Step 1: Prepare the Shrimp

1. Season and Coat the Shrimp:

In a medium bowl, toss the peeled and deveined shrimp with ½ teaspoon of salt, ½ teaspoon of black pepper, and ¼ teaspoon of smoked paprika (if using). Then, coat the shrimp in ½ cup of cornstarch, shaking off any excess. The cornstarch helps the shrimp get crispy when fried.

2. Fry the Shrimp:

Heat 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot, fry the shrimp in batches, cooking for about 2-3 minutes per side until they’re golden and crispy. Transfer the cooked shrimp to a plate lined with paper towels to drain any excess oil.

Step 2: Cook the Pasta

1. Boil the Pasta:

While the shrimp is cooking, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the spaghetti or fettuccine and cook according to the package instructions until al dente. This usually takes about 8-10 minutes.

2. Reserve Pasta Water and Drain:

Before draining the pasta, reserve about ½ cup of the pasta cooking water—this will help loosen the sauce later if needed. Drain the pasta and set aside.

Step 3: Make the Bang Bang Sauce

1. Whisk the Sauce:

In a small mixing bowl, whisk together ½ cup of mayonnaise, ¼ cup of sweet chili sauce, 1-2 tablespoons of Sriracha (depending on your heat preference), 1 tablespoon of honey, 1 tablespoon of lime juice, and 2 minced garlic cloves. This is your bold, creamy Bang Bang sauce.

2. Taste and Adjust:

Taste the sauce and adjust the seasoning as needed. If you like it spicier, add more Sriracha; if you want it sweeter, add more honey.

Step 4: Toss the Pasta with the Sauce

1. Sauté Garlic:

In the same skillet where you cooked the shrimp (no need to wash it), heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat. Add 2 minced garlic cloves and sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant.

2. Toss the Pasta:

Add the cooked pasta to the skillet with the garlic, tossing to coat the noodles in the garlic oil. Pour the Bang Bang sauce over the pasta and toss until the noodles are evenly coated. If the sauce is too thick, add a splash of the reserved pasta water to loosen it up.

Step 5: Combine the Shrimp and Pasta

1. Add the Shrimp:

Add the crispy fried shrimp to the pasta and gently toss to combine, ensuring the shrimp are evenly distributed throughout the dish.

2. Garnish and Serve:

Remove the skillet from the heat and sprinkle the dish with ¼ cup of grated Parmesan cheese, chopped green onions, and a pinch of red pepper flakes (if you like it extra spicy). Serve the Bang Bang Shrimp Pasta hot, with lime wedges on the side for an extra burst of freshness.

Step 6: Enjoy Your Bold, Flavorful Bang Bang Shrimp Pasta

Your Bang Bang Shrimp Pasta is ready to be enjoyed! The crispy shrimp, creamy and spicy sauce, and tender pasta come together in perfect harmony for a dish that’s bold, satisfying, and absolutely delicious.