Oh my goodness, let me tell you about my absolute favorite bang bang shrimp pasta! This dish is a delightful explosion of flavors, with creamy sauce that dances on your taste buds and spicy shrimp that make each bite exciting. I remember the first time I made it for my family; they couldn’t stop raving about how delicious it was! The combination of the rich, creamy sauce and the perfectly cooked shrimp creates a satisfying meal that’s perfect for any night of the week. Trust me, once you try this recipe, it’ll become a regular in your kitchen rotation!
Ingredients List
Here’s what you’ll need to whip up this mouthwatering bang bang shrimp pasta. Make sure to gather each ingredient, so you’re all set to dive in!
- 8 oz of spaghetti (or your favorite pasta) – cooked according to package instructions
- 1 lb of shrimp, peeled and deveined – I love using fresh shrimp for the best flavor, but frozen works too!
- 1/2 cup of mayonnaise – this is the creamy base that makes everything so luscious
- 1/4 cup of sweet chili sauce – for that perfect hint of sweetness
- 2 tbsp of sriracha sauce – adjust this to your spice preference! It’s where the bang comes from!
- 2 tbsp of olive oil – for sautéing and adding that rich flavor
- 2 cloves of garlic, minced – fresh garlic makes a world of difference!
- 1/4 cup of green onions, chopped – these add a nice fresh crunch and color
- Salt and pepper to taste – don’t forget to season your shrimp!
Gathering these ingredients will put you on the path to a delightful dinner that’s sure to impress!
How to Prepare Bang Bang Shrimp Pasta
Alright, let’s dive into the steps to create this delicious bang bang shrimp pasta! It’s all about timing and flavor integration, so follow along closely for a fantastic meal that’ll have everyone asking for seconds!
Step 1: Cook the Spaghetti
First things first, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook your spaghetti according to the package instructions until it’s al dente. This usually takes about 8-10 minutes. Once it’s done, drain it well, and don’t forget to save a bit of that pasta water! It can help loosen the sauce later if needed.
Step 2: Make the Sauce
While your pasta is 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. Mix everything together until it’s nice and smooth. This is where the magic happens, so taste it and adjust the sriracha if you’re feeling adventurous!
Step 3: Sauté the Garlic
Now, grab a skillet and heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat. Once it’s hot, toss in your minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until it’s fragrant. Be careful not to let it burn, as burnt garlic can ruin the dish! This step adds a wonderful depth of flavor that you absolutely don’t want to skip.
Step 4: Cook the Shrimp
Time to add the star of the show! Add your peeled and deveined shrimp to the skillet, seasoning them with a little salt and pepper. Cook them for about 3-5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they turn a lovely pink color. This means they’re perfectly cooked and ready to absorb all those delicious flavors!
Step 5: Combine Everything
Once the shrimp are cooked, remove the skillet from heat and stir in your creamy sauce mixture. Make sure everything is evenly coated! Then, toss in the drained spaghetti and mix it all together. If the sauce is too thick, feel free to add a splash of that reserved pasta water to get the right consistency.
Step 6: Garnish and Serve
Finally, it’s time to plate up your bang bang shrimp pasta! Garnish with the chopped green onions for a fresh pop of flavor and color. You can serve this dish hot right away or let it chill for a bit if you prefer it cold. Either way, it’s going to be a hit!
Tips for Success
To really nail this bang bang shrimp pasta, here are a few pro tips! First, if you want more heat, feel free to ramp up the sriracha—just a little goes a long way! You can also balance the flavors with a splash of lime juice for a zesty kick. If you’re looking to add some veggies, bell peppers, snap peas, or even broccoli are fantastic options that complement the shrimp beautifully. Just toss them in with the shrimp during cooking for a colorful boost! And don’t forget, taste as you go; it’s the best way to ensure everything is just right!
Nutritional Information
Here’s the estimated nutritional breakdown for one serving of my bang bang shrimp pasta. It’s approximately 540 calories, with 25g of fat (including 4g of saturated fat), and 20g of protein. You’ll also find about 60g of carbohydrates and 2g of fiber. Remember, these values can vary based on ingredient brands and portion sizes, so use this as a guideline!
FAQ Section
Got questions about bang bang shrimp pasta? Don’t worry; I’ve got you covered! Here are some common queries that I hear quite often. Let’s dive in!
Can I use frozen shrimp?
Absolutely! Frozen shrimp works just fine for this recipe. Just make sure to thaw them properly before cooking. You can do this by placing them in the fridge overnight or running them under cold water for a quick thaw. Once they’re ready, peel and devein if necessary, and you’re good to go!
What can I substitute for sriracha?
If you’re not a fan of sriracha or need a milder option, you can substitute it with other hot sauces like chili garlic sauce or even a dash of red pepper flakes for a less intense heat. For a sweeter twist, try a bit of sweet chili sauce in place of sriracha, adjusting to your heat preference!
How long does this dish last?
This bang bang shrimp pasta is best enjoyed fresh, but if you have leftovers, they’ll keep well in an airtight container in the fridge for about 2-3 days. Just give it a quick stir when reheating, and maybe add a splash of water or a bit more sauce to revive the creaminess!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and easy preparation, ready in just 25 minutes!
- Deliciously creamy and spicy flavors that will impress your taste buds.
- Perfect for weeknight dinners or special occasions.
- Gluten-free option, making it suitable for various diets.
- Customizable with your favorite vegetables for added nutrition.
Serving Suggestions
To make your bang bang shrimp pasta even more delightful, consider serving it with a light side salad dressed in a tangy vinaigrette. Garlic bread is also a fantastic pairing to soak up that creamy sauce! If you’re feeling adventurous, a side of stir-fried vegetables adds a colorful crunch that complements the dish beautifully.
Print
Bang Bang Shrimp Pasta: 6 Flavorful Steps to Blissful Dining
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Asian-American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
A delicious bang bang shrimp pasta dish that combines creamy sauce and spicy shrimp for a satisfying meal.
Ingredients
- 8 oz spaghetti
- 1 lb shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 1/4 cup sweet chili sauce
- 2 tbsp sriracha sauce
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup green onions, chopped
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Cook spaghetti according to package instructions; drain and set aside.
- In a bowl, mix mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, and sriracha until smooth.
- In a skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add garlic and sauté for 1 minute.
- Add shrimp to the skillet, season with salt and pepper, and cook until pink.
- Remove skillet from heat and stir in the sauce mixture.
- Toss cooked spaghetti with the shrimp and sauce until well coated.
- Garnish with green onions before serving.
Notes
- This dish can be served hot or cold.
- Adjust the level of spiciness by varying the amount of sriracha.
- Feel free to add vegetables like bell peppers or snap peas.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 540
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 25g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 18g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 60g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 20g
- Cholesterol: 170mg
Keywords: bang bang shrimp pasta