Bang Bang Shrimp Pasta

Creamy, spicy, and absolutely irresistible — Bang Bang Shrimp Pasta brings restaurant-quality flavor straight to your dinner table. This dish combines tender shrimp sautéed to perfection with spaghetti noodles, all tossed in a luxuriously creamy sauce made with sweet chili sauce, sriracha, and a hint of garlic. It’s bold, it’s vibrant, and it delivers just the right amount of kick to keep every bite exciting.

Whether you're hosting friends, need a quick weeknight dinner, or just want to switch things up from the usual, this pasta fits the bill. It’s a crowd-pleaser that tastes like you spent hours in the kitchen, but comes together quickly with simple ingredients. The balance of creamy and spicy makes it a repeat-worthy recipe for shrimp and pasta lovers alike.

Why You’ll Love This Bang Bang Shrimp Pasta

• It’s fast and easy — ready in under 30 minutes.
• The flavor combo of creamy, spicy, and slightly sweet is addictive.
• Uses pantry staples with fresh shrimp for a gourmet feel.
• Great for date night, meal prep, or a comforting dinner.

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Preparation Phase & Tools to Use

Before you start cooking, gather the following tools to make the process smoother:

• Large skillet or sauté pan – essential for evenly cooking the shrimp and finishing the sauce.
• Pot for boiling pasta – a deep pot to cook spaghetti without clumping.
• Colander – to drain the pasta while reserving a bit of pasta water.
• Mixing bowl – for combining the bang bang sauce ingredients.
• Tongs or pasta fork – helps toss the pasta and shrimp gently without breaking the noodles.

These tools help streamline the cooking process and ensure each element is cooked just right. A good skillet and pasta pot can make all the difference in texture and timing.

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Preparation Tips

To make this Bang Bang Shrimp Pasta flawlessly, start by prepping your shrimp — peel, devein, and pat them dry for the best sear. Don’t overcook the shrimp; they only need about 2 minutes per side. For the sauce, taste and adjust — some like it extra spicy, while others prefer a mellow heat. Use full-fat mayo for creaminess, and if you’re using frozen shrimp, thaw completely before cooking. Don’t rinse your pasta after draining; the starch helps the sauce cling better. Lastly, reserve some pasta water — it helps loosen the sauce if it gets too thick.

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Ingredients for this Bang Bang Shrimp Pasta

• 8 oz spaghetti (or linguine)
• 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• ½ teaspoon garlic powder
• 2 green onions, chopped (plus more for garnish)
• 1 tablespoon chopped parsley (optional)

For the Bang Bang Sauce:

• ½ cup mayonnaise (preferably full-fat)
• ¼ cup Thai sweet chili sauce
• 1 tablespoon sriracha (adjust to taste)
• 1 tablespoon fresh lime juice (optional for brightness)
• 1 teaspoon honey (optional for extra sweetness)

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Step 1: Cook the Pasta

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the spaghetti and cook according to the package directions until al dente. Reserve about ½ cup of the pasta water, then drain the pasta and set aside.

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Step 2: Prepare the Bang Bang Sauce

In a mixing bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, Thai sweet chili sauce, sriracha, lime juice, and honey until smooth and creamy. Taste and adjust the spice level by adding more sriracha if you like it hotter.

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Step 3: Cook the Shrimp

Pat the shrimp dry with a paper towel and season them with salt, pepper, and garlic powder. Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the shrimp in a single layer and cook for 2 minutes per side, or until they turn pink and opaque. Remove from heat and set aside.

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Step 4: Combine Pasta, Sauce, and Shrimp

Reduce the skillet to medium heat. Add the cooked pasta to the skillet with the shrimp. Pour the bang bang sauce over the top and toss everything together until the noodles are well coated. Add a splash of the reserved pasta water if the sauce needs thinning.

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Step 5: Garnish and Serve

Top the dish with chopped green onions and parsley if using. Serve hot, straight from the skillet or plated individually. For an added touch, drizzle a little extra sriracha or sprinkle red pepper flakes for more heat.

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Notes

Bang Bang Shrimp Pasta is best enjoyed fresh, but its flavors continue to develop beautifully if you let it rest for a few minutes before serving. The sauce’s creamy-spicy balance can be easily adjusted to fit your taste buds. For a lighter version, you can substitute Greek yogurt or light mayo, though the richness will be slightly reduced. You can also use gluten-free pasta or zucchini noodles for a low-carb alternative. Adding sautéed veggies like bell peppers or snap peas is another great way to boost the nutritional value and texture variety.

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Watch Out for These Mistakes While Cooking

• Overcooking the shrimp: Shrimp cook quickly. Leaving them too long on the heat will make them rubbery and tough.
• Using low-quality mayo: The creaminess of the sauce heavily depends on good mayo. Choose a full-fat, high-quality brand for the best results.
• Skipping pasta water: Reserved pasta water helps emulsify the sauce and improve consistency. Don’t forget to save some before draining.
• Adding sauce to wet pasta: Drain the pasta well, but don’t rinse it. Wet pasta can water down the sauce.
• Not seasoning the shrimp: Even though the sauce has flavor, shrimp need their own seasoning before cooking.

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Storage Instructions

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, gently warm the pasta on the stove over low heat with a splash of water or milk to loosen the sauce. Microwaving works too, but stir halfway through to avoid uneven heating. Freezing is not recommended, as the sauce can separate and the shrimp may become rubbery upon thawing.

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Estimated Nutrition

Per serving (based on 4 servings total):

• Calories: 550 kcal
• Protein: 30g
• Carbohydrates: 45g
• Fat: 28g
• Saturated Fat: 5g
• Cholesterol: 210mg
• Sodium: 780mg
• Sugar: 6g
• Fiber: 2g

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Frequently Asked Questions

What type of shrimp is best for this recipe?

Use large or jumbo shrimp, peeled and deveined. Tail-off shrimp make eating easier, especially for pasta dishes.

Can I use frozen shrimp?

Yes, just be sure to thaw them completely and pat them dry to avoid excess water in the pan.

Can I make it less spicy?

Absolutely! Simply reduce or skip the sriracha, or use a mild chili sauce.

Can I add vegetables to this dish?

Yes, sautéed bell peppers, snap peas, or broccoli pair well with the flavors and add color and crunch.

What type of pasta works best?

Spaghetti, linguine, or fettuccine are all great. For a lighter option, try rice noodles or zucchini noodles.

How do I prevent the sauce from becoming too thick?

Add a little reserved pasta water when combining the sauce with the pasta to loosen the consistency.

Is this dish good for meal prep?

Yes, it keeps well for up to 3 days in the fridge. Store in portions for easy reheating.

Can I make this dairy-free?

Yes, just use a dairy-free mayo alternative. The rest of the ingredients are naturally dairy-free.

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Conclusion

Bang Bang Shrimp Pasta is a bold and satisfying meal that strikes the perfect balance of creamy, spicy, and savory. It's easy enough for a quick weeknight dinner, yet impressive enough for guests. With customizable spice levels and versatile ingredient swaps, it's a go-to recipe that suits many preferences. Whether you're cooking for one or a crowd, this dish brings vibrant flavor and comforting texture in every bite.

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