Bang Bang Shrimp Pasta Recipe

Zesty Bang Bang Shrimp Pasta Recipe: Spice Up Dinner Tonight

Bang bang shrimp pasta tantalizes taste buds with its explosive flavor profile and zesty Caribbean-inspired sauce.

Creamy, spicy elements dance together in a culinary symphony that promises pure excitement on your plate.

Every bite delivers a perfect balance between crispy seafood and silky noodles.

This remarkable dish combines bold textures and vibrant seasonings that elevate an ordinary meal into something extraordinary.

The magic happens when carefully selected ingredients merge, creating a sensational experience that awakens your palate.

Bright, dynamic flavors leap from the recipe, challenging traditional pasta expectations with each compelling forkful.

Prepare to embark on a mouthwatering adventure that will revolutionize your dinner routine.

Why Bang Bang Shrimp Pasta Is a Must-Try

  • Explosive Flavor Fusion: This bang bang shrimp pasta delivers a mind-blowing taste explosion with creamy, spicy sauce that perfectly balances sweet chili, tangy lime, and sriracha heat.
  • Quick and Easy Weeknight Winner: The entire dish comes together in just 15-20 minutes, making it an ideal meal for busy home cooks who want restaurant-quality taste without complicated techniques.
  • Customizable Spice Adventure: Home chefs can easily adjust the heat level by controlling sriracha and red pepper flakes, creating a personalized dining experience that suits individual spice preferences.
  • One-Skillet Wonder: Minimal cookware and simple preparation mean less cleanup, allowing you to enjoy a gourmet-style meal without spending hours in the kitchen or dealing with multiple dirty dishes.

What You Need for Bang Bang Shrimp Pasta

Proteins:
  • Shrimp: Sweet and succulent seafood that provides the main protein for the dish, best when fresh or frozen and deveined.
  • Parsley or Cilantro: Fresh herbs that add bright color and a light herbal garnish to the final dish.
Sauce and Seasonings:
  • Mayo, Sweet Chili Sauce, Lime Juice, Sriracha: Creamy, tangy, spicy sauce blend that coats the pasta with complex flavor profile.
  • Garlic, Paprika, Salt, Black Pepper, Red Pepper Flakes: Aromatic and zesty spices that enhance the overall taste and provide depth to the shrimp and pasta.
Pasta and Cooking Ingredients:
  • Spaghetti: Classic pasta that serves as the base of the dish, providing a perfect vehicle for the shrimp and sauce.
  • Olive Oil: Neutral cooking oil used for sautéing shrimp and adding a subtle richness to the recipe.

How to Make Bang Bang Shrimp Pasta Easily

Step 1: Prepare Zesty Sauce

In a small bowl, mix together:
  • Mayonnaise
  • Sweet chili sauce
  • Lime juice
  • Sriracha

Whisk until smooth and set aside.

Step 2: Season Shrimp

In a mixing bowl, combine shrimp with:
  • Olive oil
  • Minced garlic
  • Paprika
  • Salt
  • Black pepper
  • Red pepper flakes

Toss until shrimp are evenly coated.

Step 3: Cook Shrimp

Heat olive oil in a 12-inch skillet over medium heat. Add seasoned shrimp and stir frequently to prevent garlic from burning. Cook for 8-10 minutes until shrimp turn pink and are fully cooked.

Step 4: Combine Pasta and Shrimp

Turn off heat. Add cooked spaghetti and prepared zesty sauce to the skillet with shrimp. Gently toss to ensure everything is evenly coated.

Step 5: Serve and Garnish

Transfer to serving plates. Sprinkle with chopped fresh parsley or cilantro if desired. Serve immediately while hot for maximum flavor.

Bang Bang Shrimp Pasta Cooking Tips

  • Prevent Garlic Burning: Stir shrimp constantly and keep heat at medium to avoid scorching garlic, which can turn bitter and ruin the dish's delicate flavor.
  • Select Fresh Shrimp: Choose plump, firm shrimp with a mild ocean scent for the best texture and taste in your pasta.
  • Perfect Pasta Texture: Cook spaghetti just until al dente, ensuring it retains a slight bite and won't become mushy when mixed with the sauce.
  • Customize Heat Level: Adjust sriracha and red pepper flakes to match your preferred spice intensity, making the dish mild or fiery.
  • Sauce Consistency Matters: Whisk sauce ingredients thoroughly to create a smooth, well-blended coating that evenly embraces the shrimp and pasta.

How to Keep Leftover Bang Bang Shrimp Pasta Tasty

  • Refrigeration: Store leftover Bang Bang Shrimp Pasta in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Keep refrigerated for 1-2 days to maintain optimal freshness and prevent bacterial growth.
  • Reheating Method: Warm gently in a skillet over medium-low heat, adding a splash of water or olive oil to prevent drying. Stir occasionally to distribute heat evenly and restore sauce's creamy texture. Alternatively, microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring between each interval to ensure consistent temperature.
  • Quality Tip: Consume reheated pasta within 24 hours for best taste and texture. Shrimp can become rubbery if overheated, so handle with care during the reheating process.

What Pairs Well with Bang Bang Shrimp Pasta

  • Pair with Crisp White Wine: Select a refreshing Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio to complement the spicy and tangy bang bang sauce, cutting through the richness while enhancing the shrimp's delicate flavor.
  • Match with Citrus-Infused Beer: Choose a light wheat beer or a citrus-based craft beer like Blue Moon, which will balance the sriracha heat and provide a zesty, refreshing counterpoint to the creamy sauce.
  • Create a Side Salad Companion: Prepare a simple cucumber and arugula salad with a light lemon vinaigrette to add brightness and provide a cool contrast to the pasta's spicy and creamy elements.
  • Serve with Cooling Yogurt Dip: Whip up a quick Greek yogurt dip mixed with fresh herbs like dill or mint to offer a cooling sensation that tempers the dish's spiciness and adds an extra layer of flavor.

Creative Takes on Bang Bang Shrimp Pasta

  • Creamy Coconut Kick: Replace sriracha with coconut milk and add a splash of red curry paste for a tropical flavor profile that transforms the classic recipe.
  • Zesty Mediterranean Mix: Swap shrimp with grilled chicken and incorporate feta cheese, sundried tomatoes, and oregano for a Mediterranean-inspired version with tangy undertones.
  • Spicy Cajun Crunch: Trade paprika for Cajun seasoning, add diced bell peppers, and mix in andouille sausage for a hearty, bold Southern-style pasta with extra heat and depth.
  • Veggie Protein Power: Substitute shrimp with crispy tofu cubes, use gluten-free pasta, and add roasted vegetables like zucchini and mushrooms for a plant-based alternative packed with nutrients.
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Bang Bang Shrimp Pasta Recipe

Bang Bang Shrimp Pasta Recipe


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4.8 from 9 reviews

  • Total Time: 40 minutes
  • Yield: 4 1x

Description

Creamy Bang Bang Shrimp Pasta delivers a spicy-sweet sensation straight from Asian-inspired kitchens. Crispy panko-coated shrimp nestled in silky noodles promise an irresistible culinary adventure you’ll crave again and again.


Ingredients

Scale

Shrimp

  • 12 ounces (340 grams) medium shrimp, peeled and deveined

Pasta

  • 8 ounces (226 grams) spaghetti noodles, cooked and drained

Seasonings and Spices

  • 2 teaspoons smoked paprika
  • ½ teaspoon kosher salt
  • ½ teaspoon fresh cracked black pepper
  • ⅛ teaspoon red pepper flakes

Cooking Ingredients

  • 1½ tablespoons (22 milliliters) olive oil, divided
  • 1 tablespoon fresh garlic, minced

Sauce Components

  • ½ cup (120 milliliters) mayonnaise
  • ½ cup (120 milliliters) sweet chili sauce
  • 1½ teaspoons sriracha sauce
  • 1 lime, juiced

Garnish

  • Fresh chopped parsley or cilantro (optional)

Instructions

  1. Craft a zesty sauce by vigorously whisking mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, freshly squeezed lime juice, and sriracha in a compact mixing vessel until the mixture achieves a silky, uniform consistency.
  2. Prepare the shrimp by gently coating them with olive oil, minced garlic, paprika, kosher salt, freshly ground black pepper, and crushed red pepper flakes in a spacious mixing bowl.
  3. Position a 12-inch (30.5 centimeters) skillet over medium heat and introduce olive oil, allowing it to shimmer and warm.
  4. Carefully transfer the seasoned shrimp into the heated skillet, stirring attentively to prevent garlic from scorching and ensure uniform cooking, approximately 8-10 minutes until the shrimp transform to a vibrant pink hue and reach optimal doneness.
  5. Extinguish the heat source and incorporate the pre-cooked spaghetti and prepared sauce directly into the skillet with the succulent shrimp, thoroughly tossing to guarantee comprehensive coating.
  6. For an optional burst of freshness, sprinkle finely chopped parsley or cilantro atop the dish and serve piping hot, inviting immediate enjoyment.

Notes

  • Spice Level Customization: Adjust sriracha and red pepper flakes to create a milder or spicier sauce that suits your personal heat tolerance.
  • Quick Cooking Tip: Watch shrimp carefully while cooking to prevent overcooking, which can make them tough and rubbery.
  • Sauce Preparation: Whisk sauce ingredients thoroughly to ensure a smooth, well-blended consistency that coats pasta evenly.
  • Flavor Enhancement: Fresh herbs like parsley or cilantro add a vibrant, fresh finish that brightens the entire dish.
  • Storage Recommendation: Best enjoyed immediately, but leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
  • Protein Flexibility: Easily swap shrimp with chicken or tofu for a different protein option while maintaining the delicious bang bang flavor profile.
  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 20 minutes
  • Category: Dinner, Appetizer
  • Method: Sautéing
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 4
  • Calories: 485 kcal
  • Sugar: 12 g
  • Sodium: 680 mg
  • Fat: 28 g
  • Saturated Fat: 5 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 20 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 35 g
  • Fiber: 2 g
  • Protein: 25 g
  • Cholesterol: 220 mg
Lucas Bennett

Lucas Bennett

Founder & Recipe Creator

Expertise

Simple Everyday Recipes, Sustainable Cooking Practices, Creative Meal Planning, Recipe Testing and Improvement

Education

Fox Valley Technical College, Appleton, Wisconsin

  • Degree: Associate of Applied Science in Culinary Arts
  • Focus: Practical culinary training, fundamental cooking techniques, meal planning, and using fresh, local ingredients.

Lake Superior College, Duluth, Minnesota

  • Program: Certificate in Sustainable Food Systems
  • Focus: Cooking methods that promote sustainability, farm-to-table practices, and eco-friendly meal creation.

Lucas Bennett’s cooking journey started in his parents’ kitchen, where he learned to prepare tasty, no-fuss meals from scratch. His culinary passion led him to Fox Valley Technical College, where he gained practical cooking skills.
He then expanded his focus on sustainability at Lake Superior College. Today, Lucas shares easy, approachable recipes designed to make cooking enjoyable and stress-free for everyone.

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