Bang Bang Shrimp Pasta Recipe That Sizzles with Flavor

Crispy, zesty bang bang shrimp pasta delivers a flavor explosion that’ll make your taste buds dance with excitement.

Spicy sauce coats each tender noodle with a delightful kick.

Crunchy shrimp add perfect texture to this quick weeknight meal.

Creamy and bold, the dish combines classic comfort with unexpected heat.

Pantry staples transform into something extraordinary with just a few simple steps.

Restaurant-quality magic happens right in your kitchen without complicated techniques.

You’ll want to dive into this crowd-pleasing pasta that promises pure deliciousness in every single bite.

Bang Bang Shrimp Pasta — Sweet Heat Heaven

• Speedy Weeknight Winner: Perfectly crafted for busy families needing a delicious meal that comes together quickly without complicated techniques.
• Flavor Explosion Potential: Combines zesty sriracha, sweet chili sauce, and tangy lime juice creating a mouthwatering sauce that transforms ordinary ingredients into an extraordinary dish.
• Customizable Culinary Canvas: Adaptable recipe allowing easy swaps with protein choices like chicken or tofu, making it versatile for different dietary preferences and pantry ingredients.
• One-Pan Magic: Minimizes kitchen cleanup by using a single skillet for cooking shrimp, warming crab, and creating the vibrant sauce, reducing post-meal dishwashing hassle.

Your Ingredient List For Bang Bang Goodness

• Pasta: A classic base that provides hearty texture and substance to the dish.
• Shrimp: Protein-rich seafood that adds delicious flavor and golden-brown crispy exterior.
• Imitation Crab Meat: Seafood alternative that contributes a mild, delicate taste to the recipe.

• Mayonnaise, Sriracha, Sweet Chili Sauce, Honey, Fresh Lime Juice: A vibrant blend that creates a tangy, sweet, and spicy sauce with complex flavor profile.

• Garlic Powder, Paprika, Salt, Black Pepper: Essential spices that enhance the shrimp's natural flavor.
• Olive Oil, Butter: Cooking fats that provide rich flavor and help achieve perfect sautéing.

• Green Onions, Fresh Cilantro: Herbs that add fresh, bright finishing touches and visual appeal to the dish.

How To Get That Shrimp Pasta Just Right

Step 1: Boil Pasta to Perfection

Cook pasta in generously salted water following package guidance. Drain and set aside, keeping a splash of pasta water for later magic.

Step 2: Prepare Succulent Shrimp

• Garlic powder
• Paprika
• Salt
• Black pepper

Toss the shrimp to distribute seasonings evenly.

Step 3: Sear Shrimp with Flair

Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until it’s dancing and hot. Sauté shrimp for 2-3 minutes on each side until they transform into a gorgeous pink with crispy golden edges. Remove shrimp and set aside.

Step 4: Craft Zesty Sauce

• Mayonnaise
• Sriracha
• Sweet chili sauce
• Honey
• Fresh lime juice

Step 5: Warm Seafood Components

Add imitation crab meat to the skillet, warming it briefly if needed. Pour the sauce into the pan, stirring to combine and heat through for 1-2 minutes.

Step 6: Combine Pasta and Sauce

Gently fold cooked pasta into the sauce, splashing in reserved pasta water if the mixture needs loosening.

Step 7: Final Toss and Garnish

Carefully incorporate the seared shrimp into the pasta mixture. Sprinkle with chopped green onions and fresh cilantro. Serve immediately and enjoy the burst of flavors!

Tips To Bring The Bang To Every Bite

• Pat Shrimp Perfectly: Use paper towels to absorb excess moisture, ensuring a crispy golden-brown exterior when sautéing.
• Balance Sauce Flavors: Adjust sriracha and sweet chili sauce proportions to create a personalized heat level that suits your taste preferences.
• Pasta Water Magic: Reserve some starchy pasta water to help create a silky, clingy sauce that coats noodles evenly and prevents dryness.
• Quick Cooking Technique: Sauté shrimp quickly over medium-high heat to prevent overcooking and maintain tender, juicy texture.
• Fresh Herb Boost: Sprinkle chopped green onions and cilantro just before serving to add brightness and fresh flavor to the dish.

Spicy Twists To Try With This Pasta

• Keto-Friendly Version: Replace pasta with spiralized zucchini noodles, use cauliflower rice, or shirataki noodles to reduce carbohydrates while maintaining the dish's flavor profile.
• Spicy Cajun Remix: Swap sriracha with Cajun seasoning, add andouille sausage instead of imitation crab, and incorporate bell peppers for a Louisiana-style seafood pasta experience.
• Vegetarian Adaptation: Substitute shrimp with grilled tofu or plant-based seafood alternatives, use vegan mayonnaise, and replace imitation crab with marinated hearts of palm for a similar texture.
• Mediterranean Makeover: Use whole wheat pasta, replace sriracha with harissa sauce, add feta cheese crumbles, and incorporate kalamata olives for a Greek-inspired seafood pasta variation.

What Goes Best With Bang Bang Shrimp Pasta

• Elevate Flavor Companions: Perfectly Matched Pairings
• Crisp White Wine Delight: Choose a zesty Sauvignon Blanc or bright Pinot Grigio to complement the spicy-sweet sauce and cut through the richness of the shrimp and crab.
• Refreshing Citrus Salad Sidekick: Prepare a light mixed green salad with orange segments, cucumber, and a simple lemon vinaigrette to balance the dish's bold flavors and provide a fresh contrast.
• Cool Cucumber Slaw Partner: Whip up a quick cucumber and red onion slaw with a tangy yogurt dressing to add crunch and cooling elements that harmonize with the spicy sriracha and sweet chili notes.

How To Store Bang Bang Leftovers The Smart Way

• Store leftovers in an airtight container and keep in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Seal tightly to prevent moisture and odor absorption.
• Transfer cooled pasta to freezer-safe containers, removing as much air as possible. Freeze for maximum 2 months. Avoid freezing dishes with mayonnaise-based sauces as they may separate.
• Warm gently in a skillet over medium-low heat, adding a splash of water or chicken broth to restore moisture. Stir frequently to prevent sticking and ensure even heating.
• Place portion in microwave-safe dish, cover with damp paper towel, and heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each interval until thoroughly warmed. Add small amount of liquid if pasta seems dry.

Bang Bang Shrimp Pasta — Everything You Want To Know

• Why should I pat the shrimp dry before cooking?

Drying shrimp removes excess moisture, which helps achieve a perfect golden-brown exterior and prevents steaming instead of searing, ensuring a crispy and flavorful result.

• Can I use different types of seafood in this recipe?

Yes, you can substitute shrimp with other proteins like chicken or scallops while maintaining similar cooking techniques and seasoning.

• How do I know when the shrimp are perfectly cooked?

Shrimp are done when they turn pink and curl into a “C” shape, which typically takes 2-3 minutes per side. Overcooking makes them tough and rubbery.

Bang Bang Shrimp Pasta Recipe

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4.6 from 21 reviews

• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Creamy, spicy bang bang shrimp pasta brings Southern coastal charm to your dinner table. Crispy shrimp tossed in zesty sauce over tender noodles create a quick, irresistible meal you can’t wait to devour.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Seafood:

• 1 lb shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 0.5 lb imitation crab meat (optional)

Pasta and Base:

• 12 oz linguine or fettuccine pasta
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1/4 cup butter

Sauce and Seasonings:

• 1/2 cup mayonnaise
• 3 tbsp sriracha sauce
• 2 tbsp sweet chili sauce
• 1 tbsp honey
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1 tsp paprika
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1/4 tsp black pepper
• 2 green onions, chopped
• 1 tbsp fresh cilantro, chopped
• 1 lime, juiced

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Instructions

1. Cook pasta in salted boiling water according to package instructions until al dente, then drain and set aside, reserving a small amount of pasta water.
2. Pat shrimp completely dry with paper towels to ensure proper browning and crispy texture.
3. Season shrimp with garlic powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper, tossing to coat evenly.
4. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering and hot.
5. Sauté shrimp for 2-3 minutes per side until they turn pink and develop a golden-brown exterior, then remove from pan and set aside.
6. In the same skillet, melt butter and reduce heat to medium-low.
7. Whisk together mayonnaise, sriracha, sweet chili sauce, honey, and fresh lime juice to create a vibrant, tangy sauce.
8. Add imitation crab meat to the skillet and warm briefly if using.
9. Pour sauce into the skillet, stirring to combine and heat through for 1-2 minutes.
10. Gently fold cooked pasta into the sauce, adding reserved pasta water if needed to achieve desired consistency.
11. Incorporate sautéed shrimp into the pasta mixture, tossing gently to coat.
12. Garnish with chopped green onions and fresh cilantro before serving immediately.

Notes

• Pat shrimp bone-dry with multiple paper towels to achieve maximum crispiness and prevent steaming instead of searing.
• Always use high-quality, fresh shrimp for the most delectable flavor and best texture in your pasta dish.
• Adjust sriracha levels to customize heat intensity, making the recipe friendly for mild or spicy preference lovers.
• Consider gluten-free pasta alternatives like rice or chickpea noodles for those with dietary restrictions, ensuring the recipe remains accessible and delicious.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner
• Method: Sautéing
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 800
• Sugar: 8 g
• Sodium: 900 mg
• Fat: 40 g
• Saturated Fat: 10 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 30 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 80 g
• Fiber: 4 g
• Protein: 35 g
• Cholesterol: 200 mg