Bang Bang Shrimp Pasta is a delightful fusion of flavors, combining tender shrimp with a creamy, spicy sauce that’s perfect for a quick and satisfying meal. This dish is inspired by the popular Bang Bang Shrimp appetizer, transformed into a hearty pasta dish that will impress your taste buds and your dinner guests.
Ingredients:
For the Pasta:
- 8 ounces spaghetti noodles: The base of the dish, these noodles absorb the creamy sauce and provide a satisfying bite.
- 2 tablespoons butter: Used to sauté the shrimp and garlic, adding richness to the dish.
- 10 ounces shrimp, deveined and peeled: The star of the dish, shrimp cooks quickly and adds a delicious, slightly sweet flavor.
- 3 cloves garlic, minced: Garlic infuses the dish with a deep, savory flavor that complements the shrimp perfectly.
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika: Adds a subtle smoky flavor and enhances the color of the shrimp.
- Salt and pepper, to taste: Basic seasonings to enhance the overall flavor of the dish.
- 1 tablespoon cilantro, chopped: Adds a fresh, herbal note and a pop of color.
- Red pepper flakes, for garnish: Optional, but adds a bit of heat and visual appeal to the finished dish.
For the Sauce:
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise: The base of the sauce, providing creaminess and richness.
- 1/3 cup sweet Thai chili sauce: Adds sweetness and a mild spiciness, balancing the creaminess of the mayonnaise.
- 1/2 lime, juiced: Brings acidity and brightness to the sauce, cutting through the richness.
- 1 teaspoon sriracha sauce: Adds a punch of heat, making the sauce tangy and spicy.
Instructions:
1. Cook the Pasta:
- Begin by cooking the spaghetti noodles according to the package instructions. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil, add the noodles, and cook until al dente, about 8-10 minutes. Drain the pasta and set it aside.
2. Prepare the Sauce:
- While the pasta is cooking, prepare the Bang Bang sauce. In a medium bowl, combine the mayonnaise, sweet Thai chili sauce, lime juice, and sriracha sauce. Whisk until the ingredients are fully incorporated and the sauce is smooth. Adjust the seasoning with more lime juice or sriracha if you prefer a spicier or tangier sauce. Set the sauce aside.
3. Cook the Shrimp:
- In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Once the butter is melted and bubbling, add the minced garlic and sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
- Add the shrimp to the skillet, seasoning them with paprika, salt, and pepper. Cook the shrimp for 2-3 minutes on each side, or until they turn pink and opaque. Be careful not to overcook the shrimp, as they can become tough and rubbery.
- Once the shrimp are cooked, remove them from the skillet and set them aside.
4. Combine the Pasta and Sauce:
- In the same skillet used to cook the shrimp, add the cooked spaghetti noodles. Pour the Bang Bang sauce over the noodles and toss to coat the pasta evenly with the sauce.
- Add the cooked shrimp back into the skillet and gently toss everything together until the shrimp and pasta are well-coated with the sauce.
5. Garnish and Serve:
- Transfer the Bang Bang Shrimp Pasta to serving plates. Garnish with chopped cilantro and a sprinkle of red pepper flakes for an extra kick of heat.
- Serve the pasta hot, and enjoy the delicious combination of creamy, spicy, and tangy flavors.
Tips for Success:
- Cooking the Shrimp: Shrimp cook very quickly, so keep an eye on them to avoid overcooking. They are done when they turn pink and opaque. Overcooked shrimp can become tough and chewy.
- Customizing the Sauce: If you prefer a spicier dish, feel free to increase the amount of sriracha sauce. For a milder version, reduce the sriracha or omit the red pepper flakes.
- Make it Healthier: For a lighter version, you can substitute Greek yogurt for half of the mayonnaise in the sauce. This will still provide creaminess while reducing the overall fat content.
- Adding Vegetables: Feel free to add vegetables to the dish, such as bell peppers, snap peas, or broccoli. Sauté them along with the garlic before adding the shrimp for an extra dose of nutrients and flavor.
- Serving Suggestions: This pasta pairs well with a crisp green salad or steamed vegetables. Garlic bread is also a great side to mop up any extra sauce.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe:
- Quick and Easy: This dish comes together in about 20 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights or when you’re short on time but still want a delicious meal.
- Bold Flavors: The combination of creamy mayonnaise, sweet Thai chili sauce, and spicy sriracha creates a sauce that is both rich and flavorful. The garlic and paprika enhance the shrimp, making every bite a burst of taste.
- Versatile: You can easily customize this dish to suit your taste by adjusting the level of spice or adding your favorite vegetables.
- Family-Friendly: The mild sweetness from the Thai chili sauce and the creamy texture of the sauce make this dish appealing to both kids and adults.
Bang Bang Shrimp Pasta is a delightful and flavorful dish that combines the best of both worlds—tender shrimp and creamy pasta. The sauce, with its balance of sweetness, heat, and tang, complements the shrimp perfectly, making this a dish that’s sure to become a favorite in your household. Whether you’re cooking for yourself or feeding a crowd, this recipe is sure to impress. Serve it with your favorite sides, and enjoy a restaurant-quality meal at home!
