Creamy Bang Bang Shrimp Pasta – A Quick & Flavorful Seafood Dish

Introduction & Getting Started

If you love the bold flavors of Bang Bang Shrimp, why not turn it into a creamy, spicy, and delicious pasta dish? This Bang Bang Shrimp Pasta takes the crispy, juicy shrimp and tangy, spicy sauce from the classic appetizer and pairs it with perfectly cooked pasta in a creamy garlic-Parmesan sauce.

The result? A restaurant-worthy meal that’s ready in just 30 minutes! It’s the perfect dish for a quick weeknight dinner, a romantic date night, or even impressing guests at a dinner party.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

✔️ Quick & Easy – Ready in just 30 minutes with simple ingredients!
✔️ Bold, Spicy, & Creamy – A perfect balance of heat, sweetness, and richness.
✔️ Crispy Shrimp Perfection – Coated in cornstarch for a light, crunchy texture.
✔️ Versatile & Customizable – Swap out pasta, adjust spice levels, or make it healthier!

So, let’s get cooking!

Step 1: Gather Your Ingredients

For the Shrimp:

• 1 lb shrimp – Peeled and deveined.
• ½ teaspoon salt & black pepper – For seasoning.
• ½ teaspoon garlic powder & smoked paprika – Adds depth of flavor.
• ¼ cup cornstarch – Creates a light, crispy coating.
• 2 tablespoons olive oil – For pan-frying.

For the Bang Bang Sauce:

• ½ cup mayonnaise – The creamy base. (Use Greek yogurt for a lighter version!)
• ¼ cup sweet chili sauce – Adds sweetness and mild heat.
• 1 tablespoon sriracha – Adjust to taste for extra spice.
• 1 teaspoon honey – Balances the heat with a touch of sweetness.
• 1 teaspoon lime juice – Adds brightness and acidity.

For the Pasta:

• 12 oz spaghetti or linguine – Cooked al dente. (Use zucchini noodles or whole wheat pasta for a healthier option!)
• 2 tablespoons butter – For a rich, flavorful sauce.
• 3 cloves garlic, minced – Because garlic makes everything better!
• ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional) – For extra heat.
• ½ cup heavy cream – Makes the sauce lusciously creamy. (Sub with half-and-half for a lighter version!)
• ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese – Adds a nutty, cheesy finish.
• 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley or green onions – For garnish.

Step 2: Cook the Pasta

1️⃣ Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
2️⃣ Add the spaghetti or linguine and cook according to package instructions until al dente.
3️⃣ Drain the pasta, reserving ½ cup of pasta water, and set aside.

💡 Pro Tip: Saving some pasta water helps thin out the sauce later without losing flavor!

Step 3: Make the Bang Bang Sauce

While the pasta is cooking, prepare the creamy, spicy Bang Bang sauce that makes this dish so irresistible!

1️⃣ In a small bowl, whisk together:
✔️ Mayonnaise
✔️ Sweet chili sauce
✔️ Sriracha (adjust for spice level)
✔️ Honey
✔️ Lime juice

2️⃣ Mix well until smooth and set aside.

💡 Pro Tip: Want a healthier version? Substitute Greek yogurt for mayo—it’s lighter but still creamy!

Step 4: Season & Cook the Shrimp

1️⃣ Pat the shrimp dry with a paper towel to remove excess moisture.
2️⃣ Season with:
✔️ Salt & black pepper
✔️ Garlic powder & smoked paprika

3️⃣ Coat the shrimp in cornstarch, shaking off any excess.
✔️ This gives them a light, crispy texture when cooked.

4️⃣ Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
5️⃣ Add the shrimp in a single layer and cook for 2-3 minutes per side, until golden brown and fully cooked.
6️⃣ Remove from heat and toss the shrimp in half of the Bang Bang sauce.

💡 Pro Tip: Cooking the shrimp in batches prevents overcrowding and ensures they stay crispy!

Part 2: Making the Creamy Garlic-Parmesan Sauce & Assembling the Dish

At this point, you’ve already prepped the crispy, spicy shrimp and mixed up the bold, creamy Bang Bang sauce. Now, it’s time to bring everything together with a rich garlic-Parmesan sauce that coats every bite of pasta in cheesy, garlicky goodness.

Get ready—this is the step that takes this dish from great to absolutely unforgettable!

Step 5: Make the Creamy Garlic-Parmesan Sauce

1️⃣ Melt butter in the same skillet you used for the shrimp over medium heat.
✔️ This keeps all those delicious browned bits from the shrimp for extra flavor!

2️⃣ Sauté the minced garlic for about 30 seconds, until fragrant.
✔️ Be careful not to burn it—stir constantly!

3️⃣ If using red pepper flakes, stir them in now for an extra spicy kick.

4️⃣ Pour in the heavy cream and stir well. Let it simmer gently for 2-3 minutes to thicken slightly.
✔️ You can use half-and-half for a lighter version, but heavy cream makes it extra rich!

5️⃣ Add the grated Parmesan cheese and whisk until fully melted and smooth.
✔️ The Parmesan gives the sauce a nutty, cheesy depth that balances the heat from the Bang Bang sauce.

💡 Pro Tip: If the sauce gets too thick, add a few tablespoons of the reserved pasta water to loosen it up!

Step 6: Combine the Pasta & Sauce

1️⃣ Add the cooked spaghetti or linguine to the skillet and toss well to coat in the creamy garlic-Parmesan sauce.
2️⃣ Let it cook for 1-2 minutes over low heat to absorb the flavors.
3️⃣ If the sauce is too thick, add a little more pasta water until you reach your desired consistency.

At this point, your pasta is perfectly creamy and full of rich, garlicky goodness. But we’re not done yet—it’s time to add the star of the show!

Step 7: Add the Bang Bang Shrimp

1️⃣ Gently place the crispy shrimp on top of the pasta in the skillet.
2️⃣ Drizzle the remaining Bang Bang sauce over everything for an extra burst of flavor.
3️⃣ Lightly toss everything together, making sure the shrimp stays crisp and doesn’t get buried in the sauce.

💡 Pro Tip: If you love extra heat, sprinkle in a pinch of cayenne pepper or extra sriracha before serving!

Step 8: Garnish & Serve

Now for the finishing touches that make this dish look just as good as it tastes!

✔️ Sprinkle fresh parsley or green onions over the top for a pop of color.
✔️ Add extra grated Parmesan cheese if you’re a cheese lover!
✔️ Serve immediately while everything is hot, creamy, and full of flavor.

At this stage, your Bang Bang Shrimp Pasta is officially complete! 🎉

The crispy shrimp, spicy sauce, creamy pasta, and rich garlic-Parmesan flavor all come together in one perfect bite. It’s spicy, creamy, garlicky, and downright addictive!

What to Serve with Bang Bang Shrimp Pasta

This dish is so flavorful on its own, but if you want to add a side, here are some great options:

✔️ Garlic Bread – Perfect for soaking up the extra sauce!
✔️ Side Salad – A fresh green salad balances the richness of the pasta.
✔️ Roasted Vegetables – Try roasted broccoli, asparagus, or Brussels sprouts for extra nutrition.

FAQs, Tips, and Conclusion

By now, your Bang Bang Shrimp Pasta is plated, steaming hot, and bursting with creamy, spicy, and garlicky goodness. But before you dig in, let’s go over some frequently asked questions, storage tips, and fun variations to make this dish even better the next time you cook it!

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Can I Make This Dish Ahead of Time?

✔️ You can prep parts of the dish ahead, but for the best texture, it’s best served fresh.
✔️ Make the Bang Bang sauce ahead and store it in the fridge for up to 3 days.
✔️ Cook the pasta ahead, toss it with a little oil, and store it separately.
✔️ Cook the shrimp fresh for the crispiest results!

2. How Do I Store Leftovers?

✔️ Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
✔️ Reheat gently in a skillet over medium-low heat, adding a splash of milk or cream to loosen the sauce.
✔️ Avoid microwaving the shrimp—it can make them rubbery. Instead, remove them, warm the pasta, then add the shrimp back in.

💡 Pro Tip: If you know you’ll have leftovers, store the shrimp separately to keep them crispy!

3. Can I Make This Dish Healthier?

✔️ Swap heavy cream for half-and-half or Greek yogurt for a lighter sauce.
✔️ Use whole wheat pasta, chickpea pasta, or zucchini noodles for a low-carb version.
✔️ Bake or air-fry the shrimp instead of pan-frying for a lighter option.

4. How Can I Make It Spicier?

✔️ Increase the sriracha in the Bang Bang sauce.
✔️ Add extra red pepper flakes or cayenne pepper to the creamy sauce.
✔️ Drizzle with your favorite hot sauce before serving!

5. Can I Use a Different Protein Instead of Shrimp?

✔️ Chicken – Swap the shrimp for diced or sliced grilled chicken.
✔️ Salmon – Try pan-seared salmon for a richer seafood twist.
✔️ Tofu – For a vegetarian option, use crispy tofu cubes.
✔️ Beef or Pork – Sliced steak or pork tenderloin would also work great!

Fun Variations to Try!

🌿 Creamy Cajun Bang Bang Pasta

✔️ Add 1 teaspoon of Cajun seasoning to the shrimp for a Southern twist.
✔️ Use smoked gouda cheese instead of Parmesan.
✔️ Top with crispy bacon crumbles for extra flavor.

🥑 Bang Bang Shrimp Tacos

✔️ Instead of pasta, serve the shrimp in warm tortillas.
✔️ Add avocado slices, shredded cabbage, and extra sauce for the perfect taco!

🍚 Bang Bang Shrimp Rice Bowl

✔️ Swap the pasta for steamed jasmine rice.
✔️ Add roasted vegetables like broccoli, carrots, or edamame.

Final Thoughts: Why You’ll Love This Recipe

✔️ Restaurant-Quality Flavor at Home – No need for takeout when you can make this!
✔️ Rich, Creamy, & Spicy – A perfect balance of flavors that keep you coming back for more.
✔️ Fast & Easy – Ready in just 30 minutes for a quick weeknight meal.
✔️ Customizable – Adjust the spice level, swap out ingredients, or try a fun variation!

If you love dishes that are bold, creamy, and packed with flavor, this Bang Bang Shrimp Pasta will become one of your go-to favorites.

Now It’s Your Turn!

📌 Did you make this recipe? Let us know in the comments how it turned out!

🔥 Love this dish? Share it with friends and family so they can enjoy it too!

🍽️ Enjoy and happy cooking! 🧄🧀🔥

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