Description
A spicy and flavorful Sriracha Chicken Pasta recipe perfect for a quick weeknight meal.
Ingredients
Scale
- 8 ounces penne pasta, dry
- 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
- 2 medium boneless, skinless chicken breasts, diced into 1/2-inch pieces
- 11/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 11/2 teaspoon paprika
- 11/2 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1/21/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 2 tablespoons sriracha
- 1 medium lime, juiced
- 1 red bell pepper, finely diced
- 1 can sweet corn kernels, drained
- 1/4 cup grated parmesan cheese
- 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped for garnish
Instructions
- Cook Pasta Al Dente: Start by boiling your pasta in a large pot of salted water until it is just al dente, which usually takes about 8 to 10 minutes. Once cooked, drain the pasta and rinse it under cold water to stop the cooking process, ensuring it does not become mushy.
- Cook Chicken: In a large nonstick skillet, heat the extra virgin olive oil over medium heat. Toss in the chicken pieces and season with garlic powder, paprika, kosher salt, and black pepper. Cook until the chicken is golden brown and the juices run clear, about 6 to 8 minutes. Do not rush the cooking, as overcooking can result in rubbery chicken.
- Add Sriracha & Sauce: Once the chicken is cooked through, stir in the sriracha and mayonnaise until the chicken is well coated. Let the aroma fill your kitchen, and be cautious to add the sriracha gradually to control the spice level.
- Toss in Pasta: Gently add the cooked pasta to the skillet with the chicken mixture. Toss everything together for about a minute to ensure the pasta absorbs the flavors from the chicken and sauce. Be careful not to overmix to avoid breaking the noodles.
- Finish with Lime Juice: Squeeze fresh lime juice over the pasta dish just before serving. This will enhance the overall flavor, balancing the spice. Start with a small amount and adjust to taste, avoiding overpowering the dish with too much lime.
- Serve Hot: Plate your Sriracha Chicken Pasta while it is still warm. Taste for seasoning and adjust if necessary with a little sprinkle of salt to enhance the flavors.
Notes
- Storage Tips: Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 2-3 days. The flavors will develop over time.
- Expert Tips: Rinse the cooked pasta with cold water to halt the cooking and avoid mushiness.
- If dressing thickens in the fridge, add a splash of lime juice or water to loosen before serving.
- If the pasta salad tastes bland, consider adjusting with more lime juice or salt.
- Gradually increase sriracha to control the spice level to your preference.
- For flavor enhancement, let the salad sit in the fridge for at least 30 minutes before serving.
- Reheating Instructions: Reheat in the microwave at medium power for 1-2 minutes or until warmed through.
- Serving Suggestions: Serve with a side of garlic bread for a complete meal.
- Pair with a simple green salad to balance the flavors.
- Top with extra cilantro for a fresh garnish.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 449
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 90mg