Bang Bang Shrimp Pasta

If you’ve ever had Bang Bang Shrimp at your favorite restaurant, you know just how addictive it is. Now, imagine those crispy, spicy, and sweet shrimp served on top of a creamy pasta. Yep, it’s as amazing as it sounds. This Bang Bang Shrimp Pasta takes the best of both worlds—succulent shrimp and a rich, dreamy pasta sauce—and combines them into a dish that’s perfect for any night of the week. Whether you’re making it for a cozy dinner at home or impressing guests with your cooking skills, this pasta is guaranteed to leave everyone wanting more. Trust me, it’s the perfect balance of heat, crunch, and creaminess. Ready to dive in? Let’s get cooking!

Why You’ll Love Bang Bang Shrimp Pasta

Here’s why this dish is about to become a favorite in your household:

Flavor Explosion

The shrimp is coated in a perfectly spicy, tangy sauce that packs a punch, while the creamy pasta balances everything out. The combination of sweet, spicy, and savory in each bite is just heavenly.

Quick and Easy

You won’t need hours in the kitchen for this one. The shrimp cooks quickly, and the pasta comes together in no time. It’s a weeknight dinner that feels fancy but is so easy to pull off.

Crispy Shrimp

The shrimp gets a crispy exterior that adds a perfect crunch, giving the pasta an extra layer of texture and flavor.

Creamy, Dreamy Sauce

The pasta sauce is so creamy and rich, with a perfect amount of heat from the Bang Bang sauce. It’s indulgent but not overwhelming, making it the perfect base for the shrimp.

Versatile

This dish can be served on its own for a hearty meal, or you can add a side salad and garlic bread to turn it into a full, satisfying feast.

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious pasta:

For the Shrimp:

• Shrimp (peeled and deveined)
• Cornstarch
• Salt and pepper
• Olive oil (for frying)

For the Bang Bang Sauce:

• Mayonnaise
• Sweet chili sauce
• Sriracha
• Honey
• Rice vinegar
• Garlic powder

For the Pasta:

• Fettuccine or linguine (or your favorite pasta)
• Olive oil (for sautéing)
• Garlic (minced)
• Heavy cream
• Parmesan cheese
• Fresh parsley (for garnish)

Instructions

Get ready to indulge! Here’s how to make this mouthwatering dish:

Cook the Pasta

Start by cooking the pasta according to package instructions. Once cooked, drain and set aside, but don’t forget to reserve a little bit of the pasta water for later. You’ll need it to adjust the consistency of the sauce.

Prepare the Bang Bang Shrimp

In a small bowl, toss the shrimp in cornstarch, salt, and pepper until they’re well coated. Heat olive oil in a large pan over medium heat. Once hot, fry the shrimp for about 2-3 minutes per side, until they’re golden brown and crispy. Once done, remove them from the pan and set them aside on a paper towel-lined plate to drain any excess oil.

Make the Bang Bang Sauce

In a bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, sriracha, honey, rice vinegar, and garlic powder until smooth and combined. This sauce is the star of the show, bringing all those sweet, spicy, and creamy flavors together. Taste it and adjust the heat level with more sriracha if you like it spicier!

Make the Creamy Pasta Sauce

In the same pan you cooked the shrimp, add a little more olive oil and sauté the minced garlic for 1 minute, until fragrant. Add the heavy cream and bring it to a simmer. Let it cook for about 2 minutes, then stir in the Parmesan cheese. Keep stirring until the sauce is smooth and creamy.

Combine Everything

Add the cooked pasta into the pan with the creamy sauce. Toss it to coat the pasta in the sauce. If the sauce feels too thick, add some reserved pasta water, a tablespoon at a time, until you get the desired consistency.

Toss in the Shrimp

Now, gently toss the crispy Bang Bang shrimp into the pasta, making sure each piece of shrimp is coated with that delicious sauce.

Serve and Garnish

Serve the pasta in bowls, garnish with fresh parsley, and enjoy the explosion of flavors in every bite.

Nutrition Facts

Servings: 4
Calories per serving: 610
Total Fat: 30g

• Saturated Fat: 9g
  Cholesterol: 175mg
  Sodium: 860mg
  Total Carbohydrates: 58g
• Dietary Fiber: 2g
• Sugars: 16g
  Protein: 27g
  Vitamin A: 10%
  Vitamin C: 12%
  Calcium: 15%
  Iron: 15%

Preparation Time

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 20-25 minutes
Total Time: 40-45 minutes

How to Serve Bang Bang Shrimp Pasta

This pasta is a dish that can stand on its own, but if you want to elevate your meal, here are a few suggestions:

With a Side Salad

A fresh green salad with a light vinaigrette will add a crisp contrast to the rich and creamy pasta. You can also toss in some cucumbers, cherry tomatoes, or avocado for extra freshness.

Garlic Bread

Garlic bread is always a great choice to serve with pasta. The crispy, buttery bread is perfect for sopping up any leftover creamy sauce.

Roasted Vegetables

Pair your pasta with some roasted vegetables like asparagus, broccoli, or zucchini to add a healthy, colorful touch to your meal.

With a Cold Drink

For the perfect pairing, serve this dish with a cold drink—maybe a crisp white wine or a refreshing iced tea. A glass of chilled lemon water would also balance out the richness of the pasta.

Additional Tips

Here are a few extra tips for making this dish even more amazing:

Adjust the Heat

If you’re not a fan of too much spice, feel free to adjust the amount of sriracha in the Bang Bang sauce. You can use less or even substitute it with a milder hot sauce for a gentler kick.

Try Different Pasta Shapes

While fettuccine or linguine works great, feel free to try other pasta shapes like spaghetti, penne, or even rigatoni for a fun twist.

Make it Ahead

This dish is best served fresh, but if you need to prep ahead, you can cook the shrimp and make the sauce earlier in the day. Store them separately and combine everything when you’re ready to eat.

Add More Veggies

If you want to make this dish even heartier, feel free to add some veggies to the pasta. Spinach, bell peppers, or even peas would add extra color and texture.

Don’t Skip the Pasta Water

That reserved pasta water is liquid gold! It helps loosen up the sauce and gives it a silky texture, so make sure to keep some on hand.

FAQ Section

Q1: Can I use frozen shrimp for this recipe?
A1: Yes! Just make sure to thaw the shrimp properly before cooking, and pat them dry to avoid any excess moisture when frying.

Q2: Can I make this dish without the spicy sauce?
A2: Of course! You can skip the sriracha if you don’t want the heat, and just make a creamy garlic pasta with the Bang Bang shrimp. It will still be delicious!

Q3: Can I use gluten-free pasta?
A3: Yes! Simply swap out the pasta for a gluten-free variety, and the dish will still be amazing.

Q4: How can I make this dish healthier?
A4: You can use a lighter cream (like half-and-half) and reduce the amount of oil used for frying the shrimp. You can also skip the heavy cream and use a low-fat alternative like Greek yogurt for the sauce.

Q5: Can I bake the shrimp instead of frying them?
A5: Yes! For a lighter version, you can bake the shrimp at 400°F (200°C) for about 10-12 minutes, flipping halfway through.

Q6: Can I make this dish vegetarian?
A6: Absolutely! Try swapping the shrimp with crispy tofu or even roasted cauliflower for a vegetarian option.

Q7: Can I make the Bang Bang sauce ahead of time?
A7: Yes, the sauce can be made a day or two ahead and stored in the fridge. Just give it a good stir before using.

Q8: How can I make this dish spicier?
A8: Add more sriracha or a pinch of cayenne pepper to the Bang Bang sauce to give it a little extra kick.

Q9: Can I freeze leftovers?
A9: While pasta dishes are best fresh, you can freeze the shrimp and sauce (without the pasta) for up to 2 months. Reheat on the stove and cook fresh pasta when ready to serve.

Q10: Can I use a different type of cheese for the creamy sauce?
A10: Yes! Parmesan is the most common choice, but you can try a sharp cheddar or Asiago for a different twist.

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Conclusion

This Bang Bang Shrimp Pasta is everything you want in a weeknight dinner—quick, flavorful, and utterly satisfying. The combination of crispy shrimp, creamy pasta, and that tangy, spicy sauce is a total winner. Whether you’re making it for a special occasion or just to treat yourself, this dish is sure to impress. Enjoy every bite, and prepare to make it again and again!

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