Imagine a plate of creamy, spicy, and slightly sweet pasta that’s bursting with flavor in every bite. That’s what Bang Bang Shrimp Pasta is all about! This dish is inspired by the famous Bang Bang sauce, which combines the perfect balance of heat and sweetness. The shrimp add a deliciously tender and juicy bite, while the pasta soaks up all that creamy sauce for an irresistible meal. Whether you’re cooking for a special date night, a cozy family dinner, or just treating yourself to something indulgent, this recipe is sure to hit the spot.

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Let me share a little secret—this dish holds a special place in my heart because it reminds me of summer evenings spent at seafood restaurants by the beach. That first bite of creamy, zesty shrimp pasta always feels like a warm hug! Now, you can recreate that experience at home with this easy recipe. Let’s dive in!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe:

Quick & Easy: This recipe comes together in under 30 minutes, making it perfect for weeknights.
Packed with Flavor: The creamy Bang Bang sauce has a perfect balance of spicy, tangy, and sweet flavors.
Customizable: You can easily adjust the spice level to suit your taste buds or even swap out shrimp for chicken or tofu.
Crowd-Pleaser: It’s a hit with both kids and adults, making it great for family dinners or entertaining guests.

Ingredients You’ll Need:

12 ounces of linguine or spaghetti
1 pound shrimp, peeled and deveined
3 tablespoons olive oil (divided)
2 teaspoons garlic, minced
½ cup mayonnaise
¼ cup sweet chili sauce
1 tablespoon Sriracha (adjust based on spice preference)
2 teaspoons honey
¼ cup green onions, thinly sliced (for garnish)
Salt and pepper, to taste

How to Make Bang Bang Shrimp Pasta:

Step-by-Step Instructions:

Cook the Pasta:
Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add your pasta and cook according to the package instructions until al dente. Reserve about ½ cup of pasta water before draining the rest. Set the cooked pasta aside.

Tip: The reserved pasta water will help loosen the sauce later if needed, so don’t skip this step!
Prepare the Shrimp:
In a large skillet, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat. Season the shrimp with a pinch of salt and pepper, then cook them for about 2-3 minutes per side, or until they turn pink and opaque. Remove the shrimp from the skillet and set them aside.

Personal Tip: If you love a little extra flavor, sprinkle a touch of garlic powder or smoked paprika on the shrimp before cooking.
Make the Bang Bang Sauce:
In a small bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, Sriracha, and honey until smooth and creamy. Taste and adjust the spice level by adding more Sriracha if desired.
Sauté the Garlic:
In the same skillet used for the shrimp, add the remaining tablespoon of olive oil. Toss in the minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds, just until fragrant.
Combine Everything:
Reduce the heat to low and add the cooked pasta to the skillet. Pour the Bang Bang sauce over the pasta and toss everything together until the pasta is evenly coated. If the sauce is too thick, stir in a splash of the reserved pasta water until you reach your desired consistency.
Add the Shrimp:
Gently fold the cooked shrimp into the pasta, making sure they’re well coated with the sauce.
Garnish and Serve:
Transfer the pasta to serving plates or bowls. Top with a sprinkle of green onions for a fresh, vibrant finish. Serve immediately and enjoy every creamy, zesty bite!

Helpful Tips:

Choosing the Pasta: While linguine or spaghetti works beautifully, feel free to use fettuccine, angel hair, or even penne for a fun twist.
Spice Level: If you’re not a fan of too much heat, start with 1 teaspoon of Sriracha and add more gradually. You can also skip the Sriracha and use a mild hot sauce instead.
Shrimp Substitutes: Not a fan of shrimp? Try chicken, tofu, or even sautéed mushrooms for a vegetarian option.
Make it Lighter: Swap the mayonnaise for plain Greek yogurt to reduce the calories while still keeping it creamy.

Details:

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 25 minutes
Yield: Serves 4
Category: Main Dish
Method: Stovetop
Cuisine: American-Asian Fusion
Diet: Pescatarian

Notes:

Be sure not to overcook the shrimp! They only need a few minutes on the skillet to become tender and juicy.
If you like an extra punch of flavor, add a squeeze of fresh lime juice to the finished dish.

Nutritional Information (per serving):

Calories: 520
Protein: 28g
Carbohydrates: 54g
Fat: 20g
Fiber: 3g
Sugar: 8g

Frequently Asked Questions:

Q: Can I make this dish ahead of time?
A: While this pasta is best enjoyed fresh, you can make it ahead by preparing the sauce and shrimp separately. Reheat the shrimp gently and toss with the sauce and cooked pasta just before serving.

Q: How spicy is this recipe?
A: The spice level is moderate, but you can adjust it to your liking by increasing or decreasing the Sriracha.

Q: Can I use frozen shrimp?
A: Absolutely! Just make sure to thaw them completely and pat them dry before cooking.

Storage Instructions:

If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When reheating, add a splash of water or milk to loosen the sauce, as it may thicken in the fridge.

Related Recipes:

If you liked this Bang Bang Shrimp Pasta, you’ll definitely enjoy these other cheesy delights:

Bang Bang Salmon: A Burst of Flavor in Every Bite

Conclusion:

Bang Bang Shrimp Pasta is the ultimate comfort food with a zesty twist! This recipe brings together everything we love—creamy pasta, succulent shrimp, and a sauce that’s equal parts sweet, tangy, and spicy. It’s easy enough to whip up on a weeknight but impressive enough to serve to guests. I hope this dish becomes a favorite in your household, just like it has in mine.

Now it’s your turn! Gather your ingredients, put on your favorite music, and let’s make some magic in the kitchen. Enjoy!

Bang Bang Shrimp Pasta

Author: Charlotte B.

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Description

Instructions

Cook the Pasta:
Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add your pasta and cook according to the package instructions until al dente. Reserve about ½ cup of pasta water before draining the rest. Set the cooked pasta aside.Tip: The reserved pasta water will help loosen the sauce later if needed, so don’t skip this step!
Prepare the Shrimp:
In a large skillet, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat. Season the shrimp with a pinch of salt and pepper, then cook them for about 2-3 minutes per side, or until they turn pink and opaque. Remove the shrimp from the skillet and set them aside.Personal Tip: If you love a little extra flavor, sprinkle a touch of garlic powder or smoked paprika on the shrimp before cooking.
Make the Bang Bang Sauce:
In a small bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, Sriracha, and honey until smooth and creamy. Taste and adjust the spice level by adding more Sriracha if desired.
Sauté the Garlic:
In the same skillet used for the shrimp, add the remaining tablespoon of olive oil. Toss in the minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds, just until fragrant.
Combine Everything:
Reduce the heat to low and add the cooked pasta to the skillet. Pour the Bang Bang sauce over the pasta and toss everything together until the pasta is evenly coated. If the sauce is too thick, stir in a splash of the reserved pasta water until you reach your desired consistency.
Add the Shrimp:
Gently fold the cooked shrimp into the pasta, making sure they’re well coated with the sauce.
Garnish and Serve:
Transfer the pasta to serving plates or bowls. Top with a sprinkle of green onions for a fresh, vibrant finish. Serve immediately and enjoy every creamy, zesty bite!

Notes

Be sure not to overcook the shrimp! They only need a few minutes on the skillet to become tender and juicy.
If you like an extra punch of flavor, add a squeeze of fresh lime juice to the finished dish.