Oh my goodness, if you’re looking for a dish that’s bursting with flavor and easy enough to whip up on a busy weeknight, look no further than my **Easy Bang Bang Shrimp Pasta**! This dish is a delightful nod to the classic Bang Bang Shrimp from your favorite seafood restaurant, but in pasta form. It’s creamy, spicy, and so addictively good that I promise you’ll be going back for seconds.
I first stumbled upon this recipe during a dinner party where one of my friends brought a variation of it. Let me tell you, that first bite was a lightbulb moment for me. It was love at first taste! The creamy sauce paired with perfectly cooked shrimp had me dreaming of making it at home. Fast forward to today, and I’ve perfected my own version that I’m excited to share with you—complete with some of my personal touches!
What’s in Easy Bang Bang Shrimp Pasta?
Shrimp: The star of the show! I like to use large, peeled, and deveined shrimp. They cook up beautifully and have that lovely juicy texture. If you can, get fresh shrimp, but frozen works just fine in a pinch.
Pasta: Any type of pasta works for this recipe, but I usually opt for spaghetti or linguine for that perfect twirl on my fork. It’s all about the saucy goodness clinging to those noodles!
Bang Bang Sauce: This is where the real magic happens! A combination of mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, and Sriracha gives this dish its signature kick. The creaminess from the mayo and the sweetness from the chili sauce balance the heat, creating a flavor explosion!
Garlic: Fresh minced garlic adds aromatic depth. Pro tip: the fragrance of garlic cooking is one of life’s greatest joys!
Green Onions: These add a fresh crunch and a pop of color. Plus, they’re a great garnish that makes the dish look super appealing.
Olive Oil: A touch of olive oil helps to sauté the shrimp and adds richness to the dish.
Parmesan Cheese: A sprinkle of fresh grated Parmesan on top is the cherry on this flavor cake!
Is Easy Bang Bang Shrimp Pasta Good for You?
You might be wondering if it’s okay to indulge in this deliciousness. The great news is that you’re getting a good source of protein from the **shrimp**. This shellfish is low in calories and heavy on nutrients! And while **pasta** is often dubbed a guilty pleasure, balancing it with some fresh veggies or enjoying it in moderation can be a part of a healthy diet.
However, do keep in mind that the **Bang Bang Sauce** can be a bit rich due to the mayonnaise, so if you’re watching your fat intake, you might want to use a lighter version or swap it out for Greek yogurt. And for those with shellfish allergies, it’s best to skip the shrimp and try substituting it with grilled chicken or tofu!
Ingredients List
– 8 oz spaghetti or linguine (serves 2-4)
– 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined
– 1/2 cup mayonnaise
– 1/4 cup sweet chili sauce
– 2 tbsp Sriracha (adjust to taste)
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 2 tbsp olive oil
– 2 green onions, sliced (for garnish)
– Freshly grated Parmesan cheese (to taste)
How to Make Easy Bang Bang Shrimp Pasta?
1. Cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Remember to save a cup of pasta water for later!
2. In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the peeled and deveined shrimp. Season with a pinch of salt and cook for about 2-3 minutes on each side until they turn pink and opaque. Be careful not to overcook them!
3. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute until fragrant.
4. In a separate bowl, combine the mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, and Sriracha. Mix well until it’s nice and creamy.
5. Add the cooked pasta directly to the skillet with the shrimp. Pour the Bang Bang sauce over the pasta and shrimp, tossing everything together. If it seems too thick, add some reserved pasta water to achieve your desired creaminess.
6. Serve the pasta hot, garnished with green onions and a generous sprinkle of fresh Parmesan cheese.
Make It Yours – Tips and Twists!
Feel free to put your own spin on this dish! Here are a few ideas:
– **Add Veggies:** Toss in some spinach or bell peppers for extra nutrients and crunch.
– **Zoodles:** Going low-carb? Swap the pasta for zucchini noodles!
– **Spice It Up:** Love heat? Feel free to add some red pepper flakes or more Sriracha!
– **Lemon Zest:** A squeeze of fresh lemon juice or zest over the top brightens everything up beautifully.
I really hope you’ll give this Easy Bang Bang Shrimp Pasta a try—it’s a home run in flavor and super easy to make. Let me know how it turns out for you and what tweaks you made along the way! Happy cooking!