Bang Bang Shrimp Pasta Quick and Flavorful Delight

Are you ready to whip up a quick and tasty meal? Bang Bang Shrimp Pasta is perfect for busy nights when you want something flavorful without the fuss. With shrimp, creamy sauce, and pasta all in one dish, this recipe is sure to impress. Join me as I guide you through simple steps to create this delightful dish. Your dinner plans are about to get a serious upgrade!

Ingredients

Main Ingredients

– 8 oz fettuccine or spaghetti

– 1 lb medium shrimp, peeled and deveined

– 1/2 cup mayonnaise

– 1/4 cup sweet chili sauce

– 1 teaspoon sriracha

Additional Ingredients

– 2 tablespoons fresh lime juice

– 2 tablespoons olive oil

– 3 cloves garlic, minced

– 1/4 cup green onions, finely chopped (for garnish)

– 1/2 cup panko breadcrumbs

– Salt and pepper to taste

– Optional: Fresh cilantro leaves for garnish

When I make Bang Bang shrimp pasta, I focus on fresh ingredients. It’s key to use medium shrimp that are peeled and deveined. This saves time and ensures a smooth cooking process. The fettuccine or spaghetti should be cooked until it’s al dente. This keeps the pasta firm and lets it hold up to the sauce.

The heart of the dish lies in the Bang Bang sauce. The mix of mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, and sriracha creates a creamy, spicy flavor. I love to add fresh lime juice. It brightens the dish and gives it a zesty kick.

For texture, panko breadcrumbs are a must. They add a satisfying crunch. Finishing with chopped green onions and optional cilantro makes the dish pop. Each bite blends the flavors and textures beautifully.

If you want to try this dish, check out the full recipe for more details!

Step-by-Step Instructions

Cooking the Pasta

– Fill a large pot with water and add a generous amount of salt.

– Bring the water to a boil.

– Add 8 oz of fettuccine or spaghetti and cook until al dente.

– Drain the pasta and reserve about 1/2 cup of the pasta water.

Making the Bang Bang Sauce

– In a medium bowl, combine 1/2 cup mayonnaise, 1/4 cup sweet chili sauce, 1 teaspoon sriracha, and 2 tablespoons of fresh lime juice.

– Whisk until the sauce is smooth.

– Taste and add more sriracha if you want more heat.

Cooking the Shrimp

– Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a skillet over medium heat.

– Add 3 cloves of minced garlic and sauté until fragrant, about 1 minute.

– Add 1 lb of peeled and deveined shrimp.

– Season with salt and pepper, then cook until the shrimp turns pink.

Combining Pasta and Sauce

– Pour the Bang Bang sauce over the cooked shrimp in the skillet.

– Toss the shrimp gently to coat them well.

– Add the cooked pasta and mix everything together.

– If the mixture is too thick, add a bit of the reserved pasta water.

Toasting Breadcrumbs and Serving

– In a separate pan, toast 1/2 cup of panko breadcrumbs over medium heat until golden brown.

– Sprinkle the toasted breadcrumbs over the pasta just before serving.

– Garnish with finely chopped green onions and optional cilantro leaves for a fresh finish.

To see the full details of the recipe, check out the [Full Recipe].

Tips & Tricks

Perfecting the Bang Bang Sauce

Adjust the spice levels in your Bang Bang sauce by changing the amount of sriracha. Start with one teaspoon. If you crave more heat, add more sriracha little by little. I often squeeze in fresh lime juice for a zesty flavor. This brightens the sauce and makes it pop.

Cooking Shrimp Safely

For safe shrimp cooking, ensure they are pink and opaque throughout. This shows they are fully cooked. Overcooking shrimp can make them tough and chewy. Aim to cook them for just 3 to 4 minutes total.

Enhancing Presentation

Presentation matters. Use colorful garnishes like green onions or fresh cilantro for visual appeal. These add vibrancy to your dish. Before serving, drizzle any extra sauce on top. This will make your Bang Bang shrimp pasta look even more inviting and delicious.

Variations

Different Pasta Options

You can easily swap out fettuccine for other pastas. Linguine or penne work well and add variety. You can also use whole wheat pasta for a healthier choice. Gluten-free pasta is great too if you have dietary needs.

Adding Vegetables

Adding veggies makes your dish colorful and healthy. Broccoli or bell peppers bring a nice crunch and nutrients. You can also toss in some fresh spinach for an extra twist. It wilts nicely and adds flavor.

Changing Protein

Want to change up the protein? Chicken or tofu can be good substitutes for shrimp. Both options soak up the Bang Bang sauce well. You can also try other seafood like scallops or crab for a new taste. Each choice gives a unique flavor to your dish.

For the full recipe, check out the Bang Bang Shrimp Pasta.

Storage Info

Refrigeration Guidelines

To keep your Bang Bang shrimp pasta fresh, store leftovers in an airtight container. This helps to lock in the flavor and prevent spoilage. For the best taste, consume your pasta within 2-3 days. After that, the shrimp may lose its texture and taste.

Reheating Methods

When you’re ready to enjoy the leftovers, reheat in a skillet over medium heat. This method warms the pasta evenly while keeping it moist. To avoid drying out, add a splash of water or broth. Stir occasionally to ensure that everything heats through nicely.

Freezing Instructions

If you want to save some pasta for later, consider freezing it without the sauce. The sauce may separate when thawed, which affects the texture. To enjoy it later, thaw the pasta in the fridge overnight. When ready, reheat in a skillet, adding the Bang Bang sauce for a fresh taste.

FAQs

How do I make Bang Bang shrimp pasta from scratch?

– Follow the detailed steps outlined in the recipe above.

What is the origin of Bang Bang shrimp?

– Bang Bang shrimp originated as a popular appetizer in restaurants. This dish became famous for its creamy, spicy sauce.

Can I make this recipe spicier?

– Yes, add more sriracha or include diced jalapeños for heat. Adjust to your taste for the perfect kick.

Is this recipe suitable for meal prep?

– Yes, it’s great for meal prep; just store each ingredient separately before mixing. This helps keep the pasta fresh.

What can I serve with Bang Bang shrimp pasta?

– Best paired with a light salad or garlic bread for a complete meal. These sides balance the rich flavors nicely.

In this blog post, I covered how to make Bang Bang shrimp pasta. We explored key ingredients, detailed cooking steps, and tips for perfecting the dish. Remember, adjust the spice level to suit your taste. Feel free to mix in veggies or try different proteins. Store leftovers properly for the best flavor later. With this recipe, you can impress friends and family at your next meal. Enjoy your culinary adventure with this tasty dish!

Bang Bang Shrimp Pasta

Get ready for a quick and delicious dinner with Bang Bang Shrimp Pasta! This easy recipe combines perfectly cooked shrimp, creamy sauce, and al dente pasta for a mouthwatering meal that’s sure to impress. With simple steps and fresh ingredients, you can create a flavorful dish that’s perfect for busy nights. Click through to discover the full recipe and elevate your dinner plans tonight!

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Ingredients

  

8 oz fettuccine or spaghetti

1 lb medium shrimp, peeled and deveined

1/2 cup mayonnaise

1/4 cup sweet chili sauce

1 teaspoon sriracha (adjust to taste)

2 tablespoons fresh lime juice

2 tablespoons olive oil

3 cloves garlic, minced

1/4 cup green onions, finely chopped (for garnish)

1/2 cup panko breadcrumbs

Salt and pepper to taste

Optional: Fresh cilantro leaves for garnish

Instructions

 

Cook the Pasta: Fill a large pot with water, add a generous amount of salt, and bring it to a rolling boil. Add the fettuccine or spaghetti and cook according to the package instructions until al dente. Once cooked, drain the pasta and set aside, ensuring to reserve about 1/2 cup of pasta water for later use.

Prepare the Bang Bang Sauce: In a medium-sized mixing bowl, combine the mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, sriracha, and lime juice. Whisk together until the mixture is smooth and creamy. Taste the sauce and adjust the spiciness by adding more sriracha if desired. Set the sauce aside for later use.

Cook the Garlic: In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Once the oil is hot, add the minced garlic. Sauté for about 1 minute, or until the garlic becomes fragrant and golden, taking care not to burn it.

Add the Shrimp: Raise the heat to medium-high and introduce the peeled and deveined shrimp into the skillet. Season them with salt and pepper. Cook for approximately 2-3 minutes on one side until they turn pink and opaque, then flip the shrimp and cook for an additional 1 minute, ensuring they are fully cooked.

Coat with Sauce: Reduce the heat back to medium and pour the prepared Bang Bang sauce over the cooked shrimp. Gently toss the shrimp to ensure they are thoroughly coated in the luscious sauce.

Mix in the Pasta: Add the cooked pasta to the skillet with the shrimp and sauce. Toss everything together until the pasta is well-coated with the Bang Bang sauce and evenly mixed with the shrimp. If the mixture seems too thick, add a little reserved pasta water from step 1 to achieve your desired consistency. Remove from heat.

Toast the Breadcrumbs: In a small separate pan, toast the panko breadcrumbs over medium heat until they turn a golden brown, stirring frequently (approximately 3-4 minutes). Once toasted, immediately sprinkle the breadcrumbs over the pasta for an extra crunch.

Serve: Divide the Bang Bang shrimp pasta into bowls, garnishing each dish with chopped green onions and optional fresh cilantro leaves for added freshness. For an eye-catching presentation, drizzle any remaining Bang Bang sauce over the top just before serving.

Prep Time: 15 minutes | Total Time: 30 minutes | Servings: 4