Bang Bang Shrimp Pasta

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

If you love shrimp and crave bold flavors, this Bang Bang Shrimp Pasta is your perfect meal. The creamy and spicy bang bang sauce pairs perfectly with the shrimp and pasta, delivering a delightful punch of flavors in every bite. It’s quick to make, only requiring a total of 20 minutes, which makes it ideal for busy weeknights or impressing guests at a dinner gathering. Plus, the combination of sweet chili sauce, sriracha, and lime brings a satisfying balance of heat and tang that’s sure to leave you wanting more.

Ingredients

• 8 ounces spaghetti or linguine pasta

• ¾ cup mayonnaise

• ⅓ cup sweet chili sauce

• 2 limes, juiced

• 2 tablespoons sriracha

• 12 ounces medium shrimp, deveined and peeled

• 2 cloves garlic, finely minced

• 1 teaspoon paprika

• 1 teaspoon salt

• 1 teaspoon onion powder

• 1 tablespoon vegetable oil or olive oil

• Garnish (Optional): 1 tablespoon parsley, chopped

(Tip: You'll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

1. Bring water to a boil in a large stock pot and salt generously. Cook the pasta to al dente, according to the instructions on the package. Drain and set aside.

2. While the pasta is cooking, prepare the sauce. In a small bowl, combine the mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, lime juice, and sriracha. Set aside.

3. In a large bowl, combine shrimp with garlic, paprika, salt, and onion powder. Toss gently to combine.

4. Add the oil to a large skillet over medium heat. Add the shrimp in a single layer and cook for 2-3 minutes per side, or until the shrimp are nearly opaque.

5. Stir in the prepared sauce and cook for another 5 minutes or until the sauce comes to a simmer and begins to thicken.

6. Add the drained pasta and toss to combine before serving with freshly minced parsley for garnish if desired.

Servings and Timing

• Servings: 4

• Prep time: 5 minutes

• Cook time: 15 minutes

• Total time: 20 minutes

Variations

• Vegetarian Version: Replace the shrimp with a mix of your favorite vegetables such as mushrooms, zucchini, or bell peppers. Sauté them in the pan to get them tender before adding the sauce.

• Spicy Level: Adjust the sriracha to your preference for more or less heat. You can also add some chili flakes for an extra spicy kick.

• Pasta Choice: Although spaghetti or linguine work great, feel free to use any pasta you prefer, such as fettuccine, penne, or rigatoni.

• Gluten-Free Option: Substitute the regular pasta with gluten-free pasta for a gluten-free version of this recipe.

Storage/Reheating

• Make Ahead: You can prepare the sauce ahead of time and store it in the fridge for up to 2 days.

• Storage: This pasta can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.

• Freezing: Freezing is not recommended as the shrimp and creamy sauce may not thaw or reheat well.

• Reheating: To reheat, warm the pasta gently over low heat to avoid overcooking the shrimp and to keep the sauce creamy.

FAQs

1. Can I use frozen shrimp for this recipe?

Yes, you can use frozen shrimp! Just make sure to thaw them completely before cooking.

2. What can I substitute for sriracha if I don’t have it?

You can use hot sauce, chili paste, or even a mix of cayenne pepper and garlic sauce as a substitute for sriracha.

3. How can I make this recipe spicier?

To make it spicier, increase the amount of sriracha or add some red pepper flakes, jalapeños, or even a bit of hot chili oil.

4. Can I use a different type of pasta?

Absolutely! Any pasta shape will work. Fettuccine, penne, and rigatoni are great alternatives.

5. Can I make the sauce ahead of time?

Yes, the sauce can be prepared in advance and stored in the fridge for up to 2 days.

6. How do I prevent overcooking the shrimp?

To avoid overcooking shrimp, be sure to cook them just until they are opaque and firm, about 2-3 minutes per side.

7. Can I freeze Bang Bang Shrimp Pasta?

It’s not recommended to freeze this dish because the creamy sauce and shrimp may not thaw and reheat well.

8. How can I adjust the sweetness of the sauce?

You can adjust the sweetness by adding more or less sweet chili sauce depending on your preference.

9. What other types of seafood can I use?

You can substitute shrimp with scallops, crab meat, or even lobster for a delicious variation of this recipe.

10. How long will leftovers last in the fridge?

Leftovers will last for up to 3 days when stored properly in an airtight container in the fridge.

Conclusion

This Bang Bang Shrimp Pasta is a flavor-packed dish that combines succulent shrimp with a spicy and creamy sauce, served over your favorite pasta. It’s quick, easy, and perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re cooking for your family or impressing guests, this dish will surely be a hit!