Bang Bang Chicken Pasta

Bang Bang Chicken Pasta is the perfect dinner when you're craving something rich, creamy, and spicy. The homemade Bang Bang sauce combines sweet chili sauce, mayonnaise, and hot sauce for its signature sweet heat, while smoked paprika adds extra depth to the seasoned chicken. It's an impressive pasta dish that's surprisingly easy to make at home. 

I started making this after trying a version at a restaurant and immediately knowing I wanted it on my regular dinner rotation. I love spicy food, and the velvety sauce has just the right amount of kick while still feeling rich and comforting.

The smoked paprika is what really brings it all together, adding a subtle smokiness and depth that takes the flavor to the next level. 

If you're looking for more spicy pasta recipes, you'll love Cajun shrimp pasta and spicy Italian sausage pasta.

Why You'll Love This Recipe

• You finish it in one pan: Aside from boiling the pasta, the remaining ingredients for these Bang Bang chicken noodles are cooked in one pan. This saves you time on clean-up later!
• The heat level is customizable: You have control over how spicy the sauce is, so you can make it as hot or mild as you prefer.
• Kids love it: This creamy pasta dish with chicken is even kid-friendly! I'm confident that the picky eater in your life will be impressed.

Ingredients

Here are the key ingredients to making this easy weeknight chicken pasta!

• Chicken: I use boneless, skinless chicken breasts for this recipe, cut into strips. You can use chicken tenderloins to skip the prep, but it's not necessary.
• Pasta: Penne is my go-to for Bang Bang noodles with chicken because it holds plenty of sauce to ensure lots of flavor in each bite.  Other short pasta such as bowtie or rotini also work well.
• Thai sweet chili sauce: This is a sweet and spicy sauce that is used to add plenty of flavor to Bang Bang sauce. I recommend Mae Ploy or a similar brand.
• Smoked paprika: I use smoked paprika instead of regular paprika to season the chicken to give the recipe more depth. You may substitute regular paprika, but there will be a noticeable flavor difference.
• Sriracha: Use more or less, depending on how much heat you're aiming for.
• Butter: I divide the butter because I cook the chicken in batches; this helps the chicken brown more evenly. Unsalted butter is the better choice over salted butter, so you can have control over how salty the dish is.
• Lime juice: This is traditional in Bang Bang dishes to add brightness and acidity. Fresh lime juice is much brighter than bottled juice.

See the recipe card below for exact ingredient amounts, nutritional information, and detailed instructions.

Variations

• Lighter version: Use Greek yogurt in place of the mayo for a lighter and less rich twist.
• Try rotisserie chicken: Skip the step of cooking the chicken and make this Bang Bang sauce pasta recipe with rotisserie chicken. Combine it with the cooked pasta and sauce, and heat until warmed through. You can skip the seasoning on the chicken or add it to taste to the entire pasta dish.
• Add veggies: Make it more nutritious and add some vegetables. Bell peppers, spinach, mushrooms, and peas are great choices. Cook these in the same skillet as the chicken, just until tender.

How to Make Bang Bang Chicken Pasta

Before you get started, measure your spices and sauce ingredients, and slice your chicken breasts into strips.

Step 1: Cook the pasta. Boil your penne according to the package directions. Then, drain and set it aside.

Step 2: Season the chicken. While the pasta cooks, coat your chicken in the spices.

Step 3: Sear the chicken. Heat your skillet to medium-high heat, and add half the butter. Once the butter has melted, cook half the chicken strips for 5 minutes per side, or until cooked through. Repeat the process with the remaining butter and chicken.

Step 4: Mix the sauce. Combine the ingredients for the sauce in a mixing bowl and whisk until they're well combined.

Step 5: Combine all the ingredients. Add the pasta and sauce to the skillet with the cooked chicken strips. 

Step 6: Garnish and serve. Give it all a good mix, then sprinkle chopped parsley on top if desired. Serve it with this easy spinach and carrots side dish.

This crispy Bang Bang cauliflower is another recipe featuring creamy and spicy Bang Bang sauce.

Serving Suggestions

• Bread and rolls: My favorite pairing with this spicy chicken pasta with sweet chili sauce is any form of bread to sop up the extra sauce. Try this copycat homemade brown bread or some Hawaiian rolls.
• Salad and veggies: Add a light side like this easy asparagus salad or slow-cooked green beans.
• Dessert ideas: Prepare a citrus dessert, such as lemon olive oil cake or key lime pie, to balance the richness of the meal.

More Chicken Pasta Recipes

Do you like chicken and pasta? Here are some recipes you may also like to try.

If you try this recipe and love it please leave a star rating in the recipe card below or even better, drop a review in the comment section. I always appreciate your feedback. Be sure to follow along with me on Facebook, Pinterest, and YouTube for more easy recipes!