Satisfy your cravings with the tantalizing flavors of Bang Bang Shrimp Pasta! This delectable dish features succulent shrimp coated in a mouthwatering sauce, served atop a bed of delicate pasta. Quick to prepare and bursting with flavor, it’s the perfect choice for a memorable meal right in the comfort of your own kitchen.
Ingredients:
- ¾-1 lb thin spaghetti, angel hair pasta, or gluten-free pasta
- 1 ½ lbs medium shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 1 tablespoon coconut oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 3 teaspoons paprika
- 1 tablespoon dried parsley
- Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Sauce:
- ½ cup mayonnaise or light mayonnaise
- ½ cup Thai sweet chili sauce
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons lime juice
- ⅛ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
Directions:
- Begin by preparing the sauce. In a bowl, combine mayonnaise, Thai sweet chili sauce, minced garlic, lime juice, and crushed red pepper flakes. Mix well and set aside.
- Cook the pasta according to the package instructions in a large pot of boiling water. Once cooked, drain the pasta well and set aside.
- In a medium-sized bowl, season the shrimp with paprika, minced garlic, and freshly ground black pepper. Ensure the shrimp are evenly coated with the seasoning.
- Heat coconut oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the seasoned shrimp to the skillet and cook, stirring constantly, until they turn pink and are cooked through, approximately 6-8 minutes.
- Once the shrimp are cooked, remove them from the heat and set them aside.
- In a large serving bowl, combine the cooked pasta and shrimp. Pour the prepared sauce over the pasta and shrimp mixture, tossing gently until everything is evenly coated in the flavorful sauce.
- Garnish the dish with dried parsley for a pop of color and flavor.
- Serve the Bang Bang Shrimp Pasta immediately and enjoy the explosion of flavors!
Nutritional Information:
- Calories: 435 kcal
- Carbohydrates: 52 g
- Protein: 26 g
- Fat: 13 g
- Saturated Fat: 4 g
- Cholesterol: 191 mg
- Sodium: 826 mg
- Potassium: 311 mg
- Fiber: 2 g
- Sugar: 13 g
- Vitamin A: 19.5%
- Vitamin C: 9.9%
- Calcium: 10.7%
- Iron: 17.6%
Serving and Storage Tips:
- Serve Fresh: Bang Bang Shrimp Pasta is best served fresh and hot, straight from the skillet to the table. This ensures that the shrimp remain tender and the pasta retains its perfect texture.
- Garnish with Fresh Herbs: Enhance the presentation and flavor of your dish by garnishing with freshly chopped parsley or cilantro just before serving. The vibrant green color adds a pop of freshness to the dish.
- Pairing Suggestions: Complement the flavors of Bang Bang Shrimp Pasta with a crisp green salad or steamed vegetables on the side. The freshness of the salad or veggies balances the richness of the pasta dish.
- Store Properly: If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2-3 days. However, keep in mind that the texture of the shrimp may change slightly upon reheating.
- Reheating Tips: When reheating the leftovers, gently reheat the pasta and shrimp in a skillet over low heat or in the microwave, adding a splash of water or broth to prevent drying out. Stir occasionally to ensure even heating.
- Enjoy Cold: Alternatively, enjoy Bang Bang Shrimp Pasta cold as a refreshing pasta salad. Simply chill the leftovers in the refrigerator before serving, and it makes for a delightful lunch or light dinner option.
- Customize to Taste: Feel free to customize the recipe to suit your preferences. You can adjust the level of spiciness by adding more or less crushed red pepper flakes to the sauce, or experiment with different types of pasta for variation.
- Serve with Bread: For a complete meal, serve Bang Bang Shrimp Pasta with warm crusty bread or garlic bread on the side. The bread is perfect for soaking up any remaining sauce on your plate.
Variations:
- Vegetarian Option: For a meat-free alternative, substitute the shrimp with pan-seared tofu or crispy fried tempeh. Marinate the tofu or tempeh in a mixture of soy sauce, garlic, and ginger for added flavor.
- Seafood Medley: Mix things up by adding a variety of seafood to the dish. Try incorporating scallops, crab meat, or chunks of white fish such as cod or halibut alongside the shrimp for a flavorful seafood medley.
- Spicy Kick: If you love heat, kick up the spice level by adding chopped fresh chili peppers or extra crushed red pepper flakes to the sauce. You can also drizzle some sriracha sauce over the finished dish for an extra fiery kick.
- Creamy Twist: For a creamy variation, blend some cream cheese or coconut milk into the sauce mixture. This will add a rich and velvety texture to the dish, making it even more indulgent.
- Citrus Infusion: Experiment with citrus flavors by adding zest from a lime or lemon to the sauce. The citrusy notes will brighten up the dish and add a refreshing twist to the flavor profile.
- Vegetable Additions: Amp up the nutritional value of the dish by incorporating additional vegetables such as bell peppers, broccoli, or snap peas. Sauté the vegetables with the shrimp for a colorful and wholesome meal.
- Asian-Inspired Noodles: Instead of traditional pasta, use rice noodles or udon noodles for an Asian-inspired twist. These noodles soak up the sauce beautifully and add a unique texture to the dish.
- Gluten-Free Option: Opt for gluten-free pasta or zucchini noodles (zoodles) to make the dish gluten-free. This allows those with gluten sensitivities or dietary restrictions to enjoy this flavorful meal without compromise.
- Mediterranean Flavors: Infuse the dish with Mediterranean flavors by adding ingredients such as sun-dried tomatoes, Kalamata olives, and crumbled feta cheese. Serve with a sprinkle of fresh oregano or basil for an extra burst of flavor.
- Cajun Seasoning: For a Cajun-inspired twist, season the shrimp with Cajun seasoning instead of paprika. This adds a spicy and savory kick to the dish, reminiscent of classic Cajun cuisine.
FAQs:
- Can I use frozen shrimp for this recipe? Yes, you can use frozen shrimp for this recipe. Thaw them thoroughly before cooking and pat them dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture.
- Can I make the sauce ahead of time? Absolutely! The sauce can be prepared in advance and stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week. Just give it a good stir before using.
- Is Thai sweet chili sauce spicy? Thai sweet chili sauce typically has a mild level of spiciness, with more emphasis on sweetness. However, spice levels can vary between brands, so you may want to adjust the amount to suit your preference.
With its irresistible combination of tender shrimp, flavorful sauce, and perfectly cooked pasta, Bang Bang Shrimp Pasta is sure to become a favorite in your recipe collection. Whether you’re cooking for a weeknight dinner or entertaining guests, this dish is guaranteed to impress. Give it a try and experience the deliciousness for yourself