Bang Bang Shrimp Pasta is a creamy, spicy, and incredibly flavorful dish that combines tender shrimp with perfectly cooked pasta and a rich Bang Bang sauce. Inspired by the popular Bang Bang shrimp appetizer, this comforting pasta version takes all those irresistible flavors and turns them into a satisfying dinner the whole family can enjoy.
The shrimp are lightly seasoned and cooked until golden and tender, then tossed with pasta and a creamy sauce made with mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, garlic, and a touch of heat. The result is a delicious combination of creamy, sweet, savory, and spicy flavors in every bite.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
There is so much to love about Bang Bang Shrimp Pasta. It comes together quickly, making it perfect for busy weeknights, but it tastes impressive enough to serve for a special dinner.
The sauce is the star of the dish. Sweet chili sauce provides a little sweetness and gentle heat, while mayonnaise creates a rich and creamy texture. Garlic adds savory depth, and a little hot sauce or red pepper flakes can be added if you prefer more spice.
The shrimp cook in just a few minutes, so they stay juicy and tender rather than becoming tough or dry. When combined with warm pasta and the creamy Bang Bang sauce, the result is a restaurant-style meal you can easily make at home.
Ingredients
For the Shrimp
1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined
1 teaspoon paprika
½ teaspoon garlic powder
½ teaspoon salt
¼ teaspoon black pepper
½ cup cornstarch
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 tablespoon butter
For the Pasta
12 oz pasta, such as spaghetti, linguine, or penne
Salt, for the pasta water
½ cup reserved pasta water
For the Bang Bang Sauce
½ cup mayonnaise
⅓ cup sweet chili sauce
1 tablespoon lime juice
1 teaspoon honey
1 clove garlic, finely minced
½ teaspoon smoked paprika
½ teaspoon red pepper flakes, optional
1–2 teaspoons hot sauce, optional
For Garnishing
2 green onions, sliced
Fresh parsley or cilantro
Sesame seeds
Lime wedges
How to Make Bang Bang Shrimp Pasta
Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook your pasta according to the package directions until al dente. Before draining, reserve about half a cup of the pasta water. This starchy water can help loosen and smooth the sauce later.
While the pasta is cooking, prepare the shrimp. Pat them dry with paper towels, then season with paprika, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper.
Place the cornstarch in a shallow bowl and lightly coat each shrimp. Shake off any excess cornstarch so the shrimp have a thin, even coating.
Heat the olive oil and butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the shrimp in a single layer, working in batches if necessary to avoid overcrowding the pan.
Cook the shrimp for approximately 2–3 minutes per side, or until golden on the outside and opaque in the center. Remove them from the skillet and set aside.
Make the Bang Bang Sauce
In a bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, lime juice, honey, garlic, and smoked paprika. Add red pepper flakes or hot sauce if you want a spicier sauce.
Taste the sauce and adjust it to your preference. If you like your Bang Bang sauce sweeter, add a little more honey. For extra heat, add additional hot sauce or red pepper flakes.
Bring Everything Together
Once the pasta is cooked, add it to the skillet you used for the shrimp. Reduce the heat to low and pour in the Bang Bang sauce.
Toss the pasta gently until it is evenly coated. If the sauce is too thick, add a little reserved pasta water, one tablespoon at a time, until you reach a smooth, creamy consistency.
Return the cooked shrimp to the skillet and gently toss everything together. Allow it to warm for another minute or two, but avoid cooking the shrimp for too long.
Finish with sliced green onions, parsley or cilantro, and sesame seeds. Add a squeeze of fresh lime juice just before serving.
Tips for Perfect Bang Bang Shrimp Pasta
Don’t overcook the shrimp. Shrimp cook very quickly. As soon as they turn pink and opaque and curl into a loose “C” shape, they’re generally ready.
Use fresh garlic. Fresh garlic adds much more flavor to the sauce than garlic powder.
Reserve pasta water. The starchy water is useful for thinning the sauce while helping it cling to the pasta.
Adjust the spice level. Bang Bang sauce can be mild or spicy depending on your preference. Start with a small amount of hot sauce and add more if desired.
Don’t overcrowd the skillet. Cooking the shrimp in batches helps them brown instead of steaming.
What to Serve with Bang Bang Shrimp Pasta
This pasta is filling enough to serve as a complete meal, but a few simple sides can make dinner even better.
A crisp green salad with a light lemon dressing balances the creamy pasta beautifully. Garlic bread is another excellent choice for soaking up any leftover sauce.
You can also serve the pasta with roasted broccoli, asparagus, or sautéed vegetables for a complete and colorful dinner.
Variations
You can easily customize this recipe to suit your taste. Add sliced bell peppers, broccoli, spinach, or mushrooms for extra vegetables.
For an even richer version, add a splash of heavy cream to the sauce. You can also sprinkle Parmesan cheese over the finished pasta for an extra savory flavor.
If you prefer a lighter meal, use Greek yogurt in place of some of the mayonnaise. The sauce will still be creamy while having a slightly tangier flavor.
Conclusion
Bang Bang Shrimp Pasta is the perfect combination of creamy, sweet, spicy, and savory flavors. Tender golden shrimp are tossed with pasta and a delicious Bang Bang sauce that comes together in minutes, making this recipe ideal for both busy weeknights and special occasions.
With its bold flavor, creamy texture, and easy preparation, this pasta is sure to become a favorite. Serve it hot with fresh lime, green onions, and a sprinkle of sesame seeds for a delicious restaurant-inspired dinner right at home.