why make this recipe
This dish gives you a quick, spicy, and creamy pasta that changes plain chicken into a bold dinner. If you like easy weeknight meals, try this for a fast option that still feels special. For ideas on other creamy chicken meals you can pair with this, see easy weeknight creamy chicken dish.
introduction
Bang Bang Chicken Pasta mixes tender chicken, a spicy creamy sauce, and pasta for a filling meal. It cooks fast and uses simple pantry items. If you enjoy creamy, spicy flavors in a simple recipe, check a similar creamy chicken recipe for more ideas at creamy chicken tortilla soup recipe.
how to make Bang Bang Chicken Pasta
Follow the steps below to cook the dish from start to finish. Read the Ingredients and Directions sections first so you have everything ready. For more tips on handling creamy sauces, you can review a short guide on a related creamy chicken dish at simple creamy chicken recipe.
Ingredients :
- 2 chicken breasts, diced
- 8 oz pasta (such as linguine or spaghetti)
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 2 tbsp sriracha sauce
- 1 tbsp chili paste
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Chopped green onions for garnish
Directions :
- Cook pasta according to package instructions, then drain and set aside.
- In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat.
- Add diced chicken, season with salt and pepper, and cook until browned and cooked through.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together heavy cream, sriracha, chili paste, and minced garlic.
- Pour the sauce into the skillet with the chicken and stir to combine.
- Add the cooked pasta to the skillet and toss everything together until well coated in the sauce.
- Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes to heat through.
- Serve hot, garnished with chopped green onions.
how to serve Bang Bang Chicken Pasta
Serve this pasta hot in shallow bowls so the sauce stays on the noodles. Add extra chopped green onions or a squeeze of lime if you like bright flavors. For a light side, serve with a simple green salad or a warm bread roll. If you want a matching creamy side idea, see a related creamy chicken option at creamy chicken meal.
how to store Bang Bang Chicken Pasta
Cool the pasta to room temperature, then place it in an airtight container. Store in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a pan over low heat, adding a splash of water or cream to loosen the sauce if it thickens.
tips to make Bang Bang Chicken Pasta
- Dice the chicken small so it cooks fast and stays tender.
- Taste the sauce before adding it to the pasta and adjust heat with more or less sriracha.
- Use hot pasta right away so the sauce clings to the noodles.
- For help with creamy sauce technique, you can review a similar guide at creamy chicken soup instructions.
variation (if any)
- Use shrimp instead of chicken for a seafood twist.
- Swap heavy cream for half-and-half for a slightly lighter sauce (it will be thinner).
- Add steamed broccoli or snap peas for more vegetables.
- Stir in a handful of shredded cheese for extra richness.
FAQs
Q: Can I make this spicy level milder?
A: Yes. Reduce the sriracha and chili paste to taste, or start with half and add more after tasting.
Q: What pasta works best?
A: Long noodles like linguine or spaghetti work well, but short pasta like penne also works.
Q: Can I freeze this dish?
A: Freezing is not ideal because the cream sauce can change texture. You can freeze the cooked chicken and sauce separately, but fresh is best.
Q: Can I use skinless chicken thighs instead?
A: Yes. Thighs add more flavor and stay juicy, but adjust cooking time until they are cooked through.
Bang Bang Chicken Pasta
Ingredients
Method
- Cook pasta according to package instructions, then drain and set aside.
- In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat.
- Add diced chicken, season with salt and pepper, and cook until browned and cooked through.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together heavy cream, sriracha, chili paste, and minced garlic.
- Pour the sauce into the skillet with the chicken and stir to combine.
- Add the cooked pasta to the skillet and toss everything together until well coated in the sauce.
- Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes to heat through.
- Serve hot, garnished with chopped green onions.