If you are looking for a dish that brilliantly combines creamy, spicy, and tangy flavors with a satisfying pasta base, you have to try this Bang Bang Chicken Pasta. This recipe elevates simple ingredients into a vibrant, crowd-pleasing meal with juicy chicken bites enveloped in a luscious bang bang sauce, all tossed with al dente penne. It’s the perfect way to enjoy a quick, flavorful dinner that feels indulgent but comes together in no time. Trust me, once you make this Bang Bang Chicken Pasta, it’ll become your go-to for busy weeknights or casual gatherings.

Bang Bang Chicken Pasta Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

The magic behind this Bang Bang Chicken Pasta lies in its straightforward but essential ingredients. Each element plays a crucial role: from the perfectly cooked penne providing a hearty base, to the tender chicken delivering protein and texture, and then the creamy, spicy sauce that brings it all together with a wonderful kick.

12 oz penne pasta: The ideal pasta shape to hold onto the spicy sauce and chicken pieces perfectly.
2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts: Cut into bite-sized pieces for quick cooking and even distribution.
2 tablespoons olive oil: For sautéing the chicken to a golden, flavorful finish.
1/2 teaspoon salt: Enhances all the flavors beautifully without overpowering.
1/4 teaspoon black pepper: Adds a subtle depth and mild heat.
1/2 cup mayonnaise: The creamy base of the bang bang sauce that balances the spice.
1/4 cup sweet chili sauce: Brings a sweet and mildly spicy element native to bang bang flavor.
2 tablespoons sriracha sauce: Packs the sauce with that signature kick you’ll love.
2 cloves garlic, minced: Adds an aromatic punch that rounds out the sauce.
2 green onions, sliced: For a fresh, mildly sharp garnish that brightens every bite.
1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley (optional): Provides a pop of color and subtle freshness to finish the dish.

How to Make Bang Bang Chicken Pasta

Step 1: Cook the Penne Pasta

Start by boiling your penne pasta according to the package directions until it is perfectly al dente. This texture is important because it will hold the creamy bang bang sauce wonderfully without getting mushy. Once cooked, drain the pasta and set it aside while you prepare the chicken and sauce.

Step 2: Prepare and Cook the Chicken

Season your bite-sized chicken pieces with salt and black pepper. In a large skillet over medium-high heat, warm the olive oil until it glistens, then add the chicken. Let it cook undisturbed for a few minutes to develop a golden crust, flipping occasionally so all sides cook evenly. After about 6-8 minutes, your chicken should be juicy inside and beautifully browned on the outside.

Step 3: Whisk the Bang Bang Sauce

In a small bowl, combine mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, sriracha, and minced garlic. Whisk them together until you achieve a smooth, glossy sauce that perfectly balances creaminess, sweetness, and spicy heat — the hallmark of any good Bang Bang Chicken Pasta.

Step 4: Toss Everything Together

Add the cooked penne and chicken directly into the skillet. Pour your freshly made bang bang sauce over the ingredients and gently toss everything to ensure the pasta and chicken are thoroughly coated. Let it heat through for a minute or two to marry all the flavors beautifully.

Step 5: Garnish and Serve

Finish your dish by sprinkling sliced green onions and chopped parsley on top. These garnishes not only bring color and texture but also add a fresh contrast that brightens the creamy sauce and spicy chicken.

How to Serve Bang Bang Chicken Pasta

Garnishes

Adding thinly sliced green onions and fresh parsley provides a vibrant, herbaceous lift that cuts through the richness of the bang bang sauce. If you enjoy a little extra heat, a sprinkle of crushed red pepper flakes can complement the already spicy flavor profile.

Side Dishes

This Bang Bang Chicken Pasta shines as a main course, but pairing it with crisp, refreshing sides magnifies the experience. Consider a light cucumber salad or steamed broccoli to balance the rich and spicy tones, or some garlic bread to soak up any extra sauce—comfort food vibes all around!

Creative Ways to Present

To impress your guests, serve this dish in individual pasta bowls topped with extra green onion and a drizzle of sriracha for an added pop of color and heat. Alternatively, try layering the pasta in clear glass jars for a playful yet elegant presentation that’s perfect for casual dinner parties.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you happen to have any leftovers from this flavorful Bang Bang Chicken Pasta, store them in an airtight container in the fridge. The pasta and chicken will keep their texture well for up to 3 days, making it an excellent choice for meal prep or quick lunches.

Freezing

Freezing this dish is possible, but because of the creamy mayonnaise-based sauce, the texture might change slightly upon thawing. To minimize this, freeze the cooked chicken and pasta separately from the sauce, then combine and reheat slowly when ready to enjoy.

Reheating

When reheating, do so gently in a skillet over low heat or microwave in short bursts, adding a splash of water or milk if the sauce seems too thick. Stir frequently to maintain that creamy consistency and prevent drying out the chicken or pasta.

FAQs

What kind of pasta works best for Bang Bang Chicken Pasta?

Penne is ideal because its ridged surface and hollow center capture the creamy bang bang sauce beautifully. However, similar shapes like rigatoni or rotini also work well if you want to mix things up.

Can I use another protein instead of chicken?

Absolutely! Shrimp or tofu can make fantastic alternatives that soak up the sauce well. Just adjust cooking times accordingly to ensure your protein is cooked perfectly.

How spicy is the Bang Bang Chicken Pasta?

The level of heat can easily be adjusted by varying the amount of sriracha. The given amount provides a moderate kick that complements the sweetness of the chili sauce without overwhelming the palate.

Is the sauce gluten-free?

The main ingredients are naturally gluten-free, but it’s important to check the labels on the sweet chili sauce and sriracha, as some brands may contain gluten. Using gluten-free pasta will complete the dish’s gluten-free status.

Can this recipe be made vegetarian or vegan?

Yes! Substitute chicken with roasted vegetables or plant-based protein, and swap mayonnaise for vegan mayo. This way, you keep all the vibrant flavors while adhering to your dietary preferences.

Final Thoughts

There is something truly special about this Bang Bang Chicken Pasta that makes it both comforting and exciting at the same time. It’s creamy, spicy, and deliciously satisfying — a meal that feels homemade but restaurant-quality. Give this recipe a try and watch it become an instant favorite in your kitchen, perfect for sharing with family or impressing friends who crave bold flavors. Happy cooking!

Bang Bang Chicken Pasta Recipe

★★★★★

5.1 from 22 reviews

Author: Ella
Total Time: 25 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Diet: Low Fat

Print Recipe

Description

Bang Bang Chicken Pasta is a flavorful and spicy dish that combines tender chicken pieces and penne pasta with a creamy, tangy bang bang sauce made from mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, and sriracha. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner, this vibrant meal is garnished with fresh green onions and parsley, delivering a perfect balance of heat and creaminess.

Instructions

Cook Pasta: Cook the penne pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain well and set aside to keep warm.
Cook Chicken: Season the 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.
Prepare Bang Bang Sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, sriracha sauce, and minced garlic until smooth and well combined. This will be the creamy, spicy sauce that coats the pasta and chicken.
Toss Together: Add the cooked pasta and chicken to the skillet or a large bowl. Pour the bang bang sauce over the top and toss everything gently but thoroughly until all the pasta and chicken are coated with the sauce and heated through.
Garnish and Serve: Sprinkle the sliced green onions and chopped fresh parsley over the pasta. Serve immediately while warm for the best flavor and texture.