Craving a delicious, restaurant-quality meal without the restaurant prices or lengthy prep time? Then look no further! This Bang Bang Shrimp Pasta recipe is your answer. It's a quick and easy dinner idea, perfect for busy weeknights, yet bursting with flavor. This homemade cooking masterpiece combines the irresistible creamy, spicy kick of Bang Bang sauce with tender shrimp and perfectly cooked pasta. It's a healthy meal that's both satisfying and surprisingly simple to make. Get ready to impress yourself and your family with this best recipe!
Ingredients:
- 1 pound linguine or spaghetti
- 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 1/4 cup mayonnaise
- 1/4 cup sweet chili sauce
- 2 tablespoons sriracha (or more, to taste)
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup chopped green onions, for garnish
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
Instructions:
Step 1: Cook the Pasta
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook according to package directions until al dente. Reserve about 1/2 cup of pasta water before draining.
Step 2: Prepare the Bang Bang Sauce
While the pasta cooks, whisk together mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, sriracha, rice vinegar, soy sauce, sesame oil, and minced garlic in a medium bowl. Taste and adjust seasonings as needed. Add more sriracha for extra heat!
Step 3: Cook the Shrimp
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add shrimp and cook for 2-3 minutes per side, until pink and cooked through.
Step 4: Combine and Serve
Add the cooked pasta to the skillet with the shrimp. Pour the Bang Bang sauce over the pasta and shrimp, tossing to coat evenly. Add a little pasta water if needed to create a creamier sauce. Garnish with chopped green onions and serve immediately.
Tips and Variations:
- Spice Level: Adjust the amount of sriracha to your preferred level of spiciness. For a milder dish, use less; for extra heat, add more!
- Protein Swap: Feel free to substitute the shrimp with chicken, tofu, or even grilled vegetables for a vegetarian option.
- Pasta Choice: Experiment with different pasta shapes. Fettuccine, penne, or even rotini would work well.
- Add Veggies: Enhance the dish by adding your favorite vegetables like broccoli florets, bell peppers, or spinach during the last few minutes of pasta cooking.
- Make it Creamy: For an even creamier sauce, stir in a dollop of cream cheese or sour cream at the end.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
This nutritional information is an estimate and may vary depending on the specific ingredients used.
- Calories: Approximately 450-500
- Protein: 25-30g
- Fat: 20-25g
- Carbohydrates: 40-45g
This easy recipe for Bang Bang Shrimp Pasta is a delicious and satisfying meal that's perfect for a quick weeknight dinner. The creamy, spicy sauce is addictive, and the shrimp is cooked to perfection. Enjoy this healthy and flavorful dish! It’s a surefire way to elevate your weeknight dinner routine!