Bang Bang Chicken Pasta is the perfect fusion of creamy, spicy, and satisfying all in one bowl. This dish brings tender chicken and al dente penne together in a dreamy sriracha-mayo sauce, brightened by honey, garlic, and rice vinegar. It’s a breeze to whip up on busy weeknights, yet fancy enough to impress friends. Trust me, once you try this bold flavor burst crowned with crisp carrots, green onions, and sesame seeds, you’ll be hooked—and you’ll want to share it with everyone.
Key Ingredients
Before you dive in, let’s gather everything you need. Here are the stars of this recipe:
- 300 g penne pasta: The perfect tubular shape that locks in the creamy sauce for every bite.
- 2 tbsp olive oil: Provides a rich base for cooking chicken and adds a subtle fruity flavor.
- 450 g boneless skinless chicken breasts cut into bite sized pieces: Lean protein that cooks quickly and soaks up the sauce.
- 1 tsp salt: Enhances all the flavors in the dish, from chicken to sauce.
- 1/2 tsp black pepper: A mild heat that complements the sriracha without overpowering it.
- 1 cup mayonnaise: Creates the silky, velvety body of the Bang Bang sauce.
- 3 tbsp sriracha sauce: Delivers the signature spicy kick of this dish.
- 2 tbsp honey: Balances the heat with a touch of natural sweetness.
- 2 tsp rice vinegar: Adds a bright acidity to cut through the richness.
- 2 cloves garlic minced: Infuses the sauce with aromatic depth and savory warmth.
- 1/4 cup chopped green onions: Bright, fresh garnish that adds color and mild onion flavor.
- 1/4 cup shredded carrots: Provides crunch and a pop of vibrant color.
- 2 tsp sesame seeds: A nutty finishing touch that enhances visual appeal and texture.
How To Make Bang Bang Chicken Pasta
Ready to get cooking? This simple method brings together perfectly cooked pasta, tender chicken, and that irresistible creamy sauce in just a few steps. Follow along to master the process, from boiling and browning to whisking and tossing—all designed to deliver balanced flavors and textures.
1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil and cook the penne pasta until al dente, about 8–10 minutes. Drain thoroughly and set the pasta aside to keep it from overcooking.
2. Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Season the bite-sized chicken pieces evenly with salt and pepper to ensure every morsel is flavorful.
3. Add the seasoned chicken to the hot skillet and cook, stirring occasionally, until each piece is golden brown on the outside and fully cooked through, about 5–7 minutes.
4. In a medium bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, sriracha sauce, honey, rice vinegar, and minced garlic until the mixture is completely smooth and creamy.
5. Return the drained pasta to the skillet with the cooked chicken, then pour the prepared sauce on top so every ingredient can soak it in.
6. Toss everything gently over low heat for about 2 minutes, ensuring the pasta and chicken are thoroughly coated and warmed through without breaking the noodles.
7. Remove the skillet from the heat and garnish with chopped green onions, shredded carrots, and sesame seeds before serving for instant color and crunch.
Serving Suggestions
This Bang Bang Chicken Pasta shines on its own, but pairing it with the right sides can elevate your meal even more. Think about contrasting textures, fresh flavors, and colorful accents to round out your plate:
- Serve with a crisp green salad tossed in a light vinaigrette to balance the creamy heat.
- Offer lime wedges on the side for guests to squeeze over the pasta, adding a zesty brightness.
- Pair with steamed broccoli or snap peas for extra veggies and a refreshing crunch.
- Accompany with garlic bread or crusty rolls to mop up every last drop of sauce.
Tips For Perfect Bang Bang Chicken Pasta
With a dish this delicious, a few insider tricks can make it even better. These tips will help you customize heat levels, swap in your favorite pasta shapes, and keep leftovers tasting fresh.
- Adjust the sriracha amount to suit your preferred spice level.
- You can substitute penne with fusilli or rotini for a different texture.
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- For extra crunch, top with crushed peanuts or additional sesame seeds.
How To Store It
Whether you’re meal-prepping or saving leftovers, proper storage keeps your Bang Bang Chicken Pasta tasting just as good later. Follow these simple methods to maintain its creamy texture and bold flavors:
- Refrigerate: Transfer cooled pasta to an airtight container and store in the fridge for up to 3 days. This prevents moisture loss and flavor changes.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are answers to your top questions—short and sweet!
- How long does it take to prepare this recipe?
From start to finish this Bang Bang Chicken Pasta takes about 25–30 minutes. That includes 8–10 minutes to cook the pasta until al dente, 5–7 minutes to brown and cook the chicken, and an additional 2 minutes to toss everything together with the sauce and garnish.
- Can I adjust the spice level of the sauce?
Yes. The heat comes from the sriracha, so you can reduce it to 1–2 tablespoons for a milder flavor or increase it to 4 tablespoons for extra kick. You can also balance the heat by adding a touch more honey or mayonnaise if you prefer a creamier, less fiery sauce.
- What can I use if I don’t have penne pasta?
You can easily substitute penne with fusilli, rotini, rigatoni, or any short, tubular pasta. These shapes hold the creamy Bang Bang sauce well. For a gluten-free option, use gluten-free penne or another small GF pasta.
- How do I ensure my chicken is cooked through but still juicy?
Cut the chicken into evenly sized bite-sized pieces so they cook at the same rate. Do not overcrowd the skillet—cook in a single layer over medium-high heat until the edges are golden and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C). Let the chicken rest a minute off the heat before tossing with the sauce to retain juices.
- Can I make components of this recipe ahead of time?
Yes. You can cook and cool the pasta, and prepare and refrigerate the sauce up to a day in advance. Reheat the chicken, sauce, and pasta together briefly in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of water if needed to loosen the sauce before serving.
- How should I store and reheat leftovers?
Transfer leftovers to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm in a skillet over low heat with a tablespoon of water or broth, stirring gently until heated through. You can also microwave in a covered dish, stirring halfway to ensure even heating.
What Makes This Special
Bang Bang Chicken Pasta stands out because it delivers creamy sriracha-mayo sauce clinging to tender chicken and penne, brightened with honey, garlic, and rice vinegar—all crowned with crisp carrots, green onions, and sesame seeds for a bold flavor burst. It’s simple enough for a weeknight dinner yet vibrant and fun enough to serve at gatherings. Feel free to print this article and stash it in your recipe binder—future you will thank you! Drop a comment below if you give it a whirl or have any questions—we love hearing how it turns out.
Bang Bang Chicken Pasta
Description
Tender chicken and al dente penne swirl in a creamy sriracha-mayo sauce, brightened with honey, garlic, and rice vinegar. A sprinkle of green onions, shredded carrots, and sesame seeds adds crunch and color.
Ingredients
Instructions
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Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the penne pasta until al dente, about 8–10 minutes, then drain and set aside.
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Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat and season chicken pieces with salt and pepper.
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Add the chicken to the skillet and cook until golden brown and cooked through, about 5–7 minutes, stirring occasionally.
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In a medium bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, sriracha sauce, honey, rice vinegar, and minced garlic until smooth.
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Add the drained pasta to the skillet with the chicken and pour the sauce over the top.
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Toss everything together over low heat until the pasta and chicken are fully coated and heated through, about 2 minutes.
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Remove from heat and garnish with chopped green onions, shredded carrots, and sesame seeds before serving.
Note
- Adjust the sriracha amount to suit your preferred spice level.
- You can substitute penne with fusilli or rotini for a different texture.
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- For extra crunch, top with crushed peanuts or additional sesame seeds.
