Easy Bang Bang Shrimp Pasta is a fun and flavorful dish that brings together crispy shrimp, creamy sauce, and tender pasta all in one bowl. The shrimp are perfectly crunchy on the outside and coated with a spicy-sweet bang bang sauce that adds a little kick without being too hot. Tossed with pasta, this meal feels both comforting and exciting at the same time.
I love making this dish on busy weeknights because it comes together so quickly but still feels special. The sauce is creamy and just the right amount of spicy, which I think makes it a crowd-pleaser, even for picky eaters. One tip I’ve learned is to make sure your shrimp are nice and crispy before adding the sauce—that crunch makes a big difference.
My favorite way to serve this pasta is with a sprinkle of fresh green onions and a little extra bang bang sauce on the side for dipping. It’s great for a casual dinner with friends or a cozy night at home. Every time I make it, people ask for seconds, and that’s always a good sign in my book!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Shrimp: Medium shrimp work great here because they cook quickly and stay tender. You can use frozen shrimp if fresh isn’t available—just thaw them well and pat dry to avoid sogginess.
Sweet Chili Sauce: This gives the dish its signature sweet and spicy flavor. If you can’t find it, try mixing a bit of honey or sugar with chili garlic sauce or sriracha for a similar taste.
Mayonnaise: It helps create a creamy texture without needing heavy cream. If you prefer, Greek yogurt can be used as a lighter option, but the sauce may be tangier.
Pasta: Spaghetti or linguine are ideal for holding the sauce well. If you want something gluten-free, brown rice or chickpea pasta can be good alternatives.
How Do You Get the Shrimp Just Right—Tender but Not Overcooked?
Shrimp cook very fast and can get rubbery if overdone. Here’s how I make sure they’re perfect:
- Heat the skillet well before adding shrimp to get a nice sear.
- Cook shrimp 2-3 minutes per side; when they turn pink and start to curl up, they’re done.
- Remove them from heat promptly and add back only when mixing with sauce to avoid overcooking.
- Pat shrimp dry before cooking to reduce excess water and help in getting a good sear.
Equipment You’ll Need
- Large skillet – perfect for cooking shrimp and making the sauce all in one pan.
- Pot for boiling pasta – a tall pot helps pasta cook evenly and prevents overflow.
- Colander – makes draining pasta easy and quick.
- Wooden spoon or silicone spatula – great for stirring sauce without scratching the pan.
- Measuring cups and spoons – to keep your sauce ingredients balanced and tasty.
Flavor Variations & Add-Ins
- Swap shrimp for cooked chicken breast slices if you prefer milder protein.
- Add chopped bell peppers or broccoli for extra crunch and nutrition.
- Use cream cheese instead of mayonnaise for a richer, creamier sauce.
- Mix in fresh basil or cilantro for a fresh herbal touch that brightens the dish.
Easy Bang Bang Shrimp Pasta
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Pasta and Shrimp:
- 8 ounces spaghetti or linguine pasta
- 1 pound medium shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
For the Bang Bang Sauce:
- ¼ cup mayonnaise
- 2 tablespoons sweet chili sauce
- 1 to 2 teaspoons sriracha sauce (adjust to your spice preference)
- ¼ cup chicken broth or reserved pasta water
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
To Garnish:
- Red pepper flakes (optional)
- Fresh parsley, chopped
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 20 minutes total — 10 minutes to prepare your ingredients and cook the pasta, and another 10 minutes cooking the shrimp and sauce together. It’s a quick and easy meal perfect for busy weeknights!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Cook the Pasta:
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the spaghetti or linguine according to the package instructions until al dente. Before draining, scoop out ¼ cup of the pasta cooking water and set it aside. Drain the pasta and set aside.
2. Cook the Shrimp:
While the pasta cooks, heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Season the shrimp with salt and pepper, then add them to the skillet. Cook for 2-3 minutes on each side until they turn pink and opaque. Remove shrimp from the skillet and set aside.
3. Make the Bang Bang Sauce:
Reduce the heat to medium and add butter to the skillet. Once melted, add the minced garlic and sauté until fragrant, about 1 minute. Stir in the mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, and sriracha sauce, mixing until smooth. Pour in the chicken broth or reserved pasta water, stirring to loosen the sauce slightly.
4. Combine Shrimp, Pasta & Sauce:
Return the cooked shrimp to the skillet and toss to coat them in the sauce. Add the cooked pasta and sprinkle the grated Parmesan cheese on top. Toss everything together until the pasta is well coated and heated through. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt, pepper, or extra sriracha if desired.
5. Serve and Garnish:
Plate the pasta and shrimp mixture. Garnish with fresh chopped parsley and a sprinkle of red pepper flakes if you like a little extra heat. Serve immediately and enjoy your creamy, flavorful Easy Bang Bang Shrimp Pasta!
Can I Use Frozen Shrimp for This Recipe?
Yes! Just make sure to thaw the shrimp completely before cooking. Thaw them overnight in the fridge or quickly under cold running water in a sealed bag. Pat them dry to prevent excess moisture in the pan.
Can I Make This Dish Vegetarian?
You can swap the shrimp for crispy tofu or sautéed mushrooms for a vegetarian version. Adjust cooking times accordingly, and consider adding a bit more sauce to keep it creamy.
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store leftover pasta in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave, adding a splash of broth or water to loosen the sauce if it thickens.
Can I Prepare This Ahead of Time?
Yes! Cook the pasta and shrimp in advance and store separately. When ready to eat, simply reheat the sauce and toss everything together quickly on the stove.
