Bang Bang Shrimp Pasta

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Bang Bang Shrimp Pasta is a perfect balance of textures and flavors. The shrimp are lightly fried to crispy perfection, while the pasta is coated in a creamy, spicy sauce that brings everything together. The dish is a deliciously indulgent combination of sweet, savory, and spicy, and it’s the kind of meal that you’ll crave over and over again. Plus, it’s quick to make, which makes it a great option for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion.

Ingredients

For the shrimp:

• 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined

• 1/2 cup all-purpose flour

• 1/2 cup cornstarch

• 1 teaspoon garlic powder

• 1/2 teaspoon paprika

• Salt and pepper, to taste

• 1 egg, beaten

• 1/2 cup breadcrumbs (panko or regular)

• 1/4 cup vegetable oil (for frying)

For the sauce:

• 1/2 cup mayonnaise

• 3 tablespoons sweet chili sauce

• 1 tablespoon sriracha (adjust to taste for spice level)

• 1 teaspoon rice vinegar

• 1 teaspoon honey (optional, for extra sweetness)

For the pasta:

• 12 oz pasta (spaghetti, fettuccine, or linguine work great)

• 1 tablespoon olive oil

• 1 tablespoon butter

• 2 cloves garlic, minced

• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese

• Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

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

Directions

1. Prepare the shrimp:

• In a shallow bowl, mix the flour, cornstarch, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper.

• In another bowl, beat the egg.

• In a third bowl, place the breadcrumbs.

• Dip each shrimp into the flour mixture, then the beaten egg, and finally the breadcrumbs, ensuring it’s fully coated.

• Heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot, fry the shrimp in batches for 2-3 minutes per side, or until golden brown and crispy. Remove the shrimp from the skillet and set them aside on a paper towel-lined plate to drain.

2. Make the sauce:

• In a small bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, sriracha, rice vinegar, and honey (if using). Adjust the level of sriracha for your desired spice level.

• Once the shrimp are cooked, toss them gently in the sauce until they are well-coated. Set aside.

3. Cook the pasta:

• While the shrimp is cooking, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the pasta according to the package instructions. Drain the pasta, reserving about 1/2 cup of pasta water for later.

• In the same pot, heat the olive oil and butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for 1-2 minutes, until fragrant.

• Add the cooked pasta to the pot, along with the reserved pasta water. Toss to coat the pasta with the garlic butter sauce.

4. Assemble the dish:

• Gently fold the Bang Bang shrimp into the pasta and toss to combine. Sprinkle with grated Parmesan cheese and fresh parsley.

5. Serve:

• Serve the Bang Bang Shrimp Pasta immediately, garnished with extra parsley and Parmesan cheese, if desired. Enjoy the creamy, spicy, and crunchy goodness!

Servings and Timing

• Servings: 4-6

• Prep Time: 15 minutes

• Cook Time: 20 minutes

• Total Time: 35 minutes

Variations

• Add veggies: You can add vegetables like spinach, bell peppers, or zucchini to the pasta for extra flavor and texture.

• Make it healthier: For a lighter version, use grilled shrimp instead of fried shrimp and a lighter mayonnaise or Greek yogurt for the sauce.

• Spicy shrimp: If you want even more heat, add extra sriracha or sprinkle some red pepper flakes over the shrimp before tossing them in the sauce.

Storage/Reheating

Leftover Bang Bang Shrimp Pasta can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2-3 days. To reheat, place the pasta and shrimp in a skillet over medium heat, adding a little extra butter or olive oil to prevent sticking. You can also microwave it for 1-2 minutes, though the shrimp may lose some of their crispiness.

FAQs

Can I use frozen shrimp for this recipe?

Yes, you can use frozen shrimp. Just be sure to thaw them fully and pat them dry before breading and frying to ensure they get crispy.

Can I use a different type of pasta?

Yes! You can use any pasta you prefer—spaghetti, fettuccine, penne, or even linguine would work great.

Can I make the sauce ahead of time?

Yes, you can make the Bang Bang sauce ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Just toss the shrimp in the sauce right before serving.

How can I make this dish less spicy?

If you prefer a milder version, simply reduce the amount of sriracha in the sauce. You can also replace it with a mild chili sauce for a less intense heat level.

Can I make this without frying the shrimp?

Yes, if you prefer a lighter version, you can bake the breaded shrimp in a preheated oven at 400°F (200°C) for 12-15 minutes, flipping halfway through. Alternatively, you can pan-sear the shrimp in a small amount of oil until crispy.

Conclusion

Bang Bang Shrimp Pasta is a deliciously indulgent dish that’s packed with flavor and texture. With crispy shrimp, a creamy, tangy sauce, and perfectly cooked pasta, it’s a meal that’s sure to satisfy your cravings. Whether you’re cooking for a family dinner or a special date night, this dish is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. Enjoy the perfect balance of spicy, creamy, and savory with every bite!

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