Bang Bang Shrimp Pasta: Creamy, Spicy, and Irresistible
If you love bold flavors, this Bang Bang Shrimp Pasta is a must-try! Combining crispy shrimp, creamy sauce, and a hint of heat, this dish takes inspiration from the popular Bang Bang Shrimp appetizer and turns it into a hearty, satisfying meal. Ready in just 30 minutes, it’s the perfect recipe for a quick weeknight dinner or an indulgent weekend treat.

Ingredients Overview
For the Pasta:
- Spaghetti (12 oz): Any long pasta like linguine or fettuccine works, but spaghetti is classic for this dish.
- Salt (1 teaspoon): To season the boiling water and enhance the pasta’s flavor.
For the Shrimp:
- Shrimp (1 lb, peeled and deveined): Medium to large shrimp work best. You can use fresh or frozen (thawed) shrimp.
- Cornstarch (1/4 cup): Creates a light, crispy coating for the shrimp.
- Salt and Pepper (to taste): To season the shrimp before cooking.
- Vegetable Oil (2 tablespoons): For frying the shrimp.
For the Bang Bang Sauce:
- Mayonnaise (1/2 cup): The creamy base of the sauce. Use full-fat or light mayonnaise as desired.
- Sweet Chili Sauce (1/4 cup): Adds sweetness and a subtle tang to balance the heat.
- Sriracha (2–3 tablespoons): Brings the signature spicy kick. Adjust based on your spice tolerance.
- Honey (1 tablespoon): Optional, but adds a touch of sweetness for balance.
For Garnish:
- Green Onions (2, sliced): Adds freshness and a mild onion flavor.
- Red Pepper Flakes (optional): For extra heat.
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Cook the Pasta
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the spaghetti and cook according to package instructions until al dente (about 8–10 minutes).
- Drain the pasta, reserving 1/2 cup of pasta water, and set aside.
2. Prepare the Shrimp
- Pat the shrimp dry with paper towels and season with salt and pepper.
- Toss the shrimp in cornstarch until fully coated. Shake off any excess.
- Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Fry the shrimp in batches, cooking for 2–3 minutes per side, or until crispy and golden brown. Remove and set aside on a plate lined with paper towels.
3. Make the Bang Bang Sauce
- In a small bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, sriracha, and honey (if using). Adjust the spice level to taste by adding more or less sriracha.
4. Combine Pasta, Shrimp, and Sauce
- In the same skillet used for the shrimp, reduce the heat to medium and add the cooked pasta.
- Pour the Bang Bang sauce over the pasta and toss to coat evenly. If the sauce is too thick, add a splash of the reserved pasta water to loosen it.
- Gently fold in the crispy shrimp, reserving a few pieces for garnish if desired.
5. Garnish and Serve
- Serve the pasta hot, topped with sliced green onions and a sprinkle of red pepper flakes for extra heat.
Tips and Tricks
1. Perfectly Crispy Shrimp
- Pat Dry: Ensure the shrimp are completely dry before tossing them in cornstarch. This helps the coating stick better and prevents sogginess.
- Don’t Overcrowd the Pan: Fry the shrimp in batches to maintain crispiness.
2. Adjust the Spice Level
- Add more sriracha or red pepper flakes for a spicier dish, or reduce the sriracha for a milder version.
3. Make it Lighter
- Swap the mayonnaise for Greek yogurt or a mayo-yogurt mix for a lighter sauce.
4. Add Vegetables
- Toss in steamed broccoli, snap peas, or sautéed bell peppers for added color and nutrition.
Serving Suggestions
This Bang Bang Shrimp Pasta is a complete meal on its own, but you can pair it with:
- Garlic Bread: Perfect for scooping up the creamy, spicy sauce.
- Side Salad: A crisp green salad with a tangy vinaigrette balances the richness of the dish.
- Roasted Vegetables: Asparagus, zucchini, or Brussels sprouts make for a great addition.
Storage and Leftovers
1. Refrigeration:
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
2. Reheating Tips:
- Reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of water or chicken broth to loosen the sauce.
- Avoid microwaving the shrimp for too long to prevent it from becoming rubbery.
FAQs
Q: Can I use frozen shrimp?
A: Yes, just make sure to thaw the shrimp completely and pat them dry before coating and frying.
Q: Can I make this dish ahead of time?
A: While the sauce and pasta can be prepared ahead, the shrimp are best cooked fresh to maintain their crispiness.
Q: Can I use a different type of pasta?
A: Absolutely! Linguine, fettuccine, or even penne work well with the creamy sauce.
Conclusion
This Bang Bang Shrimp Pasta combines the perfect balance of creamy, spicy, and savory flavors in one easy-to-make dish. Whether you’re entertaining guests or treating yourself to a restaurant-quality dinner at home, this recipe is sure to impress.
Give it a try and let us know how it turns out! Don’t forget to tag your creations with #BangBangShrimpPasta on social media. Happy cooking!
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Bang Bang Shrimp Pasta: Creamy, Spicy, and Irresistible
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: Serves 4
Description
This Bang Bang Shrimp Pasta is a creamy, spicy, and flavorful twist on a classic dish. With crispy shrimp, bold sauce, and perfectly cooked spaghetti, it’s a satisfying meal ready in just 30 minutes.
Ingredients
For the Pasta:
- 🍝 Spaghetti (12 oz): Classic pasta for this dish.
- 🧂 Salt (1 teaspoon): Enhances the pasta’s flavor.
For the Shrimp:
- 🍤 Shrimp (1 lb, peeled and deveined): Fresh or frozen (thawed) shrimp.
- 🥄 Cornstarch (1/4 cup): For a light, crispy coating.
- 🧂 Salt and Pepper (to taste): Basic seasoning for shrimp.
- 🛢️ Vegetable Oil (2 tablespoons): For frying the shrimp.
For the Bang Bang Sauce:
- 🥄 Mayonnaise (1/2 cup): Creamy base for the sauce.
- 🌶️ Sweet Chili Sauce (1/4 cup): Adds sweetness and tang.
- 🌶️ Sriracha (2–3 tablespoons): Signature spicy kick.
- 🍯 Honey (1 tablespoon, optional): Balances flavors with sweetness.
For Garnish:
- 🥬 Green Onions (2, sliced): Adds a fresh touch.
- 🌶️ Red Pepper Flakes (optional): Extra heat for spice lovers.
Instructions
1. Cook the Pasta:
- Bring salted water to a boil. Cook spaghetti until al dente (8–10 minutes). Drain, reserving 1/2 cup of pasta water, and set aside.
2. Prepare the Shrimp:
- Dry shrimp with paper towels and season with salt and pepper.
- Coat shrimp in cornstarch and fry in hot vegetable oil for 2–3 minutes per side. Set aside on paper towels.
3. Make the Sauce:
- Whisk mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, sriracha, and honey in a bowl. Adjust spiciness to taste.
4. Combine:
- Add cooked pasta to the skillet. Pour in the sauce and toss to coat. Thin with reserved pasta water if needed. Fold in shrimp, reserving some for garnish.
5. Serve:
- Plate pasta and top with remaining shrimp. Garnish with green onions and red pepper flakes.
Notes
- Vegetable Boost: Add broccoli or bell peppers for extra nutrition.
- Milder Option: Reduce or omit sriracha for a less spicy version.