There’s something irresistible about creamy, spicy pasta paired with tender shrimp.
This bang bang shrimp pasta is bold, zesty, and ready in under 30 minutes, making it perfect for weeknight dinners.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
The bang bang sauce is creamy, tangy, and spicy all at once.
Shrimp cook quickly and add a fresh, juicy bite to the pasta.
It’s a one-pan meal that comes together fast with simple ingredients.
Restaurant-style flavor made easy at home.
What You’ll Need (Ingredient Highlights)
Shrimp are the star protein—tender, juicy, and quick to cook.
Sweet chili sauce and sriracha bring the signature sweet-heat combo.
Mayo makes the sauce rich and creamy.
Paprika and garlic infuse flavor into every bite of shrimp.
Spaghetti ties it all together as a hearty base.
Pro Tips Before You Start
Use raw shrimp for the best texture—pre-cooked shrimp may get rubbery.
Don’t overcook the shrimp; they should just turn pink.
Reserve a splash of pasta water in case you want to thin out the sauce.
Taste and adjust the spice level by adding more or less sriracha.
How to Make Bang Bang Shrimp Pasta Recipe
Step 1 – Make the sauce
Whisk together mayo, sweet chili sauce, lime juice, and sriracha in a small bowl until smooth. Set aside.
Step 2 – Season the shrimp
In a mixing bowl, toss shrimp with ½ tablespoon olive oil, garlic, paprika, salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes.
Step 3 – Cook the shrimp
Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
Add shrimp and cook, stirring, until pink and opaque, about 8–10 minutes.
Step 4 – Toss pasta with sauce
Turn off heat. Add cooked spaghetti and the prepared sauce to the skillet. T
oss well until shrimp and pasta are coated.
Step 5 – Serve
Garnish with parsley or cilantro. Serve hot.
What to Serve It With
Pair with garlic bread or breadsticks to soak up the sauce.
Serve alongside a crisp green salad for balance.
Add roasted vegetables like broccoli or zucchini for extra nutrition.
Variations / Substitutions
Swap spaghetti for linguine, fettuccine, or rice noodles.
Use chicken or scallops instead of shrimp for a twist.
Make it lighter by substituting Greek yogurt for half the mayo.
Storage & Leftovers
Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Reheat gently on the stove with a splash of milk or broth to loosen the sauce.
Not recommended for freezing, as the sauce may separate.
FAQs
Can I make the sauce ahead of time?
Yes, store it in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Is this recipe very spicy?
It has a mild kick, but you can adjust by adding more or less sriracha.
Can I use frozen shrimp?
Yes, just thaw and pat them dry before cooking.
Do I need to devein shrimp?
Yes, for best texture and flavor, devein them before cooking.
What pasta works best?
Spaghetti is classic, but linguine or fettuccine also work well.
Can I make this gluten-free?
Yes, simply use gluten-free pasta.
Final Thoughts
Bang bang shrimp pasta is the perfect balance of creamy, spicy, and savory.
It’s a quick, flavorful dish that feels like restaurant food but comes together in your own kitchen with ease.