Spicy Seaside Delight: Bang Bang Shrimp Pasta Recipe

Creamy, zesty, and packed with a punch, this bang bang shrimp pasta brings serious flavor to your dinner table.

Tender shrimp dance with a spicy, tangy sauce that coats every strand of pasta perfectly.

Each bite delivers a delightful kick of heat and richness that keeps you coming back for more.

The crispy shrimp create a stunning contrast against the silky noodles, making this dish a true crowd-pleaser.

Simple ingredients transform into an extraordinary meal that takes less than 30 minutes to prepare.

Restaurant-quality comfort food awaits with this irresistible recipe that promises to become a new weeknight favorite.

Prepare to fall in love with every single, mouthwatering forkful.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 20 minutes

Total Time: 30 minutes

Calories: 720 kcal

Servings: 5

What You Need For Bang Bang Shrimp Pasta

• Linguine or Spaghetti: Smooth, flexible noodles that capture sauce beautifully, choose fresh or high-quality dried pasta for best texture.

• Mayonnaise, Sweet Chili Sauce, Sriracha, Honey, Lime Juice, Garlic Powder: Creamy, tangy blend creating signature Bang Bang flavor, balance heat and sweetness with careful mixing.
• Butter, Heavy Cream: Luxurious base adding richness and silky consistency, select high-fat content dairy for maximum flavor.

• Shrimp: Sweet, tender seafood that cooks quickly, choose fresh or frozen large shrimp with firm, translucent appearance.
• Salt, Black Pepper, Paprika: Essential spices providing depth and warmth, use freshly ground for most intense flavor.
• Cornstarch: Creates crispy exterior when coating shrimp, ensures golden, crunchy texture during cooking.
• Vegetable Oil: Neutral cooking medium for achieving perfect shrimp sear, select high smoke point oil for best results.

• Green Onions, Red Pepper Flakes: Fresh, zesty toppings adding color and subtle heat, chop green onions just before serving for maximum brightness.

Gadgets To Make Bang Bang Shrimp Pasta

• Large pot: Essential for boiling pasta perfectly.
• Skillet: Key for cooking shrimp and creating creamy sauce.
• Whisk: Perfect for blending Bang Bang sauce smoothly.
• Measuring cups/spoons: Helps accurately measure sauce ingredients.
• Paper towels: Great for drying shrimp before seasoning.
• Tongs: Helpful for flipping shrimp and tossing pasta.
• Cutting board: Useful for chopping green onions.
• Sharp knife: Needed for slicing green onion garnish.

Making Bang Bang Shrimp Pasta At Home

• Boil Pasta Perfectly

Cook your noodles in heavily salted water until they’re tender but still have a slight bite. Drain and keep a splash of pasta water for later magic.

• Whip Up Zesty Sauce

Blend creamy mayo with sweet chili kick, spicy Sriracha, golden honey, tangy lime, and garlic powder. This sauce will make taste buds dance.

• Sear Succulent Shrimp

Dry shrimp completely, then coat with a light dusting of seasoning and cornstarch. Sizzle in hot oil until they’re golden and crispy on the outside, juicy inside.

• Create Creamy Pasta Base

In the same pan, melt butter and quickly toast garlic. Pour in a splash of cream and half the bang bang sauce. Swirl pasta through the silky mixture, adding reserved water if needed for smooth consistency.

• Bring It All Together

Gently fold crispy shrimp into the creamy pasta. Drizzle remaining sauce across the top. Sprinkle with fresh green onions and a pinch of red pepper flakes. Serve immediately while everything is hot and vibrant.

Helpful Tips For Bang Bang Shrimp Pasta

• Spice Level Control: Adjust the heat by modifying Sriracha amount – less for mild, more for fiery kick.
• Crispy Shrimp Secret: Ensure shrimp are completely dry before coating with cornstarch to achieve maximum crispiness.
• Quick Protein Swap: Replace shrimp with grilled chicken or tofu for alternative protein options that work perfectly with Bang Bang sauce.
• Gluten-Free Adaptation: Use gluten-free pasta and cornstarch alternative like arrowroot powder to make the entire dish celiac-friendly.
• Make-Ahead Magic: Prepare Bang Bang sauce and shrimp separately up to a day in advance, storing them refrigerated to streamline dinner preparation.

Pairing Ideas For Bang Bang Shrimp Pasta

• Spicy Seafood Feast: Pair this Bang Bang Shrimp Pasta with crisp white wine like Pinot Grigio to balance the heat and complement the creamy sauce.
• Refreshing Side Kick: Create a light cucumber salad with chopped dill and lime juice to cool down the spicy shrimp and provide a fresh contrast to the rich pasta.
• Crunchy Texture Boost: Sprinkle toasted panko breadcrumbs or crushed cashews on top for extra crunch and nutty flavor that enhances the dish's textural profile.
• Party-Perfect Presentation: Serve in large shallow bowls with extra sauce on the side, allowing guests to customize their spice level and enjoy interactive dining experience.

Make Ahead And Save Bang Bang Shrimp Pasta

• Quick Chill Method: Transfer leftover Bang Bang Shrimp Pasta to an airtight container and refrigerate within 2 hours of cooking. Keep fresh for 1-2 days, ensuring maximum flavor and food safety.
• Smart Reheating Technique: Warm gently in a skillet with a splash of water or cream to restore sauce consistency. Stir frequently to prevent sticking and maintain shrimp's delicate texture. Avoid microwave to prevent rubbery seafood.
• Freezing Strategy: Not recommended due to cream-based sauce and delicate shrimp. Pasta and sauce separate during freezing, compromising overall dish quality and taste. Best enjoyed fresh within 48 hours.
• Ingredient Separation Trick: If meal prepping, store sauce, pasta, and shrimp separately. Keep shrimp crispy by adding to pasta just before serving. Refrigerate components in individual sealed containers to maintain optimal taste and texture.

Spicy Bang Bang Shrimp Pasta Recipe

---

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.7 from 38 reviews

• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 5 1x

Print Recipe

Pin Recipe

Description

Bang bang shrimp pasta combines crispy, spicy shrimp with creamy sauce over tender noodles. Succulent seafood and zesty flavors create a restaurant-quality meal you can easily prepare at home.

---

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 1 lb (454 g) shrimp, peeled & deveined
• 8 oz (226 g) linguine or spaghetti
• 2 tbsps (30 ml) butter
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tbsps (30 ml) vegetable oil (for frying)
• ¼ cup (30 g) cornstarch (for crispiness)
• ½ cup (120 ml) mayonnaise
• ¼ cup (60 ml) sweet chili sauce
• 1 tbsp Sriracha (adjust to taste)
• ½ cup (120 ml) heavy cream (optional, for extra creaminess)
• 1 tbsp honey (optional, for balance)
• 1 tsp lime juice
• ¼ cup (60 ml) reserved pasta water (if needed to thin sauce)
• ½ tsp garlic powder
• ½ tsp salt
• ½ tsp black pepper
• ½ tsp paprika
• ¼ cup (15 g) green onions, chopped (for garnish)
• Red pepper flakes (optional, for extra heat)

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

---

Instructions

1. Pasta Preparation: Bring a generously salted pot of water to a vigorous boil. Cook linguine or spaghetti until al dente, then drain while reserving a small amount of starchy liquid.
2. Sauce Creation: Whisk together mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, Sriracha, honey, lime juice, and garlic powder to craft the signature Bang Bang sauce. Let the mixture meld for a few moments.
3. Shrimp Seasoning: Thoroughly dry shrimp using paper towels. Season with salt, pepper, and paprika, then delicately dust with a light cornstarch coating.
4. Shrimp Searing: Heat vegetable oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Sear seasoned shrimp until achieving a golden, crispy exterior on both sides. Remove and set aside on a separate plate.
5. Sauce Development: In the same skillet, melt butter and sauté minced garlic until aromatic. Pour in heavy cream and half the prepared Bang Bang sauce, allowing the mixture to simmer and thicken.
6. Pasta Integration: Combine cooked pasta with the creamy sauce, adjusting consistency with reserved pasta water if needed. Reintroduce the crispy shrimp to the skillet.
7. Final Touches: Drizzle remaining Bang Bang sauce over the dish. Garnish with chopped green onions and a sprinkle of red pepper flakes. Serve immediately to showcase the vibrant flavors and textures.

Notes

• Prevent Rubbery Shrimp: Pat shrimp completely dry before cooking to ensure crispy golden exterior and avoid steaming, which makes them tough and chewy.
• Balance Sauce Consistency: Add reserved pasta water gradually to control sauce thickness, creating smooth, clingy coating that perfectly adheres to pasta.
• Cornstarch Coating Technique: Dust shrimp lightly with cornstarch for maximum crispiness, ensuring even thin layer without clumping for perfect golden crust.
• Flavor Layering Trick: Reserve half the Bang Bang sauce for final drizzling to maintain bright, fresh taste and provide extra zesty punch when serving.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer
• Method: Mixing
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 5
• Calories: 720
• Sugar: 8 g
• Sodium: 900 mg
• Fat: 36 g
• Saturated Fat: 10 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 20 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 75 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 28 g
• Cholesterol: 220 mg