Bang Bang Shrimp Pasta Recipe : Bold and Creamy

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There’s something magical about combining crispy shrimp, creamy sauce, and perfectly cooked pasta. Today, I’m beyond thrilled to share this Bang Bang Shrimp Pasta recipe, a dish that’s as bold as it is satisfying. With crispy, golden shrimp tossed in a creamy, spicy sauce and nestled with tender pasta, this recipe is a total showstopper—and so easy to make!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Bang Bang Shrimp Pasta has everything you crave: crispy texture, bold flavors, and that irresistible creamy heat from the Bang Bang sauce. Whether you’re hosting a dinner party or simply looking to jazz up your weeknight dinner, this recipe is bound to impress.

• Flavor Explosion: Sweet, spicy, and tangy sauce coats every bite.
• Customizable: Add veggies, go gluten-free, or even make it vegetarian!
• Quick and Easy: Perfect for busy nights when you want something special without the fuss.

Let’s dive in and create this irresistible dish together!

Ingredients for Bang Bang Shrimp Pasta

Here’s everything you’ll need:

For the Shrimp

• 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined
• ½ cup cornstarch (for dredging)
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• ¼ teaspoon smoked paprika (optional, for extra flavor)
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil (for frying)

For the Bang Bang Sauce

• ½ cup mayonnaise
• ¼ cup sweet chili sauce
• 1–2 tablespoons Sriracha (adjust to your heat preference)
• 1 tablespoon honey
• 1 tablespoon lime juice
• 2 garlic cloves, minced

For the Pasta

• 8 oz spaghetti or fettuccine (or any pasta you like)
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
• ¼ cup chopped green onions (for garnish)
• Red pepper flakes (optional, for extra heat)

Optional Additions

• Vegetables: Bell peppers, zucchini, or spinach for extra nutrients.
• Vegetarian: Swap shrimp for crispy tofu.
• Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free pasta and cornstarch.
• Zesty Twist: A sprinkle of lemon zest for freshness.

Tools You’ll Need

• Large skillet for frying the shrimp and tossing the pasta.
• Medium mixing bowl for the sauce.
• Large pot for boiling the pasta.
• Tongs or a pasta spoon for tossing.

How to Make Bang Bang Shrimp Pasta

Step 1: Prepare the Shrimp

1. Season and Coat: Toss the shrimp with salt, pepper, and smoked paprika. Dredge in cornstarch, shaking off the excess.
2. Fry the Shrimp: Heat vegetable oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Fry shrimp in batches for 2-3 minutes per side until golden and crispy. Set aside on a plate lined with paper towels.

Step 2: Cook the Pasta

1. Boil the Pasta: Cook the pasta in salted boiling water according to package instructions until al dente (8-10 minutes).
2. Reserve Pasta Water: Before draining, reserve ½ cup of the pasta water. Drain the pasta and set aside.

Step 3: Make the Bang Bang Sauce

1. Whisk: In a bowl, whisk mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, Sriracha, honey, lime juice, and minced garlic.
2. Adjust: Taste and adjust the heat and sweetness to your liking.

Step 4: Toss the Pasta with Sauce

1. Sauté Garlic: Heat olive oil in the same skillet used for shrimp. Sauté garlic until fragrant.
2. Combine: Add pasta and toss to coat in garlic oil. Pour the Bang Bang sauce over the pasta and mix until evenly coated. Add reserved pasta water as needed to loosen the sauce.

Step 5: Combine Shrimp and Pasta

1. Add Shrimp: Gently toss the crispy shrimp with the pasta.
2. Garnish and Serve: Sprinkle with Parmesan cheese, green onions, and red pepper flakes. Serve hot with lime wedges.

What to Serve with Bang Bang Shrimp Pasta

This dish is a star on its own, but pairing it with the right sides can elevate your meal:

• Salads: A crisp green salad with a tangy vinaigrette.
• Bread: Garlic bread or a crusty baguette for dipping.
• Veggies: Steamed asparagus or roasted broccoli.

Tips for Perfect Bang Bang Shrimp Pasta

• Work in Batches: Fry the shrimp in small batches to ensure they stay crispy.
• Adjust the Sauce: Start with less Sriracha and honey, and tweak to suit your taste.
• Don’t Overcook: Keep an eye on the shrimp to avoid overcooking. They should be juicy and tender.
• Keep Pasta Al Dente: The pasta will continue to cook slightly when mixed with the sauce.

Storage Instructions

Leftovers? Lucky you!

• Fridge: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
• Reheat: Gently warm on the stove with a splash of water to loosen the sauce.
• Freezer: Not recommended, as the creamy sauce may separate.

FAQs

1. Can I use frozen shrimp?
Absolutely! Just thaw them completely and pat them dry before seasoning.

2. Is there a substitute for Sriracha?
You can use hot sauce or red chili paste instead. Adjust the quantity to match your spice preference.

3. Can I make this ahead of time?
The sauce and shrimp can be prepped a few hours in advance, but combine everything just before serving to maintain freshness.

Conclusion

This Bang Bang Shrimp Pasta is everything you want in a meal—bold flavors, creamy textures, and a satisfying crunch! It’s perfect for weeknight dinners, date nights, or even entertaining guests. I can’t wait for you to try it!

If you’re as smitten with this recipe as I am, leave a review or share your photos on Pinterest. For more exciting recipes, check out Crispy Fish Batter Ingredients, Baked Cod: The Best Recipe, and Nature’s Parasite Cleanse: A Refreshing and Detoxifying Recipe.

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