Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Flavor Explosion: The creamy, spicy, sweet, and tangy Bang Bang sauce coats both the shrimp and pasta for irresistible flavor.
- Quick & Easy: Ready in under 30 minutes, making it perfect for busy nights.
- Restaurant-Quality: Enjoy a restaurant-worthy dish at home.
- Customizable: Adjust spice levels and swap shrimp for chicken or tofu.
Ingredients
For the Shrimp:
- 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- ½ cup cornstarch
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ¼ teaspoon smoked paprika (optional)
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
For the Bang Bang Sauce:
- ½ cup mayonnaise
- ¼ cup sweet chili sauce
- 1-2 tablespoons Sriracha
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 1 tablespoon lime juice
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
For the Pasta:
- 8 oz spaghetti or fettuccine
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- ¼ cup chopped green onions
- Red pepper flakes (optional)
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
Directions
- Prepare Shrimp: Coat shrimp in cornstarch, salt, pepper, and paprika. Fry in hot oil until crispy.
- Cook Pasta: Boil pasta, reserving some pasta water. Drain and set aside.
- Make Sauce: Whisk together mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, Sriracha, honey, lime juice, and garlic.
- Toss Pasta: Sauté garlic in olive oil, toss pasta with sauce, and add reserved pasta water if needed.
- Combine: Add shrimp to pasta, toss, and garnish with Parmesan and green onions.
Servings and Timing
- Servings: 4
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
Variations
- Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free pasta and cornstarch.
- Vegetarian: Swap shrimp for crispy tofu.
- Add Vegetables: Bell peppers, zucchini, or spinach.
Storage/Reheating
- Refrigerator: Store in an airtight container for up to 2 days.
- Reheat: Heat in the microwave or on the stovetop with a splash of water to loosen the sauce.
FAQs
1. Can I use chicken instead of shrimp?
Yes, chicken works well too.
2. How do I adjust the spice level?
Add more or less Sriracha to taste.
3. Can I make this dish ahead of time?
You can prep the shrimp and sauce in advance, then assemble before serving.
4. Can I use a different type of pasta?
Yes, any pasta shape works!
5. How do I make the sauce creamier?
Add a little extra mayonnaise for a creamier texture.
6. Is this recipe spicy?
It’s mildly spicy, but you can adjust the heat with Sriracha.
7. How can I make this gluten-free?
Use gluten-free pasta and cornstarch.
8. Can I add more vegetables?
Yes, feel free to toss in sautéed veggies like bell peppers or zucchini.
9. How do I know when the shrimp is cooked?
Shrimp turns pink and opaque when fully cooked.
10. Can I freeze this dish?
It’s best enjoyed fresh, but you can freeze the shrimp and sauce separately for later.
Conclusion
Bang Bang Shrimp Pasta is a flavorful, quick-to-make dish that combines crispy shrimp, creamy sauce, and pasta for a satisfying meal. Whether you’re cooking for a family dinner or a special occasion, this dish is sure to impress.
Bang Bang Shrimp Pasta
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Pan-frying, Boiling, Tossing
- Cuisine: American, Asian Fusion
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
Bang Bang Shrimp Pasta is a delicious and easy-to-make dish featuring crispy shrimp, a creamy spicy sauce, and tender pasta. Perfect for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion, this recipe offers a flavor-packed experience with a sweet, tangy, and mildly spicy sauce. The dish is customizable, allowing you to adjust spice levels or swap shrimp for chicken or tofu.
Ingredients
For the Shrimp:
- 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- ½ cup cornstarch
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ¼ teaspoon smoked paprika (optional)
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
For the Bang Bang Sauce:
- ½ cup mayonnaise
- ¼ cup sweet chili sauce
- 1–2 tablespoons Sriracha
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 1 tablespoon lime juice
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
For the Pasta:
- 8 oz spaghetti or fettuccine
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- ¼ cup chopped green onions
- Red pepper flakes (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare Shrimp: Coat shrimp in cornstarch, salt, pepper, and paprika. Fry in hot oil until crispy.
- Cook Pasta: Boil pasta according to package instructions, reserving some pasta water. Drain and set aside.
- Make Sauce: In a bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, Sriracha, honey, lime juice, and minced garlic.
- Toss Pasta: Sauté garlic in olive oil until fragrant, then toss the cooked pasta with the sauce. Add reserved pasta water if needed for consistency.
- Combine: Add crispy shrimp to the pasta, toss everything together, and garnish with grated Parmesan and chopped green onions. Optional: Sprinkle red pepper flakes for extra heat.
Notes
- Customizable Spice Level: Adjust the amount of Sriracha to make it as spicy as you like.
- Vegetarian Option: Swap shrimp for crispy tofu for a plant-based variation.
- Add Vegetables: Consider adding bell peppers, zucchini, or spinach for extra flavor and texture.
