Bang Bang Shrimp Pasta

Category: Inspiring Dinner Ideas

Quick pasta dish with crispy shrimp in a spicy-sweet sauce. Takes 30 minutes to make, serves 4, and only needs basic ingredients. Great for both weeknights and special dinners.
Sarah
Created By Sarah John
Updated on Fri, 31 Jan 2025 20:12:45 GMT
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Indulgent Bang Bang shrimp pasta transforms ordinary dinner into a memorable feast by combining crispy, succulent shrimp with a perfectly balanced sweet-spicy sauce draped over tender pasta. This innovative fusion marries the bold flavors of Asian-inspired sauce with Italian pasta traditions, creating an irresistible dish that comes together in just 30 minutes.

Last weekend, I served this Bang Bang shrimp pasta at a casual dinner gathering, and my guests couldn't stop raving about the perfect balance of flavors. The sauce was so popular that several friends requested extra portions to drizzle over their salads.

Essential Components

  • Large shrimp: Choose fresh or properly thawed frozen shrimp, ensuring they're deveined and peeled for the crispiest results
  • Cornstarch: Creates that signature light, crispy coating that seals in the shrimp's moisture
  • Sweet chili sauce: Provides the perfect balance of sweetness and mild heat while adding gorgeous gloss to the sauce
  • Mayonnaise: Creates the creamy base that clings perfectly to both pasta and shrimp
  • Sriracha: Delivers that essential kick of heat that can be adjusted to your preference
  • Fresh lime juice: Brightens all flavors and cuts through the richness of the sauce
  • Quality pasta: Select pasta that holds sauce well, like spaghetti or fettuccine

Creating Your Masterpiece

Prepare the Shrimp
Season these ocean jewels with salt and pepper, then coat in cornstarch until evenly dusted. Heat oil until shimmering, then carefully place each shrimp in the pan, allowing space between them for proper crisping. Watch as they transform into golden treasures, approximately 2-3 minutes per side.
Master the Sauce
Combine your sauce ingredients in a bowl, starting with mayonnaise as the base. Add sweet chili sauce, followed by Sriracha, honey, and lime juice. Whisk until perfectly smooth and creamy, ensuring all components are fully incorporated.
Perfect the Pasta
Bring generously salted water to a rolling boil. Cook pasta until perfectly al dente, reserving some cooking water before draining. This starchy liquid becomes liquid gold for adjusting sauce consistency later.
Final Assembly
Return your pan to medium heat, adding a swirl of olive oil and fresh garlic. Toss in your cooked pasta, coating it in the aromatic oil. Pour your prepared Bang Bang sauce over the pasta, gently tossing until every strand is gloriously coated. Add your crispy shrimp, giving everything a final toss to combine.
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Perfect Pairings

Transform this vibrant dish into a complete feast by serving alongside fresh garlic bread brushed with herb-infused butter. For a lighter approach, pair with a crisp Asian-inspired slaw dressed in rice vinegar and sesame oil, offering a refreshing contrast to the creamy pasta. Consider adding a bright citrus-dressed arugula salad to cut through the richness.

Customize Your Creation

Experience new flavor dimensions by incorporating pan-seared scallops alongside the shrimp for an elevated seafood feast. Transform this dish into a vegetarian delight by substituting crispy tofu cubes for shrimp, maintaining that essential textural contrast. Health-conscious diners might prefer zucchini noodles or spaghetti squash as their base, while the sauce remains unchanged for that signature Bang Bang flavor.

Keep It Fresh

Store any remaining pasta in an airtight container, keeping it fresh in your refrigerator for up to three days. When reheating, add a splash of cream or pasta water to revive the sauce's silky texture. Warm gently over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking. For optimal results, store the crispy shrimp separately from the sauced pasta, reheating them in a hot oven to restore their crunch.

I've perfected this recipe through countless iterations in my kitchen, discovering that the key lies in achieving the perfect balance between sauce and pasta. My favorite moment is watching guests take their first bite, seeing their eyes light up as they experience the harmonious blend of flavors and textures. This dish truly represents the joy of bringing people together around a memorable meal.

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Common Questions About Cooking

→ Can I make this pasta dish less spicy?
Yes! Simply reduce the amount of Sriracha sauce or skip it completely. The sweet chili sauce gives plenty of flavor without too much heat.
→ What's the best type of pasta to use?
Spaghetti or fettuccine work great, but you can use any pasta shape you like. Long noodles tend to hold the creamy sauce really well.
→ Can I prepare the sauce ahead of time?
The bang bang sauce can be made up to 2 days ahead and stored in the fridge. Just give it a good stir before using.
→ What can I use instead of shrimp?
Try crispy chicken pieces or tofu for a vegetarian version. The sauce works great with both alternatives.
→ Why coat the shrimp in cornstarch?
Cornstarch creates a light, crispy coating on the shrimp when fried. This helps the sauce stick better and adds nice texture.

Spicy Shrimp Pasta Dinner

Crispy fried shrimp and pasta tossed in a creamy, spicy sauce. Ready in 30 minutes for an easy and flavorful weeknight dinner.

Preparation Time
15 minutes
Cooking Duration
15 minutes
Total Time Required
30 minutes
Created By: Sarah John

Recipe Category: Dinner Delights

Skill Level Required: Moderate Skills Needed

Cuisine Style: Asian-American Fusion

Recipe Output: 4 Number of Servings

Dietary Preferences: ~

What You'll Gather

→ For the Shrimp

Contains 01 items 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined
Contains 02 items ½ cup cornstarch for dredging
Contains 03 items ½ teaspoon salt
Contains 04 items ½ teaspoon black pepper
Contains 05 items ¼ teaspoon smoked paprika (optional)
Contains 06 items 2 tablespoons vegetable oil

→ For the Bang Bang Sauce

Contains 07 items ½ cup mayonnaise
Contains 08 items ¼ cup sweet chili sauce
Contains 09 items 1-2 tablespoons Sriracha sauce
Contains 10 items 1 tablespoon honey
Contains 11 items 1 tablespoon lime juice
Contains 12 items 2 garlic cloves, minced

→ For the Pasta

Contains 13 items 8 oz spaghetti or fettuccine
Contains 14 items 2 tablespoons olive oil
Contains 15 items 2 garlic cloves, minced
Contains 16 items ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
Contains 17 items ¼ cup chopped green onions
Contains 18 items Red pepper flakes (optional)

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 01

In a medium bowl, toss the peeled and deveined shrimp with salt, black pepper, and smoked paprika. Then, coat the shrimp in cornstarch, shaking off any excess. This will help them get perfectly crispy!

Step 02

Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, fry the shrimp in batches for 2-3 minutes per side until golden and crispy. Place them on paper towels to drain.

Step 03

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook your pasta until al dente (about 8-10 minutes). Don't forget to save ½ cup of pasta water before draining!

Step 04

Whisk together mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, Sriracha, honey, lime juice, and minced garlic. This sauce is the star of the show - feel free to adjust the spiciness to your taste!

Step 05

Sauté garlic in olive oil, add the pasta, and toss with the Bang Bang sauce. Fold in the crispy shrimp, and finish with Parmesan cheese, green onions, and optional red pepper flakes. Serve hot with lime wedges!

Important Tips

  1. This recipe can be customized with sautéed vegetables like bell peppers or zucchini
  2. For a vegetarian version, try substituting shrimp with crispy tofu
  3. The sauce can be made milder or spicier by adjusting the amount of Sriracha

Essential Tools

  • Large skillet
  • Large pot for pasta
  • Mixing bowls
  • Paper towels

Allergen Guidance

Double-check ingredients for allergens and consult a health expert if needed.
  • Contains shellfish (shrimp)
  • Contains dairy (Parmesan cheese)

Nutrition Details (per serving)

This nutrition info is provided as a guide and isn't a substitute for professional medical advice.
  • Caloric Content: 620
  • Fat Amount: 32 g
  • Carbohydrates: 52 g
  • Protein Amount: 30 g