This Bang Bang Shrimp Pasta is a fun twist on dinner! It features crispy shrimp tossed in a creamy, zesty sauce, all served on a bed of tender pasta. Yum!
Honestly, it’s so good that you’ll want to make it again and again. I love the crunch of the shrimp paired with the silky noodles. Perfect for impressing guests or a cozy night in!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Pasta: Linguine or spaghetti works great, but feel free to swap in fettuccine or gluten-free pasta if needed. It’s all about what you enjoy!
Shrimp: Large shrimp add the best texture, but you can also use medium shrimp or even shrimp that’s already cooked. Just adjust cooking time to heat it through.
Mayonnaise: This gives the sauce a creamy base. If you want a lighter option, Greek yogurt can work well. Or even low-fat mayo for a healthier twist!
Sweet chili sauce: This adds sweetness and depth. If you don’t have it, try honey mixed with a little hot sauce, or a homemade version with sugar and chili paste.
Sriracha: Adjust the amount to your spice preference. If you’re not a fan, use mild hot sauce or even skip it for a milder sauce.
How Do I Cook Shrimp Perfectly?
Cooking shrimp just right is key for that tender, juicy bite. Here’s how to do it:
- Make sure your skillet is hot before adding shrimp. This helps achieve a nice sear.
- Don’t overcrowd the pan; cook in batches if needed. This ensures they’ll brown instead of steam.
- Cook shrimp for about 2 minutes on each side. They should turn pink and opaque when done — keep an eye on them!
This way, you’ll have shrimp that’s perfectly cooked and pairs wonderfully with your pasta. Happy cooking!
Bang Bang Shrimp Pasta
Ingredients:
- For the Pasta:
- 8 oz linguine or spaghetti pasta
- For the Shrimp:
- 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 2 tablespoons olive oil (for cooking shrimp)
- For the Sauce:
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 1/4 cup sweet chili sauce
- 1-2 teaspoons sriracha sauce (adjust for spice preference)
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 1 tablespoon lime juice
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- For Garnishing:
- 1/4 cup chopped green onions
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro or parsley
- Optional: 1/4 teaspoon smoked paprika or cayenne (for extra heat)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe will take about 25 minutes total. You’ll spend about 10 minutes on preparation and around 15 minutes cooking. It’s a quick and tasty dish that’s perfect for a weeknight meal!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Cook the Pasta:
Start by bringing a pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the linguine or spaghetti according to the package instructions until it’s al dente. This usually takes about 8-10 minutes. Once done, drain the pasta and set it aside. You want it to be ready to toss with the sauce.
2. Prepare the Bang Bang Sauce:
In a small mixing bowl, combine mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, sriracha, honey, lime juice, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Whisk the ingredients together until smooth. Taste the sauce and feel free to adjust the sriracha based on how spicy you like it. Set the sauce aside for later.
3. Cook the Shrimp:
Next, heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the shrimp to the skillet and season them with salt, pepper, and optional paprika or cayenne. Cook the shrimp for about 2 minutes on each side until they turn pink and are fully cooked through. Remove the shrimp from the skillet and set them aside on a plate.
4. Sauté the Garlic:
In the same skillet, lower the heat to medium and add the butter. Once the butter melts, add the minced garlic. Stir it for about 30 seconds until it becomes fragrant but be careful not to burn it!
5. Combine Pasta and Sauce:
Now, add the drained pasta to the skillet. Pour the bang bang sauce over the pasta and toss everything together until the pasta is well coated with the creamy sauce.
6. Finish the Dish:
Return the cooked shrimp to the skillet and gently toss them with the pasta until everything is combined. Let it heat through for a minute or two.
7. Garnish:
Once everything is nicely mixed, remove the skillet from heat. Garnish with the chopped green onions and fresh cilantro or parsley. This adds a lovely pop of color and freshness!
8. Serve:
Serve your delicious Bang Bang Shrimp Pasta warm and enjoy! It’s perfect for a cozy dinner, and you’ll love the tangy and spicy flavors.
This dish is creamy with a hint of heat, making each bite a delight. Enjoy your meal!
Can I Use Frozen Shrimp for This Recipe?
Absolutely! Just make sure to thaw the shrimp completely before cooking. The safest way is to let them thaw in the fridge overnight. If you’re in a hurry, you can also place them in a sealed plastic bag and submerge them in cold water for quick thawing.
Can I Make the Bang Bang Sauce in Advance?
Yes, you can prepare the sauce ahead of time! Just mix it up and store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week. Just give it a good stir before using to recombine the ingredients.
How to Adjust the Spice Level?
If you prefer a milder sauce, simply reduce the amount of sriracha or omit it altogether. On the other hand, if you like it spicier, feel free to add extra sriracha or a pinch of cayenne pepper to the shrimp while cooking. Taste as you go!
Can I Substitute the Pasta Type?
Absolutely! You can use any type of pasta you like, such as penne, fettuccine, or even gluten-free pasta. Just adjust the cooking time according to the package instructions for the type of pasta you choose.
