This Spicy Sriracha Pasta Salad is a fun twist on a classic dish that packs a flavorful punch. It’s creamy, spicy, and makes for a filling meal that’s easy to whip up anytime.
This recipe addresses spice management, offers a satisfying yet refreshing meal, and helps use up leftover chicken or other proteins effectively.
I often find myself needing quick, satisfying meals that I can prepare ahead of time. This recipe is great for busy days, especially when I have leftover chicken hanging around. The spice level is adjustable, too, which helps me cater to everyone’s taste buds.
What I love about this salad is how easily it comes together. You can toss it together in about 10 minutes, and then cooking the pasta takes just 18 more minutes. Before you know it, you’ve got a delicious dish ready to eat!
Why You Will Love This Recipe
- Flavor Explosion , This salad packs a punch with creamy and spicy notes that really wake up your taste buds. It’s a deliciously zesty dish that’s satisfying and fresh.
- Convenient Ingredients , You won’t need to hunt for anything fancy here. Every ingredient is easily found at your local grocery store, making it a breeze to whip up.
- Make-Ahead Friendly , You can prepare this dish ahead of time, which is great during those busy weekdays. Just pop it in the fridge and enjoy it later.
- Flexible Recipe , Not a fan of spice? You can adjust the sriracha to your liking. Plus, feel free to switch out ingredients based on what you have on hand.
Ingredient Notes
- Penne pasta: This type of pasta holds onto all that tasty sauce really well, making every bite worth it. Don’t forget to rinse it in cold water after cooking!
- Boneless, skinless chicken breasts: They’re light and soak up flavors beautifully, but if you’re looking for something richer, chicken thighs work just as well!
- Mayonnaise: It gives the salad a rich creaminess that really balances the spice. If you’re looking for a lighter option, plain Greek yogurt or sour cream can be a great swap.
- Sriracha: This is where the heat kicks in! You can totally adjust how much you use to suit your spice level. Just be careful , a little goes a long way!
- Lime: Fresh lime juice adds a zesty kick that brightens up the whole dish. Make sure it’s juicy for the best flavor – you can always roll it on the counter first!
Keep scrolling to the recipe card below for the full printable recipe!
Recipe Tips
- If pasta feels soggy after chilling, rinsing it with cold water immediately after draining helps stop the cooking process.
- When adjusting spice levels, start with one tablespoon of sriracha and gradually increase to taste for a milder option.
- For a quicker meal, leftover rotisserie chicken works beautifully and saves valuable preparation time.
- If the dressing turns thick after refrigerating, adding a splash of water or extra lime juice can restore its consistency.
- For a salad that truly shines, tasting and adjusting with additional salt, pepper, or lime juice can elevate flavors.
Serving Suggestions
- Serve this sriracha chicken pasta alongside garlic bread or a light green salad. These pairings offer freshness and complement the pasta dish effectively.
- This pasta salad works well in meal prep or at weekend barbecues. You can also enjoy it at potlucks or simple weeknight dinners.
- Add extra cilantro or lime wedges just before serving for additional flavor. This finishing touch enhances the overall dish without overwhelming it.
Storage Guidelines
- To keep your sriracha chicken pasta fresh, follow these storage tips:
- Refrigeration: Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Check for any signs of spoilage before serving.
- Freezing: Place in a freezer bag, remove excess air, and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight.
- Meal Prep: Divide into individual portions, store in airtight containers, and refrigerate for up to 3 days for easy access.
Recipe Variations
- You can use 8 ounces of rotini or farfalle pasta instead of penne.
- Add 1 teaspoon garlic powder or 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard for an extra flavor punch.
- Either substitute plain Greek yogurt or sour cream for mayonnaise, or use olive oil for a lighter option.
- If you’re serving a large group, scale up to 16 ounces of pasta and 4 chicken breasts.
Did you make this recipe? Scroll down to leave a star rating and review!
Sriracha Chicken Pasta Salad
This vibrant Sriracha Chicken Pasta Salad combines penne pasta, juicy chicken, and a tangy sriracha mayo dressing for a refreshing cold dish that’s perfect for any occasion.
Equipment
- Large pot
- Nonstick skillet
- Medium Bowl
- Small bowl
- Large mixing bowl
Ingredients
- 8 ounces penne pasta uncooked
- 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil (15 ml)
- 2 medium boneless, skinless chicken breasts diced into ½-inch pieces
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ cup mayonnaise (116 g)
- 2 tablespoons sriracha (30 g)
- 1 medium lime juiced
- 1 medium red bell pepper finely diced
- 1 can sweet corn kernels (15 ounces or 425 g), drained
- ¼ cup grated parmesan cheese (25 g)
- ¼ cup fresh cilantro chopped for garnish
Instructions
- Start by boiling water in a large pot. You will know it is ready when it is bubbling furiously. Toss in the penne and let it cook until it is just al dente, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking. This should take about 8-10 minutes.
- Heat the olive oil in a nonstick skillet over medium heat. Add the diced chicken and cook for about 10 minutes, or until fully cooked. Season with garlic powder, paprika, kosher salt, and black pepper. The chicken should have a savory aroma when it is ready.
- In a medium bowl, stir together the mayonnaise, sriracha, and lime juice until smooth. The tangy scent will become prominent. Adjust the sriracha to taste for your desired level of spice.
- Once the pasta has cooled, toss it into a large mixing bowl with the chicken, diced red bell pepper, and sweet corn. Add the sauce and gently mix until everything is evenly coated. You should see vibrant colors and feel the creamy texture without mushing the pasta.
- Sprinkle the grated parmesan cheese and fresh cilantro over the top. Lightly toss to incorporate these garnishes without over-mixing, ensuring the pasta’s texture remains intact.
- Let the pasta salad chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes. This melds all the flavors together. Before serving, taste and adjust seasoning as necessary.
Notes
Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 2-3 days. The flavors improve as it sits. Rinse the pasta with cold water to stop the cooking process after draining to avoid sogginess. When adjusting spice levels, start with one tablespoon of sriracha and gradually increase it to taste. Using leftover rotisserie chicken can significantly reduce preparation time. If the dressing becomes too thick after refrigerating, stir in a splash of water or extra lime juice. Taste and adjust with additional salt, pepper, or lime juice to elevate flavors as needed.
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