Bang Bang Shrimp Pasta Recipe

Introduction

Bang Bang Shrimp Pasta combines the spicy, creamy, and savory flavors of bang bang shrimp with a rich, comforting pasta base, creating an unforgettable dish that is perfect for any occasion. The crispy shrimp, tossed in a flavorful, creamy sauce made from mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, and a touch of sriracha, pairs beautifully with pasta to make a satisfying, indulgent meal. Whether you’re preparing dinner for family, hosting friends for a special gathering, or simply craving a delicious seafood dish, this recipe is guaranteed to impress.

The creamy and slightly spicy bang bang shrimp sauce adds a luscious coating to perfectly cooked shrimp, and when paired with pasta, it elevates the dish to new heights. The richness of the sauce is balanced by the freshness of the shrimp and the comforting texture of the pasta, making this dish a crowd-pleaser. This easy-to-follow guide will walk you through each step of making Bang Bang Shrimp Pasta, offer tips on perfecting the dish, and provide ideas for variations to customize it to your taste.

Why You’ll Love Bang Bang Shrimp Pasta

• Bold and Flavorful: The creamy, spicy bang bang sauce is the star of this dish, giving every bite an irresistible burst of flavor. The shrimp add a savory depth that enhances the overall taste, while the pasta serves as a perfect base to soak up all the sauce.
• Perfectly Crispy Shrimp: The shrimp are coated in a light, crispy breading that holds up well under the creamy sauce, giving the dish a satisfying crunch and contrast in texture.
• Quick and Easy: While this dish may sound complex, it’s surprisingly easy to make. With a few simple ingredients and a quick cooking process, you can have a flavorful, restaurant-quality meal in under 30 minutes.
• Comfort Food with a Kick: If you love creamy pasta dishes but crave a little heat, Bang Bang Shrimp Pasta delivers the best of both worlds. The spicy sauce adds a kick without overwhelming the taste buds, making it a great option for those who like a little spice.
• Impressive and Elegant: Despite being easy to prepare, Bang Bang Shrimp Pasta looks and tastes elegant. The presentation of the crispy shrimp atop the creamy pasta makes it perfect for dinner parties or date nights.

Preparation and Cooking Time

• Total Time: 25-30 minutes
• Preparation Time: 10-15 minutes
• Cooking Time: 15 minutes
• Servings: Approximately 4 servings
• Calories per Serving: 500-600 calories per serving, depending on portion sizes and ingredients.

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

• Calories: 500-600 kcal
• Fat: 25-30g
• Carbohydrates: 50-55g
• Protein: 20-25g
• Fiber: 3g
• Sugar: 5-7g

Ingredients

For the Bang Bang Shrimp:

• 1 lb (450g) medium shrimp, peeled and deveined, tails off
• 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
• 1/2 cup cornstarch
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 egg, beaten
• 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
• Vegetable oil for frying

Bang Bang Sauce:

• 1/2 cup mayonnaise
• 3 tablespoons sweet chili sauce
• 1 tablespoon sriracha (adjust to taste)
• 1 teaspoon rice vinegar
• 1 teaspoon honey (optional)

Pasta:

• 12 oz (340g) pasta (spaghetti, fettuccine, or your favorite type)
• Salt (for pasta water)
• Fresh parsley (for garnish)
• Parmesan cheese (optional, for garnish)

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Prepare the Shrimp

Begin by preparing the shrimp. If they are not already peeled and deveined, do so carefully, leaving the tails on or removing them based on your preference. Pat the shrimp dry with paper towels to remove any excess moisture, which will help achieve a crispy texture when frying.

2. Make the Breading Mixture

In a shallow bowl, combine the flour, cornstarch, paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. In a separate shallow bowl, beat the egg. Another shallow bowl, place the panko breadcrumbs. The breading station will allow you to easily coat the shrimp for frying.

3. Bread the Shrimp

Dip each shrimp into the flour mixture, making sure it’s evenly coated. Then dip it into the beaten egg, and finally, coat it in the panko breadcrumbs. The panko breadcrumbs will give the shrimp a crispy, crunchy exterior.

4. Fry the Shrimp

In a large skillet, heat about 1-2 tablespoons of vegetable oil over medium heat. Once the oil is hot, carefully add the breaded shrimp to the skillet, being careful not to overcrowd them. Fry the shrimp for 2-3 minutes per side, or until golden brown and crispy. Remove the shrimp from the skillet and place them on a paper towel-lined plate to drain any excess oil.

5. Prepare the Bang Bang Sauce

While the shrimp are frying, prepare the bang bang sauce. In a small bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, sriracha, rice vinegar, and honey (if using). The combination of creamy mayo, sweet chili sauce, and spicy sriracha creates a perfect balance of heat and sweetness. Taste the sauce and adjust the heat level to your preference by adding more sriracha if you like it spicier.

6. Cook the Pasta

While the shrimp are frying and the sauce is being prepared, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook according to the package instructions until al dente. Once cooked, drain the pasta, reserving about 1/2 cup of the pasta cooking water for later.

7. Toss the Pasta with the Sauce

In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked pasta with the bang bang sauce. Toss the pasta well, ensuring each strand is coated in the creamy, spicy sauce. If the sauce is too thick, add a bit of the reserved pasta water to help thin it out and create a silky, smooth coating.

8. Assemble the Dish

Once the pasta is evenly coated with the sauce, transfer it to a serving platter or individual plates. Arrange the crispy fried shrimp on top of the pasta, adding a beautiful crunch and contrast in texture. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley and, if desired, a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese for extra richness.

9. Serve and Enjoy

Serve the Bang Bang Shrimp Pasta immediately, while the shrimp are still crispy and the pasta is hot and creamy. You can also add a side salad or some garlic bread to complete the meal.

Tips for Perfect Bang Bang Shrimp Pasta

• Don’t Overcrowd the Shrimp: When frying the shrimp, make sure not to overcrowd the pan, as this can cause the shrimp to steam rather than crisp up. Fry them in batches if necessary to ensure they cook evenly and become crispy.
• Adjust the Spice Level: If you like your food extra spicy, feel free to add more sriracha to the sauce. If you prefer a milder dish, reduce the amount of sriracha or use a milder chili sauce.
• Use Fresh Shrimp: For the best flavor and texture, use fresh or thawed shrimp. Frozen shrimp can work too, but make sure they’re properly thawed and patted dry before breading and frying.
• Make the Sauce Ahead of Time: You can prepare the bang bang sauce ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for a day or two. This allows the flavors to meld together, creating an even richer, more flavorful sauce.
• Experiment with Different Pasta Shapes: While spaghetti is a popular choice, you can use any type of pasta you like, such as fettuccine, linguine, or penne. The key is to choose a pasta shape that will hold the sauce well.
• Serve with a Side Salad: To balance the richness of the Bang Bang Shrimp Pasta, serve it with a light salad, such as a mixed green salad with a tangy vinaigrette or a cucumber and tomato salad.

• Bang Bang Shrimp and Veggie Pasta: Add some fresh vegetables to the pasta to boost the nutrition and flavor. Sautéed spinach, zucchini, or bell peppers would work beautifully with the creamy sauce.
• Bang Bang Chicken Pasta: If you prefer chicken to shrimp, swap out the shrimp for bite-sized pieces of boneless, skinless chicken breast. Bread and fry the chicken the same way you would the shrimp, and proceed with the recipe as usual.
• Bang Bang Shrimp with Coconut Milk: For a tropical twist, replace some of the mayonnaise in the sauce with coconut milk. This will add a rich, creamy texture and a subtle coconut flavor that pairs wonderfully with the shrimp.
• Bang Bang Shrimp Alfredo: For an even creamier version, make an Alfredo-style sauce by adding heavy cream and Parmesan cheese to the bang bang sauce. This will result in a richer, more indulgent dish.
• Bang Bang Shrimp Tacos: Instead of serving the shrimp over pasta, serve them in soft corn tortillas for a delicious taco variation. Top with shredded cabbage, avocado, and a drizzle of bang bang sauce.

Storage and Shelf Life

Bang Bang Shrimp Pasta is best enjoyed fresh, but if you have leftovers, you can store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. The pasta and shrimp may lose some of their crispness upon reheating, but the flavor will still be delicious. To reheat, gently warm the pasta in a skillet over low heat or in the microwave, adding a small splash of water or cream to help loosen the sauce.

For longer storage, you can freeze the dish, but keep in mind that the shrimp may not retain their crispy texture after freezing and reheating. To freeze, store the pasta and shrimp separately in airtight containers. The frozen pasta can be kept for up to 2 months, and the shrimp for up to 1 month. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

Side Dishes and Pairings for Bang Bang Shrimp Pasta

While Bang Bang Shrimp Pasta is filling and satisfying on its own, pairing it with complementary sides can enhance the meal:

• Garlic Bread: A crusty loaf of garlic bread is the perfect side to soak up the creamy sauce.
• Mixed Green Salad: A fresh salad with a light vinaigrette will balance the richness of the pasta and add a refreshing contrast.
• Roasted Vegetables: Roasted vegetables such as asparagus, broccoli, or Brussels sprouts can provide a nice textural contrast and bring more depth to the meal.
• Grilled Corn on the Cob: Sweet, charred corn on the cob pairs perfectly with the spicy, creamy shrimp pasta for a summer-inspired meal.

Print

Conclusion

Bang Bang Shrimp Pasta is a flavor-packed, indulgent dish that combines the crispy goodness of shrimp with a creamy, spicy sauce, all atop a comforting bed of pasta. Whether you’re preparing it for a casual dinner or a special occasion, this dish is sure to impress. With its simple ingredients and easy-to-follow instructions, it’s perfect for busy weeknights or when you want to enjoy a restaurant-quality meal at home.

The blend of creamy, sweet, and spicy flavors, along with the satisfying crunch of the shrimp and the tender pasta, makes this dish a favorite among seafood and pasta lovers alike. So, get cooking, and enjoy the deliciousness that is Bang Bang Shrimp Pasta—you won’t regret it!