This Bang Bang Chicken Pasta recipe is perfect for a quick and easy dinner. Featuring baked chicken tenders in a rich, creamy, and spicy sauce, this dish is comforting and flavorful. The chicken is baked while the pasta cooks, making this meal ready in less than 30 minutes. Enjoy a warm, satisfying dinner with this tasty and simple recipe!

Full Recipe:

Ingredients

• 2 pounds (1kg) of chicken tenders
• 1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon kosher salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 8 ounces farfalle pasta (or penne, rotini, etc.)
• 1 ¼ cups (290 g) mayonnaise
• 2 tablespoons honey
• 2/3 cup sweet chili sauce
• 2 teaspoons Sriracha (or any other hot sauce)

Directions

1. Preheat the oven to 400ºF (200°C). Cook the pasta al dente according to the package instructions.
2. Season the chicken tenders with oil, paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Arrange them in a baking dish.
3. In a medium bowl, combine mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, Sriracha, and honey. Spread the sauce mixture over the chicken tenders, reserving some sauce for later.
4. Bake the chicken for 15-20 minutes or until cooked to an internal temperature of 165˚F (75°C).
5. Once the chicken is done, remove it from the oven, slice it into 1-inch thick strips.
6. Add the cooked pasta to the baking dish and toss it with the cooking juices.
7. Top with sliced chicken tenders, sprinkle with chopped parsley, and serve immediately. Enjoy!

Estimated Nutritional Value

• Calories: 600-700 kcal
• Protein: 40-45g
• Carbohydrates: 40-50g
• Fat: 30-35g
• Saturated Fat: 5-7g
• Cholesterol: 70-90mg
• Sodium: 900-1100mg
• Fiber: 2-4g
• Sugar: 10-12g

Why Bang Bang Chicken Pasta is the Perfect Dinner

When it comes to comfort food, pasta is a crowd favorite. It’s versatile, filling, and offers endless variations to suit any palate. The addition of chicken tenders, which are baked to a perfect crisp, paired with a creamy, spicy sauce, elevates this dish to a new level. What makes Bang Bang Chicken Pasta especially wonderful is the ease with which it comes together. You can cook the pasta while the chicken bakes, which means you’re using your time efficiently and minimizing the mess in the kitchen.

The creamy sauce is the star of the show, combining mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, honey, and Sriracha to create a balance of heat and sweetness that coats the chicken and pasta beautifully. This sauce provides a rich texture and a flavor profile that is both indulgent and satisfying. The dish is so delicious that it will quickly become a go-to recipe for busy nights when you want to enjoy something flavorful without spending hours in the kitchen.

The Benefits of Homemade Bang Bang Chicken Pasta

Making Bang Bang Chicken Pasta at home is not only convenient, but it also allows you to control the ingredients, making it healthier and more customized to your preferences. Store-bought versions of similar dishes can often be loaded with preservatives, added sugars, and unhealthy fats, but when you make this meal yourself, you know exactly what’s going into it.

The dish is highly adaptable. You can adjust the level of spiciness by increasing or decreasing the amount of Sriracha. If you’re not a fan of spicy foods, feel free to omit the hot sauce altogether or substitute it with a milder option. Additionally, the choice of pasta can be customized—whether you prefer farfalle, penne, or rotini, each type of pasta works beautifully with the sauce and chicken.

Time-Saving Cooking Tips for Bang Bang Chicken Pasta

One of the best things about this recipe is how quickly it comes together. While the chicken bakes in the oven, you can prepare the pasta, which means there’s little to no downtime. The cooking process can be further streamlined by prepping the chicken tenders and sauce ahead of time. For example, you can season the chicken the night before and store it in the refrigerator, so all you need to do is pop it in the oven when you’re ready to cook.

Additionally, feel free to make extra sauce if you like your pasta extra creamy. The sauce is versatile and can be used for other dishes like roasted vegetables, grilled meats, or even as a dipping sauce for appetizers. This makes Bang Bang Chicken Pasta a great option for meal prep or making leftovers that can be enjoyed throughout the week.

How to Serve Bang Bang Chicken Pasta

Bang Bang Chicken Pasta can be served as a stand-alone meal or paired with side dishes to complete the meal. A simple green salad with a light vinaigrette can help balance the richness of the pasta. Roasted vegetables or steamed broccoli would also be great choices to add some extra nutrition and color to the plate.

If you’re hosting a dinner party or a casual get-together, this recipe is sure to impress your guests. The creamy, spicy sauce combined with tender chicken and pasta makes for a dish that is both visually appealing and incredibly tasty. Whether you’re serving a small family or a group of friends, this dish will be a hit every time.

Healthier Options for Bang Bang Chicken Pasta

While this recipe is delicious as is, there are ways to make it even healthier if you’re looking to reduce the calorie content or make it more diet-friendly. Here are some substitutions you can consider:

• Lighten the Sauce: If you’re trying to cut back on calories or fat, you can swap out regular mayonnaise for a lighter version or even use Greek yogurt for a healthier, protein-packed option.
• Use Whole Wheat Pasta: Opting for whole wheat or gluten-free pasta can add fiber and nutrients to the dish while keeping it just as satisfying.
• Lean Chicken: While chicken tenders are a great option, you can also use skinless, boneless chicken breasts to reduce the fat content.
• Add Vegetables: Incorporating vegetables like spinach, bell peppers, or zucchini can boost the nutritional value of the dish and add color and texture.

These simple changes will not only make the dish lighter but will also enhance its health benefits, making it a guilt-free indulgence you can enjoy any night of the week.

Why You’ll Love Bang Bang Chicken Pasta

Bang Bang Chicken Pasta is the epitome of a delicious comfort meal. Its creamy sauce, paired with crispy, baked chicken tenders and the comforting presence of pasta, makes this dish irresistible. The recipe is highly customizable, easy to make, and perfect for a quick, satisfying dinner. Whether you’re feeding a family, hosting friends, or simply craving a satisfying meal, Bang Bang Chicken Pasta ticks all the boxes.

Conclusion

If you’re looking for a fast, flavorful dinner that doesn’t compromise on taste, Bang Bang Chicken Pasta is the perfect recipe for you. Its bold, spicy, and creamy sauce will leave your taste buds craving more, and the baked chicken tenders add a satisfying crunch that makes each bite delightful. With minimal prep and cook time, this dish is ideal for busy weeknights when you want something both comforting and flavorful.

By preparing this dish at home, you can enjoy all the deliciousness of a restaurant-style meal without the hassle or expense. Whether you’re cooking for your family or hosting a dinner party, Bang Bang Chicken Pasta is sure to be a crowd-pleaser that will have everyone coming back for seconds!