This Bang Bang Chicken Pasta is a creamy, spicy, and flavorful dish that combines tender chicken with a rich, tangy sauce. Perfect for an easy weeknight dinner!
Table of Contents
Ingredients
For the Chicken:
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon paprika
- ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for extra spice)
For the Pasta:
- 12 oz pasta (linguine, fettuccine, or penne)
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- ¼ cup mayonnaise
- ¼ cup sweet chili sauce
- 2 tablespoons sriracha sauce (adjust to taste)
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- ½ cup pasta water (reserved from cooking)
- ¼ cup chopped green onions (for garnish)
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley or cilantro, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
Step 1: Cook the Pasta
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente.
- Reserve ½ cup of pasta water before draining. Set pasta aside.
Step 2: Cook the Chicken
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
- Season the chicken with salt, black pepper, garlic powder, paprika, and cayenne pepper.
- Add the chicken to the skillet and cook for 5-7 minutes, or until fully cooked and slightly crispy. Remove from the skillet and set aside.
Step 3: Prepare the Sauce
- In the same skillet, melt butter and sauté the minced garlic for 1 minute until fragrant.
- Lower the heat and add heavy cream, mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, sriracha, Parmesan cheese, salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes.
- Stir well and let the sauce simmer for 3-4 minutes, allowing it to thicken.
- If needed, add reserved pasta water to adjust the sauce consistency.
Step 4: Combine Everything
- Add the cooked pasta to the skillet and toss to coat in the sauce.
- Return the cooked chicken to the skillet and mix everything together.
- Let it cook for 2 more minutes, ensuring the pasta and chicken are well coated.
Step 5: Serve and Enjoy
- Garnish with chopped green onions and fresh parsley or cilantro.
- Serve warm and enjoy your creamy, spicy Bang Bang Chicken Pasta!
Tips for the Best Bang Bang Chicken Pasta
- Adjust Spice Levels: Reduce sriracha and red pepper flakes for a milder dish.
- Make It Lighter: Use half-and-half instead of heavy cream for a lower-calorie version.
- Use Different Protein: Try shrimp or tofu instead of chicken for variety.
- Storage & Reheating: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat with a splash of milk or cream.
Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)
- Calories: 650 kcal
- Protein: 40g
- Carbohydrates: 55g
- Fat: 30g
- Fiber: 4g
- Sugar: 8g
Enjoy this creamy, spicy, and delicious Bang Bang Chicken Pasta!