Bang Bang Shrimp Pasta: A Spicy and Creamy Flavor Explosion
This Bang Bang Shrimp Pasta recipe is creamy, crispy, spicy, and full of bold flavors. It’s the perfect mix of comfort food with an exciting kick, making it a great go-to meal for weeknights or special occasions.
This pasta is perfect for a weeknight dinner, special occasion, or even meal prep because it’s quick, easy, and packed with restaurant-quality flavor. The shrimp are crispy and juicy, while the sauce is velvety and rich, making every bite a burst of spicy, creamy goodness.
Why You’ll Love Bang Bang Shrimp Pasta
🔥 Spicy, Creamy, and Loaded with Flavor
The bang bang sauce creates an irresistible combination of heat and creaminess.
🕒 Quick and Easy to Make
This recipe is ready in 30 minutes, making it a perfect weeknight meal.
🍤 Crispy, Juicy Shrimp
The shrimp are lightly breaded and pan-fried to golden perfection, adding a delicious crunch to every bite.
🍝 A Unique Twist on Pasta
Bang Bang Shrimp Pasta takes classic pasta dishes to a whole new level with its bold, Asian-inspired flavors.
Ingredients for Bang Bang Shrimp Pasta
For the Shrimp:
- 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 cup cornstarch (for coating)
- 1/2 cup buttermilk (for dipping)
- 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil (for frying)
For the Bang Bang Sauce:
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 1/4 cup sweet chili sauce
- 1 tablespoon sriracha (adjust to taste)
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 1 teaspoon rice vinegar
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
For the Pasta:
- 12 ounces spaghetti or fettuccine
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- 1/4 cup reserved pasta water (if needed for thinning sauce)
- 2 tablespoons chopped green onions (for garnish)
- 1 tablespoon sesame seeds (for garnish)
Instructions for Bang Bang Shrimp Pasta
Step 1: Cook the Pasta
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the pasta according to the package instructions until al dente.
- Reserve 1/4 cup of pasta water, then drain and set aside.
Step 2: Prepare the Shrimp
- In a bowl, season the shrimp with salt, black pepper, and paprika.
- Coat each shrimp lightly in cornstarch, then dip into buttermilk, and finally coat with panko breadcrumbs for extra crispiness.
- Heat vegetable oil in a skillet over medium heat.
- Cook the shrimp in batches for 2-3 minutes per side until golden brown and crispy. Remove from the pan and drain on paper towels.
Step 3: Make the Bang Bang Sauce
- In a bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, sriracha, honey, rice vinegar, and garlic powder until smooth.
Step 4: Assemble the Pasta
- In the same skillet, melt butter and sauté garlic and red pepper flakes for 30 seconds.
- Add the cooked pasta and pour in the bang bang sauce, tossing until the pasta is well coated.
- If the sauce is too thick, add a splash of reserved pasta water to loosen it.
Step 5: Add the Shrimp and Garnish
- Arrange the crispy shrimp on top of the pasta.
- Garnish with chopped green onions and sesame seeds.
- Serve immediately and enjoy!
Tips for the Best Bang Bang Shrimp Pasta
🌟 Use Fresh or Frozen Shrimp
Fresh shrimp have the best flavor, but if using frozen shrimp, thaw completely before cooking.
🔥 Adjust the Spice Level
If you prefer a milder dish, reduce the sriracha in the sauce. For more heat, add extra chili flakes or a dash of hot sauce.
🧄 Enhance the Flavor
A squeeze of fresh lime juice or a drizzle of soy sauce can add a burst of extra flavor.
🍝 Choose the Right Pasta
Spaghetti and fettuccine work best, but you can also use linguine or angel hair pasta.
How to Serve Bang Bang Shrimp Pasta
🍽 As a Main Dish
Serve with a side of steamed vegetables, garlic bread, or a crisp salad.
🍋 With a Citrus Twist
A wedge of fresh lime or lemon enhances the creamy, spicy flavors.
🍷 Pair with a Refreshing Drink
Serve with a glass of white wine, iced tea, or a citrusy cocktail.
Variations to Try
🥑 Bang Bang Shrimp Avocado Pasta: Add sliced avocados for a creamy texture.
🥗 Lighter Version: Use Greek yogurt instead of mayonnaise for a healthier sauce.
🌶 Spicy Bang Bang Shrimp Pasta: Add extra chili flakes, cayenne, or jalapeños for more heat
Bang Bang Shrimp Pasta
Ingredients
- 1 pound large shrimp peeled and deveined
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 cup cornstarch
- 1/2 cup buttermilk
- 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 1/4 cup sweet chili sauce
- 1 tablespoon sriracha adjust to taste
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 1 teaspoon rice vinegar
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 12 ounces spaghetti or fettuccine
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes optional
- 1/4 cup reserved pasta water optional
- 2 tablespoons chopped green onions
- 1 tablespoon sesame seeds
Instructions
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook pasta according to package instructions until al dente.
- Reserve 1/4 cup of pasta water, then drain and set aside.
- In a bowl, season shrimp with salt, black pepper, and paprika.
- Coat each shrimp lightly in cornstarch, then dip into buttermilk, and finally coat with panko breadcrumbs.
- Heat vegetable oil in a skillet over medium heat and cook shrimp in batches for 2-3 minutes per side until golden brown and crispy. Remove and drain on paper towels.
- In a bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, sriracha, honey, rice vinegar, and garlic powder until smooth.
- In the same skillet, melt butter and sauté garlic and red pepper flakes for 30 seconds.
- Add the cooked pasta and pour in the bang bang sauce, tossing to coat.
- If the sauce is too thick, add reserved pasta water to loosen it.
- Arrange the crispy shrimp on top of the pasta.
- Garnish with chopped green onions and sesame seeds.
- Serve immediately and enjoy!
