Bang Bang Chicken Pasta: The Ultimate Chicken Pasta Recipe
Introduction to Bang Bang Chicken Pasta
Bang Bang Chicken Pasta is a delightful fusion dish that combines tender chicken with vibrant vegetables and a creamy, spicy sauce over al dente spaghetti. This recipe is not just quick and easy; it’s a wholesome meal perfect for busy weeknights or a cozy dinner at home. The unique blend of flavors creates a comforting and satisfying experience that your family will love.
A Personal Story Behind My Bang Bang Chicken Pasta Journey
I first stumbled upon Bang Bang Chicken Pasta during a family gathering, where my cousin prepared it with such flair. As I took my first bite, I was captivated by the creamy texture and spicy kick. Since then, I’ve made it my mission to perfect this dish, experimenting with different ingredients and techniques to make it my own. It has become a family favorite, and I love sharing it with friends who come over for dinner.
What Makes This Bang Bang Chicken Pasta Recipe Special?
This recipe is special because it combines simple, wholesome ingredients with a punch of flavor. The chicken is seasoned perfectly, while the creamy sauce, enhanced with sweet chili and sriracha, brings everything together beautifully. The addition of colorful vegetables not only boosts nutrition but also adds a delightful crunch. Plus, it’s adaptable—feel free to add your favorite veggies or adjust the spice level to suit your taste!
The Full Bang Bang Chicken Pasta Recipe
Ingredients
- 500g (17.5oz) chicken breast, thinly sliced
- 1 tsp paprika
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp onion powder
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- Spray oil
- 1 small onion, halved and sliced
- 2 cloves garlic, crushed
- 1 small zucchini, diced
- 1 red pepper, diced
- 1 cup (240ml) low-sodium chicken stock
- 2 tsp sriracha sauce (adjust for spice preference)
- 1/4 cup (4 tbsp) Sweet Chili Sauce
- 1/4 cup (4 tbsp) low-fat cream cheese
- 300g (10.5oz) uncooked spaghetti
- Fresh chopped parsley or cilantro (optional)
Instructions
- Heat a deep frying pan over medium-high heat and spray with oil. This helps prevent sticking and makes cleanup easier.
- Season the chicken with paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper. Add to the pan and cook until lightly browned, approximately 5-7 minutes. Set aside to keep warm.
- Spray the pan with more oil and add the sliced onion with a splash of chicken stock to deglaze. This adds flavor to the dish.
- Cook the onion until translucent, about 3-4 minutes, then add the crushed garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
- Add the diced zucchini and red pepper, stirring to combine. Cook for another 3-4 minutes until the vegetables are tender.
- Return the chicken to the pan, pour in the remaining stock, and let it simmer to reduce slightly, about 5 minutes.
- While the sauce simmers, cook the spaghetti according to package instructions until al dente, then drain well. Remember to reserve a little pasta water in case you need to loosen the sauce later.
- Stir in the sriracha sauce, followed by the cooked pasta, cream cheese, and sweet chili sauce. Toss everything together until the sauce is creamy and velvety, about 2-3 minutes.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste. Add chopped parsley or cilantro if desired for a fresh touch.
- Serve immediately and enjoy this delicious dish with your family!
Serving Suggestions and Variations for Bang Bang Chicken Pasta
This dish pairs wonderfully with a light green salad or some garlic bread on the side. For additional nutrition, consider adding spinach or mushrooms to the mix. If you want a little extra kick, you can increase the sriracha sauce or add red pepper flakes. This recipe is versatile, so don’t hesitate to customize it to your liking!
Frequently Asked Questions About Bang Bang Chicken Pasta
Can I use other types of pasta?
Absolutely! While spaghetti works great, you can use penne, fettuccine, or any pasta you prefer. Just adjust the cooking time accordingly.
Is this recipe suitable for meal prep?
Yes! You can make this dish ahead of time and store it in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave or on the stove with a splash of water to keep it moist.
How can I make this dish vegetarian?
You can replace the chicken with tofu or chickpeas and use vegetable broth instead of chicken stock for a delicious vegetarian option.
What can I serve with Bang Bang Chicken Pasta?
It pairs well with a simple side salad, steamed vegetables, or garlic bread to soak up that creamy sauce.
Recipe Stats
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cooking Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Calories per Serving: 380
- Servings: 4
Bang Bang Chicken Pasta
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 500 g chicken breast, thinly sliced
- 1 tsp paprika
- 0.5 tsp garlic powder
- 0.5 tsp onion powder
- 1 small onion, halved and sliced
- 2 cloves garlic, crushed
- 1 small zucchini, diced
- 1 small red pepper, diced
- 1 cup low-sodium chicken stock
- 2 tsp sriracha sauce adjust for spice preference
- 0.25 cup Sweet Chili Sauce
- 0.25 cup low-fat cream cheese
- 300 g uncooked spaghetti
- 1 small fresh chopped parsley or cilantro optional
Instructions
- Heat a deep frying pan over medium-high heat and spray with oil.
- Season the chicken with paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper. Add to the pan and cook until lightly browned.
- Spray the pan with more oil and add the onion with a splash of stock to deglaze.
- Cook the onion until translucent, then add the crushed garlic and cook for another minute.
- Add the zucchini and red pepper, stirring to combine.
- Return the chicken to the pan, pour in the remaining stock, and simmer to reduce slightly.
- Cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente, then drain.
- Stir in the sriracha sauce, followed by the cooked pasta, cream cheese, and sweet chili sauce.
- Toss everything together until the sauce is creamy and velvety.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste, and add chopped parsley or cilantro if desired.
- Serve and enjoy!