Oh my goodness, let me tell you about this bang bang shrimp pasta! It’s like a flavor explosion in every bite! I first tried this dish at a cozy little seafood restaurant, and I just couldn’t get over how the crispy, spicy shrimp paired so perfectly with the creamy sauce and pasta. I knew I had to recreate it at home, and now it’s a staple in my kitchen. Trust me, once you try this recipe, you’ll be hooked! The combination of succulent shrimp tossed in a luscious sauce over linguine is just pure comfort food bliss. Plus, it’s quick to whip up, making it perfect for a weeknight dinner or impressing friends at a gathering. Let’s dive into the deliciousness together!
Ingredients List
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
- 8 oz linguine pasta (I love using linguine for this dish, but any pasta you have on hand will work!)
- 1 lb shrimp, peeled and deveined (Make sure they’re fresh for that perfect bite!)
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise (This gives the sauce that creamy goodness we all crave!)
- 1/4 cup sweet chili sauce (For that lovely balance of sweetness and a hint of spice)
- 2 tbsp sriracha sauce (Add more if you like it spicy—don’t be shy!)
- 1 tbsp olive oil (Just enough to sauté the garlic and shrimp to perfection)
- 2 cloves garlic, minced (Because who can resist that amazing aroma?)
- 1/4 cup green onions, chopped (These add a fresh crunch and pop of color!)
- Salt and pepper to taste (Always taste as you go to make it just right!)
How to Prepare Bang Bang Shrimp Pasta
Step 1: Cook the Pasta
First things first, let’s get that linguine cooking! Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Once it’s bubbling away, toss in the 8 oz of linguine pasta and cook according to the package instructions—usually about 9-11 minutes until it’s al dente. You want that perfect chew! Don’t forget to stir occasionally so it doesn’t stick. When it’s done, drain it and set it aside. It’s okay if it gets a little sticky; we’ll be mixing it up soon!
Step 2: Prepare the Sauce
While the pasta’s cooking, let’s whip up that creamy sauce! In a mixing bowl, combine 1/2 cup of mayonnaise, 1/4 cup of sweet chili sauce, and 2 tablespoons of sriracha sauce. Whisk it all together until it’s smooth and lovely. Give it a taste—if you want more heat, feel free to add a bit more sriracha! Set this deliciousness aside for a moment; it’s about to make your pasta sing!
Step 3: Cook the Shrimp
Now for my favorite part—cooking the shrimp! In a large skillet, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. Once it’s hot, add in the 2 cloves of minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds until it’s fragrant—oh, it smells heavenly! Then, add the 1 lb of shrimp, seasoning them with salt and pepper. Cook the shrimp for about 3-4 minutes, flipping them halfway through, until they turn pink and opaque. You’ve got to keep an eye on them; they cook really quickly!
Step 4: Combine Ingredients
Alright, it’s time to bring everything together! Toss the cooked shrimp into the skillet with the creamy sauce you prepared earlier. Stir it up until the shrimp are well-coated in that luscious sauce. Then, add the drained linguine to the skillet and mix everything together until the pasta is evenly coated. This is where the magic happens, my friends!
Step 5: Garnish and Serve
To finish things off, sprinkle the chopped 1/4 cup of green onions over the top for a fresh crunch and pop of color. Serve this beauty right away while it’s warm and creamy. And there you have it—a plate of bang bang shrimp pasta that’s just begging to be devoured! I love pairing it with a side salad or some garlic bread, but honestly, it’s fabulous all on its own. Enjoy!
Nutritional Information
If you’re curious about the goodness packed into each plate of this bang bang shrimp pasta, here’s a quick look at the estimated nutritional values per serving. Just keep in mind that these are approximate and can vary based on the specific ingredients you use!
- Serving Size: 1 plate
- Calories: 600
- Fat: 30g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 20g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Cholesterol: 200mg
- Sodium: 800mg
- Carbohydrates: 60g
- Fiber: 3g
- Sugar: 5g
- Protein: 25g
With a perfect balance of protein from the shrimp and carbs from the pasta, this dish is not only delicious but also quite satisfying! It’s great for fueling your day without feeling too heavy. Enjoy every bite knowing you’re treating yourself to something yummy and nourishing!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- It’s a delightful blend of crispy shrimp and creamy sauce that’s simply irresistible!
- Quick to make—ready in just 25 minutes, perfect for busy weeknights!
- Easy to customize—adjust the spice level to fit your taste or add your favorite veggies!
- One-pot wonder—less cleanup means more time to enjoy your delicious meal!
- Impressive enough to serve at dinner parties, but effortless to whip up!
- Kid-friendly with a fun twist that even picky eaters will love!
- Great for meal prep—pack leftovers for a tasty lunch the next day!
Tips for Success
Now, let’s make sure your bang bang shrimp pasta turns out absolutely perfect! Here are some of my favorite tips to help you nail this dish every time:
- Don’t Overcook the Shrimp: Shrimp cook super quickly, so keep an eye on them! Once they turn pink and opaque, they’re done. Overcooking can make them rubbery, and nobody wants that!
- Adjusting the Spice: If you’re not a fan of too much heat, start with less sriracha in the sauce and taste as you go. You can always add more if you’re feeling brave! For a milder option, consider using a bit of ketchup instead of sriracha.
- Cooking Pasta Perfectly: When cooking linguine, make sure to salt your water well—this is your chance to infuse flavor into the pasta. A common mistake is to skip the salt, but trust me, it makes a difference!
- Fresh Ingredients: Using fresh shrimp really elevates this dish. If you can, buy shrimp that’s wild-caught for the best flavor. Check for a nice, firm texture!
- Mixing it Up: If you have any leftover veggies in your fridge, feel free to toss them in! Bell peppers, snap peas, or even broccoli can add a nice crunch and extra nutrition.
- Serving Right Away: This dish is best served immediately while it’s still warm and creamy. If you let it sit too long, the pasta can absorb the sauce and lose that luscious texture.
- Leftover Magic: If you do have leftovers (which I doubt, because it’s so good!), store them in an airtight container in the fridge. Just a quick stir and a splash of water when reheating will help bring it back to life!
With these tips in your back pocket, you’ll be well on your way to creating a bang bang shrimp pasta that will wow your taste buds and anyone lucky enough to share it with you. Happy cooking!
Variations
If you’re feeling adventurous or just want to mix things up a bit, there are so many fun variations you can try with this bang bang shrimp pasta! Here are some of my favorite ideas to keep your taste buds excited:
- Different Pasta Shapes: While I love using linguine, don’t hesitate to experiment with other pasta types! Fusilli, penne, or even spaghetti can work beautifully. Each shape will bring its own unique texture to the dish!
- Spicy Garlic Sauce: For a different flavor kick, swap the creamy sauce for a spicy garlic sauce. Just sauté some minced garlic in olive oil, add red pepper flakes, and toss it with the shrimp. It’ll have a totally different vibe!
- Vegetable Add-ins: Want to sneak in some extra veggies? Toss in some bell peppers, broccoli florets, or snap peas during the last few minutes of cooking the shrimp. You’ll add color, crunch, and nutrition!
- Cauliflower Pasta: For a lighter option, try using cauliflower pasta or zucchini noodles! They’ll give you that comforting pasta feel without all the carbs, making it a great choice for a healthier meal.
- Coconut Cream Sauce: If you’re in the mood for something tropical, mix in some coconut cream with your sauce instead of mayonnaise. It’ll add a subtle sweetness and a creamy texture that pairs wonderfully with shrimp!
- Herb Infusion: Fresh herbs can completely transform this dish! Try adding a handful of fresh basil or cilantro at the end for a burst of freshness. It’ll brighten up the flavors and make it even more delicious!
- Protein Swap: Not a shrimp fan? No problem! Substitute with chicken, scallops, or even tofu for a vegetarian take. Just adjust the cooking time accordingly to make sure everything is cooked through.
With these variations, you can keep your bang bang shrimp pasta exciting and new every time you make it! Trust me, your family and friends will love the creativity and flavor combinations you come up with. Happy cooking and experimenting!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
So, you’ve made this delicious bang bang shrimp pasta and have some leftovers? Lucky you! Storing it properly will help keep that wonderful flavor intact for your next meal. Here’s how to do it:
- Storing Leftovers: Allow the pasta to cool to room temperature before transferring it to an airtight container. This will help prevent condensation, which can make your pasta soggy. It can be stored in the fridge for up to 3 days. If you have a lot, consider dividing it into smaller portions for easy grabbing!
- Freezing: If you want to save it for a longer period, you can freeze the bang bang shrimp pasta. Just make sure to use a freezer-safe container or freezer bags, removing as much air as possible. It should keep well for about 1-2 months. When you’re ready to eat, just let it thaw in the fridge overnight.
Now, let’s talk about reheating. You want to bring that creamy goodness back to life!
- Microwave: This is the quickest method. Place your portion in a microwave-safe dish and cover it with a damp paper towel to keep the moisture in. Heat it in 30-second intervals, stirring in between, until it’s warmed through. Just be careful not to overheat it, or you’ll risk rubbery shrimp!
- Stovetop: My favorite method! Heat a skillet over medium heat and add a splash of water or a bit of olive oil. Add the pasta and stir it gently to warm it up, adding more liquid as needed to keep it from drying out. This way, you maintain that lovely creamy texture!
Whichever method you choose, just remember that bang bang shrimp pasta is best enjoyed fresh, but with these tips, you can savor those leftovers without any fuss. Enjoy every last bite!
Print
Bang Bang Shrimp Pasta: 5 Steps to Ultimate Deliciousness
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Seafood
Description
A delicious pasta dish featuring crispy bang bang shrimp tossed in a creamy sauce.
Ingredients
- 8 oz linguine pasta
- 1 lb shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 1/4 cup sweet chili sauce
- 2 tbsp sriracha sauce
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup green onions, chopped
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Cook linguine according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
- In a bowl, mix mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, and sriracha sauce. Set aside.
- In a skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add garlic and sauté until fragrant.
- Add shrimp to the skillet, season with salt and pepper, and cook until shrimp are pink.
- Toss cooked shrimp with the sauce mixture until coated.
- Combine shrimp with linguine and toss to mix well.
- Garnish with green onions before serving.
Notes
- Adjust the spice level by varying the amount of sriracha.
- Serve immediately for best texture.
- Can substitute pasta type as desired.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 plate
- Calories: 600
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 30g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 20g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 60g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 200mg
Keywords: bang bang shrimp pasta
