Easy Bang Bang Shrimp Pasta is a fun and tasty dish that combines crispy shrimp with a creamy, sweet, and spicy sauce over perfectly cooked pasta. The shrimp have a little kick, thanks to that bang bang sauce, which is a great mix of mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, and a touch of heat. This dish is all about the balance of flavors and textures — crunchy shrimp, smooth sauce, and comforting noodles.
I love making this pasta because it feels like a special treat, but it’s actually super simple and quick to prepare. One of my favorite things is that you don’t have to spend a long time in the kitchen to have something that tastes restaurant-worthy. I usually toss the shrimp right in a pan while the pasta boils, then stir it all together with the sauce. It’s a total win for any weeknight meal.
When I serve this, I like to add a little fresh green on the side, like a simple salad or steamed broccoli, to keep things bright and fresh. It’s a crowd-pleaser for friends and family because it’s flavorful without being too spicy, and everyone loves dipping their fork into that creamy bang bang sauce. This pasta always brings a smile and quickly disappears from the plate!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Shrimp: Medium shrimp work great here for their size and texture. You can use fresh or frozen (thawed). If you prefer, swap for chicken or tofu for a different protein.
Pasta: Spaghetti or angel hair pasta is perfect for this creamy sauce. If you want a gluten-free option, try rice noodles or gluten-free pasta.
Bang Bang Sauce: This sauce is a mix of mayo, sweet chili sauce, and sriracha. If you can’t find sweet chili sauce, try a combo of honey and hot sauce. Adjust sriracha to control the spice.
Parmesan Cheese: Adds a subtle salty depth. You can skip or replace it with nutritional yeast for a dairy-free version.
Garnishes: Green onions add freshness, while toasted panko crumbs give a crunchy contrast. You can omit or replace panko with crushed nuts or seeds if you want extra texture.
How Can You Get Perfectly Cooked Shrimp with a Nice Crisp?
The key to cooking shrimp well is high heat and quick cooking to avoid toughness and maintain juiciness.
- Pat shrimp dry before seasoning to help them sear well without steaming.
- Use a hot skillet and olive oil to get a good caramelized crust—don’t overcrowd the pan.
- Cook shrimp 2-3 minutes per side until pink and slightly golden; they cook fast, so watch closely!
- Remove shrimp promptly to prevent overcooking.
These steps ensure shrimp stay tender with a lovely caramelized edge, adding great texture to your pasta dish.
Equipment You’ll Need
- Large pot – for boiling pasta; choose one big enough to avoid pasta sticking together.
- Colander – to drain pasta easily and quickly.
- Large skillet or frying pan – perfect for cooking shrimp and mixing sauce with pasta in one pan.
- Mixing bowl – to combine the bang bang sauce ingredients effortlessly.
- Tongs or pasta fork – handy for tossing pasta with sauce and shrimp without breaking noodles.
Flavor Variations & Add-Ins
- Swap shrimp for cooked chicken or tofu to change up the protein while keeping the creamy sauce.
- Add steamed broccoli or snap peas for a fresh green crunch and added nutrients.
- Mix in shredded cheddar or pepper jack cheese for a richer, cheesier sauce twist.
- Sprinkle chopped fresh cilantro or basil on top to brighten the dish with herbal notes.
Easy Bang Bang Shrimp Pasta
Ingredients You’ll Need:
Pasta & Shrimp:
- 8 oz spaghetti or angel hair pasta
- 1 lb medium shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
Bang Bang Sauce:
- 1/4 cup mayonnaise
- 1/4 cup sweet chili sauce
- 1 tablespoon sriracha (adjust for spice preference)
- 1 tablespoon lime juice (optional, for brightness)
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Garnishes (Optional):
- 2 green onions, sliced
- Red pepper flakes
- Toasted panko breadcrumbs
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 20 minutes total — 10 minutes to cook the pasta, 5 minutes to cook the shrimp, and a few minutes to prepare and toss everything together. It’s quick, easy, and perfect for a weeknight dinner!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Cook the Pasta:
Boil the pasta in salted water according to package instructions until al dente. Drain it well, but reserve about 1/4 cup of the pasta water to use later.
2. Make the Bang Bang Sauce:
In a small bowl, stir together mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, sriracha, lime juice (if using), and minced garlic until smooth. Adjust the amount of sriracha if you want it more or less spicy.
3. Prepare and Cook the Shrimp:
Season the shrimp with paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Cook shrimp for 2-3 minutes on each side until pink and slightly browned. Remove shrimp from pan and set aside.
4. Combine Sauce and Pasta:
Lower the heat to low. In the same skillet, add the bang bang sauce and Parmesan cheese, stirring until warm and smooth. Add the cooked pasta and toss gently to coat. If the sauce is too thick, add a little reserved pasta water to loosen it up.
5. Finish the Dish:
Return the cooked shrimp to the skillet and toss everything together gently. Serve garnished with sliced green onions, a sprinkle of red pepper flakes, and toasted panko breadcrumbs for crunch if you like.
Enjoy your creamy, spicy shrimp pasta that’s full of flavor and comes together quickly!
Can I Use Frozen Shrimp for This Recipe?
Yes! Just make sure to fully thaw the shrimp before cooking. You can thaw them overnight in the fridge or quickly by placing them in a sealed bag and submerging in cold water. Pat dry to remove excess moisture for better searing.
What Pasta Can I Substitute?
Spaghetti or angel hair are great, but you can use any pasta you like—fettuccine, linguine, or even penne. For a gluten-free option, try rice noodles or gluten-free pasta varieties.
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store leftover pasta and shrimp in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. Reheat gently in a skillet over low heat or in the microwave, adding a splash of water or cream to keep the sauce creamy.
Can This Dish Be Made Less Spicy?
Absolutely! Reduce or omit the sriracha and red pepper flakes to tone down the heat. You can also add a little more mayonnaise to balance the spice without losing the creamy texture.
