Bang Bang Shrimp Pasta

Imagine the sizzle of seasoned shrimp hitting a hot pan, releasing their oceanic aroma that mingles with the sweet tang of chili and the kick of sriracha.

You’ve got a creamy bang bang sauce ready to coat each linguine strand, ensuring they’re luxuriously covered.

The buttery garlic notes complement the shrimp’s succulence, creating a dish that’s both simple and gourmet.

But how do you elevate this to dinner party status?

Kitchen Tools Required

• 1 large pot
• 1 large skillet
• 1 medium bowl
• 1 whisk
• 1 colander
• 1 set of tongs

Ingredients

• 8 ounces linguine pasta
• 1 pound shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/2 cup mayonnaise
• 1/4 cup sweet chili sauce
• 1 tablespoon sriracha sauce
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tablespoons butter
• 1 tablespoon lime juice
• 2 tablespoons chopped green onions

Cook & Prep Time

To efficiently manage your time while preparing Bang Bang Shrimp Pasta, follow this timeline:

Total Prep and Cook Time: 35 minutes, plus 5 minutes resting time

1. Prep Work (15 minutes)
   • 0:00 – 3:00: Gather all the ingredients and equipment.
   • 3:00 – 6:00: Peel and devein the shrimp if not already done.
   • 6:00 – 8:00: Mince the garlic and chop the green onions.
   • 8:00 – 10:00: Whisk together mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, sriracha sauce, and lime juice to make the bang bang sauce.
   • 10:00 – 12:00: Season the shrimp with salt and pepper.
   • 12:00 – 15:00: Start boiling water for the pasta.
2. Cooking (20 minutes)
   • 15:00 – 20:00: Cook the linguine pasta in boiling salted water until al dente, then drain using a colander.
   • 20:00 – 23:00: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
   • 23:00 – 26:00: Add shrimp to the skillet and cook for 2-3 minutes on each side until pink and opaque. Remove shrimp from the skillet.
   • 26:00 – 27:00: Melt butter in the same skillet over medium heat and add minced garlic, sautéing for 1 minute.
   • 27:00 – 29:00: Add cooked pasta to the skillet and toss it in the garlic butter.
   • 29:00 – 31:00: Return shrimp to the skillet and pour in the bang bang sauce, tossing everything to coat evenly.
   • 31:00 – 33:00: Cook for an additional 2 minutes to heat through.
   • 33:00 – 35:00: Remove from heat and allow the pasta to rest for 5 minutes to absorb all the flavors.
3. Final Touch (5 minutes resting time)
   • 35:00 – 40:00: Garnish with chopped green onions before serving.

This timeline guarantees a smooth cooking process, allowing you to complete each step efficiently while the pasta is cooking or the shrimp is being prepared.

Enjoy your delicious Bang Bang Shrimp Pasta!

Recipe

Bang Bang Shrimp Pasta is a delightful and spicy dish that combines the creamy and tangy flavors of the iconic bang bang sauce with tender shrimp and perfectly cooked linguine.

This dish is simple enough for a weeknight dinner but impressive enough to serve at a dinner party.

The combination of sweet chili sauce, sriracha, and mayonnaise creates a sauce that’s both rich and spicy, coating the pasta and shrimp beautifully.

With just a few ingredients and some straightforward steps, you can whip up this satisfying meal in no time.

The shrimp is seasoned lightly with salt and pepper before being quickly seared to perfection in a hot skillet.

Once cooked, the shrimp is removed, and the garlic-buttered pasta is prepared in the same pan, guaranteeing every bite is infused with flavor.

The dish is then brought together by tossing the pasta and shrimp in the bang bang sauce, allowing all the ingredients to meld together for a few minutes before serving.

The final touch of green onions adds a fresh burst of flavor.

To prepare Bang Bang Shrimp Pasta, start by cooking the linguine pasta in a large pot of boiling salted water until al dente, then drain it using a colander.

Meanwhile, in a medium bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, sriracha sauce, and lime juice to make the bang bang sauce.

Season the shrimp with salt and pepper.

Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat and cook the shrimp for about 2-3 minutes on each side until pink and opaque.

Remove the shrimp and set aside. In the same skillet, melt butter and sauté minced garlic for 1 minute.

Add the cooked pasta to the skillet, tossing it in the garlic butter.

Return the shrimp to the skillet, pour in the bang bang sauce, and toss everything to coat evenly.

Cook for an additional 2 minutes to heat through, then remove from heat and allow the pasta to rest for 5 minutes before garnishing with chopped green onions.

For best results, verify the shrimp are thoroughly dried before cooking to achieve a nice sear.

Adjust the amount of sriracha sauce according to your spice preference. If the sauce seems too thick, add a splash of the pasta cooking water to loosen it up.

This dish pairs wonderfully with a crisp salad or garlic bread, making it a complete meal.

Enjoy the vibrant flavors and the satisfying heat of this delicious pasta dish!

Cooking Steps

To start your Bang Bang Shrimp Pasta, boil the linguine until it’s perfectly al dente, ensuring a tender yet firm bite.

While the pasta cooks, whisk together mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, sriracha, and lime juice for a tangy and spicy bang bang sauce.

Season the shrimp with salt and pepper, then heat olive oil in a skillet and cook them until they’re beautifully pink and opaque.

Step 1. Boil Pasta Until Al Dente

While preparing your Bang Bang Shrimp Pasta, start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil to cook the linguine.

The salt enhances the pasta’s flavor, subtly seasoning it from within.

Once boiling, add the linguine, stirring gently to prevent sticking.

Keep an eye on the clock, as you want the pasta to reach that perfect al dente texture—firm to the bite yet tender.

This should take about 9-11 minutes, but taste a strand to verify it’s just right.

Avoid overcooking, as it will continue to cook slightly when combined with the shrimp and sauce.

Once al dente, promptly drain the pasta in a colander, setting it aside until it’s ready to join the other flavorful ingredients.

Step 2. Whisk Bang Bang Sauce Ingredients

The heart of your dish comes alive as you whisk together the bang bang sauce.

In a medium bowl, combine the following ingredients to create this flavorful concoction:

1. Mayonnaise – 1/2 cup: This adds a creamy, rich base to your sauce.
2. Sweet Chili Sauce – 1/4 cup: Introduces a sweet and tangy kick, balancing the richness.
3. Sriracha Sauce – 1 tablespoon: Infuses a spicy heat, adjustable to your taste.
4. Lime Juice – 1 tablespoon: Brightens the sauce with a zesty acidity, enhancing flavors.

Use your whisk to blend these ingredients until smooth and velvety, ensuring the flavors meld harmoniously.

This sauce is the vibrant, spicy-sweet soul of your Bang Bang Shrimp Pasta, ready to elevate your dish.

Step 3. Season Shrimp With Spices

Before you begin cooking, make certain the shrimp are properly seasoned to enhance their natural flavors.

First, verify they’re peeled and deveined, then pat them dry with a paper towel. This step is essential for achieving a perfect sear.

Place the shrimp in a bowl and sprinkle them evenly with 1/2 teaspoon of salt and 1/4 teaspoon of black pepper.

Toss gently to guarantee the spices coat every piece thoroughly.

The salt will amplify the shrimp’s inherent sweetness, while the black pepper introduces a subtle, spicy warmth.

If desired, add a pinch of paprika or cayenne for an extra kick.

Let the seasoned shrimp rest briefly, allowing the flavors to meld, making sure each bite bursts with savory goodness.

Step 4. Heat Oil in Skillet

With your shrimp perfectly seasoned, it’s time to bring that skillet to life.

Place your large skillet on the stove and set it to medium-high heat.

Add one tablespoon of olive oil, allowing it to shimmer and coat the pan evenly.

Follow these steps:

1. Heat Observation: Watch the oil. It should begin to shimmer but not smoke.
2. Aroma Check: Tilt the skillet slightly; you should notice a subtle, nutty aroma.
3. Spread Test: Swirl the skillet gently, making sure the oil evenly coats the bottom.
4. Temperature Test: Flick a drop of water into the skillet. It should sizzle immediately, indicating the oil is hot enough.

This aromatic base will guarantee your shrimp cooks perfectly without sticking.

Step 5. Cook Shrimp Until Pink

Sizzle those seasoned shrimp in your preheated skillet, guaranteeing each piece makes contact with the hot surface.

Let the olive oil envelop the shrimp, creating a golden crust that locks in their natural juices.

As they cook, watch for the transformation—shrimp should turn a vibrant pink and become opaque, a sign of perfection.

Use tongs to flip them after 2-3 minutes, allowing even cooking on both sides.

Keep an ear out for the telltale sizzle that indicates the shrimp are cooking beautifully.

The aroma of seafood mingling with the olive oil will fill your kitchen.

Once the shrimp are pink and curled into a C-shape, remove them promptly.

This step guarantees they remain tender and succulent, ready to enhance your pasta dish.

Serving Tips

• Crisp Green Salad: A invigorating side salad with lettuce, cucumbers, and a light vinaigrette complements the spicy and creamy flavors of the pasta.
• Garlic Bread: Warm, buttery garlic bread is perfect for soaking up the delicious bang bang sauce.
• Steamed Vegetables: Lightly steamed broccoli or asparagus adds a healthy and colorful contrast to the dish.
• Roasted Potatoes: Crispy roasted potatoes provide a hearty and satisfying accompaniment to the pasta.
• Coleslaw: A tangy coleslaw can add a crunchy texture and balance the heat of the shrimp pasta.

Storage/Freezing/Reheating

Storage: Store leftover Bang Bang Shrimp Pasta in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Verify it’s completely cooled before sealing to maintain freshness and flavor.

Freezing: Freeze the pasta in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months.

For best results, separate shrimp from pasta before freezing, as shrimp can become rubbery when reheated.

Reheating: Reheat the pasta gently on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of water or broth to loosen the sauce.

Stir occasionally until heated through, avoiding overheating the shrimp.

Final Thoughts

If you’re craving a meal that’s both flavorful and satisfying, Bang Bang Shrimp Pasta is sure to hit the spot.

This dish combines tender shrimp, al dente pasta, and a creamy, spicy sauce for a mouthwatering experience.

As you savor each bite, you’ll notice:

1. Succulent Shrimp: Perfectly seared, they’re juicy and infused with salt and pepper.
2. Garlic Butter Pasta: The pasta is tossed in aromatic garlic butter, enhancing its depth.
3. Bold Bang Bang Sauce: A luscious blend of mayonnaise, sweet chili, and sriracha brings a fiery kick.
4. Fresh Garnish: Chopped green onions add a crisp, fresh finish.

This dish not only delights your palate but also makes a stunning, easy-to-prepare dinner choice. Enjoy!

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I Use Frozen Shrimp for This Recipe?

You can use frozen shrimp, but make certain they’re fully thawed and patted dry before cooking. Thaw them overnight in the fridge or under cold water. This preserves the shrimp’s texture and guarantees a flavorful, well-seared dish. Enjoy!

What Is a Good Substitute for Sweet Chili Sauce?

You can substitute sweet chili sauce with a mix of honey and a dash of hot sauce for sweetness and heat. Add a splash of rice vinegar for tang. Adjust proportions to match your desired flavor profile.

How Can I Make This Dish Gluten-Free?

To make this dish gluten-free, replace linguine with gluten-free pasta. Confirm your sweet chili sauce and sriracha are gluten-free. Check shrimp packaging for gluten. You’ll enjoy a deliciously spicy, tangy meal without compromising dietary needs.

Is It Possible to Make This Recipe Dairy-Free?

Yes, you can make it dairy-free by replacing butter with plant-based alternatives and ensuring your mayonnaise is dairy-free. This substitution keeps the dish creamy and flavorful, with the shrimp’s sweetness enhanced by the spicy, tangy sauce.

What Wine Pairs Well With Bang Bang Shrimp Pasta?

You should pair this dish with a crisp, chilled Sauvignon Blanc. Its zesty acidity cuts through the creamy sauce, while the herbaceous notes complement the lime and sriracha. A Pinot Grigio offers a similarly invigorating contrast.

Cynthia Weatherford

Cynthia Weatherford is a seasoned chef and culinary enthusiast who serves as the Recipe creator of Somonday. With decades of experience in the kitchen and a passion for exploring diverse cuisines, Cynthia brings a blend of creativity and technique to every dish. Known for transforming simple ingredients into show-stopping meals, Cynthia believes that cooking is an art form anyone can master. Dedicated to inspiring home cooks, Cynthia shares approachable recipes, pro tips, and culinary wisdom to make every meal memorable.