Bang Bang Chicken Pasta

Bang Bang Chicken Pasta is a bold, creamy, and slightly spicy pasta dish that combines tender chicken, perfectly cooked pasta, and a rich bang bang sauce made with mayo, sweet chili sauce, and a touch of heat. This recipe delivers restaurant-style flavor in a simple, comforting homemade meal that’s perfect for busy weeknights or when you want something indulgent and exciting. The creamy sauce clings to every bite of pasta, while the balance of sweet, spicy, and savory flavors makes this dish incredibly addictive.

Ingredients

• 12 oz pasta (penne, rotini, or fusilli)
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breast, cut into bite-sized pieces
• 1 teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• ½ teaspoon chili flakes (optional)
• ½ cup mayonnaise
• ⅓ cup sweet chili sauce
• 2 tablespoons sriracha (adjust to taste)
• ½ cup heavy cream
• ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
• ¼ cup pasta cooking water (as needed)
• Green onions, sliced (for garnish)
• Sesame seeds (optional garnish)

Preparation Steps

Step 1: Cook the Pasta

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve ¼ cup of pasta water, then drain and set aside.

Step 2: Season and Cook the Chicken

Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add chicken pieces, salt, pepper, garlic powder, paprika, and chili flakes. Cook for 6–8 minutes until the chicken is fully cooked and lightly golden. Remove from heat and set aside.

Step 3: Make the Bang Bang Sauce

In a bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, sriracha, and heavy cream until smooth and creamy.

Step 4: Combine Everything

Lower the skillet heat to medium-low. Add cooked pasta and chicken back into the skillet. Pour the bang bang sauce over the top and gently toss until everything is well coated. Add reserved pasta water as needed to loosen the sauce.

Step 5: Finish with Cheese

Stir in grated Parmesan cheese and cook for 1–2 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly and becomes silky.

Step 6: Garnish and Serve

Remove from heat. Garnish with sliced green onions and sesame seeds. Serve hot.

Variations

• Use shrimp instead of chicken
• Add broccoli or bell peppers
• Swap mayo for Greek yogurt for a lighter version
• Make it extra spicy with more sriracha
• Use rice noodles for an Asian-inspired twist

Serving Suggestions

• Serve with a crisp green salad
• Pair with garlic bread or dinner rolls
• Add steamed veggies on the side
• Perfect as a main dish for casual dinners
• Great for leftovers and meal prep

Tips

• Cut chicken evenly for consistent cooking
• Don’t overcook pasta, it will soften in the sauce
• Adjust sweetness with extra chili sauce
• Store leftovers in an airtight container
• Reheat gently with a splash of cream

Prep Time / Cooking Time / Total Time

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cooking Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 40 minutes

Nutritional Information (Per Serving)

Approx. 610 calories
36g protein
34g fat
42g carbohydrates

Conclusion

Bang Bang Chicken Pasta is a creamy, flavor-packed dish that brings together tender chicken, pasta, and an irresistible sweet-and-spicy sauce. Easy to make and full of bold flavor, this recipe is perfect when you want something comforting yet exciting on the dinner table.