Bang Bang Shrimp Pasta

Bang Bang Shrimp Pasta is the answer when you want something fast but special loaded with creamy spice and sweet heat in every bite The luscious bang bang sauce hugs each strand of spaghetti while juicy shrimp add the perfect bite I whip this up when I am craving big flavor but need dinner on the table quickly

I first tried this pasta on a whim before a family movie night and now everyone in my house asks for it on birthdays and busy weeknights It just delivers fun every time

Ingredients

• Mayonnaise: creamy foundation for the sauce choose a quality real mayo brand for the best texture
• Sweet Thai chili sauce: brings balance with tangy sweetness look for a version with visible chili seeds for fresh flavor
• Sriracha sauce: layers on gentle heat and garlic choose your favorite brand for best results
• Honey: smooths out the sauce and deepens the sweetness use pure honey for richness
• Shrimp: peeled and deveined for quick cooking grab medium to large shrimp that look firm and clean
• Butter: gives the shrimp a golden note and rounds out the sauce use real unsalted butter for best control
• Garlic: minced fresh garlic makes the whole dish fragrant look for firm unblemished cloves
• Spaghetti noodles: sturdy enough to carry sauce cook until just al dente for perfect texture

Step-by-Step Instructions

Prep the Sauce:

In a mixing bowl stir together mayonnaise sweet chili sauce sriracha and honey until fully blended Taste and adjust sriracha for your heat preference Set aside so flavors meld

Cook the Aromatics:

In a large skillet over medium heat melt the butter Add the minced garlic and stir gently for about thirty seconds until it smells sweet but is not browned This unlocks deeper flavor

Sauté the Shrimp:

Add the peeled shrimp to the skillet Sprinkle lightly with salt and pepper Let them cook undisturbed for about ninety seconds on one side until pink then flip and finish cooking until fully opaque Shrimp should feel just firm and not tough

Combine Noodles and Sauce:

Add cooked spaghetti noodles straight into the skillet with shrimp Pour the spicy creamy sauce all over Use tongs to toss everything together making sure every noodle gets a glossy coating Warm through for just one minute to blend the flavors

Serve and Garnish:

Twirl the shrimp pasta onto plates Serve steaming hot Top with sliced green onions and a pinch of red pepper flakes if you want extra pop

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I am always amazed how the sweet chili sauce takes this pasta to another level I once made it for a backyard dinner and my cousin declared it the best shrimp dish he had ever eaten The memories are as good as the meal

Storage Tips

Bang Bang Shrimp Pasta keeps well in an airtight container for up to three days The sauce might thicken in the fridge so add a splash of water or broth before reheating to loosen up Reheat gently on the stove to avoid overcooking the shrimp

Ingredient Substitutions

If you do not have sweet Thai chili sauce try mixing apricot jam with a splash of vinegar and chili flakes Greek yogurt can stand in for mayonnaise if you want a lighter sauce For a gluten free version swap the spaghetti for rice noodles or gluten free pasta

Serving Suggestions

Round out your meal with a simple green salad dressed with citrus or a plate of quick roasted broccoli For a fun twist scatter chopped peanuts and fresh cilantro on top Some nights I add quick sautéed bell peppers for a veggie boost

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Cultural Context

Bang Bang sauce became famous in American Asian fusion restaurants Blending chili heat with creamy tang it pairs with just about everything Pasta is a playful twist turning a popular appetizer into a full dinner I love using fusion recipes like this to keep weeknight meals interesting

Recipe FAQs

→ What is the best method to cook the shrimp?

Sautéing shrimp in butter and garlic over medium heat ensures they stay tender and develop a light golden crust without becoming rubbery.

→ How can the spice level be adjusted?

Modify the amount of sriracha sauce to increase or reduce heat and add or omit red pepper flakes to suit your preference.

→ What type of pasta works best for this dish?

Spaghetti noodles hold the creamy sauce well, but you can also use linguine or fettuccine for a similar texture and coating.

→ Can vegetables be added to the dish?

Yes, vegetables like bell peppers, snap peas, or green beans can be sautéed with the shrimp to add freshness and crunch.

→ How to ensure the sauce coats the pasta evenly?

Toss the cooked spaghetti with the sauce and shrimp directly in the skillet over low heat to blend flavors and coat every strand.