Bang Bang Shrimp Pasta

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Bang Bang Shrimp Pasta combines the richness of creamy, spicy shrimp with the heartiness of pasta, creating a dish that’s bursting with flavor. The creamy, tangy sauce made from mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, and sriracha coats the shrimp perfectly, giving them a nice kick while complementing the fresh lime juice. The contrast of the crunchy shrimp and the smooth, satisfying pasta makes this dish a crowd-pleaser for both seafood lovers and pasta enthusiasts alike. With a prep time of just 5 minutes and a cook time of 15 minutes, it’s quick to prepare and easy to enjoy for dinner!

Ingredients

For the Pasta:

8 ounces spaghetti (or linguine, your choice of pasta)

For the Sauce:

¾ cup mayonnaise
⅓ cup sweet chili sauce
2 limes, juiced
2 tablespoons sriracha (adjust to spice preference)

For the Shrimp:

12 ounces medium shrimp, peeled and deveined
2 cloves garlic, finely minced
1 teaspoon paprika
1 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon onion powder
1 tablespoon olive oil (or vegetable oil)

For Garnish (Optional):

1 tablespoon parsley, finely chopped
1 tablespoon toasted sesame seeds (for extra crunch and flavor)
1-2 tablespoons green onions, finely chopped (for freshness)

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

Directions

1. Cook the Pasta:

Bring a large pot of water to a boil and add a generous amount of salt. Cook the pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain the pasta and set it aside.

2. Make the Sauce:

In a small bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, lime juice, and sriracha. Set aside for later use.

3. Prepare the Shrimp:

In a large bowl, toss the shrimp with minced garlic, paprika, salt, and onion powder until the shrimp are well coated.

4. Cook the Shrimp:

Heat the olive oil in 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 pink and nearly opaque. Remove from heat.

5. Combine the Pasta and Shrimp:

Pour the prepared sauce over the cooked shrimp in the skillet. Stir to coat the shrimp evenly and cook for an additional 3-5 minutes until the sauce thickens and simmers.

6. Toss the Pasta:

Add the cooked pasta to the skillet and toss everything together, ensuring the pasta is evenly coated with the creamy sauce.

7. Garnish & Serve:

Serve the pasta immediately, garnished with freshly chopped parsley, toasted sesame seeds, and green onions for added flavor and texture.

Servings and Timing

• Servings: 4

• Prep Time: 5 minutes

• Cook Time: 15 minutes

• Total Time: 20 minutes

• Calories per Serving: 659 kcal

Variations

• Add Veggies: For extra crunch and color, add sautéed bell peppers, spinach, or snap peas to the dish.

• Extra Spice: If you love heat, add more sriracha or a pinch of cayenne pepper for an extra spicy kick.

• Creamier Sauce: Stir in a couple of tablespoons of heavy cream or coconut milk to make the sauce even creamier.

Storage/Reheating

• Storage: Store any leftover pasta in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.

• Reheating: Reheat in a skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of water or broth to loosen the sauce if it thickens too much.

FAQs

1. Can I use a different type of pasta for this recipe?

Yes! You can use linguine, fettuccine, or any pasta shape you prefer. Just be sure to adjust the cooking time as needed for different pasta types.

2. How can I make this dish spicier?

You can increase the amount of sriracha in the sauce or add a pinch of cayenne pepper for additional heat.

3. Can I use frozen shrimp?

Yes, frozen shrimp works perfectly for this recipe. Just make sure to thaw them completely before cooking.

4. Can I make the sauce ahead of time?

Yes, the sauce can be made ahead and stored in the fridge for up to 2 days. Just stir well before using.

5. Can I make this recipe without mayonnaise?

If you want to skip the mayo, you can substitute it with Greek yogurt for a slightly tangier and healthier alternative.

6. Can I add vegetables to this pasta?

Yes, feel free to add sautéed vegetables like bell peppers, spinach, or peas for more texture and flavor.

7. How can I reduce the calorie count in this dish?

You can use lighter ingredients like low-fat mayonnaise or swap in zucchini noodles for the pasta to cut down on calories.

8. Can I prepare the shrimp ahead of time?

Yes, you can marinate the shrimp with the spices and refrigerate them for up to 1 day before cooking.

9. Can I use other types of hot sauce instead of sriracha?

Yes, you can use any hot sauce you prefer, such as chili garlic sauce, sambal oelek, or even a dash of Tabasco sauce.

10. How do I know when the shrimp are cooked?

Shrimp are cooked when they turn pink and opaque, usually after 2-3 minutes per side.

Conclusion

Bang Bang Shrimp Pasta is a deliciously creamy and spicy dish that combines the flavors of shrimp with a zesty sauce that’s both tangy and sweet. It’s quick to make, customizable, and sure to satisfy anyone craving a flavorful seafood pasta dish. The balance of heat from the sriracha, sweetness from the chili sauce, and freshness from the lime makes this dish a standout. Whether you’re serving it for a casual dinner or a special occasion, this pasta is bound to impress!

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