Are you craving a dish that’s bursting with flavor yet quick enough for a weeknight dinner? Look no further than this Bang Bang Shrimp and Pasta recipe!
Combining crispy, spicy shrimp coated in a creamy, tangy sauce with perfectly cooked pasta, this meal is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. It’s perfect for those who love a little heat but want something comforting and satisfying at the same time.
Plus, it’s easy to customize with your favorite veggies or pasta type.
Whether you’re cooking for family, friends, or just treating yourself, this recipe offers a delightful balance of textures and flavors. The creamy bang bang sauce adds a zesty kick that complements the tender shrimp and al dente pasta beautifully.
Ready to impress your taste buds? Let’s dive right in!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This Bang Bang Shrimp and Pasta recipe is a fantastic fusion of bold Asian-inspired flavors and classic Italian comfort food. Here’s why it stands out:
- Quick and easy: Ready in under 30 minutes, perfect for busy nights.
- Crispy shrimp: Lightly battered and pan-fried for a satisfying crunch.
- Creamy, spicy sauce: The signature bang bang sauce is rich, tangy, and just the right amount of spicy.
- Customizable: Swap out pasta types or add veggies like bell peppers or snap peas.
- Family-friendly: A crowd-pleaser that suits both adults and kids alike.
Ingredients
- For the Shrimp:
- 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- ½ cup all-purpose flour
- ½ cup cornstarch
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- 2 large eggs, beaten
- Vegetable oil, for frying
- For the Bang Bang Sauce:
- ½ cup mayonnaise
- 2 tbsp sweet chili sauce
- 1 tbsp sriracha (adjust to taste)
- 1 tbsp honey
- 1 tsp rice vinegar
- For the Pasta:
- 8 oz linguine or spaghetti
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup snap peas or chopped bell peppers (optional)
- Salt, to taste
- Fresh cilantro or parsley, for garnish
- Lime wedges, for serving
Equipment
- Large pot for boiling pasta
- Large skillet or frying pan
- Mixing bowls
- Whisk or fork for mixing sauce
- Slotted spoon or tongs for frying shrimp
- Colander for draining pasta
- Measuring cups and spoons
Instructions
- Cook the pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and toss with 1 tablespoon olive oil to prevent sticking. Set aside.
- Prepare the shrimp coating: In a shallow bowl, whisk together the flour, cornstarch, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. In another bowl, beat the eggs.
- Coat the shrimp: Dip each shrimp first into the beaten eggs, then dredge in the flour mixture, ensuring an even coat. Place coated shrimp on a plate ready for frying.
- Fry the shrimp: Heat about ½ inch of vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, fry the shrimp in batches until golden brown and crispy, about 2 minutes per side. Avoid overcrowding the pan. Remove and drain on paper towels.
- Make the bang bang sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, sriracha, honey, and rice vinegar until smooth and creamy. Adjust spiciness by adding more or less sriracha.
- Sauté the garlic and veggies: In a clean skillet, heat 1 tablespoon olive oil over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant. Add snap peas or bell peppers and cook for 2-3 minutes until crisp-tender. Season lightly with salt.
- Combine pasta and veggies: Toss the cooked pasta with the sautéed garlic and veggies in the skillet, mixing well to heat through.
- Assemble the dish: Add the fried shrimp to the pasta and drizzle the bang bang sauce generously over top. Toss gently to coat everything evenly with the sauce.
- Garnish and serve: Sprinkle chopped cilantro or parsley on top and serve immediately with lime wedges for a fresh, zesty finish.
Tips & Variations
For the crispiest shrimp, make sure your oil is hot enough before frying but not smoking. Maintaining the right temperature ensures a perfect golden crust.
- Vegetarian option: Swap shrimp for crispy tofu cubes or cauliflower florets for a plant-based version.
- Spice it up: Add a dash of cayenne pepper to the flour mixture for extra heat in the shrimp coating.
- Make it gluten-free: Use gluten-free flour and cornstarch, and choose gluten-free pasta.
- Extra veggies: Feel free to add shredded carrots, sliced green onions, or baby spinach for more color and nutrients.
- Sauce variations: Try mixing in a bit of lime juice or zest into the sauce for a citrusy twist.
Nutrition Facts
Nutrient | Amount per Serving |
---|---|
Calories | 520 kcal |
Protein | 35 g |
Carbohydrates | 45 g |
Fat | 20 g |
Saturated Fat | 3.5 g |
Cholesterol | 180 mg |
Sodium | 650 mg |
Fiber | 3 g |
Serving Suggestions
This Bang Bang Shrimp and Pasta pairs wonderfully with a light side salad or steamed greens. A crisp cucumber salad or a simple Asian slaw with sesame dressing complements the spicy, creamy flavors perfectly.
For a heartier meal, serve with garlic bread or a side of roasted vegetables. Don’t forget to squeeze fresh lime juice over your dish to brighten the flavor just before eating.
Enjoy with a chilled white wine or sparkling water with lemon for a refreshing balance.
Looking for more delicious and easy dinner ideas? Check out our Roasted Veg and Pasta Recipe for Easy Weeknight Dinners, or if you want to explore vegan options, try our Vegan Dinners Recipes for Easy and Delicious Meals.
Also, don’t miss the Black Bean Sauce Recipe Vegetarian: Easy & Delicious Guide for a flavorful plant-based alternative.
Conclusion
This Bang Bang Shrimp and Pasta recipe is a fantastic way to bring a burst of bold, spicy, and creamy flavors to your dinner table with minimal effort. The crispy shrimp combined with the luscious bang bang sauce and tender pasta is a perfect harmony that will leave everyone asking for seconds.
Whether you’re a seasoned cook or a kitchen newbie, this recipe is straightforward, quick, and adaptable to your own flavor preferences and dietary needs. It’s a versatile dish you can easily customize with different veggies or spice levels, making it a go-to meal for any occasion.
So next time you want to impress your family or friends with a flavorful and satisfying meal, whip up this Bang Bang Shrimp and Pasta and watch it become an instant favorite!
📖 Recipe Card: Bang Bang Shrimp and Pasta
Description: A creamy, spicy bang bang sauce coats crispy shrimp served over tender pasta. This quick dish is perfect for a flavorful weeknight dinner.
Prep Time: PT15M
Cook Time: PT15M
Total Time: PT30M
Servings: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 8 oz fettuccine pasta
- 1 lb medium shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 1/2 cup panko breadcrumbs
- 1/4 cup mayonnaise
- 2 tbsp sweet chili sauce
- 1 tbsp sriracha sauce
- 1 tbsp honey
- 1 tbsp vegetable oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tbsp lime juice
- 2 green onions, sliced
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Cook pasta according to package instructions; drain and set aside.
- In a bowl, mix mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, sriracha, honey, and lime juice to make bang bang sauce.
- Season shrimp with salt and pepper, then coat with panko breadcrumbs.
- Heat oil in a skillet over medium heat; cook shrimp until golden and cooked through, about 2 minutes per side.
- Add garlic to the skillet and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
- Toss cooked pasta with bang bang sauce and garlic.
- Top pasta with crispy shrimp and garnish with sliced green onions.
- Serve immediately.
Nutrition: Calories: 520 kcal | Protein: 35 g | Fat: 20 g | Carbs: 45 g
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