Description
Bold, creamy, and crispy with the perfect balance of heat! This shrimp pasta brings a spicy, sweet twist to your favorite seafood pasta.
Ingredients
For the Shrimp:
- 1 lb large shrimp (peeled and deveined)
- 1/2 cup cornstarch
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1/4 tsp smoked paprika (optional)
- 2 tbsp vegetable oil (for frying)
For the Bang Bang Sauce:
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 1/4 cup sweet chili sauce
- 1–2 tbsp Sriracha (adjust to taste)
- 1 tbsp honey
- 1 tbsp lime juice
- 2 cloves garlic (minced)
For the Pasta:
- 8 oz spaghetti or fettuccine
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic (minced)
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 cup chopped green onions
- Pinch of red pepper flakes (optional)
Instructions
1. Prepare the Shrimp:
- In a medium bowl, season shrimp with salt, black pepper, and smoked paprika. Coat with cornstarch for a crispy finish.
- Heat vegetable oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Fry shrimp for 2-3 minutes per side until golden and crispy. Remove and drain on paper towels.
2. Cook the Pasta:
- Boil pasta in salted water according to package instructions. Reserve 1/2 cup of pasta water before draining.
3. Make the Bang Bang Sauce:
- In a small bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, Sriracha, honey, lime juice, and garlic. Adjust spice level to taste.
4. Toss the Pasta:
- In the same skillet used for the shrimp, heat olive oil and sauté garlic until fragrant. Add pasta and toss to coat. Pour over the Bang Bang sauce, stirring until evenly mixed. If the sauce is too thick, add reserved pasta water.
5. Combine Shrimp and Pasta:
- Gently fold in the crispy shrimp. Garnish with grated Parmesan, green onions, and red pepper flakes (if desired). Serve with lime wedges for a fresh touch.
Notes
- For extra veggies: Add sautéed bell peppers or spinach.
- Vegetarian alternative: Use crispy tofu instead of shrimp.
- Gluten-free: Swap in gluten-free pasta and cornstarch.
- Make ahead: Store shrimp separately to keep them crispy.
- Adjust spice: Use less Sriracha or omit red pepper flakes for a milder dish.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Pan-fry, boil, toss
- Cuisine: American, Seafood