Bang Bang Shrimp Pasta
A delicious and easy pasta dish featuring bold flavors of shrimp combined with a creamy, spicy sauce, perfect for a weeknight dinner or special occasion.
Ingredients
For the Shrimp
- 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- ½ cup cornstarch (for dredging the shrimp)
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ¼ teaspoon smoked paprika (optional) for extra flavor
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil (for frying the shrimp)
For the Sauce
- ½ cup mayonnaise
- ¼ cup sweet chili sauce
- 1-2 tablespoons Sriracha depending on your heat preference
- 1 tablespoon honey for sweetness
- 1 tablespoon lime juice for tanginess
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
For the Pasta
- 8 oz spaghetti or fettuccine you can use any pasta shape you like
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- ¼ cup chopped green onions (for garnish)
- red pepper flakes (optional, for extra heat)
Instructions
Prepare the Shrimp
- Season the shrimp with salt, black pepper, and smoked paprika, and coat them in cornstarch.
- Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat and fry the shrimp until pink and crispy, about 2-3 minutes per side. Remove from the skillet and set aside.
Cook the Pasta
- Cook the pasta in a big pot of salted water according to package instructions until al dente.
- Save about a cup of pasta water, then drain the pasta.
Make the Bang Bang Sauce
- In a bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, Sriracha, honey, lime juice, and minced garlic.
- Taste the sauce and adjust the spiciness or sweetness to your liking.
Toss the Pasta with the Sauce
- In the same skillet, add olive oil and minced garlic, and sauté for a minute until fragrant.
- Add the cooked pasta to the skillet and stir to combine with the garlic.
Combine the Shrimp and Pasta
- Gently toss in the crispy shrimp and some reserved pasta water if needed for creaminess.
- Top with Parmesan cheese, green onions, and red pepper flakes if desired. Serve hot.
Notes
Make sure the oil is hot enough before frying the shrimp for a crispy texture. Don’t overcook the pasta to keep it al dente. Feel free to customize the sauce and adjust the heat level to suit your taste.