Bang Bang Shrimp Pasta: A Bold and Flavorful Twist on Classic Pasta

Have you ever craved a dish that’s creamy, spicy, crispy, and absolutely bursting with flavor? Look no further than Bang Bang Shrimp Pasta! This dish combines crispy fried shrimp, a rich and spicy sauce, and perfectly cooked pasta for an irresistible meal that’s quick and easy to make.

Whether you’re cooking for a special occasion, a weeknight dinner, or simply looking to treat yourself, this Bang Bang Shrimp Pasta recipe is guaranteed to impress. Let’s dive into everything you need to know to create this mouthwatering dish at home!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Crispy and creamy combination – Crunchy shrimp paired with velvety Bang Bang sauce.
• Customizable spice level – Adjust the heat to your liking.
• Perfect for seafood lovers – A shrimp dish that’s bursting with bold flavors.
• Quick and easy – Ready in under 40 minutes!
• Great for any occasion – Whether it’s date night or a weeknight dinner, this dish is a winner.

Ingredients for Bang Bang Shrimp Pasta

This dish is made with simple, easy-to-find ingredients that come together to create an explosion of flavor.

For the Shrimp

Ingredient	Quantity	Purpose
Large shrimp (peeled and deveined)	1 pound	The star of the dish
Cornstarch	½ cup	Helps create a crispy coating
Salt	½ teaspoon	Enhances shrimp’s natural flavor
Black pepper	½ teaspoon	Adds a slight kick
Smoked paprika (optional)	¼ teaspoon	Provides subtle smokiness
Vegetable oil (for frying)	2 tablespoons	Ensures crispy shrimp

For the Bang Bang Sauce

Ingredient	Quantity	Purpose
Mayonnaise	½ cup	Creates a creamy, rich base
Sweet chili sauce	¼ cup	Adds a touch of sweetness and heat
Sriracha	1-2 tablespoons	Provides spice (adjust to preference)
Honey	1 tablespoon	Balances out the heat
Lime juice	1 tablespoon	Adds a citrusy brightness
Garlic (minced)	2 cloves	Infuses the sauce with bold flavor

For the Pasta

Ingredient	Quantity	Purpose
Spaghetti or fettuccine	8 oz	A hearty pasta base
Olive oil	2 tablespoons	Helps coat the pasta in flavor
Garlic (minced)	2 cloves	Adds depth to the dish
Parmesan cheese (grated)	¼ cup	Enhances the creamy texture
Green onions (chopped)	¼ cup	Adds a fresh, mild onion flavor
Red pepper flakes (optional)	A pinch	Adds extra heat

Optional Add-Ins and Variations

Option	Description
Vegetables	Add sautéed bell peppers, zucchini, or spinach for extra veggies.
Tofu	Substitute shrimp with crispy tofu for a vegetarian option.
Gluten-Free	Use gluten-free pasta and cornstarch.
Lemon Zest	Sprinkle lemon zest for a fresh, zesty touch.

Step-by-Step Instructions to Make Bang Bang Shrimp Pasta

Step 1: Prepare the Shrimp

1. Season and Coat the Shrimp

• In a medium bowl, season the shrimp with salt, black pepper, and smoked paprika (if using).
• Toss the shrimp in cornstarch, ensuring each piece is evenly coated. This creates a crispy exterior when fried.

2. Fry the Shrimp

• Heat 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
• Fry the shrimp in batches, cooking for 2-3 minutes per side until golden and crispy.
• Transfer to a plate lined with paper towels to drain excess oil.

Step 2: Cook the Pasta

1. Boil the Pasta

• Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
• Cook the spaghetti or fettuccine according to package instructions (8-10 minutes) until al dente.

2. Reserve Pasta Water and Drain

• Before draining, reserve ½ cup of pasta water to loosen the sauce later if needed.

Step 3: Make the Bang Bang Sauce

1. Whisk the Sauce Together

• In a small bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, Sriracha, honey, lime juice, and minced garlic.
• Adjust the spice level by adding more or less Sriracha to taste.

Step 4: Toss the Pasta with the Sauce

1. Sauté the Garlic

• In the same skillet used for the shrimp, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat.
• Add 2 minced garlic cloves and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant.

2. Toss the Pasta

• Add the cooked pasta to the skillet, tossing it in the garlic oil.
• Pour the Bang Bang sauce over the pasta and toss until evenly coated.
• If the sauce is too thick, add a splash of reserved pasta water.

Step 5: Combine the Shrimp and Pasta

1. Add the Shrimp

• Gently fold the crispy shrimp into the pasta, ensuring it’s evenly distributed.

2. Garnish and Serve

• Remove the skillet from heat and sprinkle the dish with:
  • Grated Parmesan cheese
  • Chopped green onions
  • Red pepper flakes (if desired)
• Serve hot with lime wedges on the side for an extra burst of citrus flavor.

Tips for the Best Bang Bang Shrimp Pasta

• Use fresh shrimp – Fresh shrimp cooks more evenly and tastes better than frozen.
• Don’t overcrowd the pan – Fry the shrimp in small batches to ensure crispiness.
• Reserve pasta water – This helps adjust the sauce’s consistency.
• Adjust spice level – Add more Sriracha or red pepper flakes for extra heat.
• Serve immediately – This dish tastes best when fresh!

What to Serve with Bang Bang Shrimp Pasta

This dish pairs well with:

• Garlic Bread – Perfect for scooping up the extra sauce.
• Steamed Vegetables – Broccoli or asparagus complement the flavors.
• Side Salad – A fresh green salad adds a nice contrast.

How to Store & Reheat Leftovers

Storing:

• Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.

Reheating:

• Stovetop: Heat in a skillet over medium heat with a splash of water.
• Microwave: Heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each.

Nutritional Information (Per Serving)

Nutrient	Amount
Calories	~500
Protein	35g
Carbohydrates	55g
Fat	18g
Fiber	4g

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Can I make this dish ahead of time?

Yes, but store the shrimp separately so it stays crispy.

2. Can I use frozen shrimp?

Yes! Just thaw and pat dry before cooking.

3. How do I make this gluten-free?

Use gluten-free pasta and cornstarch instead of flour.

4. Can I make it less spicy?

Reduce or omit Sriracha and red pepper flakes.

5. What pasta works best?

Fettuccine, spaghetti, or penne work great!

Final Thoughts: A Must-Try Seafood Pasta Dish!

Bang Bang Shrimp Pasta is a flavor explosion that’s creamy, spicy, and packed with crispy shrimp. Try this recipe today and treat yourself to a bold and satisfying meal!

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