don’t have sweet chili sauce?
You can mix honey or maple syrup with a bit of chili garlic sauce or hot sauce to mimic the sweetness and spice of sweet chili sauce.
PrintBang Bang Chicken Pasta Recipe
Bang Bang Chicken Pasta is a flavorful, spicy, and creamy pasta dish combining tender chicken pieces with penne pasta tossed in a zesty bang bang sauce made from mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, sriracha, and garlic. This quick skillet recipe delivers a perfect balance of heat and creaminess, garnished with fresh green onions and parsley for a delicious meal ready in under 30 minutes.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
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 Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the penne pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain the pasta thoroughly and set aside.
- Cook 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 and sauté for 6-8 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the chicken is golden brown and cooked through.
- Prepare Bang Bang Sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, sriracha sauce, and minced garlic until smooth and well combined, forming the spicy and creamy bang bang sauce.
- Toss Together: Add the cooked penne pasta and chicken directly into the skillet. Pour the bang bang sauce over the top and toss everything together gently until the pasta and chicken are evenly coated with the sauce and heated through.
- Garnish and Serve: Remove from heat and garnish with sliced green onions and chopped fresh parsley if using. Serve immediately while warm for the best flavor and texture.
Notes
- Adjust the amount of sriracha according to your preferred spice level.
- To make this dish gluten-free, substitute the penne pasta with gluten-free pasta.
- For added veggies, consider mixing in steamed broccoli or bell peppers.
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Reheat gently in a skillet or microwave, adding a splash of water or broth if needed to loosen the sauce.
Keywords: Bang Bang Chicken, pasta recipe, spicy chicken pasta, creamy pasta, easy dinner, quick meal
