Bang Bang Shrimp Pasta is a bold, creamy, and slightly spicy pasta dish made with tender shrimp tossed in a rich bang bang sauce and served over perfectly cooked pasta. This recipe combines the sweet heat of classic bang bang sauce with a creamy pasta base, creating a comforting yet exciting meal that feels restaurant-worthy but is easy to make at home.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This pasta is creamy, spicy, and full of flavor in every bite. The shrimp cook quickly, the sauce comes together fast, and the balance of sweet chili and creamy richness makes this dish hard to resist. It’s perfect for weeknight dinners, entertaining guests, or when you want something a little spicy but still comforting.
Ingredients
- 12 oz pasta (penne, linguine, or fettuccine)
- 1 lb raw shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- ½ cup mayonnaise
- ¼ cup sweet chili sauce
- 2 tablespoons sriracha (adjust to taste)
- ½ cup heavy cream
- ½ cup grated parmesan cheese
- ½ teaspoon paprika
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- Green onions, sliced (for garnish)
- Fresh parsley or cilantro (optional)
Preparation Steps
Step 1: Cook the Pasta
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the pasta according to package directions until al dente. Reserve ½ cup of pasta water, then drain and set aside.
Step 2: Cook the Shrimp
Season shrimp with salt, pepper, and paprika. Heat olive oil and butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add shrimp and cook for 1–2 minutes per side until pink and cooked through. Remove shrimp from the skillet and set aside.
Step 3: Make the Bang Bang Sauce
In a small bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, sriracha, and heavy cream until smooth.
Step 4: Build the Sauce
In the same skillet, add garlic and cook for about 30 seconds until fragrant. Pour in the bang bang sauce mixture and stir gently. Let it simmer for 2–3 minutes until warmed and slightly thickened.
Step 5: Combine Pasta and Shrimp
Add cooked pasta to the skillet and toss to coat in the sauce. Stir in parmesan cheese and add reserved pasta water as needed to loosen the sauce. Add shrimp back to the skillet and gently mix.
Step 6: Finish and Serve
Taste and adjust seasoning. Garnish with green onions and fresh herbs. Serve immediately while creamy and hot.
Variations
- Use chicken instead of shrimp
- Add sautéed bell peppers or onions
- Make it extra spicy with more sriracha
- Use Greek yogurt instead of mayo for a lighter version
- Add crushed red pepper flakes for extra heat
Cooking Notes
- Do not overcook shrimp to keep them tender
- Sauce thickens as it sits, so add pasta water if needed
- Use freshly grated parmesan for best texture
- Medium heat prevents sauce from separating
- Adjust spice level before adding shrimp back in
Serving Suggestions
- Serve with garlic bread or cheesy toast
- Pair with a crisp green salad
- Add roasted broccoli or asparagus on the side
- Finish with extra parmesan on top
- Serve with a cold drink to balance the spice
Tips
- Prep sauce ingredients before cooking
- Pat shrimp dry before seasoning
- Toss pasta immediately while hot
- Taste sauce before final seasoning
- Serve fresh for best texture and flavor
Prep Time / Cooking Time / Total Time
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cooking Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
Nutritional Information (Per Serving)
Approx. 560 calories
30g protein
32g fat
40g carbohydrates
FAQs
Is Bang Bang Shrimp Pasta very spicy?
It’s mildly spicy, but you can adjust the heat easily.
Can I use frozen shrimp?
Yes, thaw completely and pat dry before cooking.
What pasta works best?
Penne, linguine, or fettuccine all work well.
Can I make this ahead of time?
It’s best served fresh, but leftovers can be reheated gently.
Can I make it dairy-free?
Use dairy-free cream and cheese alternatives.
Conclusion
Bang Bang Shrimp Pasta is creamy, spicy, and packed with bold flavor. It’s quick to make, easy to customize, and guaranteed to impress anyone who loves a little heat in their comfort food. This is one pasta dish you’ll want to make again and again.