Description
Easy Bang Bang Shrimp Pasta combines crispy shrimp with a creamy, spicy sauce over tender pasta. This quick 30-minute dish delivers bold flavors, inspired by the famous appetizer. Perfect for weeknight dinners!
Ingredients
Scale
For the Bang Bang Sauce:
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 1/4 cup sweet chili sauce
- 2 tbsp sriracha (adjust for spice preference)
- 1 tbsp honey
- 1 tbsp lime juice (optional, for extra tang)
For the Shrimp:
- 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 1/2 cup cornstarch (or flour)
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 2 tbsp vegetable oil (for frying)
For the Pasta:
- 8 oz spaghetti or linguine
- 1 tbsp butter
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 cup heavy cream (or half-and-half for a lighter option)
- 1/4 cup chicken or vegetable broth
- 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
- 2 tbsp chopped green onions (for garnish)
- 1 tbsp chopped fresh parsley (optional)
Instructions
Step 1: Cook the Pasta
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
- Cook pasta according to package instructions until al dente.
- Drain and set aside, reserving about 1/2 cup of pasta water.
Step 2: Prepare the Bang Bang Sauce
- In a small bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, sriracha, honey, and lime juice.
- Set aside for later use.
Step 3: Cook the Shrimp
- In a bowl, toss shrimp with cornstarch, salt, black pepper, and garlic powder.
- Heat vegetable oil in a large pan over medium-high heat.
- Add shrimp in a single layer and cook for 2-3 minutes per side until crispy and cooked through.
- Remove from pan and set aside on a plate lined with paper towels.
Step 4: Prepare the Sauce Base
- In the same pan, melt butter over medium heat.
- Add minced garlic and cook for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Pour in heavy cream and chicken broth, stirring to combine.
- Add red pepper flakes (if using) and let sauce simmer for 2 minutes.
Step 5: Assemble the Dish
- Lower the heat and stir in the Bang Bang sauce. Mix well.
- Add cooked pasta to the pan and toss to coat with the sauce. If needed, add reserved pasta water to loosen the sauce.
- Gently fold in crispy shrimp, ensuring they are well-coated with sauce.
Step 6: Garnish and Serve
- Sprinkle with chopped green onions and parsley.
- Serve immediately while warm and enjoy!
Notes
- Make it healthier: Use Greek yogurt instead of mayonnaise for a lighter sauce.
- Adjust the heat: Add more sriracha for extra spice or reduce it for a milder dish.
- Try a different protein: Swap shrimp for chicken, tofu, or salmon.
- Make it gluten-free: Use gluten-free pasta and cornstarch instead of flour.
- Add vegetables: Mix in sautéed bell peppers, zucchini, or mushrooms for extra texture and flavor.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Asian-Inspired
Keywords: Bang Bang Shrimp Pasta Creamy Shrimp Pasta Spicy Shrimp Pasta Quick Seafood Dinner Easy Weeknight Pasta