There’s something magical about a bowl of creamy, spicy, flavor-packed pasta, and trust me, this Bang Bang Shrimp Pasta is the ultimate game-changer. Picture this: juicy, crispy shrimp tossed in a rich, slightly sweet, and spicy sauce, all coating a bed of perfectly cooked pasta. Every bite delivers that irresistible combination of creamy, zesty, and garlicky goodness. It’s the kind of dish that makes you pause, close your eyes, and savor the moment.
Whether you’re whipping it up for a cozy weeknight dinner or impressing guests at a gathering, this pasta never disappoints. The best part? It’s quick, easy, and totally customizable to your spice level. So, grab your fork—this one’s going to be love at first bite!
Why You’ll Love Bang Bang Shrimp Pasta
Versatile This dish works for any occasion—whether it’s a casual dinner, a date night treat, or a weekend indulgence.
Budget-Friendly Made with simple pantry staples and shrimp, it’s a restaurant-quality meal without the hefty price tag.
Quick and Easy From start to finish, you’ll have this delicious meal on the table in under 30 minutes.
Customizable Prefer it milder? Reduce the sriracha. Want an extra kick? Add some crushed red pepper. You can easily adjust the spice level to your liking.
Crowd-Pleasing It’s creamy, spicy, garlicky, and packed with umami—what’s not to love? Even picky eaters will devour this one!
Ingredients
Ingredients in Bang Bang Shrimp Pasta
Here’s what makes this dish a flavor explosion:
Shrimp The star of the show! Tender, juicy shrimp cook quickly and soak up all the delicious flavors. You can use fresh or frozen—just make sure they’re peeled and deveined.
Pasta A long pasta like spaghetti, linguine, or fettuccine works best, but you can use any kind you love.
Mayonnaise This creates the signature creamy texture in the sauce. Full-fat mayo gives the best flavor, but you can swap it with Greek yogurt for a lighter option.
Sweet Chili Sauce The secret ingredient! It adds a perfect balance of sweetness and heat to the dish.
Sriracha This brings the bang! Adjust the amount depending on your spice tolerance.
Garlic Because no good pasta dish is complete without a touch of garlicky goodness.
Lime Juice A squeeze of fresh lime brightens up the flavors and balances the richness.
Butter Helps create a silky-smooth sauce that coats the pasta beautifully.
Parmesan Cheese Optional, but adds a lovely savory depth to the dish.
Green Onions For a fresh, slightly sharp bite that complements the creaminess.
Red Pepper Flakes If you want an extra kick of heat, sprinkle some on top.
Instructions
Cook the Pasta Boil a large pot of salted water and cook your pasta according to the package instructions. Drain and set aside.
Prepare the Shrimp In a pan over medium heat, melt some butter and cook the shrimp for about 2-3 minutes per side, until pink and opaque. Remove from heat and set aside.
Make the Bang Bang Sauce In a bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, sriracha, lime juice, and minced garlic. This is where all the magic happens!
Combine Everything Add the cooked pasta to the same pan you used for the shrimp. Pour the sauce over and toss to coat. Add the shrimp back in and mix everything together.
Finishing Touches Sprinkle with green onions, parmesan cheese, and red pepper flakes for an extra burst of flavor.
Serve and Enjoy Plate it up while it’s hot, grab your fork, and dig in!
Nutrition Facts
Servings 4
Calories per serving Approx. 550 kcal
(Note: Nutritional values may vary based on ingredient brands and portion sizes.)
Preparation Time
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 25 minutes
How to Serve Bang Bang Shrimp Pasta
This pasta is amazing on its own, but if you want to elevate your meal, try pairing it with:
- Garlic Bread A crispy, buttery slice is the perfect companion to soak up that creamy sauce.
- Side Salad A fresh green salad with a zesty vinaigrette balances the richness.
- Steamed Veggies Broccoli, asparagus, or bell peppers add color and extra nutrition.
Additional Tips
- Don’t overcook the shrimp They cook super fast, so take them off the heat as soon as they turn pink.
- Adjust the spice level If you love heat, add more sriracha or red pepper flakes. If you prefer mild flavors, reduce the amount.
- Use fresh lime juice It makes a big difference in flavor compared to bottled lime juice.
- Make it lighter Swap mayonnaise for Greek yogurt to cut down on calories while keeping it creamy.
- Storage tip Leftovers? Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. Reheat gently to avoid overcooking the shrimp.
FAQ’s
1. Can I use frozen shrimp?
Yes! Just make sure to thaw them completely before cooking.
2. What type of pasta works best?
Spaghetti, linguine, or fettuccine are great choices, but any pasta will work.
3. How can I make this dish gluten-free?
Use gluten-free pasta and check that your sauces are gluten-free.
4. Can I make this ahead of time?
It’s best enjoyed fresh, but you can prep the sauce and cook the shrimp in advance.
5. How do I store leftovers?
Keep them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days.
6. Can I use a different protein?
Absolutely! Chicken or even tofu work well as substitutes.
7. Is this dish very spicy?
It has a mild kick, but you can adjust the heat by adding more or less sriracha.
8. Can I add vegetables?
Yes! Bell peppers, snap peas, or zucchini would be great additions.
9. What can I use instead of mayonnaise?
Greek yogurt or sour cream are good alternatives for a lighter version.
10. Can I make it dairy-free?
Yes! Just skip the parmesan cheese and use dairy-free butter if needed.
Conclusion
There you have it—Bang Bang Shrimp Pasta, a creamy, spicy, and downright irresistible dish that’s sure to become a favorite in your kitchen. It’s quick, easy, and packed with flavor, making it the perfect meal for any occasion. Whether you’re cooking for yourself, your family, or friends, this pasta is always a hit. So go ahead, give it a try, and get ready to fall in love with every bite!
Print
Bang Bang Shrimp Pasta
- Prep Time: 15 mins
- Cook Time: 15 mins
- Total Time: 30 mins
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Sautéing, Boiling
- Cuisine: American / Fusion
Description
A bold twist on a classic favorite, this Bang Bang Shrimp Pasta features tender, lightly fried shrimp tossed in a creamy, spicy sauce that perfectly coats al dente pasta. Enjoy a vibrant combination of tangy, sweet, and spicy flavors in every bite.
Ingredients
– 1 lb shrimp, peeled and deveined
– Salt and pepper, to taste
– 8 oz pasta (linguine, spaghetti, or your choice)
– 2 tbsp olive oil
– 3 cloves garlic, minced
*For the Bang Bang Sauce:*
– 1/2 cup mayonnaise
– 2 tbsp sweet chili sauce
– 1 tbsp sriracha sauce (adjust for heat preference)
– 1 tbsp honey
– 1-2 tsp rice vinegar (optional for extra tang)
*For Garnish:*
– 1/4 cup green onions, thinly sliced
– Fresh cilantro, roughly chopped (optional)
Instructions
1. Cook the pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
2. Season the shrimp lightly with salt and pepper.
3. In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the shrimp and garlic, cooking until the shrimp turns pink and is just cooked through (about 2-3 minutes per side). Remove shrimp from the skillet and set aside.
4. In a bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, sriracha, honey, and rice vinegar (if using) to create the Bang Bang sauce.
5. Add the cooked pasta to the skillet, then return the shrimp to the pan. Pour the sauce over the mixture and gently toss to ensure even coating.
6. Warm everything together for an additional 1-2 minutes.
7. Garnish with green onions and cilantro before serving.
Notes
– Adjust the level of sriracha to control the heat intensity according to your taste.
– For a lighter version, you can substitute part of the mayonnaise with Greek yogurt.
– Serve immediately for the best flavor and texture.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 plate
- Calories: 450 kcal
- Sugar: 8 g
- Sodium: 800 mg
- Fat: 20 g
- Saturated Fat: 5 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15 g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 25 g
- Cholesterol: 200 mg