Bang Bang Shrimp Pasta
Get ready for the pasta dish that’s about to rock your world! This Bang Bang Shrimp Pasta combines everything you love about the famous appetizer with perfectly cooked pasta for a meal that’s both comforting and exciting.
The secret lies in that irresistible bang bang sauce – creamy, sweet, and just the right amount of heat. When this velvety sauce coats each strand of pasta and perfectly roasted shrimp, it creates a combination that’s practically impossible to resist.
Ingredients
For the Pasta and Shrimp:
- 8 ounces spaghetti
- 8 ounces medium shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley leaves, chopped
For the Bang Bang Sauce:
- ½ cup mayonnaise
- ¼ cup Thai sweet chili sauce
- 2 cloves garlic, pressed
- Juice of ½ lime
- 1 teaspoon Sriracha (optional)
- Pinch of crushed red pepper flakes
Steps
- Start by preparing the signature bang bang sauce. In a medium bowl, whisk together ½ cup mayonnaise, ¼ cup Thai sweet chili sauce, 2 pressed garlic cloves, lime juice, Sriracha (if using), and red pepper flakes until smooth and well combined. Set aside to let flavors meld.
- Bring a large pot of water to a rolling boil. Add 1 tablespoon salt (the water should taste like the sea). Cook pasta according to package directions until al dente (8-10 minutes). Test by biting into a strand – it should have a slight bite in the center.
- While pasta cooks, preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with foil and lightly coat with cooking spray or olive oil to prevent sticking.
- Pat shrimp dry with paper towels (this ensures better browning). On the prepared baking sheet, toss shrimp with 1 tablespoon olive oil, minced garlic, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper until evenly coated.
- Roast shrimp for 6-8 minutes until they turn pink and curl into a loose “C” shape. Be careful not to overcook – they should be just opaque throughout. If they form a tight “O” shape, they’re overcooked.
- In a large serving bowl, combine the hot pasta, roasted shrimp, and bang bang sauce. Toss gently until everything is well coated. The heat from the pasta will help the sauce become even creamier.
- Garnish with fresh parsley and serve immediately while hot. For extra heat, add additional Sriracha or red pepper flakes to taste.
Smart Swaps
- Use Greek yogurt for half the mayonnaise to reduce calories while maintaining creaminess
- Swap spaghetti for zucchini noodles to make it low-carb
- Try coconut aminos instead of sweet chili sauce for a lower-sugar option
Make It Diabetes-Friendly
- Replace regular pasta with chickpea pasta (reduces carbs by 25% per serving)
- Use sugar-free sweet chili sauce (saves 12g carbs per serving)
- Increase shrimp to 12 ounces and reduce pasta to 6 ounces per recipe to improve protein-to-carb ratio
Pro Tips
- Don’t rinse the pasta – the starch helps the sauce cling better
- For extra flavor, marinate shrimp for 30 minutes before roasting
- Make extra sauce and store in an airtight container for up to 1 week
