Quick Creamy Bang Bang Chicken Pasta
A creamy, spicy, and comforting pasta dish featuring tender chicken and a homemade bang bang sauce, ready in about 20 minutes. Perfect for quick weeknight dinners with bold flavor and minimal fuss.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Scale
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-size pieces
- 8 ounces penne or rotini pasta
- 1 tablespoon vegetable or canola oil
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise (Duke’s or Hellmann’s recommended)
- 1/4 cup sweet chili sauce (Mae Ploy brand recommended)
- 1 to 2 teaspoons sriracha (adjust to spice preference)
- 2 tablespoons milk (whole or 2%)
- 1 teaspoon lime juice
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Chopped green onions (for garnish)
- Sesame seeds (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add 8 ounces of pasta and cook according to package directions until al dente, about 9-11 minutes. Reserve 1/2 cup of pasta water, then drain and set aside.
- While pasta cooks, heat 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Season chicken pieces with salt, pepper, and 1 teaspoon garlic powder. Add chicken to skillet in a single layer and cook 5-6 minutes, turning occasionally, until cooked through and golden brown. Remove from heat and set aside.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together 1/2 cup mayonnaise, 1/4 cup sweet chili sauce, 1 to 2 teaspoons sriracha, 2 tablespoons milk, and 1 teaspoon lime juice until smooth. Adjust seasoning as needed.
- Return skillet to medium heat and add cooked pasta and chicken. Pour sauce over and toss well to coat. If sauce is too thick, add reserved pasta water a tablespoon at a time until creamy and silky.
- Cook together for 2-3 minutes, stirring often, until warmed through and coated in sauce. Avoid overheating to prevent sauce separation.
- Remove from heat and garnish with chopped green onions and sesame seeds if desired. Serve immediately.
Notes
If sauce thickens after resting, add a splash of milk or reserved pasta water to loosen it without diluting flavor. Avoid overcrowding the chicken in the pan to get golden edges. Adjust sriracha to taste for desired spice level. Leftovers keep well refrigerated for up to 3 days; reheat gently with added milk or water.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving (approxima
- Calories: 520
- Sugar: 6
- Sodium: 700
- Fat: 28
- Saturated Fat: 5
- Carbohydrates: 38
- Fiber: 2
- Protein: 32
Keywords: bang bang chicken pasta, creamy pasta, quick dinner, spicy pasta, easy chicken recipe, weeknight dinner, creamy bang bang sauce